What is Automatic Writing? Understand the Mediumistic Writing Phenomenon

Automatic Writing is one of the most fascinating and studied mediumistic phenomena within Spiritism. If you have ever wondered how mediums can write messages from spirits or how automatic writing letters work, this article will clarify all your doubts.

Definition of Automatic Writing

Automatic Writing is the mediumistic faculty allowing a medium to write under the influence of disincarnated spirits. The term comes from Greek psyché (soul, spirit) and graphein (to write), literally "writing of the soul" or "writing by the spirit".

During the automatic writing process, the medium acts as an intermediary, allowing a spirit to use their motor faculties to transmit written messages. This phenomenon has been recognized and studied by Spiritism since the 19th century.

Main Characteristics of Automatic Writing

• Communication channel: Connects physical world to spiritual through writing
• Variety of manifestations: Can be mechanical, semimechanical, or intuitive
• Elevated purpose: Aims at consolation, enlightenment, and spiritual evolution
• Requires development: Mediumship needs to be educated and improved

History of Automatic Writing

The practice of mediumistic writing has existed for millennia, but it was with the advent of Spiritism, codified by Allan Kardec in 1857, that automatic writing gained doctrinal structure and study method.

Historical Milestones

1850s - The Beginning

• Emergence of Modern Spiritism in United States (Fox Sisters, 1848)
• Allan Kardec initiates studies on mediumistic phenomena in France
• Publication of "The Spirits' Book" (1857)

1860-1900 - Consolidation

• Allan Kardec channels "The Mediums' Book" (1861), fundamental work
• Expansion of Spiritism through Europe and Americas
• Scientific documentation of first automatic writing cases

20th Century - Popularization in Brazil

• Chico Xavier (1910-2002) becomes greatest Brazilian automatic writing medium
• Divaldo Franco and other mediums continue work
• Growing acceptance of automatic writing in Brazilian society

To understand how this phenomenon operates in practice, read our article on how automatic writing works.

Types of Automatic Writing

There are three main types of automatic writing, classified according to the degree of consciousness and participation of the medium in the process.

1. Mechanical Automatic Writing (Automatic)

In mechanical automatic writing, the medium has no consciousness of what they are writing. Their hand moves automatically, guided by the communicating spirit.

Characteristics:

• Medium can be in deep trance
• Does not know content until reading later
• Writing generally very fast
• May present handwriting different from habitual
• Less influence of medium's thought

Example: Chico Xavier frequently automatic-writing mechanically, writing 30-40 pages per hour without knowing content.

2. Semimechanical Automatic Writing (Semi-automatic)

It is a middle ground between mechanical and intuitive. The medium has partial consciousness of what they write, but does not completely control the process.

Characteristics:

• Medium perceives ideas vaguely
• Maintains consciousness during process
• Intermediate writing speed
• Mild influence of medium may occur
• More common than pure mechanical

3. Intuitive Automatic Writing (Inspired)

In intuitive automatic writing, the medium captures the spirit's thought and translates it into words. There is greater conscious participation of the medium.

Characteristics:

• Medium fully conscious
• Captures ideas and expresses them with own words
• Normal writing speed
• Greater risk of medium's influence
• Requires discernment and mediumistic education

Important: No type is superior to another. Each has its value and specific application.

Automatic Writing in Spiritism

Spiritist doctrine provides theoretical and ethical basis for responsible exercise of automatic writing. Automatic Writing and spiritism are deeply connected.

Fundamental Principles

1. Communicability of Spirits

• Spirits can and wish to communicate
• Death does not break bonds of affection
• Communication aims at good and evolution

2. Mediumship as Natural Faculty

• Everyone possesses mediumship to some degree
• Some have faculty more developed
• Must be exercised with responsibility and study

3. Moral Purpose

• Main objective is consolation and enlightenment
• Should not be used for material or frivolous ends
• Gratuitousness in exercise of mediumship

4. Necessity of Education

• Medium needs to study and prepare
• Mental and moral discipline are essential
• Constant vigilance against mystifications

Difference Between Automatic Writing and Automatic Writing

Although terms are sometimes used as synonyms, there are important differences:

Automatic Writing (Spiritism):

• Exercised within doctrinal context
• Follows established ethical principles
• Aims at elevated ends (consolation, instruction, enlightenment)
• Requires medium's preparation and study
• Free and disinterested

Automatic Writing (Other Contexts):

• Can occur outside Spiritism
• Does not always follow ethical guidelines
• Can have diverse purposes
• Does not necessarily require doctrinal preparation
• May involve commercialization

Who Can Develop Automatic Writing?

