From Spirit Trumpets to Spirit Boxes: Evolving Tools of Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC)

A Foot in Two Worlds

When most people think of ghost hunting today, they picture glowing gadgets, blinking lights, and static-filled voices from spirit boxes. But my own journey started somewhere much quieter—inside circles, with the traditions of Spiritualism, many years ago.

I was trained in old-school practices: listening in silence, sitting in the dark, and learning to use tools like the spirit trumpet, a cone-shaped instrument said to amplify the voices of spirits. These sessions weren’t about spectacle; they were about patience, focus, and respect for the unseen. Over time, I not only practiced but even taught others how to use these tools. That foundation shaped everything I do now.

The Old Tools of Spiritualism (But still practiced)

In the 1800s and early 1900s, Spiritualist mediums used objects, such as:

• Spirit Trumpets – lightweight cones believed to project whispers from beyond, and sometimes rapping's.

• Planchettes – predecessors to the Ouija board, rolling on wheels with a pencil to capture spirit words.

• Cabinets – small, enclosed spaces where mediums sat, focusing energy and producing phenomena.

Each tool carried symbolism: they weren’t just props; they were bridges between this world and the next.

A New Era of Tools

Today, the séance table has given way to the investigation field kit. Ghost hunters now bring:

• Digital Recorders – catching EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that the ear misses.

• Spirit Boxes – scanning radio frequencies where words and phrases sometimes emerge.

• EMF Meters – measuring spikes in electromagnetic fields.

• Cameras & Apps – providing visuals and real-time documentation.

To me, these modern gadgets aren’t replacements—they’re the evolution of the old tools. A recorder is simply today’s spirit trumpet. A digital log takes the place of the slate. The intention is the same: to give voice to what’s often unheard.

Bridging Past and Present

The greatest lesson Spiritualism gave me was that tools are only as meaningful as the respect you bring to them. Whether observing a trumpet in a darkened circle or a recorder in a haunted jail, the goal is the same: to listen, to witness, and to honor the spirits who step forward.

Every gadget I use feels connected to those early traditions. When I press record, I still remember the silence of the circle. When I hear a word through the static, I think of the first time a trumpet shifted in the dark.

Why Evolution Matters

For me, this blending of old and new is what keeps the work alive. Technology makes spirit communication accessible to more people, but the sacredness remains. My path isn’t about choosing between Spiritualism and modern ghost hunting—it’s about walking with a foot in both worlds.

Closing Thoughts

In The Shadows Paranormal exists to honor both history and mystery. From the tools of the séance room to the gadgets of today, every step is part of the same journey: keeping the voices from beyond alive.

Would you like to hear more about the old Spiritualist tools in future posts? Drop a comment—I’d love to share what I was taught in those circles.