The spirits of our departed ones occasionally interact with our tangible world to demonstrate their continued presence. They may rearrange items in our homes, such as keys, books, or decorative objects, particularly those that held sentimental value during their lives.

It is quite common for a beloved item to disappear from its rightful place, only to be rediscovered later in the most unexpected locations.

This type of spiritual activity tends to occur when we are reflecting on them, or during emotionally charged moments, serving as a comfort or affirming their presence. It is never arbitrary. It acts as a gentle reminder that their essence remains close by.

When I was about 20 years of age, I had an in-depth, personal session with a remarkable spiritualist medium whom I called Nan Lightfoot. My father learned about her through the nearby spiritualist church, and it turned out she was an elderly lady living just two blocks away from our home.

A lovely friendship quickly developed between us. I helped her with shopping and errands whenever possible, until I eventually departed England for an extended period.

After returning from grocery shopping and putting items away, Nan would brew us a cup of coffee. Throughout our numerous discussions, she would occasionally provide profound insights channeled from her spirit guides. Often, right amidst a regular conversation, she would unexpectedly switch from English to a broad Welsh dialect. These instances of Welsh conversations indicated that Nan was channeling a message from one of her ancestral guides.

Once you start discussing apports, you’ll be surprised at how many individuals recount experiences where items appeared in seemingly random spots, with no logical explanation for their presence ~ Chris Cliff

She would bow her head and recite something in Welsh, then abruptly cease. Coming out of her trance-like state with a bewildered look, she’d slowly roll her head before calmly delivering the English translation of her guide’s message.

During one of my initial channeling experiences with Nan Lightfoot, she mentioned a young spirit girl around me who identified herself as “Lali.” Nan explained how the little girl pointed towards a body of water and described her features in detail.

I instantly recognized who she was referring to. The girl had been my friend during my childhood in the Canary Islands. Like me, she was a lonely child from a show business family. Tragically, Lali drowned on the beach on Christmas Day, just before we left the Islands, and Nan indicated she had since connected with me.

However, what followed astonished me. Nan Lightfoot then shared, “Lali says she enjoys playing in your jewelry boxes.” I must confess I had often pondered why they were always in such disarray. The items would be tangled and messy, and being somewhat obsessive-compulsive about organization at that stage in my life, the chaos was perplexing. Now everything made sense. But it didn’t trouble me at all, as long as Lali was having fun!

A few years later, I considered that perhaps the trauma of Lali’s drowning and her attachment to me were hindering her from moving on. Thus, I worked on encouraging her to transition forward into the Light.

Apports were once a common occurrence in spiritualist séances, where mediums would produce flowers, fragrances, and bizarre objects claimed to be gifts from the present spirits ~ Lux Ferre

Apports Across Cultures & Spiritual Traditions

This captivating phenomenon holds longstanding cultural and spiritual importance across various belief systems globally. In these perspectives, the sudden and unexplained emergence of physical items is not merely a curiosity but a significant event interpreted as a direct form of communication from the spirit realm.

These items, often small and appearing ordinary, are seen as sacred gifts or symbolic messages. They serve to reassure the living of a loved one’s ongoing presence, signify a moment of spiritual awakening, or provide emotional closure. From ancestral offerings in indigenous customs to relic manifestations in religious mysticism, these occurrences have historically been honored as tangible expressions of the unseen, connecting the material world with realms beyond.

In Shamanic traditions across the Americas, Siberia, and parts of Africa, items such as stones, animal remains, or herbs are known to appear during rituals or healing ceremonies. These are interpreted as gifts from spirits, meant to assist in healing, divination, or convey messages from ancestral entities or nature spirits. In Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices like Santería or Vodou, items may manifest or be moved by spirits during rituals as part of offerings or messages from the orishas or ancestral spirits.

In Hinduism, instances of holy ash (vibhuti), sacred objects, or even food offerings cropping up during rituals or in the presence of advanced yogis are regarded as signs of divine intervention or blessings from deities. In Catholic mysticism, the sudden appearance or unprompted relocation of relics, rosaries, or objects associated with saints, sometimes during ecstatic experiences or at pilgrimage locations, is viewed as miraculous. Such apports are considered significant signs of divine presence or intervention.

In Spiritualism, this phenomenon is termed an apport. The term “apportation” denotes the spirit phenomenon where objects emerge, vanish, or relocate without any visible external cause. An object that appears or has been moved in this manner is termed an “apport.” Therefore, apports are items that materialize from thin air or are mysteriously relocated without being touched.

