Going to a Séance

By Elizabeth Russell

Séances started to become popular in the 1800’s with the founding of Spiritualism and have taken place everywhere from the Lincoln White House to just any house. We’ve all heard about how Harry Houdini’s widow began holding annual séances on Halloween to make contact with her deceased husband.

We’ve been terrified, intrigued and “educated” through books and movies over the years with sensational antics occurring during séances. Tables jumping, candle flames leaping, random items flying through the air. Rigged tables, powder and fishing line. And that’s what I thought it was all about until I entered the inner circle.

The experience is actually enlightening and exciting. Sometimes, the candle flame reaches for the ceiling and the temperature drops. We’ve even smelled a strong odor of alcohol. If you’ve seen mediums John Edwards or Lisa Williams work then you’re familiar with what we do, except that we have two mediums working together.

Folks sitting in the outer circle come for answers and since we have a small group, their chances of getting them is in their favor. We don’t guarantee that everyone will be read but we sure try for it. We have several folks (spirits) that have shown up looking to make a connection but their loved one hasn’t attended the séance yet. For example, there’s a man from India that’s stopped by at least twice without having someone from this side of life there to meet him.

When our group does the séance we know you come in with certain expectations and we hope to exceed them. But you actually need to prepare yourself for the evening just as we do. Start by calling in the loved ones that you’d like to hear from prior to your arrival. Bring a picture or keepsake with you. Keep an open mind and be upbeat. Positive feelings and thoughts actually raise the vibration and make it easier to connect. Negative feelings and attitudes can create an obstacle that makes it more difficult or impossible for connections to be made or in getting information. Fear being present in the outer circle can also inhibit connections. And the thing is, if you’re scared of what might happen at a séance then why did you come? Think about it this way, on a cloudy night you can’t see the stars but when the sky is clear and the moon is dark you can see the Milky Way!

Listen for the names and descriptions being called out. We might be getting a “Robert” and you’re hoping to connect with your husband, Bob. Let us know that it could be you. They don’t always give us the exact name or pronunciation and they will offer further identifying information. If you don’t claim them and later in the evening when you ask about them and they’ve already been there they may not be able to come back in. Also, keep in mind that it doesn’t matter where your loved one lived or died. If they know you’re at this séance and they want to speak to you, no geographical boundary will interfere. It’s not costing them $100 to fill their tanks and they are not looking for a connecting flight. They’re coming hell or high water!

Now all this said, it is entirely possible that the table may rise, an object may move under some unseen power or it may appear that the medium is physically changed in some way. These events may not ever happen but should it; there is nothing to be afraid of. The force behind these energetic occurrences is not negative. Someone has just dropped in to say hello!

395 Washington St Braintree, MA 02184

Braintree T Station (Approx 3/4mile)~ Take left out of Station until you reach Union Street. Take left on Union Street, go under the overpass, and go to end where you'll come to Washington Street. Take right on Washington Street. Open Doors is 3/4 mile on left, directly across from Seven-Eleven.

West of Braintree~ Take Route 95N to Exit 12 onto 93 North (or Route 128 South). Keep to your right going towards Route 3 South. Take the first Exit (Exit 18) on Route 3 South (Braintree, Washington Street, Adams T-Station Exit). At the end of the exit take a right onto Washington Street. OPEN DOORS is one block past the second set of lights (1/4 mile on the right), directly across from the Seven-Eleven.

Boston or North of Braintree~ Take Route 3 South. Take the first Exit on Route 3 South (Braintree, Washing Street, Adams T-Station Exit). At the end of the exit, take a right onto Washing Street. OPEN DOORS is one block past the second set of lights (1/4 mile on the right), directly across from the Seven-Eleven.

South of Braintree~ Take Route 3 North. Take the first Braintree exit (Union Street). Go 1/2 way around the rotary and exit right onto Union Street and follow to the end. Take a right onto Washington Street. OPEN DOORS is about 1/2 mile on the left, 2 blocks past the second set of lights. OPEN DOORS is directly across from the Seven-Eleven. There is ample additional free parking at the municipal parking lot behind OPEN DOORS.