What is Spiritism?

A: Spiritism is a form of Spiritualism that developed when communicating with spirits at seances became popular in France in the mid 1800's. It has remained strong since then in Brazil, where the body of Spiritist lore has been expanded by many recent works using psychography (automatic writing). 

The fundamentals of the Spiritist doctrine are collected in the works of Allan Kardec. The name ‘Spiritism’ was created as a means of distinguishing these teachings from Spiritualism, which is very generally defined as the opposite of Materialism (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Intro I). Kardec considered Spiritism a science and a philosophy:

Spiritism is simultaneously a science of observation and a philosophical doctrine. As a practical science, it consists in the relations that can be established with spirits. As a philosophy, it entails all the moral consequences that result from such relations. 

Hence, it may be defined as follows:

Spiritism is a science that deals with the nature, origin and destiny of spirits, and their relationship with the corporeal world. (What is Spiritism? Prologue)

The Spiritist doctrine itself is considered to be not the work of Kardec, but the body of teachings passed down from virtuous spirits: this doctrine existed long before Kardec's time, and will continue to be revealed with more clarity as humanity progresses intellectually and morally (Kardec, Gospel Intro II).

A: It depends on how one uses the term ‘religion’. Many Spiritists consider themselves religious; many do not. Spiritism as taught by Kardec does not have any sort of hierarchy, no ministers or priests, nor does it have the trappings, iconography, or rituals common to religions (Simplest Expression Ch 1). As Kardec explains:

Since Spiritism is independent of any ritualistic form, prescribing none, and since it is not concerned with any dogmas in particular, it is not a religion per se, for it has neither priests, temples, nor churches. (Simplest Expression Ch 1) 

Kardec did consider Spiritism a religion in the philosophical sense, but would not declare Spiritism a religion in the more common sense of the word, as he thought it would lead to misunderstanding. His opinion on this matter is found in the following excerpt from one of his speeches:

If this is so, one may say, is Spiritism then a religion? Well, yes, undoubtedly; in the philosophical sense, Spiritism is a religion, and we are proud of it, because it is the doctrine which founds the bonds of fellowship and the communion of thoughts, not on a simple convention, but on the most solid foundations: the very laws of nature.

Why then have we declared that Spiritism is not a religion? For the reason that there is only one word to express two different ideas, and that, in the general opinion, the word religion is inseparable from that of worship; that it exclusively awakens an idea of form, and that Spiritism has none. If Spiritism were to call itself a religion, the public would only see in it a new edition, a variant, if you like, of the absolute principles of faith; a priestly caste with its procession of hierarchies, ceremonies and privileges; it would not separate it from the ideas of mysticism and the abuses against which opinion has often spoken out.

Since Spiritism has none of the characteristics of a religion in the usual sense of the word, it could not, nor should it be adorned with a title whose value would inevitably be misunderstood; that is why it is simply called a philosophical and moral doctrine. (“Annual Meeting Commemorating the Dead.” Revue Spirite Dec 1868)

This very clearly expresses Kardec’s understanding of the matter.

Another way Spiritism is unlike many religions is that Spiritist doctrine is open to change and progress in human understanding. If new developments in science conflict with Spiritist teachings in any way, Spiritism teaches that one should always side with science and reason (Kardec, Genesis Ch I #55).  Spiritist teachings, even the core teachings, are considered a current paradigm, and are expected to change and progress with new discoveries, just as any science. The core teachings are considered a revelation by the spirits, guided by the Spirit of Truth (Kardec, Gospel Ch VI #4), but in no way are they considered the final word (Kardec, Gospel Ch XXIV #7). Kardec’s thoughts on the scientific nature of Spiritism are expressed in the following:

That is a point of paramount importance, ladies and gentlemen, and that must be proclaimed out loud. No, Spiritism is not an individual conception, the product of imagination; it is not a theory, a system invented for the need of a cause. Spiritism has its source in the facts of nature itself, in positive events that are produced before our eyes all the time but whose origin was not suspected. It is therefore the result of observation, in a word it is a science, the science of the relationships between the visible and the invisible worlds, a still imperfect science but that daily complements itself with new studies and that, I am sure, will take a position side by side with the other positive sciences. I say positive because every science that founds on facts is positive and not purely hypothetical. 

