Seanssit

Seanssit are gatherings in which participants attempt to communicate with spirits of the deceased or other entities, often through a designated medium or via devices such as planchettes or tables. The term is used within spiritualist and related traditions as well as in some contemporary New Age practices. During a seanssi, participants may sit in a circle or around a table, sometimes in a dimly lit room, while a medium or facilitator facilitates or channels messages believed to originate from spirits. Activities can include spoken messages, automatic writing, or the apparent movement of objects.

Historically, seances emerged from 19th-century Western spiritualism and spread to various regions, including Nordic countries. Practices vary widely between groups and individuals. Some seances emphasize ritual structure, while others are less formal and focus on personal consolation, exploration, or entertainment. In addition to traditional trance communications, modern sessions may incorporate guided meditations or discussions about experiences of loss and memory.

From a scientific perspective, there is no reliable evidence that seances demonstrate contact with the dead. Reported phenomena are frequently attributed to psychological and social factors such as suggestion, expectation, confirmation bias, the ideomotor effect, or the influence of group dynamics. Proponents may interpret experiences as subjective or spiritual rather than empirical facts.

Ethical and legal considerations emphasize informed consent, transparency, and respect for participants and beliefs. Seances may be part of cultural or religious practice, but organizers and participants are advised to avoid manipulation or exploitation and to ensure the well-being of those involved.