Mediumship 101 - Understanding Spirit Connection (2023)

Mediumship is not just a tool for connecting with lost loved ones, even if that is the most common train of thought (and the vision that people get as soon as they hear the word). When you use it correctly, connecting to the spirit world can also provide insight and guidance for navigating life’s challenges, no matter what they are.

In this article, we will lightly touch on some of the most common aspects of mediumship so you can get a better idea of the practice. However, please understand that this is not going to include everything that spirit connection includes. We will go into further detail over more articles.

Table of Contents

Mediumship – A Timeless Practice for Spiritual Guidance

Mediumship has been around for centuries, with roots in spiritual traditions across the globe. It’s not just about connecting with lost loved ones, though. Mediums can also offer insight and guidance for various issues, challenges, and questions you may have.

What Does Mediumship Mean?

Mediumship is, at its basics, communicating with spirits, often passing messages from the spiritual realm to the living. A medium is a person who can act as a channel for communication with spirits, using their intuitive and psychic abilities to perceive and interpret messages from the other side.

Mediumship can involve connecting with spirit guides, angels, and other entities from the spiritual realm. The practice of mediumship has roots in spiritual traditions and cultures worldwide and can be traced back to ancient times.

The first recorded mention of mediumship dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. In these cultures, there were individuals known as oracles or mediums who claimed to have the ability to communicate with the gods or spirits and offer guidance and advice to those seeking it.

For example, the Oracle of Delphi in ancient Greece was a well-known figure who would enter a trance-like state and communicate with Apollo, the god of prophecy.

Similarly, in ancient Egypt, seers or prophets would communicate with the gods and offer advice to the pharaoh. If you have seen it, think of Brian Stark, the Warg from Game of Thrones.

Mediumship Definition

Depending on where you look, most dictionary definitions are pretty ambiguous. For example:

The capacity, function, or profession of a spiritualistic medium – Merriam-Webster

And then you are looking at medium to mediate situations, in the middle of a data set, or a plural of media such as paper.

However, in our opinion:

Mediumship is the practice of communicating with spirits through a person known as a medium who acts as a channel between the spirit world and the physical world.

Mediumship vs. Psychic Ability

Despite the fact that the terms “mediumship” and “psychic ability” are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct practices.

Mediumship is the practice of communicating with spirits of the deceased or other non-physical entities. They use various methods to receive messages from spirits.
Psychic ability, on the other hand, refers to the ability to perceive information beyond the physical senses. Psychics may receive information through intuition, extrasensory perception, or other non-physical means.

In other words, while mediumship specifically involves communicating with spirits, psychic ability can involve a broader range of spiritual perceptions and insights. Psychics may use their abilities to provide guidance and insight into areas such as relationships, career, and personal growth. In contrast, mediums may use their abilities to facilitate communication with loved ones who have passed on or other non-physical entities.

Mediumship Synonyms

Here are some other terms used to describe mediumship:

Spirit communication: Mediums use their abilities to communicate with the spirits of the dead. However, the results can vary depending on the medium’s skills and the spirits they are communicating with.
Psychic: This is a term used to describe someone who has extrasensory perception (ESP). ESP includes abilities such as clairvoyance (seeing the future), clairaudience (hearing spirits), and telepathy (reading minds). Mediums often have psychic abilities, but not all psychics are mediums.

However, as you have seen above, psychics are different from mediums, but people use the words as synonyms.

Where did the Word Mediumship Originate From?

In spiritualism, the term “medium” was first used in this sense in the mid-19th century to describe individuals who claimed to have the ability to communicate with the dead.

The development of mediumship as a practice is closely linked to the rise of the spiritualist movement in the mid-19th century, which was based on the belief that spirits of the dead could communicate with the living. The term “mediumship” became commonly used within this movement to describe the various practices and techniques used by mediums to facilitate communication with spirits.

However, “mediumship” originated from the word “medium,” which has been used since the 16th century to refer to an intermediary or go-between. The word “medium” is derived from the Latin word “medius,” which means “middle” or “in the middle.”