Spiritism did not invent anything because one cannot invent what is part of nature. Newton did not invent the law of gravitation since that law existed before him; everybody felt its effect and applied it but the law was unknown. (Spiritism is a Positive Science. Revue Spirite Nov 1864) 

Kardec understood Spiritism to be a practical science and a philosophy, but nowadays, many consider it a religion as well.

A: Spiritism teaches not to seek to convert others to Spiritism (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 1; Kardec, ‘First dialogue: The critic.’ What is Spiritism? Ch I). It teaches instead to help any who seek out Spiritism to better understand the teachings of enlightened spirits, including the spirits’ understanding of spiritual matters, with much of this knowledge already being found within the various religions (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 1; Kardec, Spirits’ Book #628). Spiritism teaches that all religions helping people to better themselves have great value (Kardec, Gospel Ch VIII #10), and prayers spoken true to one’s own heart are best (Kardec, Gospel Ch XXVIII #1). 

Spiritism teaches that all humans are corporealized spirits, who are created equal and with the same potential, so all people are one spiritual family, and all should be loved and respected as such regardless of race, class, or beliefs, as evident from the following: 

... we work to give faith to those who believe in nothing; to spread a belief that makes people better to one another; that teaches them to forgive their enemies; to see one another as family without any prejudice of race, cast, sect, colour, political or religious opinion, a belief that in a word gives rise to the true feelings of charity, fellowship and social duties. (Spiritist Insanity - Answer to Mr. Burlet, from Lyon. Revue Spirite Feb 1863)

This inclusion may be extended universally, to all beings regardless of age, experience, gender, gender identity, or any other factor imaginable: Spiritism teaches to love and respect all people, as we are all spiritual kin (Kardec, Gospel Ch XI-XII). This most certainly includes respecting all people’s religious beliefs.

Spiritism exists to help people better understand spirituality, regarding spirits, mediums, and the spirit world, as well as the truth within the teachings of religions, thus promoting spirituality and religion in its many forms (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 1). As Kardec explains:

To whomever might ask if it is acceptable to follow this or that practice, it responds: If you believe your conscience is leading you to do so, then do it; God always takes one’s intent into account. In other words, Spiritism does not impose itself on anyone. (Simplest Expression Ch 1) 

Spiritists openly accept those who are religious as well as those who are not; it does not matter whether people practice religion, or what religion people practice while learning about Spiritism and participating in Spiritist activities. 

A: The term ‘Spiritist’ is sometimes used as an equivalent to the term ‘Spiritualist’, depending on the culture, which means some who consider themselves Spiritists do not necessarily study these books.

When there is a need for clarification, the terms ‘Kardecian Spiritist’ or ‘Kardecist’ are sometimes used, but this can also cause confusion, as those who follow the Spiritist doctrine follow the teachings of the enlightened spirits as codified by Kardec, not Kardec himself.

A: It depends on the Spiritist group, and on the type of meeting. All Winnipeg Spiritist Society meetings are facilitated by individuals who have been studying Spiritism for a number of years. Generally, all our meetings start with a period of meditation and energy harmonization, during which we maintain silence or play calming music. This is followed by a spontaneous prayer to help participants raise and balance their energy, then the meeting is opened. These measures help protect and guide those at the meeting by strengthening their connection as a group to the higher spirits (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #660).

During our study meetings, one participant may read straight from a Spiritist book, normally one of Kardec's, or they may present study material prepared from the same books. They may stop at times to ask questions and allow discussion of the points touched upon. Anyone present can share personal experiences, offer philosophical thoughts, and ask questions, as the group tries to clarify and understand the subject more fully.

During our meetings, it is common to see people bringing their own containers of water, and for the volunteers to set out little cups of water on a table at the start of a meeting, to be given out to everyone at the end. This is done because spirits have taught that they can energize the water to help heal the spiritual and physical body of one who drinks it (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #33; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #128, item 12-13, #131). Spiritists call this ‘magnetized’ or ‘fluidified’ water, as spiritual energies are normally referred to as ‘fluids’ by spirits, and ‘magnetism’ is the process by which these fluids are manipulated.

