Life During The Spiritualist Movement

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Hey Pumpkins! Slightly different post today. Recently I have been listening to an amazing podcast called 'Criminal'. If you are interested in true crime I highly recommend this podcast. (I have been listening to it on YouTube Music.) Anywho, one of their episodes caught my interest.

'Criminal' Episode 79: Secrets and Séances

This episode, 'Secrets and Séances', spoke about certain events in spiritual séances during World War II. We hear about a woman, by the name of Helen Duncan, a medium from Scotland who then moved to England. After performing many séances over the years she was later arrested for fraud...through a very controversial trial.

Who was Helen Duncan???
Helen Duncan

Helen Duncan brought many people some clarity and relief during the war. The séances that she performed were said to bring back the dead of grieving families who had lost someone to the war. After talking to a Navy soldier, in 1941, who passed with the sinking of the HMS, MI5 was suddenly on her tail. They claimed she was a threat as no one knew about the sinking of this ship, it had never been announced. 

Screenshot from Britain's Last Witch: Helen Duncan, The Spiritualist Medium. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The History Guy - History Deserves To Be Remembered

Being Exposed...Allegedly

With MI5 keeping a close eye on her, she soon became well-known. Scientists all over London were asking her to come and let them study her, curious as to what was happening. Understandably, scientists always need a logical answer. She was soon exposed for, allegedly, being a fake. It was said that everything that was seen was done through various tricks, often using light and cheesecloth. Eventually, she was sent to trial.

The Last Witch of Scotland

The Witchcraft Act of 1753 was an override of the Witchcraft Act of 1563. This Act stated that it was a crime to accuse someone of witchcraft and to practice witchcraft. It was said to bring an end to constant witch hunts and millions of murders. It was now illegal to make false claims about witchcraft. Everyone thought this would bring an end to the 'Kill all Witches' era. (Not the real name of it). In 1994 she was put on trial under the Witchcraft Act of 1753, which was still a legal act. Really, and most people seemed to agree, she was really being put away because the government was worried about her leaking secrets. Not a valid reason but hey that's what did and it was not appreciated. 

Life After Death

Helen was sentenced to 9 months in prison and forbidden from holding any more séances. Upon her release, she did, of course, hold one more. She was not arrested for this as she was said to be too old and frail to be put on trial. Turns out this was true and she passed soon after. However, passing is not the end. Many mediums would receive visits from Helen after her passing. She was still fighting for innocence. Her granddaughter continued to fight for her, many years later clearing her grandmother's name. Her granddaughter also influenced to end of the Witchcraft Act of 1753.

Screenshot from Britain's Last Witch: Helen Duncan, The Spiritualist Medium. Source: YouTube, Uploaded: The History Guy - History Deserves To Be Remembered

Rise of The Spiritualist Movement

Helen Duncan was an inspiration to many. Many saw that she was genuine, she was no fake, but others still disagreed. She inspired the rise of the Spiritualist movement all around the world. Becoming known as the Last Witch of Scotland...and England. Helen could finally rest in peace. Passing as a legend and true inspiration to many. 

What are your thoughts on the story, trial, and final peace of Helen Duncan? Do you believe in her innocence? Are you still skeptical? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Everyone has the right to their own opinion.

Let me know what you think of this post. What would you like to see next? Until next time Pumpkins!

Image by Aleksander Pasaric via Pexels

Emerald

Blessed Be

xxx


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