Skepticism and Criticisms of Mediumship

Of course, most people know that mediumship is a controversial topic, even if we believe it ourselves. Some common criticisms and skepticism surrounding mediumship include:

Lack of scientific evidence: Critics argue that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of spirits or the ability to communicate with them.
Potential for fraud: Some argue that mediumship is a fraudulent practice, with mediums using cold reading techniques or other tricks to appear more accurate than they actually are.
Religious objections: Some religious groups view mediumship as going against their beliefs or even as a form of witchcraft or sorcery. They may object to the practice because it violates the natural order or opens individuals up to spiritual harm.
Emotional manipulation: Others argue that mediums may exploit vulnerable individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one, using their emotional state to convince them of the legitimacy of their abilities.

While you should take these criticisms and skepticism seriously, it is important to note that many individuals do believe and find comfort and guidance through it.

Furthermore, while there may not be scientific evidence to support the existence of spirits or the ability to communicate with them, there is also no scientific evidence to disprove them either.

Ultimately, whether or not to take part in mediumship is a personal decision, and you should carefully consider your own beliefs and values before doing so. Those who seek guidance from mediums should exercise caution, do their research, and be aware of the potential risks and criticisms associated with the practice.

Common Misconceptions About Mediumship

While there are skepticism and criticisms, there are also common misconceptions about mediumship, too. For example:

All mediums are frauds or charlatans
Mediumship embodies evil or demonic practices
Mediums can read your mind or manipulate you
Mediumship involves divination or fortune-telling
People consider mediumship a religious practice
Mediums use their gift solely for communicating with deceased loved ones
People see mediumship as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling
Mediumship guarantees a way to connect with a specific spirit
Mediums can contact any spirit at any time
Only a select few possess the gift of mediumship.

While some of these are true for some people, they are not all true 100% of the time.

So, is Mediumship Real?

The answer to this question is a lot more divided. As much as the question is, is (are) God(s) real? You will find some people completely committed to the fact that mediumship is real and others who are set against the thought.

Those who believe will often be able to tell you stories of medium readings they have had and that there were many things correct. The skeptics will tell you that it is all trickery and deception. While we believe in mediumship, there are a few things that anyone needs to understand:

Try it and decide for yourself.
Be wary of people who claim the abilities who charge you for readings. Some may be genuine, but others are out for some quick money.

Understanding Mediumship

Going on from our last point, to believe (or not), there is very little that you can do without understanding what it is and how it works (to the best of our abilities).

What is the Point of Mediumship?

The purpose of mediumship is primarily four-fold (although there will be more):

Connecting with passed loved ones: Many people seek mediums or learn mediumship themselves to connect with relatives and friends who have passed away. The first time I got into mediumship was when I got some very definitive messages from passed family members from my first spiritual circle.
Personal guidance and direction: Some people look into mediumship to gain guidance and insight from spirit, helping you with guidance, direction, or insight into important decisions or life choices.
Healing and Closure: Mediumship can assist in healing and closure for people who need it. Messages from spirit can provide closure for unresolved issues or past traumas, helping people move forward and find peace.
Exploring Life and Death: For some, mediumship is a way to explore the mysteries that intrigue us about life and death. In the quest, people hope to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of existence. Furthermore, mediumship can provide a connection to something larger than yourself and a deeper understanding of the spiritual world.

To a large extent, problems arise from numbers 1 and 3, I believe. We spoke about this in the Skepticism and Criticisms section.

When talking to a non-believer, how often have you heard the term “they are taking advantage?”

Too many, I presume.

Now, to tell the truth, some people do that, and it is unfortunate for people who do believe in the(ir) ability, as it casts a shadow of negativity over it all. However, what if we were to tell you that you can learn it yourself – if you have an open mind – and communicate yourself?

Not everyone can, will, or is willing to try with real vigor. But for those of you who do, we applaud and encourage you.

Understanding Spirit Communication

In this section, we will explore the different ways spirits communicate with mediums, the various types of spirit communication, and how to interpret the messages received from spirits.

How Spirits Communicate

If you have read our article about the main spiritual abilities, then you will know that everything is energy, and all energy has a vibrational frequency. Spirits reside in this frequency, and they use it to communicate.

If you have ever heard the saying “raise your vibrations,” meaning to be happier, that is the same theory as how spirits communicate. Through a frequency match, we raise ours, and they lower theirs, and they match.

