A friend called from Toronto inviting me to a séance as one of the guests to be held in one of the well-known haunted houses. This was the big opportunity to communicate with a spirit from the ‘other side’ if that’s what I wanted.
He followed with, “I know you’re interested in ghosts, spirits and the paranormal, so what do you say?”
I’m in.
Now to brush up on séances, fairly sure there was a general format. Basically it’s an attempt to communicate with a spirit of your choice. In a session, people gather around with a medium who becomes the messenger for the spirits of all present.
There is a veiled warning. “ If you’ve never tried a séance before, you’re in for a spooky treat.” That made me a little more apprehensive than I already was. Details went on to say that the show will last about two hours, and you must be at least 18 years old to attend.
Another alert “If you’re considered someone who’s faint-hearted or weak, this séance experience may not be the best for you. But if you enjoy the paranormal, prepare for an exciting evening of reaching the other world.
We were on our way and finally got parked, right next to a funeral home, three blocks from our destination. Was that a portend of the evening, one that was unnaturally dark as we were just off the grid of downtown. Any talk between us seemed like mysterious whispering. Tension was in the air, rolling in like a fog.
Once inside, the 17 persons are seated at a round table and told to relax. Meanwhile we could prepare questions for the spirit we would be contacting. Using yes or no questions would bring clearer answers. Lights were dimmed and candles lit for the centre of the table.
Many people especially in the past did not believe in receiving messages in this way. However these days deeper mediums are proving beyond a doubt that communication is possible.
Hands are joined and now it’s time for the medium to focus on your dead relative or friend you want to meet by means of reciting an incantation.
We were to ask the spirit a question if sensing that it is near. Ask one question at a time and pause for several minutes to wait for an answer. Be sure everyone stays quiet since the presence of a spirit may be difficult to notice.
Pay attention to what’s physically happening in the room. Things like water being knocked over, a flickering candle, or a slamming door may be signs that a spirit is present. A séance can be an emotionally intense experience that elicits a range of different reactions. If someone is crying or upset, it’s best to end the séance or to allow them to leave.
The spirits would then answer their questions through a series of raps, or knocks, similar to someone knocking on a door.
A Séance is nostalgic, but it is also frequently hilarious. Part of the joy and sadness of Séances is that many possible narratives are created but they can be only heard the once before they disappear forever.
I was eager to hear from my maternal grandfather. As much of an effort as I could muster no contact was made. My friend wanted a message from his father, and he was in luck. Candles flickered like mad indicating a connection. He had all his questions affirmed. On the way home he was still emotional about the experience.
I guess I should have selected a younger relative from the other side.