During our meetings, an energy treatment called ‘healing passes’ or simply ‘passes’ may also be offered to anyone who wants one. Due to Covid, we have started offering virtual passes during our virtual meetings; these guide participants to cleanse and energize themselves spiritually with the aid of the spirits.

Participants are not required to drink the energized water from the little cups, nor is it required to receive a healing pass when offered, so none should feel pressured into doing so.

At the end of our meetings, there is normally a short spontaneous prayer, and the meeting is closed. Participants may stay a little longer just to talk with each other.

A: Passes are a form of energy healing, during which spirits work through a medium to help the recipient, using a process Spiritists call magnetism (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #424, #556; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #131, #175). Passes may be able to heal physical ailments, as well as spiritual afflictions (Kardec, Gospel Ch XXVIII #81). It is not done by the medium alone: the medium basically acts as a conduit through which the spirits channel energy (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #176). The effectiveness of a pass depends not only on the medium and the spirits helping, it also depends on the receptivity of the one receiving the pass, among other factors (Kardec, Gospel Ch XXVII #7). Passes can be done to benefit individuals or groups. 

The procedure depends on the Spiritist group, and the type of pass. During an individual pass, the recipient may be brought to a separate area to sit still on a chair. There the recipient can try to relax and think positively, while the pass-giver stands and connects their energy with the spirits helping. Some pass givers will perform ritualistic movements, but it is not necessary; it is generally thought such ritual is more for the medium’s own benefit, to help them get in the right state of mind. 

A: Spiritism teaches that all spiritual aid, be it knowledge or energy healing, should only be offered as a charity, performed by unpaid volunteers, offered to participants without cost, without suggested donation; this is to ensure all participants feel welcome no matter their financial situation, and to discourage charlatanism and sentiments of greed and materialism (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #304; Kardec, Gospel Ch XXVI).

A: Allan Kardec is the pen name of Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail (b. 1804-d. 1869). The spirits guiding him asked that he use a pseudonym due to the fact that the information he was presenting was theirs, not his own (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Anna Blackwell’s preface). He was merely collecting and organizing the information, which is why he is sometimes referred to as the Codifier.

Hippolyte was an accomplished scholar, teacher, and writer. Born in France and educated in Switzerland, he eventually settled down in Paris. He took an interest in magnetism and mesmerism before the phenomenon of communicating with spirits became popular around 1850, at which point such communications became his primary interest, and he published many books and journals on the subject. A much more detailed account of his life can be found in Anna Blackwell's preface in Allan Kardec's The Spirits' Book, and in the biography of Allan Kardec written by Henri Sausse, an abridged version of which can be found in the book What is Spiritism? by Allan Kardec.

A: Kardec's books are an organized collection of communications by highly evolved spirits through various mediums (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Prolegomena). The core books do include dissertations explaining the spirits’ teachings, but many sections are in question-and-answer format, wherein questions are posed to enlightened spirits and the most common answer is given. The answers given by the spirits were cross-checked with those given by spirits through mediums in a number of different countries, and the books were read and approved by many enlightened spirits before publication (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Prolegomena).

Understanding the true nature of spirits and their relationship with the corporeal world can bring great consolation to those spiritually lost and suffering in the material world. For this reason, Kardec's works focus on the teachings of enlightened spirits on these subjects and many more, including: the nature of the awakened spiritual faculties of mediums, their safe development and use under spiritual protection (Mediums’ Book); accounts of the various experiences spirits have had after death (Heaven and Hell Part 2); the nature and progression of this and other worlds (Genesis); and the study of moral teachings to better understand the path to spiritual enlightenment (Gospel).

A: Spiritism teaches that spirits are what humans are without their physical bodies; that spirits retain their intellect, will, personality, and all their memories, even those from past lives, though not all can access these memories all the time, as the clarity of perception and understanding of a spirit depends on their individual spiritual advancement as well as their current situation (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #136, #237-257). 

Spirits who communicate through mediums can be in between incarnations, or they can be temporarily free from their physical body during sleep or trance (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #223 item 2). Such spirits are normally those most similar to those in the group (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #232-233). Pure spirits may communicate as well: these are spirits who have reached a level of advancement wherein they need not reincarnate in physical bodies anymore (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #113).

