Automatic Writing and Spiritism: Understand the Relationship Between Practices

The Connection Between Automatic Writing and Spiritism

Automatic Writing is one of the most important practices within Spiritism, serving as bridge between material and spiritual worlds. Through mediumistic writing, messages from spirits are transmitted to incarnates, providing consolation, guidance, and confirmation of continuity of life after death.

What is Spiritism?

Spiritism is philosophical, scientific, and religious doctrine codified by Allan Kardec in 19th century. Based on five main books known as "Spiritist Codification", spiritist doctrine teaches:

• Existence of God as supreme intelligence
• Immortality of soul
• Communication between living and dead
• Reincarnation as evolutionary process
• Law of cause and effect (karma)

Automatic Writing in Spiritist Doctrine

According to The Mediums' Book, fundamental work of Spiritism, automatic writing is classified as one of most common forms of mediumship. Allan Kardec described different types of automatic writing:

1. Mechanical Automatic Writing

Medium has no control over what writes. Hand moves automatically, guided by communicating spirit.

2. Intuitive Automatic Writing

Medium captures spirit's thoughts and transcribes with own words, maintaining essence of message.

3. Semimechanical Automatic Writing

Intermediate form where there is partial control of medium, but with strong spiritual influence.

Importance of Automatic Writing in Spiritist Movement

Automatic Writing plays crucial role in Spiritism for several reasons:

Proof of Immortality

Spirit-Written letters frequently bring intimate details only deceased and family knew, serving as evidence of continuity of life after physical death.

Consolation to Bereaved

Receiving message from loved one through automatic writing provides immense emotional comfort and relief from suffering caused by loss.

Spiritual Guidance

Many automatic-writing messages contain moral and spiritual counsels, helping incarnates in their evolutionary process.

Dissemination of Doctrine

Spirit-Written works like those of Chico Xavier and automatic writing helped spread spiritist teachings worldwide.

Great Spiritist Psychographer Mediums

Chico Xavier (1910-2002)

Most universally known Brazilian medium, Francisco Cândido Xavier automatic-writing over 450 books attributed to various spirits, including Emmanuel, André Luiz, and Meimei.

Divaldo Pereira Franco (1927-)

Bahian medium who has automatic-writing over 250 works, being world reference in lectures and spiritist works.

Yvonne do Amaral Pereira (1906-1984)

Brazilian medium author of important automatic-writing works about life in spiritual plane.

Zilda Gama (1878-1969)

Pioneer of automatic writing in Brazil, known for her consoling letters to grieving families.

How Automatic Writing is Viewed in Spiritism

Within Spiritist doctrine, automatic writing is considered:

A Natural Gift

Psychographic mediumship is viewed as natural faculty some people possess, not considered supernatural or miraculous.

A Moral Responsibility

Spiritist mediums are guided to use their faculty with responsibility, humility, and charity, without charging for mediumistic work.

Tool for Study

Spirit-Written works are important sources of study for Spiritists, complementing teachings of Allan Kardec.

Controlled Practice

Spiritism recommends automatic writing be practiced in adequate environment, preferably in spiritist centers, with preparation through prayers and in group.

Differences Between Spiritist Automatic Writing and Other Practices

Important to distinguish spiritist automatic writing from other forms of automatic writing:

Objectives

Spiritist automatic writing focuses on consolation, moral education, and spiritual evolution, never fortune telling or material advantages.

Method

Follows specific guidelines of Spiritism, including moral preparation of medium and adequate environment.

Gratuitousness

In authentic Spiritism, automatic writing is never charged, following principle "give for free what you received for free".

How to Participate in Automatic Writing Sessions

If you have interest in knowing spiritist practice of automatic writing:

1. Look for Serious Spiritist Center

Seek institutions affiliated to state spiritist federations, following Kardecist principles. See our complete guide on locations and services reliable.

2. Participate in Studies

Before requesting message, participate in study groups about Spiritism to better understand doctrine.

3. Have Moral Preparation

Spiritism values moral elevation and sincerity of purposes of who seeks contact with spiritual plane.

4. Respect Time

Not always possible to receive messages immediately. Spirits have their own organization and appropriate moment.

Science and Spiritist Automatic Writing

Although controversial in scientific circles, automatic writing has been object of studies:

Academic Research

Brazilian universities conducted studies on graphology of automatic-writing texts, comparing handwriting of mediums with supposed spiritual authors.

Content Analysis

Researchers analyzed content of automatic-writing works, noting knowledge mediums supposedly did not possess.

Spiritist Position

Spiritism maintains it is doctrine accepting to be studied scientifically, but recognizes limitations of current methods for spiritual phenomena.

Spiritual Benefits of Automatic Writing

For Spiritists, automatic writing offers:

• Confirmation of immortality of soul
• Consolation in losses and difficulties
• Guidance for evolutionary path
• Strengthening of faith in God and divine justice
• Incentive to inner reform and moral growth

Care and Responsibilities

Spiritism warns about necessary care:

For Mediums

• Develop mediumship with study and discipline
• Avoid pride and vanity
• Maintain moral elevation
• Work always for free

For Consulters

• Do not create dependency on messages
• Use discernment when analyzing contents
• Seek own growth, not just consolation
• Respect when no message available

Conclusion

Automatic Writing and Spiritism are intrinsically connected, forming one of practical bases of doctrine codified by Allan Kardec. More than curious practice, automatic writing represents for millions of Spiritists living confirmation of soul immortality and possibility of communication between two planes of life.

Whether for consolation, guidance, or study, automatic writing continues being fundamental tool in Spiritism, helping people better understand life, death, and purpose of our existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is automatic writing exclusive to Spiritism? No. Although very important in Spiritism, mediumistic writing exists in other traditions, but with different interpretations and methods.

Can every Spiritist develop automatic writing? No. Psychographic mediumship is a specific faculty that not everyone possesses, although it can be developed by those with predisposition.

Are automatic-writing messages always true? Spiritism teaches to use discernment. Not every message comes necessarily from elevated spirits, and mediums may have imperfections influencing communication.

Can I ask for a automatic writing letter from a loved one? Yes, in serious spiritist centers you can make request, but must understand there is no guarantee of receiving answer, as it depends on spiritual plane conditions.