The word “apport” in spiritualism stems from the French term apporter, meaning “to bring.” One of the earliest documented instances of an apport occurred in 1819 during a séance attended by Dr. G. P. Billot. Midway through the meeting, a dove unexpectedly fluttered around the room and dropped three slips of paper, each inscribed with the name of a saint: St. Maxime, St. Sabine, and Many Martyrs. The occurrence was considered so momentous that it was recorded and subsequently published in 1839.

Apports gained traction during the height of spiritualism, particularly in Victorian-era séances. Physical mediums produced items like flowers, coins, or even live animals as evidence of spirit presence and communication. Famous mediums of the time, such as Daniel Dunglas Home and Eusapia Palladino, became well-known for their impressive physical mediumship demonstrations featuring apports. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also extensively discussed this phenomenon.

In recent years, the topic of apports has largely waned among spiritualists and is not as frequently examined or analyzed as in prior times. Nevertheless, it remains a subject of interest for certain researchers and paranormal enthusiasts ~ Steve Parker

Research On Apport Phenomena

While apports are often linked to Victorian séances and ancient mysticism, contemporary research shows this phenomenon continues to captivate scientists, psychic investigators, and spiritual practitioners alike. Recently, a series of well-documented cases have emerged, demonstrating that apportation is not simply an ancient myth or deception, as is frequently assumed.

From controlled séance experiments to spontaneous materializations recorded by modern technology, these recent accounts provide compelling evidence that the spirit world’s capacity to influence matter is valid, though elusive.

Some of the most intriguing modern examinations of the apport phenomenon include:

Amyr Amiden (1993 – 1994)

Noted parapsychologist Stanley Krippner reported on the fascinating case of Brazilian psychic medium Amyr Amiden. Known for his knack for manifesting apports, Amiden participated in a series of controlled studies. During trance-like states, he produced small items such as gemstones, jewelry, coins, and medallions, often under rigorous observational guidelines.

What made these sessions particularly intriguing for researchers was not solely the spontaneous appearance of objects, but also the environmental anomalies linked to them. Krippner and his team documented unusual variations in the Earth’s magnetic field coinciding with several apport events. These geomagnetic variations, although subtle, hinted at a potential connection between changes in the electromagnetic landscape and the facilitation of paranormal events.

The Scole Experiments (1993 – 1998)

Carried out by David Fontana, Arthur Ellison, and Montague Keen in the UK, the Scole circle produced physical mediumship occurrences, including apports, direct voices, and materializations of objects. Researchers captured photographs, audio recordings, and claimed physical artifacts. Despite being contentious due to methodological objections, it remains one of the best-documented modern séances featuring apports.

Herbert Baumann (1965 – 1985)

Herbert Baumann, a German physical medium who operated under the alias “Jons Dave,” was meticulously studied by Illobrand von Ludwiger, a friend and direct observer of over 100 spirit apports. These apports were noted both during séances and in ordinary life.

Many of the stones he apported contained distinctive, unexplained internal crack formations that rendered them fragile and unlike any natural damage; this perplexed jewelers and scientists alike. Analyses failed to reproduce the unique crack patterns or thermal signatures of these items under controlled conditions.

Baumann’s apports often occurred in conjunction with trance states, poetic expressions from spirit communicators, and a noticeable warmth upon their arrival. Occasionally, items would show up in sealed containers, float in mid-air, or emerge from his body. Some seemed to be produced on request or appeared following specific requests from participants.

Jack Hunter

Dr. Jack Hunter, an anthropologist focused on the study of the paranormal, investigated modern mediumship for his Ph.D. His work Manifesting Spirits (2020) is a direct outcome of this research, centering on a private spiritualist group based in Bristol, UK.

Hunter applies meticulous and advanced methods to study these events, improving upon the documentation techniques used a century ago. His findings indicate that physical mediumship, where spirits produce tangible effects like knocking, moving items, and apports, is still actively practiced in private séances and circles around the world. The experiences reported are remarkably similar to those described by participants in the 1800s and early 1900s during the rise of spiritualism.

UPIDE Spontaneous Psychokinesis Case (2021 – 2022)

A notable modern case of apports was examined in Mexico City from 2021 to 2022. Researcher D’León Macías and the UPIDE group investigated a married couple who experienced the unexpected appearance of coins, medals, wilted flowers, and even apples in their residence. This is a classic indication of the apport phenomenon, which was once prevalent in 19th-century spiritualism.