A: Spiritism teaches that we incarnate as a means of understanding and improving ourselves: each incarnation is a blessing to help us evolve spiritually, as during each lifetime we learn and become a little more spiritually advanced (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 2 #13, #22; Kardec, Gospel Ch IV #25; Kardec, Spirits’ Book #132). It may be called ‘progressive reincarnation’: Spiritism teaches that reincarnation is always progressive, because spiritual development is always progressive, meaning spirits of humans never regress or reincarnate as animals (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #118, #605).

Spirits also incarnate to aid in the progression of other spirits, of the world, and the universe as a whole; this is accomplished through improvements made during everyday life by every living being, as well as through specific missions a spirit may take on (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #132). 

Simply put, the spirit’s path leads through many incarnations, seen in this response from a spirit:

“In each new life, a spirit takes another step on the path of progress. When it has stripped itself of all impurities it has no further need of the trials of corporeal life.” (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #168)

And after a spirit’s final incarnation:

What does the spirit become after its final incarnation?

“A blessed spirit; a pure spirit.” (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #170)

How the enlightened spirits understand corporeal incarnation and the path of spiritual advancement is a subject of much importance, explored in detail in Kardec’s codification.

A: Spiritism teaches that when our spirits take on corporeal form, they go through a process by which they are joined to their new physical body; this joining process begins at conception and is complete at birth, meaning thereafter the spirit will be connected with its corporeal body until death (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #344). This merging process burdens the spirit by binding it with material, changing its energy, which usually makes it next to impossible for us to remember anything before our corporeal state, while we are awake in our corporeal state (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #351; Kardec, Genesis Ch XI, #22; Kardec, Gospel Ch III #9). Our physical memories normally consist of only what has been experienced with our physical senses; this is also why people often have trouble remembering dreams (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #403).

Advanced spirits see this as a blessing, as we corporeal humans cannot remember any of our past misdeeds, the depth of our past vices, thus the scale of the debts we owe, and what is owed to us (Kardec, Gospel Ch V #11). This frees us to live with a fresh start, without worrying about previous lifetimes, allowing us to improve ourselves with more ease. It is a blank slate that levels the playing field, so we can see things from different perspectives without feeling burdened by our past, allowing us to assume different roles which help us repay our moral debts to each other over time without worrying about their immensity as a whole.

This is not to say we wander blindly through life, however. As spirits, depending on our advancement, we may help plan our lives beforehand, choosing our earthly situation and trials in order to expiate the wrongs we have done to others, to lessen our vices and free ourselves over time (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #258; Kardec, Genesis Ch XI #25). Our spirits may also plan while our corporeal form sleeps, perhaps changing what trials we will face depending on our current situation, but our activities as spirits are mostly forgotten in our waking hours (“The Story of a Servant.” Revue Spirite January 1863). Our lives are not set, and we may succeed or fail in our trials depending on how we choose our own paths in life (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #851).

A: Spiritism teaches that success in our earthly trials means spiritual advancement, while failure means stalling our progress, so it will simply take longer to succeed: we can always try again (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 2 #14). Spirits themselves never degrade morally, intellectually or spiritually, even as our physical bodies and brains degrade with age or infirmity, even if we slip from a corporeal life of relative virtue to one of addiction to vices (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #118, #398). Our spirits always move forward into enlightenment, towards becoming pure spirits unbound by the material world, but our path can be short or very long depending on our own actions (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #114-117).

A: Spiritism teaches that study, self-reflection, and self-discipline are important tools we can use to hasten our own spiritual advancement: only we can advance ourselves spiritually by becoming more intelligent, more morally advanced, and more wise (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #107, #119).

Moral advancement is studied in depth by Spiritism, as the enlightened spirits teach that advancing morally decreases future suffering (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #133). Selflessness and charity are key to moral and spiritual advancement; this same virtue is also expressed as patience, humility, compassion, tolerance, and forgiveness (Kardec, Gospel Ch XVII #2-3). Insights from elevated spirits on the teachings of Christ are studied to better understand ideals of moral virtue (Kardec, Gospel Introduction I). Enlightened spirits say that the teachings of Christ are often misinterpreted, so they do their best to help others understand them in Kardec's The Gospel According to Spiritism. 

