THE RAPPERS, 1854

The rush to consult the spirits, both in what are called public and private circles, is so great, that, could New York be unroofed, either in the day or at night, a spectacle of Spirit Rapping would be exhibited, which would astound the public by the magnitude of its extent and almost ceaseless continuance. From morning until noon, from noon until night, and from night until morning again, in parlors where flashing mirrors reflect rosewood, and velvet, and silver, and gold; in humble rooms where the floors and walls are bare, the tables are placed, and around them, men and women, with their hands spread out, and eyes fixed as if on vacancy, arare seated, waiting for communications from the Spirit World.

(Anonymous, The Rappers)

A young woman sits with her hands on a table, looking shocked as it seems to hover under her. Next to her two men and an older woman watch amazed, while two other men hover over her shoulder, observing the strange table.

There is a misconception that the Victorians were always sticklers for propriety and modesty. While this was certainly true in public, it was another matter entirely in private. Table turning parties were the perfect excuse for men and women to gather in dimly lit rooms and hold hands under tables. The author of The Rappers, only credited as “Searcher After the Truth”, also mentions that “even good spirits, when holding communication with mortals, will often joke”. As mediums realized they could make a career out of speaking to spirits, their spectacles became increasingly fantastic and hilarious.

“Searcher After Truth” mentions six kinds of mediums:

• Rapping Mediums, being those persons through whom the supposed spirits manifest themselves- sounds on the table or other places.

• Tipping Mediums, being those persons through whom the supposed spirits manifest themselves by tipping tables, etc.

• Speaking Mediums, being those whom the supposed spirits throw into a state of entrancement, and then speak through them.

• Singing Mediums are those through whom the supposed spirits sing by means of entrancement.

• Writing Mediums, being those of whose hands the supposed spirits take possession, and compel them to write as they, the spirits, dictate.

• Impressible Mediums, being those whom the supposed spirits impress to think as they, the spirits, wish.” (Anonymous, The Rappers).