I've made the point recently that spiritualism isn't the same as Spiritualism.

Oh, sure, the spelling is the same but what's behind the just-noticeable difference between those words is a huge difference of approach, activity and content. So as they're different, what's a Spiritualist one might wonder? Before going into that it might be helpful to first say what a Spiritualist isn't.

A 'Spiritualist' isn't just someone who dabbles in this or that, not someone who is more interested in 'stuff' that's essentially psychic i.e. to do with people rather than with the spirit. She or he may, of course, also be interested in psychic or paranormal topics, interested in palm reading, Tarot, fortune-telling, counseling etc. but is persuaded and motivated by two issues far simpler and easier to define - our survival beyond corporeal death and evidence of that by way of communication through mediumship.

From accounts or direct experience of mediumship may be found evidence of the survival of family, friends, teachers and loved ones. An individual may be privileged to experience it for herself or to learn of it by seeing or hearing about the experiences of others. What is experienced or learned often fundamentally changes the path of someone's life and the way that individual thinks about life - not just about death.

Beyond that simplicity (s)he may research related issues but equally may be satisfied by just what she has found in those two simple notions of survival and communication through mediumship. Anything extra might be considered a bonus!

A Spiritualist is not required to accept any doctrine, attend any church or subscribe to any behaviors or practices to call or consider hersel/himself a Spiritualist.