The Sacred Origins of Mediumship: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Practice
Mediumship, the art of connecting with the unseen world, is often thought of today in the context of séances, spirit circles, or private readings. But the roots of mediumship stretch much deeper, weaving through the spiritual history of humanity. Far from being a mere curiosity or form of entertainment, mediumship was originally a sacred practice, serving as a bridge between the living and the spirit world.
Mediumship in Ancient Civilizations
For thousands of years, people have turned to spiritual intermediaries for guidance, healing, and insight. In the ancient Middle East and Egypt, rituals were performed to commune with ancestors and gods, ensuring harmony between the worlds. In China, spirit communication was seen as a way to honor ancestors, seek protection, and gain wisdom.
Perhaps the most famous example comes from Greece: the Oracle of Delphi. The priestess, in trance, became a vessel for Apollo’s voice, offering counsel to leaders and seekers alike. Here, mediumship wasn’t entertainment — it was central to religious and communal life.
Shamanic Roots: Healing and Protection
Across Indigenous and shamanic traditions worldwide, mediums — often shamans or medicine people — would enter altered states of consciousness through drumming, chanting, or plant medicines. In these journeys, they sought guidance from the spirit realm, not only for themselves but for the well-being of their entire community. Their role was healer, protector, and messenger.
The Rise of Spiritualism
Fast forward to the 19th century, and mediumship took on a new form during the Spiritualist movement. In Europe and the United States, people gathered in parlours for séances, seeking to hear from loved ones who had passed on. For many grieving families, mediumship was a source of deep comfort — a way to affirm that the soul continues its journey after physical death.
Mediumship Today: A Returning to the Sacred
In our modern world, mediumship is being rediscovered not only as a tool for personal connection with the departed but also as a pathway back to ancient wisdom. Its original purpose remains clear: to bring healing, guidance, and a reminder that we are never truly separate from the spirit world.
Mediumship, at its heart, is sacred service. It calls us to honour the unseen, to remember that love transcends the veil, and to walk with deeper awareness of the eternal bonds between souls. For me, this has been a lifelong path. I have been working with Spirit in this sacred way for many years, sitting privately for myself and for others in trance voice communication. This is how my connection began with Joshua, a spirit guide who has been with me for over 20 years. Through our work together, Joshua has shared wisdom, guidance, and teachings that continue to shape my spiritual practice and my service to others. If you feel called, you can listen to recordings of our communications at samantha-jayne.co.uk/joshua.