In theory, anyone can develop some degree of automatic writing mediumship, as we all have connection to spiritual plane. In practice, some people are born with more ostensive faculty.

Characteristics of a Good Psychographer Medium

Moral Qualities:

• Humility and detachment
• Mental discipline
• Seriousness of purposes
• Love for neighbor
• Resistance to vanity

Intellectual Qualities:

• Good general culture (facilitates transmission)
• Doctrinal knowledge
• Concentration capacity
• Discernment

Physical Qualities:

• Reasonable health
• Balanced nervous system
• Sufficient vital energy

Important: Moral quality is more important than intellectual. A medium of pure heart, even with little instruction, can produce valuable works.

Development of Psychographic Mediumship

If you feel you possess mediumistic faculties and wish to develop them responsibly, follow these steps:

1. Study Spiritism

• Read basic works (Allan Kardec)
• Study about mediumship specifically
• Understand ethical and doctrinal principles

2. Attend a Serious Spiritist Center

• Seek guidance from experienced mediums
• Participate in study groups
• Integrate into mediumistic meetings

3. Practice Inner Reform

• Work on moral imperfections
• Develop virtues (patience, humility, charity)
• Pray and watch constantly

4. Exercise Gradually

• Start with simple concentration exercises
• Practice always under guidance
• Do not force process
• Have patience and perseverance

5. Maintain Balance

• Do not neglect material responsibilities
• Care for physical and mental health
• Do not isolate socially
• Maintain normal and balanced life

Automatic Writing and Consoling Letters

One of the most beautiful applications of automatic writing is production of letters for grieving families. These messages bring comfort and hope to those who lost loved ones.

Chico Xavier automatic-writing over 10,000 consoling letters during his life, always for free, reuniting families and bringing peace to suffering hearts.

Famous automatic writing letters demonstrate transforming power of these messages. Learn also about authenticity of automatic writing letters and how to identify it.

Care and Precautions

Exercise of automatic writing requires responsibility and specific care:

Avoid:

• Useless curiosity: Do not use mediumship for trivial matters
• Commercialization: Do not charge for mediumistic services
• Vanity: Do not consider yourself special for being medium
• Obsession: Maintain balance, do not dedicate exclusively
• Credulity: Not everything written comes from elevated spirits

Cultivate:

• Prayer before sessions: Protection and attunement
• Constant study: Knowledge protects against mystification
• Vigilance: Critically analyze automatic-writing content
• Assistance from others: Work always accompanied
• Balance: Maintain healthy and balanced life

Automatic Writing and Science

Although automatic writing is not widely accepted by mainstream science, there are serious researchers studying phenomenon. Explore this fascinating theme in our article on science and automatic writing.

Studies conducted include:

• Graphological analyses of automatic-writing texts
• Research on verifiable information
• Neurological studies of mediums in trance
• Investigations on consciousness

Benefits of Automatic Writing

Responsible practice of automatic writing brings benefits both to who channels and who receives messages:

For Medium:

• Spiritual development
• Feeling of utility
• Moral growth
• Expansion of knowledge

For Who Receives:

• Comfort in grief
• Clarifications about spiritual life
• Renewal of hope
• Strengthening of faith

Discover more about benefits of reading automatic writing letters.

Where to Seek Guidance on Automatic Writing

If you wish to learn more about automatic writing or develop your mediumistic faculties:

1. Spiritist Centers: Seek serious and well-reputed institutions
2. Study Groups: Participate in studies on mediumship
3. Spiritist Literature: Read fundamental works
4. Experienced Mediums: Seek guidance from who has experience

To receive a automatic writing letter in serious and ethical way, see where to find automatic writing letters reliable.

Conclusion

Automatic Writing is extraordinary mediumistic phenomenon allowing communication between physical and spiritual planes through writing. When exercised with responsibility, study and elevated purpose, becomes powerful instrument of consolation, enlightenment and evolution.

If you are experiencing grieving process, a automatic writing letter can bring comfort your heart needs. Read our guide on how to deal with loss and grief and learn about interpretation of automatic writing letters.

Ready to receive a message from beyond? Request your automatic writing letter and experience comfort of knowing love never dies.

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To know more about automatic writing and consoling letters, visit our complete guide on automatic writing letters or contact us.