Séances Flourish After World War I as Families Seek Closure

After the devastation of World War I, many families sought comfort through spiritualism, believing they could communicate with their deceased loved ones. One poignant example is the case of Raymond Lodge, a young British soldier who was killed in action at Ypres, France, in September 1915 at the age of just 26. Shortly after his death, Lodge purportedly contacted his father, Sir Oliver Lodge, a noted physicist and member of the Society for Psychical Research. This connection, facilitated by spiritualist medium Mrs. Osborne Leonard, sparked a surge in interest in séances during the post-war period.

Sir Oliver Lodge’s experience with Mrs. Leonard began with a message from his son stating, “TELL FATHER I HAVE MET SOME FRIENDS OF HIS.” This revelation included references to F.W.H. Myers, a deceased founding member of the Society. Initially skeptical, Lodge became increasingly engaged in lengthy séances, which led him to compile the messages into a book titled “Raymond, or Life and Death,” published in 1916. The book resonated deeply with grieving families, leading to multiple editions and copies being sent to soldiers at the front by their loved ones.

The roots of spiritualism trace back to the late 1840s, emerging as a practice that believed in the possibility of communicating with the dead. While interest waned at the turn of the century, the aftermath of World War I saw a remarkable revival. The profound loss experienced during the war—with nearly 9 million soldiers killed—created a fertile ground for séances, as families grappled with their grief.

The popularity of Lodge’s book prompted a wave of similar publications, where other families reported their own messages from deceased soldiers. One notable example is “Claude’s Book,” published in 1919 and “transcribed” from séances conducted by Claude’s mother, L. Kelway-Bamber. Inspired by the success of Lodge’s sittings, Kelway-Bamber enlisted Mrs. Leonard to connect with her son, further highlighting the rising demand for spiritualist mediums.

While modern audiences may view these séances with skepticism, dismissing them as the work of opportunists exploiting public grief, the cultural significance of spiritualism in this context is profound. The unprecedented scale of loss during the war left families devastated. The deaths of young men in their prime were not just personal tragedies; they were collective experiences, as entire communities mourned simultaneously.

Raymond Lodge’s story became emblematic of this grief, allowing families to feel a connection to their lost soldiers. Many wrote their own accounts not merely to capitalize on Raymond’s fame but to honor their own loved ones, making them feel special amid the collective mourning.

The emotional impact of being able to “speak” to deceased soldiers provided solace to many. The idea that these individuals found peace in the afterlife offered a sense of comfort, as families struggled with the harsh realities of war. As Raymond’s mother, Mary Lodge, poignantly noted, “We can face Christmas now,” encapsulating the profound relief that these communications provided.

Critics may argue that spiritualism exploits grief, yet it also served as a mechanism for healing in a time of overwhelming sorrow. The history of ghost-hunting and séances reveals not only fraudulent practices but also highlights a vital avenue for understanding human emotions surrounding death and loss.

By exploring the motivations behind the spiritualist movement from a compassionate perspective, we can gain valuable insights into the human experience, particularly during times of collective trauma. These encounters with the spirit world reflect a deep-seated need for connection and closure, illustrating how individuals sought to navigate their grief in the wake of profound loss.