Physical Phenomena & Trance
Location: Leolyn Garden Room
An introduction to the study and practice of trance and physical mediumship, focusing on both its history and its contemporary exploration. Participants will learn about the phenomena traditionally associated with physical mediumship—such as trance states, raps, apports, table tipping, transfiguration, and spirit photography—while considering how these manifestations have been observed, tested, and interpreted over time. These mini-workshops are designed as exploratory courses, with an emphasis on curiosity, experiential learning, and open-minded discussion.
6/24 What is Physical Mediumship?
7/1 Introduction to a Séance Room
7/8 Spoon Bending, Trumpets & Physical Phenomena
7/15 Energy Work and Table Tipping
7/22 Trance States and Transfiguration Maplewood Azure Room
7/29 Spirit Guides & Trance Messages
8/5 Cabinet Work
No Program
8/19 Spirit Art & Photography Maplewood Azure Room
8/26 Technology of the Séance Room
What is Physical Mediumship?
Examine the historical development of trance and physical mediumship from the 19th century to present. Learn the conditions believed to foster physical phenomena, including circle work, harmony, and energy development.
Introduction to the Séance Room
Will discuss the role of the medium, sitters, and spiritual energy in producing physical and trance effects. We’ll explore the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in physical and trance mediumship practices.
Spoon Bending, Trumpets & Physical Phenomena
Some mediums have used spoon bending as an example of how physical energy can be influenced by consciousness, sometimes likened to other physical mediumship phenomena. A spirit trumpet is a cone-shaped device, often made of aluminum, cardboard, or lightweight metal, traditionally used in séances.
Energy Work & Table Tipping
Engage in guided exercises to enhance sensitivity, group attunement, and awareness of subtle energies that can move physical objects. Table tipping is a séance practice where a group sits around a table with hands lightly placed on it, and the table is believed to move under spiritual or psychic influence, often used as a means of communication with the afterlife.
Spirit Guide and Trance Messages
Trance messages are communications delivered by a medium who enters an altered state of consciousness (a trance). In this state, the medium’s normal awareness recedes, allowing spirit guides or discarnate entities to speak directly through them.
Cabinet Work
A medium’s cabinet is a small, enclosed space used in séance, especially in physical mediumship, to help focus spiritual energy and create the right conditions for phenomena to occur. The enclosed space is believed to help concentrate psychic and spiritual forces.
Spirit Art & Photography
Both Spirit Art and Spirit Photography aim to provide visible evidence of unseen spiritual realities. One works through the creative channel of the medium, the other through the mechanical eye of the camera, each blending faith, artistry, and technology in the search for proof of the afterlife.
Technology of the Séance Room
The séance room has become both a sacred space and, in some cases, a high-tech laboratory. Music is used to create atmosphere or aid trance states. Computer-assisted mediumship, EVP, and virtual online seances, among other topics, will also be discussed.
Presenter Bio
Dr. Susan B. Barnes, CSNU is a retired communication professor from RIT and certificate holder from the Spiritualist National Union. She was a tutor on SNUi and currently teaches mediumship and spirit art classes for AREI. Susan is author of Unfolding Physical Mediumship and Visual Spirituality.