The incidents predominantly centered around the husband but also occurred in the presence of the wife. To unravel the enigma, researchers equipped infrared cameras, conducted psychological and neurological assessments, consulted spiritual practitioners, and documented real-time footage of coins manifesting. This case exemplifies one of the few contemporary inquiries that fuses scientific exploration with spiritual insights into spontaneous spirit phenomena.

What exactly apports are remains uncertain. All that is known is that these items are as tangible as any material object can be. The origins of these objects are harder to identify ~ Jaime Licauco

How Spirit Manifests Messages Through Matter

A wealth of documentation exists regarding apports as signs, tokens, or mementos from the spirit realm. Shells, small keepsakes, fossils, coins, feathers, flowers, and even items previously misplaced by the participants can abruptly emerge from nowhere. These objects fit into several captivating categories:

Natural Objects: Flowers, leaves, pebbles, crystals, feathers, and even small birds or insects may appear as signs from the spirit world. These gifts act as gentle reminders from nature, imbued with spiritual significance.

Personal Items: These can be jewelry, tokens, or other significant objects associated with a deceased loved one. Their sudden return commonly represents a direct and heartfelt message that their spirit lingers nearby.

Symbolic Objects: Some items possess a unique, often private significance for the recipient. Although they may seem random or trivial to others, they carry profound symbolic meaning for the individual fortunate enough to encounter them. These objects can provide insight, affirmation, or emotional clarity.

Sacred / Ritual Objects: Apports may sometimes take on the form of spiritual or religious items such as prayer beads, crosses, or protective amulets. These are typically seen as signs of divine support or reassurance during moments of spiritual awakening or necessity.

Scent Apports (Clairolfaction): An inexplicable and sudden fragrance, such as that of a specific flower, their beloved perfume, or even the scent of cigarette smoke, may arise without a physical source. These aromas often represent the spirit’s signature or a means of announcing their presence.

Taste Apports (Clairgustance): This less common type of apport consists of an unanticipated taste in the mouth, often linked to a loved one’s favorite dish or a shared memory. These flavor impressions extend subtle comfort, connection, or emotional messages from beyond.

Even though public séances featuring dramatic apparitions and apports are less frequent today, the fundamental understanding of these spirit interactions remains both significant and valid. In modern households, the phenomenon of apports often surfaces in more nuanced ways. For example, one might rediscover a long-forgotten item or find a loved one’s gift in an unexpected location.

If you have encountered similar unexplained occurrences at home, the concept of apports provides a meaningful framework. It validates these events as authentic spiritual activity and can bring comfort, a sense of connection, or even a glimpse into the continuity of consciousness beyond this existence.

Apports, even when not directly experienced, remain a potent symbol within spiritualism. They illustrate the potential for spirits to influence the physical world and reflect the profound interconnectedness of all realms of existence.

The phenomena surrounding apports are not characterized by sensational displays, but rather by the quiet, significant moments of interaction between the spiritual and physical dimensions, often taking place within the private, sacred space of one’s home. They function as reminders that reality is continually evolving and that the spirit realm is always nearby, gently impacting our lives in invisible ways.

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Table turning, often referred to as “table tipping” or “table tilting,” is an intriguing method of spirit communication that takes place during séances.

This practice involves individuals positioning themselves around a table, lightly resting their hands on its surface to establish a connection with spirits. The table may then move, tilt, or, in extraordinary instances, float or rotate in reply to inquiries made to the spirit realm.

The phenomenon of table turning rose to fame in the mid-1800s, a period when Spiritualism was rapidly gaining traction across Europe and North America. People were captivated by the potential of reaching out to the afterlife, making séances a popular social event.

During that era, individuals lacked the resources or easy access to mediums and channelers available today. Small circles of family and friends would convene to engage with the spirit world.

Table turning was deemed an entertaining way to amuse guests at social functions and was even classified as a parlor game. Notably, Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Lincoln, is said to have participated in and even organized séances in the White House.

Prominent spiritualists of the time, including the Laurie family and Nettie Colburn Maynard, reportedly joined the Lincolns during their séances. Mrs. Lincoln exhibited a profound interest in spiritualism and mediumship, especially following the deaths of her children, Edward and later Willie.

While accounts of table turning can be traced back to the second century, its surge in popularity during the 19th century is primarily linked to the renowned Fox family in Hydesville, New York. In 1848, reports of poltergeist activities led to strange knocking sounds and the movement of tables.

The applications of table tipping are diverse and rich, unveiling a magnificent world filled with potential — one where this connection with spirit benefits not just you but also those around you who may not even be present at the table ~ Teresa Lally

By the 1850s, table turning had become a widespread sensation in America, enthralling many, and in 1852, two American mediums, Mrs. Hayden and Mrs. Roberts, brought the practice to England.

