For a little over a year, I was a regular member and attendee of the Sunflower Chapel a charter of the National Association of Spiritualist Church’s in Dayton, Ohio. It was a unique and enlightening experience, filled with moments of warmth, discovery, and even disappointment. I’ll share some reflections on my time there, a bit about the history of Spiritualism, and my perspective on the reality of mediumship.

A Glimpse into Spiritualism

Spiritualism is a religious movement that began in the mid-19th century, focusing on communication with the spirits of the dead. At its height, it was a cultural phenomenon, with séances, table-tipping, and mediumship demonstrations that captivated audiences. Mediums like the Fox Sisters popularized the idea that the dead could convey messages, offering comfort and guidance to the living.

However, alongside the genuine belief and practice came fraud. The movement attracted charlatans who relied on cold reading, a technique of analyzing a person’s body language, appearance, and verbal cues to make seemingly psychic statements. While genuine mediums exist, the rise of false mediumship led to skepticism about the practice as a whole.

Signs of real mediumship include noticeable atmospheric changes, accurate personal details without prior knowledge, and a palpable presence of spirit energy. When these signs are missing, you’re likely witnessing an act rather than authentic spiritual work.

The Sunflower Chapel Experience

What drew me to Sunflower Chapel was its possible focus on mediumship development and the opportunity to meet others exploring similar paths. Each Sunday service included remarkable mediumship demonstrations, where congregants received spirit messages that resonated deeply.

The congregation was small, primarily older adults who were kind, knowledgeable, and welcoming. One such member, Desi, became a favorite of mine. Desi was a spitfire with a sharp wit and a playful habit of flirting with the men in a restaurant whenever we all went out to dinner after service. She also lived in an actual haunted house, a fact she shared with pride and a twinkle in her eye.

Unfortunately, despite the church’s charm, it faced many challenges. The building’s landlord sold the property, and the main minister, Miss. Francis, was hospitalized during this critical time. Without leadership to secure a new location, the church was forced to close.

Francis, though initially encouraging, revealed a complex and frustrating side of leadership. She basically suggested that I and a friend take ministry courses through the Morris Pratt Institute to prepare for potential leadership roles. While flattered, I was clear that I wasn’t a Spiritualist. I am basically a “born again” “fundamentalist” Witch. I simply wanted to hone my skills and learn from experienced mediums. I had on interest in converting or changing religions. This was a comparable opportunity to expand and explore spirituality in my mind. 

Her refusal to teach me directly without the prerequisite courses was disheartening. As a certified medium herself, it seemed she preferred to delegate rather than actively mentor. This dynamic reached a breaking point during a séance at her home.

In what was meant to be a sacred space, she theatrically “channeled” her spirit guide, Minerva, who chastised me for being Pagan while exploring Spiritualism. The performance felt contrived and manipulative, a misuse of mediumship that left me disillusioned. Especially coming from her. She was born and raised in the spiritualist faith, so I would have thought it meant more to her than that. I ended my association with her shortly after. I do miss her but that’s something I cannot look past. Authenticity is a big deal to me. 

Lessons in Mediumship

My experiences at the Sunflower Chapel (before and beyond but especially during) have taught me to discern real mediumship from performance. Genuine spirit communication has distinct markers:

1. Atmospheric Changes: A noticeable shift in the room’s energy or temperature when spirits are present.

2. Unexplainable Details: Specific, accurate information that could not have been guessed or researched.

3. Emotional Resonance: Messages that deeply connect with the receiver, often bringing comfort or closure or insight.

By contrast, cold reading involves fishing for clues or making vague statements that seem profound but are easily adaptable.

The Pros and Cons of Spiritualism

Pros:

• Provides comfort to those grieving, offering hope of continued connection with loved ones.

• Encourages personal development and self-awareness.

• Creates a community of like-minded individuals.

Cons:

• Vulnerable to exploitation by fraudulent mediums.

• Can foster dependence on external validation rather than inner growth.

• Blurred lines between genuine spiritual work and theatrical performance.

Looking Back with Fondness and Growth

Despite the ups and downs, I look back on my time at Sunflower Chapel with fondness. The congregation, particularly Traci (she relocated to a different state but encouraged me to stay close with Francis) and Desi, brought joy to my Sundays. The experiences taught me valuable lessons about mediumship and authenticity, as well as the importance of setting boundaries with teachers and spiritual leaders.

