Subjective Experiences of Sitters in Public Physical Mediumship Séances

Abstract

Physical mediumship, often described as communication between the spiritual and physical realms, has been recorded throughout U.S. history and worldwide. Typically conducted in darkness, these séances involve the invocation of a spirit in physical form and may produce extraordinary apparent phenomena, including materialization, ectoplasm, direct voice mediumship, and apports. For participants, such events can be both memorable and deeply personal, often transforming their lives. This qualitative study examined the experiences of individuals attending public séances, focusing on observed phenomena, interpretations, and broader meaning-making. Participants were recruited following séance attendance, yielding in-depth interview data from 21 individuals describing experiences across multiple séance events conducted between February and July 2024. Semi-structured interviews provided additional depth, capturing physical, emotional, and cognitive impacts. Qualitative analysis identified 15 themes within three overarching categories: A. Nature of the Experience, B. Structure and Context of the Séance, and C. Mediumship Mechanics and Interpretation. These findings indicate that sitter reports reflect a dynamic interplay between expectation, interpretation, and observation. Although the authenticity of reported events cannot be established, physical mediumship séances appear capable of eliciting profound meaning, emotional impact, and personal transformation, while simultaneously prompting doubt and critical reflection.