Spiritualism is a religious movement and philosophy centered on the belief that the human soul or consciousness continues to exist after the physical body dies and can communicate with the living, usually through a medium in a trance state during séances, which involve physical phenomena such as moving objects or messages, and emphasizes that reality has both material and spiritual components. It's a system of beliefs and practices that became popular in the 19th century, focusing on personal exploration, healing, and proving life after death. The ability of certain individuals (mediums) to act as intermediaries, channeling spirits. Gatherings where mediums attempt to contact spirits, often involving trance states and manifestations. Spirits may create physical phenomena, like moving objects or producing ectoplasm, to prove their presence. The universe is composed of both a material world and an eternal spirit world. A formalized religious movement with churches and organizations, like the Spiritualists' National Union (SNU). A belief that spirit is the fundamental reality, opposing materialism. It grew significantly in America and Europe after the mid-19th century, spurred by phenomena like the Fox sisters. Often considered a science, philosophy, and religion, providing comfort and proof of an afterlife.