Common characteristics of mediums:

While the specific traits and abilities of mediums may vary, there are some common characteristics that are often associated with the practice of mediumship. Some of these include:

Heightened intuition: A strong sense of intuition or inner knowing allows them to perceive information beyond the physical senses.
Sensitivity to energy: Mediums are often highly sensitive to energy, both in their own body and in the environment around them.
Empathy: Mediums are often highly empathic, able to feel the emotions and energy of others around them.
Patience and persistence: Mediumship can be a challenging and unpredictable practice and requires a great deal of patience and persistence.

While not all medium practitioners possess all of these traits or abilities, many do report experiencing some combination as part of their practice.

Types of Spirit Communication

There are several different types of spirit communication. The most common types include:

Direct Communication: This type of communication involves a spirit communicating directly with a medium, who then relays the message to the recipient.
Automatic Writing: This type of communication involves a medium receiving messages from a spirit and writing them down.
Psychometry: This type of communication involves a medium receiving messages from a spirit by touching an object that used to belong to the person who is now in spirit.
Channeling: This type of communication involves a medium allowing a spirit to use their body to communicate directly with the recipient.

I have personally seen some of these in action; they are fascinating to watch. If you ever get the chance to see someone do them, take it.

Interpreting Messages from Spirits

Interpreting messages from spirits can be challenging – there is no doubt about that. Spirits may communicate in symbolic or metaphorical ways, making it difficult to understand their message. It is important to approach spirit communication with an open mind and to trust your intuition. It can also be helpful to keep a journal of your spirit communication experiences, as this can help you recognize patterns and better understand the messages you receive.

The only way that you can actually interpret a message is through perseverance and seeing what fits. You may not understand the message straight away; it may take days or even weeks for you to understand them. However, remember that metaphorical and symbolic messages can be very cryptic.

For example, while meditating for spiritual communication, you may receive a message, either as a vision in your mind’s eye, or a word in your inner voice, that means nothing to you. In the future, you may remember that the word, message, or image meant something to someone you connected with, such as a hobby.

Religious Perspectives of Mediumship

We all know this practice has been a controversial topic throughout history, particularly among various religious communities. This section will explore the religious perspectives on mediumship, including what the Bible says about it and how different religious communities view it.

What Does the Bible Say About Mediumship?

The Bible has various passages that reference mediumship, some of which condemn it as an act of sorcery or witchcraft. For example, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states:

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.

However, some Christians interpret these passages as referring only to those who use mediumship for negative or harmful purposes, not to those who use it to comfort and guide others.

Different Religious Perspectives on Mediumship

Many religions have different perspectives on mediumship, with some viewing it as a spiritual gift and others condemning it as an act of sorcery. Here are some examples:

Christianity: While some Christians view mediumship as a sinful practice, others see it as a spiritual gift that can be used to help others. Spiritualism, a Christian-based religion, embraces mediumship to communicate with the spirit world.
Islam: In Islam, mediumship is generally viewed as a negative practice, with the Quran condemning it as an act of sorcery.
Judaism: Judaism generally prohibits the practice of mediumship, viewing it as a form of divination that goes against the belief in one God.
Hinduism: In Hinduism, mediumship is viewed as a spiritual gift that can be used to communicate with ancestors and receive guidance from the divine.
Buddhism: While Buddhism does not have a specific stance on mediumship, some Buddhists believe it can be used for spiritual growth and healing.

Types of Mediumship

In the practice of mediumship, there are a variety of different ways in which mediums may connect with spirits. These methods of communication can take many different forms and may involve various techniques and abilities. In this section, we will explore some of the most common types of mediumship and how they are practiced.

Physical

Physical mediumship is when the medium can produce physical phenomena that can be observed and experienced by others in the room. This can include movements or sounds that cannot be explained by physical means, as well as the manifestation of objects or other physical phenomena.

Here is an example of a few of the main physical mediumship abilities that people recognize, even though there are a lot more like ouija boards, etc.

Table tipping: In this form of physical mediumship, the medium, and participants sit around a table. The table tips or moves in response to questions or messages from the spirits.
Direct voice: Direct voice mediumship involves the medium producing a voice that is not their own, often in a separate part of the room.
Materialization: Materialization involves the physical manifestation of objects or entities in the room. This may include the appearance of ectoplasm, a substance that is believed to be produced by the medium during the seance.
Apports: Apports are physical objects believed to be produced by spirits and then manifested in the seance room.