Although Spiritualism isn’t my path, I appreciate the sincerity of those who truly honor the religion and practice. I continue my journey with an open heart, seeking authentic spiritual connections and mediumship development.

It became evident that when you are exploring Spiritualism or mediumship you need to: trust your intuition, value genuine mentorship, and never stop questioning. Spirit work is sacred, and the right teacher or community will honor that truth.

The Aftermath and Continuing the Search

After stepping away from Sunflower Chapel and my association with Miss. Francis, I began to seek new opportunities to develop my mediumship. Unfortunately, finding a mentor who balanced integrity, accessibility, and genuine skill was not easy.

One teacher I encountered had incredible knowledge and a strong reputation. I trusted them entirely, but their advanced classes never materialized. They encouraged me to wait, but the delays grew frustrating, and the opportunity seemingly faded. They never got back to me about mentorship or any other possible opportunities. They are now relocating to a different state. I was willing to work with them, but for whatever reason it didn’t quite work out.

Another teacher, while highly accomplished and a wonderful community builder, presented a different challenge: their connection to someone I deeply dislike. This individual, a former student of the teacher, has a history of manipulation and deceit tied to someone I loved like family. Knowing they were involved in the same community poisoned the experience for me. I couldn’t stomach being part of a group that included them, no matter how much I respected the teacher.

This crossroads taught me two things: (1) the importance of ethical teachers and communities, and (2) the reality that personal biases can sometimes block us from otherwise enriching opportunities.

Grief, Healing, and Moving Forward

This search for mentorship intersected with personal grief. The loss of my chosen family member, a beloved aunt in spirit if not by blood, left a wound I continue to carry. Her passing serves as a reminder of why I began this journey in the first place: to honor the dead, seek their wisdom, and keep their memories alive.

Yet grief has also shown me the darker side of mediumship communities. When people exploit the stories of the departed, weaving lies for attention or profit, it dishonors their memory and cheapens the sacredness of spirit communication.

The letter my aunt wrote before her passing (addressed to her former friend, the one I dislike) remains a testament to their severed bond and the truth of their relationship. While I’ve never sent it, its existence reminds me of the importance of authenticity, even in the face of betrayal and loss.

Real Mediumship vs. Performance

In my search for genuine spirit communication, I’ve encountered both powerful, real experiences and disappointing acts of theatricality. The difference lies in intention and execution:

• Real Mediumship uplifts and provides healing. It’s grounded in humility, respect for the spirit world, and a genuine desire to help others. The medium acts as a conduit, with spirits guiding the experience.

• Performance Mediumship seeks to control the narrative. It often feels rehearsed, self-serving, or devoid of the subtle but undeniable spiritual presence that accompanies authentic work.

Signs of real spirit presence include:

• A noticeable change in the room’s energy, sometimes a chill, a heaviness, or an electric stillness.

• Specific messages that resonate deeply with recipients, often containing details unknown to the medium.

• A sense of comfort, closure, or peace that lingers after the session.

When these elements are missing, skepticism is warranted.

The Value of Community and Discernment

Looking back, I cherish the community I found at Sunflower Chapel, even if the experience ended with disillusionment. The elderly congregants, with their humor, wisdom, and kindness, made every service worthwhile. Desi, in particular, embodied the spirit of connection that makes such communities special. Her charisma and unapologetic zest for life left a lasting impression on me.

At the same time, my disappointment with Miss. Francis and her approach to mentorship taught me valuable lessons about discernment. Not everyone who claims spiritual authority truly embodies it, and not every community will align with your values or spiritual needs.

Closing Thoughts: Honoring the Dead and the Journey Ahead

My journey with mediumship is far from over. While my path hasn’t been easy, it’s been deeply educational. I’ve learned to differentiate between the real and the false, honor my boundaries, and stay true to my own spiritual path.

Talking to the dead is not a party trick or a performance, it’s a sacred exchange that requires integrity, humility, and care. Whether through formal study, personal practice, or connection with trusted mentors, I’ll continue to develop my skills with these principles in mind.

To anyone on a similar journey, I offer this advice: seek teachers who inspire trust, communities that uplift, and practices that align with your highest values. Mediumship is a profound gift, but like any gift, it must be handled with respect and responsibility.

As I move forward, I carry the lessons of Sunflower Chapel, the warmth of its congregation, and the memory of those who’ve guided me, both in this world and beyond. Let us honor the dead by walking our paths with honesty and love, keeping their wisdom alive through our actions.

Blessed Be!