Rebel Spirit Radio

Spirits, Seers & Seances with Steele Douris

Jan 12, 2024

Author Steele Alexandra Douris discusses her book on Victorian spiritualism, highlighting its connection to social justice, the gothic heroine archetype, and Christmas ghost stories. The podcast also explores the influence of Victorian aesthetics on modern culture, the origins of spiritualism in Hidesville, and the Victorian era's impact on the gothic genre. Lastly, it delves into the gothic Victorian atmosphere of Highgate Cemetery and the tradition of telling ghost stories during Christmas.

01:01:53

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Episode guests

Steele Alexandra Douris

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Quick takeaways

Spiritualism in the Victorian era was seen as a scientific investigation into spirit communication that gained popularity but later declined.

The Gothic aesthetic of the Victorian era influenced art, literature, and culture, portraying beautiful and tragic women and continues to resonate in modern culture.

Christmas in Victorian England was associated with ghost stories, reflecting the era's fascination with the supernatural and providing a space for entertainment and contemplation.

Deep dives

Spiritualism as a belief in communication with spirits

During the Victorian era, the spiritualist movement emerged, promoting the belief that anyone could communicate with spirits. Unlike other occult movements, spiritualists saw spirit communication as an innate human ability that could be improved upon. This belief set them apart, as they viewed it as something to be investigated and studied scientifically. The movement gained popularity in the mid-19th century, particularly in upstate New York with the Fox sisters. Spirit communication became a central focus, with seances and phenomena being recorded and observed. However, by the end of the 19th century, interest in spiritualism waned.

Introduction

2min

The Influence of Victorian Aesthetics on Modern Culture

9min

Origins of Spiritualism in Hidesville, New York

21min

Exploring the Victorian Era and the Gothic Genre

14min

Exploring the Gothic Victorian Atmosphere of Highgate Cemetery

2min

The Tradition of Christmas Ghost Stories

4min

Victorian Culture of Mourning and Grief

5min

Challenges of Technology and Urbanization

4min

Author Steele Alexandra Douris joins me in this week's episode to discuss her book Spirits, Seers & Seances: Victorian Spiritualism, Magic, and the Supernatural. Steele discusses the history of spiritualism, how it was sometimes a force for social justice, the archetype of the gothic heroine and the final girl, and how Christmas was the season for ghost stories.

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Steele Alexandra Douris

Instagram: @steelearcana

Spirits, Seers, & Seances

Lewellyn

https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738774619

Bookshop.org

https://bookshop.org/p/books/spirits-seers-seances-victorian-spiritualism-magic-the-supernatural-steele-alexandra-douris/19878136?ean=9780738774619

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