Physical mediumship demonstrations can be a powerful and transformative experience for those who witness them. Signs of physical mediumship may include changes in temperature or air pressure, the movement of objects or furniture, or the production of sounds or voices that cannot be explained by physical means.

Evidential

Evidential mediumship focuses on providing verifiable evidence of the communication between the medium and the spirit world. Unlike other forms of mediumship that may focus more on the spiritual messages or guidance that comes through, evidential mediumship seeks to provide concrete proof that the communication is real and from the person they are claiming it is from.

During an evidential mediumship reading, the medium may provide specific details about the person who has passed away, such as their name, occupation, or physical description. They might even provide events or memories that the person shared with their loved ones while they were alive.

Some examples of the types of evidence that mediums may provide during an evidential mediumship reading include:

Specific details about the deceased person’s physical appearance, such as their hair color or height.
Information about the person’s occupation or interests.
Details about significant events in the person’s life, such as a wedding or a move to a new home.
Messages or insights from the deceased person that are specific and meaningful to the client.

Trance

Trance mediumship is where the medium enters a deep state of trance or altered consciousness, allowing them to communicate with spirits or other non-physical entities. During a trance mediumship session, the person may speak in a different voice or even language to give messages or information from spirit.

Trance has various stages of consciousness:

A light trance, where the person remains completely conscious and aware of their surroundings
A deep trance, where they are completely unconscious and have no memory of what was said during the session

And anywhere between.

Sometimes, the person may even produce physical movements, gestures, sounds, or music as a part of the trance.

Trance mediumship workshops include guided meditations, group exercises, and individual practice sessions to help you deepen your connection with spirit and learn how to enter trance easier.

Mental

Mental mediumship is the transmission of information and messages from spirits to the medium through mental or psychic abilities. Unlike physical mediumship, which involves tangible physical phenomena such as levitation or materialization, mental mediumship focuses on thoughts, feelings, and impressions.

During a mental mediumship session, the medium may receive messages through a variety of different psychic channels, including clairvoyance (visions or images), clairsentience (feelings or sensations), or clairaudience (hearing voices or sounds). The medium may also receive information through symbols or other forms of psychic communication.

One of the unique features of mental mediumship is the validation and evidence of the messages received. A skilled practitioner will often provide specific details and information that can be verified, such as the name or description of the spirit or details about past events or experiences.

Spiritual

During a spiritual mediumship session, the medium may use various techniques to connect with the spirits of the deceased, such as meditation, prayer, or visualization. Once a connection has been established, the medium may receive messages from the spirits through thoughts, feelings, or visions (usually within the mind’s eye).

Messages through spiritual mediumship are often deeply personal and meaningful, providing evidence of the continued existence of loved ones in the afterlife, as well as insights into their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Spiritual mediumship is also one of the most common entry points to connecting with spirit.

Platform

Unlike other types of mediumship, platform mediumship demonstrations are for a larger audience. (Think of John Edward, James Van Praagh, Theresa Caputo, etc.).

During a platform mediumship demonstration, the medium may receive messages from a variety of spirits, which can include deceased loved ones, ancestors, or even famous historical figures.

Magickal

In magickal mediumship, you use various spiritual tools and practices to connect with the spirit world, such as crystals, tarot cards, runes, pendulums, or other divination tools. You may also engage in rituals or ceremonies to enhance your connection to the spiritual realm, such as casting a circle, invoking the elements or deities, or using candles or incense to create a sacred space.

Developing Mediumship Abilities – Can You Learn?

Mediumship is a natural ability that some people are born with. However, it absolutely is possible to develop and enhance your own abilities through practice and training, and we recommend it, too.

One thing that you need to know, though, is that developing mediumship abilities requires an open mind and attitude, as well as a willingness to put in the time and effort required for training.

Here are some ways you can develop mediumship abilities:

Attending workshops or classes with experienced mediums
Practicing meditation and mindfulness
Engaging in other spiritual practices, such as working with crystals or tarot cards.