A:  It’s complicated. It depends on the person, and on how the terms are defined. It would be more accurate to say the Spiritist doctrine is based on the teachings of virtuous spirits (including Christ), rather than on the scripture or teachings passed down by the various Christian denominations (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 1). Many Spiritists do consider themselves Christians, but this is certainly not always the case, and what they mean by this can be misunderstood due to differences in culture and language.

When a Spiritist (or anyone else) uses the term ‘Christian’ as a descriptor, they can mean ‘one who believes in the virtues of selflessness, charity and humility’ (Christian by values) rather than ‘follower of a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ’ (Christian by religion); This means one could be Christian by both definitions, or by either without the other. 

To learn about morality, Spiritists—whether they are religious or not—normally study how enlightened spirits interpret the moral teachings of Christ, as at these are universally considered good regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof (Kardec, Gospel Introduction I).

Because of this, many Spiritist books contain Bible passages or references; however, such books can be studied not as religion but as philosophy, just as those studying religion at university: those who study religious scripture are not necessarily religious themselves. Some Spiritists study the Bible itself, but this is more a personal choice, not a practice common to all Spiritists.

Many Spiritists will call to Jesus or Mary in their prayers as a way of connecting to a spirit of high virtue. Spiritist prayers are not standardized, and Spiritists believe the person praying should be true to themselves, so Spiritists welcome prayers to any virtuous spirit as being essentially the same thing (Kardec, Simplest Expression Ch 3 #50). Spiritists welcome those of any religion, and prayers spoken from the heart.

A:  Spiritism teaches that animals do have souls, but they are not the same as human souls: their presence in the spirit world is different from that of human souls (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #597-600; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #283). Animal spirits are generally unable to distinguish themselves from others of their kind, but they still reincarnate as individuals, retaining their individuality just as humans do (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #598). Spiritism teaches that once animals become more self-aware, they eventually undergo a transformation and begin reincarnating as more advanced forms of life (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #600, #607).

A: Far from it: as spirits have lived corporeal lives (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #132-133), and as spirits retain their individuality after corporeal death (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #150-152), and as the spirits say there are many different worlds in various states of evolution (Kardec, Gospel Ch III #3), we can deduce that there are many types of spirits, as many as there are different types of people in our physical world, and far, far more (Kardec, What is Spiritism? #21).

Spiritism tells us that many spirits cling to materialism, spirits of low order, and these spirits retain many vices and misconceptions from their past material lives (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #101). Even when such spirits are genuinely trying to be helpful, they can spread misinformation and vice (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #104; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #246). Such spirits will also often speak when they do not know what they are talking about, and may try to deceive and toy with people (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #103).

Spirits of higher order are more truthful, learned, and wise than lower order spirits (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #107), so they will generally avoid obfuscation, and promote virtues such as selflessness, patience, and humility. If they do not know an answer, they will usually admit their lack of knowledge on the subject (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #267 item 7). The more morally advanced a spirit is, the more these attributes will express themselves in what a spirit says (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #267).

A: Some religions teach that one should never communicate with spirits or listen to what they say, and Spiritists would recommend the same under most circumstances: there are many spirits around who would take advantage of naivete or weaknesses, so such dealings can be dangerous to one's mental and physical health (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #221-222). Despite all these dangers, however, and all the difficulties in its advancement, Spiritism teaches that communications can be very useful, if done with vigilance and care (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #244). Spiritism teaches that spiritual education is a better solution than absolute prohibition of spiritual communications (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #254 item 7).

A: Some mediums can sense the general disposition of a spirit (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #268 item 28), but many cannot, and unfortunately many are only deluded into thinking they can (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #196, #239). Spiritism teaches that the surest way to determine the disposition of a spirit is by objectively analyzing what they say (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #262-263, #268), which is much more effectively done by a group of educated people rather than by the medium alone (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #243 item 5, #248).

If a spirit speaks without reason, saying things which do not make logical sense, they are generally of a low order. The same can be said of spirits who try to spread negative emotions such as fear, envy, and especially pride. Another clear mark of a low order spirit is one who promotes isolationism, as this helps malicious spirits retain more exclusive control over the medium and their environment (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #228, #248). It is also important to note that the quality of communications can also be affected by the experience of the medium as well as the level of affinity and connection between the medium and the spirit, as well as many other factors, so bad communications do not necessarily come from lower order spirits (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #230).

