Spiritualism: The Stories Behind the Sittings
- Gail Conners
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
The first National Woman’s Day in the United States was observed on February 28, 1909. By 1911, the observance had spread internationally, eventually becoming what we now celebrate each year on March 8 as International Women's Day.
But decades before that, something remarkable was already happening.
In the mid-1800s, during the rise of Spiritualism, women began speaking publicly, leading gatherings, and guiding conversations in ways that were rare for the time.
Séance circles — often held in parlors and small gathering rooms — created a unique space where voices could be heard equally around a table.
Many women who served as mediums also became lecturers, teachers, and thinkers. The circle quietly became one of the first places where women could speak with authority about the spiritual and philosophical questions of life.
This history feels very personal to me.
I grew up in Rochester, a region once known as the Burned-over District — an area alive with reform movements, new religious ideas, and powerful voices for change.
Women like Susan B. Anthony, who lived and worked in Rochester, helped lead the fight for women’s rights.
Not far away in Auburn, the extraordinary Harriet Tubman made her home after guiding countless people to freedom.
And it was in this same region that the early events associated with the Fox sisters helped ignite the Spiritualist movement in 1848.
Spiritualist circles were often led by women, but they were not exclusive to women. Men absolutely participated — and many were supporters of the movement, researchers, lecturers, and investigators.
In fact, one of the remarkable things about Spiritualism was that the circle structure itself was egalitarian. Everyone sat together, and anyone in the circle might receive impressions or messages. Men and women alike sat in those circles, asking questions, listening, and exploring the mysteries of life and spirit together.
Like many movements that challenge the boundaries of the known world, Spiritualism had its share of debate and controversy. But the circles continued — often led by women who held space for exploration, reflection, and connection.
Today, before International Women’s Day on March 8, I’m thinking about the women who sat at those tables before us.
Sometimes the most important conversations begin in small circles.
This weekend, as we gather once again around a small table for a Victorian Tea & Spirit Circle, I’ll be thinking about those earlier circles — the women who sat before us, asking the same questions about life, spirit, and the unseen world.
Spiritualism opened doors without closing others.
In many ways, we are simply continuing the conversation.
Tea Leaves and Spirit Voices, Sunday, March 8
Spirit Circle will follow the Victorian Tea at the Hotel Saint Nicholas, Cripple Creek - click here for more information.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the proximity of Rochester to the many women spiritualists that resided in Lilydale. As always though, your blog is rife with the most interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing!