MEDIUMSHIP: PHYSICAL MEDIUMS
The following is a simple table with a brief definition of various types of physical mediums. These definitions are taken from the table of classifications found in Chapter XVI (item 189) of "The Mediums' Book." (Also see "The Mediums' Book": Ch IV, Theory of Physical Manifestations and CH V, Spontaneous Physical Manifestations). Note: Text in green
below highlights quotations from spirit communications, which Kardec included in
his explanations. |
Special Varieties of Physical Mediums |
Motor Mediums: Those who produce the movement of inert bodies. These are also very common. Mediums For Displacements and Suspensions: Those who produce the displacement of inert bodies and their suspension in the air without any visible prop. Among them are those who are able to raise themselves. These mediums are more or less rare, depending on the intensity of the phenomenon, and very rare, in the latter case. Mediums For Musical Effects: These produce the playing of musical pieces in certain instruments without human contact. Mediums for Apparitions: Those who provoke apparitions, whether fluidic or tangible, which are visible to onlookers. Very exceptionally rare. (see Ch XVI, starting at item 104) Mediums For the Transport of Objects: Those who are employed by spirits as aids in the transport of material objects. Variation of the motor mediums and mediums for displacements. Exceptionally rare. (see Ch XVI, item 96)
Pneumatographic Mediums: Those who obtain direct writing. This is a very rare phenomenon, and one easily imitated. (see Ch XVI, item 177). Remark: Our spirit-guides have insisted upon placing direct writing, contrary to our opinion, in the order of physical phenomena, because, according to them,
"This
faculty is not essentially medianimic; it appertains to all true
believers, whether mediums or not; it is often only a
super-excitement of the magnetic power, strengthened, if
necessary, by the co-operation of benevolent spirits."
Developing Mediums: Persons who, by their influence, have the power of developing the faculty of writing mediumship in others.
"This
is rather an effect of animal magnetism than a fact of
medianimity properly so called, for there is in it nothing that
proves the intervention of a spirit. In any case, it may be
classified under the heading of physical effects."
(See Part
Second, Chap XVII. Formation of Mediums.) |