Spiritism teaches that mediums and those analyzing messages should educate themselves on the true nature of spirits and the spirit world, to help avoid deceptions, as well as harmful delusions Spiritists call fascinations (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #239). This message is attributed to St Augustine:

“The purest light is not eclipsed by any cloud; the flawless diamond is the one of greatest value, so judge the Spirits by the purity of their teachings. Do not forget that among spirits there are those who have not yet freed themselves from the ideas of earthly life. Learn to distinguish them by their language; judge them by the sum of what they tell you; see whether there is logical sequence in their ideas, and whether there is anything in what they say that reveals ignorance, pride or malevolence; in other words, whether their expressions are always marked with the stamp of wisdom that reveals true superiority.” (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Conclusion IX)

Spiritism recognizes that determining spirits’ moral qualities can be challenging, so despite the simple method, it is no simple matter.

A: In general terms, a medium is someone who can act as a means for Spirits to affect the physical world (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Introduction IV; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #159, #230). Spiritist doctrine describes several types of mediums, whose energy can be attuned to and used to accomplish different types of manifestation, from intelligent communication through various means to the movement of physical objects and sensory manifestation (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #159). A medium's energy is used by another spirit to create the manifestation (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #223 item 9).

Spiritism teaches that normally, a medium's energy can be used to create one specific type or a few different types of manifestation, that the types of manifestation a medium's energy can be used for depend on the medium (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #159). Mediums can be of any social standing or moral disposition, of any race, any gender, any age (Kardec, Spirits’ Book Introduction IV; Kardec, Mediums’ Book #200), and with or without faith (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #209). Being a medium in itself does not mean one is more biologically advanced, morally advanced, nor spiritually advanced than any other member of society (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #226 items 1-2).

Mediums who do not understand what is happening often develop fascinations, deep delusions which alter how they perceive the world, and this can lead to mental instability (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #228, #239). Spiritism teaches the best way to avoid such fascinations is through social interaction expressing charity and humility, through studying the nature of spirits and the spirit world, self-reflection, and self-improvement (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #303).

A: Mediums themselves are spirits bound within corporeal bodies, thus some can create similar effects by their own will, using their own energy (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #74 item 20). Such phenomena are effects caused by a single being, rather than a spirit and a go-between, so they should not be considered mediumistic in the literal sense of the word.

When a medium's own will affects a spirit message or manifestation, Spiritists (at least those from Brazil) refer to it as ‘animism’, and this is generally discouraged as it can corrupt the results of experimentation and communication (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #223 item 7). This is not the same as the common use of the word ‘animism’ in the English language.

A: Spiritism teaches that a spirit needs a specific type of energy in order to affect the physical world (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #74 item 15); this includes our own spirits, who need this energy to connect with our own corporeal forms (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #75-76). Spiritists call this ‘vital principle’, ‘magnetic fluid’, or ‘animalized fluid’, and it is something all living corporeal beings have (Kardec, Spirits’ Book #65-67). The qualities of this energy and the quantity depend on the being, and this determines what manifestations the energy can be used to create, as does spiritual affinity (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #74 item 19).

Spiritism explains that many people who do not understand their own mediumship may actually have their energy used to create manifestations without knowing what is going on (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #74 item 15). In this way, spirits can create physical manifestations which seem to not use a medium, but in fact, a medium is necessary in the process.

A: Spiritism teaches that mediums communicate more easily with spirits with whom they have a spiritual affinity: their current energy determines what sort of spirits can communicate with them (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #227, #230). Mediums who are virtuous normally communicate with spirits who are virtuous, as the similarity in their energy allows it. Mediums who harbour strong vices will communicate with spirits who also harbour such vices for the same reason. It is more difficult for virtuous spirits to get through to those harbouring strong vices, as it is more difficult for malicious spirits to get through to those who are virtuous (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #227). However, this does not mean that mediums who regularly receive messages from lower order spirits are necessarily of a low order themselves: such spirits may simply be looking for help, or there may be some other rational cause for a virtuous medium to be receiving such messages on a regular basis.