Within a year, the activity gained tremendous popularity nationwide, leading to fashionable events known as “tea and table turning” parties. Even Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were reported to have attended table-turning séances.

However, there was a notable backlash from religious groups, with clergymen attributing the phenomenon to demonic forces and numerous scientists dismissing it as folly or deception.

Table Turning Skepticism & Research

Michael Faraday, a British scientist renowned for his groundbreaking work in electromagnetism, electrochemistry, and parapsychology, endeavored to apply scientific principles to investigate supernatural occurrences. He performed experiments on table turning and eventually concluded that the movements were the result of the ideomotor effect — unconscious muscular actions causing participants to push the table without being aware.

Yet, Faraday’s theory didn’t elucidate all observed cases. There have been documented instances of tables tilting and even floating without any physical contact. A notable incident was recorded in 1853 in Valleyres, Switzerland, where Count Agenor de Gasparin, a French scholar and paranormal researcher, chronicled a heavy table’s remarkable movements without any direct touch. Even when bags of sand and heavy stones were placed on it, it lifted multiple times before ultimately disintegrating.

The subsequent year, Marc Thury, a physics professor at the University of Geneva and a colleague of Gasparin, conducted his own investigations. Thury reported observing a piano move seemingly on its own, attributing the occurrence to psychokinetic forces from a young boy nearby, who lacked the strength or opportunity to move the piano himself.

In 1869, the London Dialectical Society formed several committees consisting of scientists, clergymen, and laypeople to examine spiritualist phenomena like table turning and spirit communication. Sub-Committee No. 1 specifically documented various instances of table movements and levitation occurring without any physical contact. Some initial skeptics among committee members converted to believers after witnessing the phenomena with their own eyes.

Further evidence was recorded in the early 20th century. Mediums like Indridi Indridason from Iceland and Kathleen Goligher from Ireland were subjects of thorough scientific studies, with numerous observers reporting remarkable and unexplained table movements during their séances.

As recently as the 1970s, researchers such as Kenneth Batcheldor and Colin Brookes-Smith executed experiments demonstrating that tables could move under regulated conditions — some even soaring several feet into the air! Their findings remain a significant aspect of parapsychological research history.

Then the table commenced rising from the ground, reaching a height of about twelve to eighteen inches, remaining suspended and perfectly level. We were permitted … to enter beneath the clasped hands of the sitters into the circle and attempt to force the table down. We both found it impossible to do so ~  William Barrett

How To Conduct A Table Turning Séance

Preparation: Creating the right atmosphere is key. Arrange your table in a serene, dimly lit space devoid of distractions. Employ candlelight or soft illumination to foster a tranquil, welcoming environment. Soft music or incense may also enhance the ambiance.

Gathering: Organize a setting around a fitting table, such as a card table or small wooden table. Table turning is most effective with a small group containing at least two and no more than seven participants. Everyone should approach the session with openness, calmness, and focus. Lightly place your fingertips on the table’s surface — avoid pressing down. Keep your arms relaxed to create a gentle and connected energy flow.

In my experience, every table moves — regardless of size, yet I believe a wooden pedestal table works best. Initially, I used an ornate antique for my first table. After an extensive search and investment of time and resources, I realized that antiques were not practical for teaching table turning classes. One day, while shopping for Christmas decorations, I stumbled upon several cute little wooden octagonal pedestal tables offered at a very reasonable price — just the right dimensions for comfortable use. They work wonderfully.

Invocation: Commence with a brief grounding and protection prayer, meditation, or ritual, such as envisioning a circle of light or an energy shield, calling on spirit guides or ancestors, or surrounding yourself with a protective circle of angels. It’s crucial to acknowledge that all types of spirits may wish to communicate, so seek only the highest, most beneficial insights for everyone present. Dedicate a few minutes to silence or guided meditation to elevate the group’s energy.

Invitation: Ideally, designate one individual to speak for the group. Invite the spirit to step forward and communicate. Keep the invitation clear, respectful, and aligned with your intention. Maintain stillness, attentiveness, and patience.

Activation: Initially, you may perceive a tapping or knocking sound. With time and patience, the table may start to feel vibratory and begin to move gradually. Eventually, it might rock, tap, or lift from one side. Sometimes people find it necessary to stand to keep pace with it. It could engage in a little dance or even traverse the room — with the group closely trailing to maintain contact with the table. If needed, you can ask the table to settle down. Most spirits are eager to oblige and get to work, although some may require several requests.

