A Spiritualist Circle is a gathering of individuals who come together with the shared intention of connecting with the spirit world and developing their spiritual practice.
Often circles are intended to develop an individual’s clairvoyant gift, however there are also circles which focus on many other attributes of spiritualism such as healing circles or trance mediumship circles.
Spiritualist circles are usually have one or more leaders who have extensive experience in the subject matter and can support their circle members throughout their development.
Circles may be OPEN, meaning anyone can join at any time, or CLOSED, meaning that a select group of people are included and maintain the circle until it disbands.
At some point in the lifecycle of a circle, it’s members will practice the skills they have been developing. In the case of a clairvoyance circle this may be through fledgling events where several of the circle members give messages along side the circle leader.
The Origins of Spiritualist Circles
Spiritualism itself developed as a response to a widespread interest in the afterlife. In the UK this was largely spurred by experiences of loss during the Victorian era, when many people sought comfort in the possibility of communicating with loved ones who had passed on. While Spiritualism has its formal elements — including churches and services — the circle remains one of the most intimate and traditional aspects of our movement.
Today many spiritualist churches and centres run circles to develop new mediums and healers.
The Structure of a Spiritualist Circle
Spiritualist Circles are typically small gatherings, often held in private homes or Spiritualist Churches. The group will sit in a circle to promote a sense of unity and equality among participants. This arrangement symbolises the collective nature of the experience — everyone in the circle contributes their energy to the success of the session.
The session often begins with a prayer of protection or meditation to set the intention and raise the vibrational energy of the room, making it easier for spirits to make contact. A medium, if present, will often lead the group by tuning into the spirit world, although the collective energy of the participants is seen as equally important. Some circles are open to all participants attempting to connect with spirits, regardless of their level of experience.
Types of Spiritualist Circles
Spiritualist Circles can vary in their focus and approach. Some circles are open, welcoming anyone interested in exploring their spirituality or communication with the spirit world. These open circles are often more relaxed, providing a space for those who are new to the experience to develop their skills in a non-judgmental environment.
Closed circles, on the other hand, are typically composed of the same group of people who meet regularly. These participants often have a greater level of experience, and the closed nature of the group allows for more consistent energy to build over time, potentially enhancing the connection with spirits.
Healing circles are another type of Spiritualist Circle, where the focus is less on communication with spirits and more on sending healing energy to those in need. Participants in healing circles may offer prayers, visualisations, or even hands-on healing with the intent of helping others, both in the group and beyond.
What Happens During a Circle?
Each session is unique, as the experience depends on the energy of the group and the spirits that may choose to come forward. Common occurrences in a Spiritualist Circle include:
- Messages from spirits: A medium may relay messages from loved ones who have passed, offering comfort and guidance.
- Physical phenomena: Some circles experience physical manifestations such as raps, knocks, or changes in temperature, which are believed to indicate a spirit’s presence.
- Healing: Energy healing may be performed, either as part of the session or as a distinct practice. Participants may send healing intentions or energy to others in the group or even to people who are not present.
The Importance of Intention
The power of a Spiritualist Circle is often linked to the intention and openness of the participants. While sceptics may attend with a sense of curiosity, it is generally understood that the energy one brings into the circle has an impact on the outcome. Respect, openness, and a genuine desire to connect with the spirit world are seen as essential components for a successful and meaningful session.
The Role of Mediums
While not all Spiritualist Circles rely on the presence of a medium, many do. Mediums, trained to receive and interpret messages from the spirit world, play a pivotal role in guiding the group through the experience. However, Spiritualism teaches that everyone has the potential to develop mediumship abilities, and many people attend these circles to practice and refine their own skills under the guidance of a more experienced medium.
Why Attend a Spiritualist Circle?
People come to Spiritualist Circles for a variety of reasons. Some seek comfort and reassurance that their loved ones continue to exist in some form, while others are drawn by a deeper spiritual curiosity about life after death. Additionally, some people join circles to develop their psychic or mediumship abilities in a supportive and structured environment. Whatever the reason, the atmosphere in these circles is often one of mutual support, empathy, and shared spiritual exploration.
Conclusion
Spiritualist Circles offer a unique space where people can gather to explore the mysteries of the spirit world, develop their mediumship abilities, or simply seek comfort in the presence of like-minded individuals. Whether you are a seasoned medium or a newcomer to Spiritualism, participating in a circle can be a deeply enriching experience, allowing for personal growth, healing, and a greater understanding of the unseen world around us.
Many of the Churches and Centres in our Spiritualist Churches Directory will hold circles, why not reach out to your local spiritualist church and find out more!
Note: Some contents was produced with the assistance of AI tools. Edited by humans. Featured image generated using Adobe Firefly.