A: In general, according to Spiritist teachings, knowledge, self-awareness, self-discipline, and moral virtue are what protect a medium: knowledge of spirits and the spirit world reduces the medium's susceptibility to deception (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #303), self-awareness helps the medium understand their vices and any negative tendencies in their own behaviour, self-discipline helps combat them, and moral virtue allows virtuous spirits to aid the medium with guidance and protection (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #226-227).

During Spiritist meetings, corporeal participants will bring their personal guides and mentors as well as other spirits who want to learn or help out. The many good spirits attending assist in protecting and guiding the group, and this makes serious Spiritist meetings, especially those attended by the pure of heart, a relatively safe place to practice mediumship (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #231-233). Alone, a medium relies more exclusively on the spirits attending them, their own wits and perception, so it is generally easier for malicious spirits to affect them (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #239, #243 item 5).

A: Spiritism teaches that technically, all people are in fact mediums; most are unaware, so these innate faculties remain latent or suppressed by attunement to dense material. They can sometimes be developed, depending on the individual and the circumstance (Kardec, Mediums’ Book Intro, Ch XVII). 

A: The types of messages received during a meeting depend on the level of moral advancement and current state of mind of the mediums and the group (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #231-233), as well as a number of other factors. Experienced Spiritists will often hold mediumistic meetings with general or specific goals; for example, helping confused materialistic spirits better understand their situation so they can progress into a more unencumbered spiritual life. During mediumistic meetings, the messages depend on what the meeting is meant to accomplish, what the medium is attuned to, and what the good spirits guiding the meeting allow.

A: Spiritism teaches that any phenomenon can be explained rationally if one understands the physical and spiritual causes behind an effect; that all effects have a cause, and all phenomena, even those not understood, follow universal laws; also that spirits are themselves part of Nature, just as humans are (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #7-9, 15). This means Spiritism teaches that miracles do not exist, as the divine would not break its own laws (Kardec, Genesis Ch XIII #15; Kardec, Spirits’ Book #802); also that nothing is literally supernatural, as all beings and phenomena are a part of Nature (Kardec, Mediums’ Book #7-9, 15). Basically, Spiritism teaches how to understand seemingly irrational things in a rational way.

Kardec, Allan. The Spirits' Book. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble with Marcia M. Saiz, 3rd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. The Mediums’ Book, or Manual for Mediums and Evokers. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble with Marcia M. Saiz, 3rd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. The Gospel According to Spiritism. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble and Ily Reis, 2nd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. Spiritism in its Simplest Expression. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble with Marcia M. Saiz, 1st edition, International Spiritist Council, 2013.

Kardec, Allan. What is Spiritism? Translated by Darrel W. Kimble et al., 2nd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. Heaven and Hell, or Divine Justice According to Spiritism. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble et al., 2nd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. Genesis, Miracles and Predictions According to Spiritism. Translated by Darrel W. Kimble and Ily Reis, 2nd edition, International Spiritist Council, 2011.

Kardec, Allan. “Annual Meeting Commemorating the Dead.” Revue Spirite. Dec 1868. Translated online from Kardecpedia, accessed Jan 18, 2022. https://kardecpedia.com/fr/guide-d-etude/902/revue-spirite-journal-detudes-psychologiques-1868/6330/decembre/seance-annuelle-commemorative-des-morts

Kardec, Allan. “Spiritism is a Positive Science.” Revue Spirite. Nov 1864. Translated online from Kardecpedia, accessed Jan 18, 2022. https://kardecpedia.com/fr/guide-d-etude/898/revue-spirite-journal-detudes-psychologiques-1864/5679/novembre/le-spiritisme-est-une-science-positive

“Spiritist Insanity - Answer to Mr. Burlet, from Lyon.” Revue Spirite. Feb 1863. Translated online from Kardecpedia, accessed Jan 18, 2022. https://kardecpedia.com/fr/guide-d-etude/897/revue-spirite-journal-detudes-psychologiques-1863/5388/fevrier/sur-la-folie-spirite-reponse-a-m-burlet-de-lyon

“Servants - A Servant’s Story.” Revue Spirite. January 1863. Translated online from Kardecpedia, accessed Jan 18, 2022. https://kardecpedia.com/fr/guide-d-etude/897/revue-spirite-journal-detudes-psychologiques-1863/5371/janvier/les-serviteurs-histoire-dun-domestique