It may take a few minutes or multiple sessions to stimulate spirit activity, so it’s essential to exercise patience. Sustain a high energy level and steer clear of doubt or distraction. Always prioritize the emotional and energetic safety of all participants.

Communication: Once the table’s activity has stabilized, set communication guidelines, such as, “Spirit, please tilt the table once for yes, twice for no.” Pose clear, respectful inquiries. Observe and be attuned to the table’s movement responses. Avoid coercion — table movement should emerge organically and not be forced.

You might also circulate around the table to determine with whom the spirit wishes to communicate. Occasionally, the table will instinctively move toward that person without being prompted! Once it’s ascertained who the spirit is engaging with, the dialogue can commence. The participant might inquire, “Are you my grandmother?” or even name a relative, friend, or a cherished pet, etc. It’s also valuable to jot down a few questions from each attendee prior to initiating the session.

Closing: Conclude the session by expressing gratitude to the spirit and disbanding the circle respectfully and calmly. Initially, keep sessions brief (not exceeding 20 to 30 minutes).

I’ve had many remarkable experiences with table tipping. The table can move in various ways — lifting an inch off the floor, swaying, and sometimes even going fully upright. While I’ve yet to see a tabletop fall, we’ve observed tables coming loose or developing cracks from all the paranormal activity. (Not an ideal situation for antiques!)

Occasionally, the table will gently tip into a sitter’s lap. I like to think of this as a “spirit hug.” It can evoke strong emotions. Sitters may laugh or cry, but more often, they feel grateful for having witnessed this extraordinary phenomenon.

I’ve even been fortunate enough to join a group of medium friends at a historic table that once belonged to the esteemed spiritualist Harrison D. Barrett. He was a pivotal figure in the Spiritualist community of the 1800s and served as President of the National Spiritualist Association of Churches (NSAC) in both the United States and Canada. His aim was to establish Spiritualism as a legitimate religious philosophy, merging scientific exploration with spiritual beliefs.

Exploring the Captivating Phenomenon of Table Turning

Table turning, also termed table tipping or table tilting, is a captivating phenomenon that has fascinated and mystified individuals for ages. This practice involves a table being moved or tipped without any discernible physical force acting upon it. While some dismiss it as mere trickery or deception, others regard it as a genuine paranormal event. In this discussion, we will delve into the history, theories, and possible insights surrounding this captivating phenomenon.

Historical Overview of Table Turning:

Table turning gained traction during the 19th century as part of the spiritualist movement. Spiritualism emerged as a belief system in the mid-1800s, emphasizing the notion that the living could establish communication with the spirits of the departed. Table turning became a standardized practice during séances, where individuals gathered around a table, placed their hands upon it, and endeavored to communicate with spirits.

The Phenomenon Unfolded:

During a typical table turning session, participants usually form a circle around a table, lightly resting their hands on its surface. They then pose questions or make requests to the spirits, anticipating a response. In some instances, the table may exhibit vibrations, movement, or even levitation. The motions are frequently described as gentle, but they can also be vigorous and rapid at times.

Theories and Possible Explanations:

1. Ideomotor Effect: One of the prevalent explanations for table turning is the ideomotor effect. This psychological phenomenon indicates that unintentional muscle movements can ensue without conscious awareness. When participants touch the table, subconscious desires or anticipations may trigger slight movements, giving the appearance of the table moving.

2. Group Psychology: Another theory posits that table turning arises from group psychology and suggestion. When people congregate around a shared belief in the paranormal, they may unconsciously affect one another’s actions. This collective energy can manifest as table movement.

3. Supernatural or Spiritual Explanation: Some advocates of table turning assert that the phenomenon is authentically supernatural or spiritual in nature. They believe that spirits or otherworldly beings are behind the movements. However, this argument remains speculative and subjective due to a lack of solid proof.

4. Physical Forces: Skeptics often attribute table turning to physical factors such as vibrations, uneven surfaces, or subtle air currents. These elements can cause the table to shift or tip, presenting an illusion of paranormal activity. Nonetheless, this reasoning fails to account for scenarios wherein the table moves against gravity or when numerous observers witness the event.

In Summary:

Table turning continues to intrigue and captivate individuals globally. Whether a result of psychological factors, group dynamics, or authentic paranormal activity, the phenomenon remains a topic of debate and fascination. While skeptics may regard it as mere mental trickery, others find themselves drawn to the potential for connecting with the unknown. Regardless of personal beliefs, table turning serves as a testament to the enduring mysteries that inhabit our world, awaiting exploration and understanding. Continue reading →