Some people may also find it helpful to work with a mentor or coach who can guide and support their development. However, if that does interest you, try to find a local coach who does the job for love, not money. Of course, you will have to pay them something, but the cost will be lower, and the help will be greater.

Remember, one common misconception about learning mediumship is that it is a fast or easy process. In reality, developing mediumship abilities can take years of practice and dedication, and progress may be slow and gradual.

How to Open to Mediumship

Opening to mediumship requires understanding energy and vibration and honing your intuition and psychic abilities.

One technique for opening to mediumship is to practice mindfulness and meditation, which can help to quiet the mind and cultivate a state of receptivity to spiritual guidance. This can involve focusing on the breath, visualizing a peaceful scene, or repeating a mantra, etc.

Another technique is to work with divination tools such as tarot cards or pendulums, which can help to develop intuition and psychic abilities. By learning to interpret the symbols and messages presented by these tools, individuals can gain insight into their own intuitive abilities and develop a deeper connection with the spiritual realm.

Recognizing the Right Time to Start Developing Your Abilities

The reality is, there is no WRONG time to start if it is something you are interested in pursuing. However, there are some signs that you should look out for:

A persistent sense of curiosity and wonder about the spiritual realm
Strong intuition or a natural sensitivity to energy
The desire to help others
A feeling of being called or drawn to mediumship
Having had experiences with paranormal activity or spirits
Feeling a sense of peace and calm in environments or situations where others may feel uncomfortable or anxious

Many individuals are drawn to mediumship because they want to use their gifts to provide comfort, healing, and guidance to those struggling or seeking answers.

However, there are also common fears and obstacles that can hold people back from starting to develop their mediumship abilities. Some people may worry they are not “good enough” or fear being judged or misunderstood by others.

When taking your first steps toward developing your abilities, it is important to approach it with an open and receptive attitude.

In addition, being patient and compassionate with yourself is important as you develop your mediumship abilities. Learning to connect with the spiritual realm and receive messages from the other side is a process that takes time, practice, and dedication.

These issues, especially the fear of not being good enough and judgment, are hard to overcome but worth it.

If you want a space to practice, we have our own subreddit, where you can offer free readings for practice without judgment. Just click the image below:

FAQs

What is mediumship, and how does it work?

Mediumship is a practice where a person, known as a medium, can communicate with spirits of those who have passed away. It involves tuning into the spirit world through various means, such as clairvoyance, clairaudience, or clairsentience. The medium then relays messages from the spirits to those seeking guidance.

How do you know if you have mediumship abilities?

Several signs may indicate that you have mediumship abilities, such as experiencing vivid dreams, sensing the presence of spirits, and feeling drawn to spiritual practices. It’s important to remember that developing mediumship abilities takes time and practice, and not everyone who exhibits these signs will necessarily become a medium.

Can anyone learn mediumship, or is it a gift only some people have?

While some people may have a natural inclination towards mediumship, you can develop it with time and dedication. It’s important to have an open mind and a willingness to learn and to seek out resources such as books, classes, and mentors to help guide your development.

What are the different types of mediumship?

There are several types of mediumship, including physical, evidential, trance, mental, platform, and magickal. Each type involves different communication methods with spirits and may focus on different messages.

How can I protect myself when practicing mediumship?

Establishing boundaries and protective practices when practicing mediumship is important, such as grounding and centering techniques, setting intentions, and calling upon guides and protective energies. Practicing self-care and not taking on too much emotional or energetic responsibility is also important.

Can mediumship contact a specific spirit or loved one who has passed away?

While mediumship is not a guaranteed method of contacting a specific spirit or loved one who has passed away, it can be a way to receive their messages. It’s important to approach mediumship with an open mind and heart and to trust that the messages that come through are for your highest good.

Is mediumship a legitimate form of spiritual practice?

While people’s opinions vary, most people who believe in the ability consider it a legitimate form of spiritual practice. It can be a way to gain insight and guidance from the spirit world and a valuable tool for personal growth and healing.

What are some common misconceptions about mediumship?

Some common misconceptions include that it is a form of magic or witchcraft, that mediums can communicate with any spirit at will, and that it is a guaranteed way to connect with a specific loved one who has passed away. It’s important to approach mediumship with an open mind and seek accurate information and resources.

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