The belief system of Spiritualism shares some common ground with Christianity in terms of theistic belief – the belief in a God or higher power. However, what sets it apart is not merely a belief, but a potent conviction. It holds that contact with the spirits of the departed is not just possible, but tangible and real. Gifted individuals or those trained to become mediums are believed to bridge the gap between the living and the departed, unveiling profound insights about the afterlife, and providing a glimpse into the unseen dimensions beyond our mortal existence.

This unswerving belief in spirit communication - in the possibility of dialogue across the ethereal divide between life and death - is what makes Spiritualism such a distinct, compelling exploration of spirituality, offering a captivating chapter in our ongoing exploration of spiritual beliefs and practices.

This spiritual current, much like a river gaining strength from tributaries, built its force across the United States, cresting a wave of popularity from the 1840s to the 1920s, especially in regions where English was the common tongue. Imagine the timescale - decades filled with exploration, discovery, and newfound spiritual connection, creating a vibrant tapestry of belief and practice.

As we step into the year 1897, we find this powerful current claiming the hearts and minds of over eight million followers - a staggering number, especially for its time. These followers were not merely clustered in the United States, but were scattered across the broad expanse of Europe, forming a spiritual network that spanned continents. Interestingly, it was the middle and upper classes that found themselves drawn to Spiritualism, perhaps seeking solace or deeper meaning beyond their material comfort.

An important detail to note is how the movement struck a resonant chord with women of the era. At a time when women's roles were often restricted, Spiritualism stepped forth with an invitation, offering them significant and respected roles as mediums and trance lecturers. This was a rare platform that honored their intuitive abilities and spiritual potential, contributing to the movement's appeal.

Remarkably, this spiritual wave managed to crest and roll for half a century without being anchored to canonical texts or the rigidity of formal organization. Instead, it wove a unity of belief through different threads - insightful periodicals that carried the movement's ideas, touring trance lecturers who shared wisdom from town to town, camp meetings that fostered spiritual community, and the committed missionary endeavors of skilled mediums. Each of these elements created a diverse yet harmonious patchwork, keeping the essence of Spiritualism alive and vibrant.

As we flip back the calendar pages to the late 1840s, we find ourselves in a time when séances - sessions communicating with spirits - were making waves in the societal landscape. This was, in large part, due to the Fox sisters, a trio who sparked a profound fascination with the spiritual world. These séances, along with practices like automatic writing - a process of jotting down thoughts from the subconscious, or even the spiritual realm - and the use of Ouija boards - tools believed to channel messages from the 'other side' - quickly began to captivate people, offering them an intriguing blend of spiritual enlightenment and entertainment.

As time passed, however, the turn of the century in the late 1880s brought with it a shadow of skepticism. Accusations of deceit among mediums, those individuals claiming a special ability to communicate with spirits, cast a cloud over the movement's credibility. This led to a shift, prompting the birth of formal Spiritualist organizations, which aimed to provide structure and authenticity to the practice.

Fast forward to today, and you'll find that the threads of Spiritualism continue to be woven into the spiritual fabric of our times. While the faces and names might have changed, the essence of the belief endures. It thrives, primarily through various denominational Spiritualist Churches, creating a spiritual tapestry across the United States and the United Kingdom. These churches serve as beacons, carrying the torch of Spiritualism forward, lighting the path for those seeking to explore this intriguing spiritual avenue.

Parallel to this, a French variant of the movement, known as Spiritism or French Spiritualism, emerged in the 19th Century. This was largely based on the five books penned by French educator Hypolite Léon Denizard Rivail, also known as Allan Kardec.