Famous Spiritualists & Debunkers
Séances and spiritualism were there most popular in the late 17’th century. Although the first book to capture popularity on the subject was a book called Dialogues with the Dead published in 1760. It’s popularity and public favor grew to the point that even Mary Todd Lincoln was reported to have had séances at the Whitehouse after the death of her son. There were many variety of séances the most popular at first was the stage performed séance. A single individual on stage would attempt to make contact with the dead, or spirits and give a revelation to the audience about this communication.One of the most prolific performers of this type was a man named Pascal Beverly Randolph. Who is someone that is to this day counted as an influence on the ideas of Aleister Crowley who himself is probably the most influential occultist of the last hundred years. There were and are other types of séance including the leader assisted séance . This is when a “spirit medium” acts as the voice of the undead or spirit while others sitting around the table ask questions and interact. Also there are the more informal séances were there is a small group of people without any religious overtones seeking to speak with the spirit world.
These types of séances are generally more impromptu and less serious. This type of séance has kept a steady flow of ouija board sales for manufactures. Also it has entertained many teens and preteens throughout a sleep over. There have been many debunkers of séances over the years. Perhaps the most famous of the lot was the stage magician Harry Houdini. Who famously in his will stated that a séance should be done each Halloween after his death to try and contact him. Other famous debunkers include Penn and Teller who have often spoke out against spiritualism and séances by providing equally fantastic effects without assuming the supernatural.
