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Spiritualism (beliefs)
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<p>Spiritualism is a <a href="/facts/Metaphysics/fSFt6SHe">metaphysical</a> <a href="/facts/Belief/HbPvkGT6">belief</a> that the <a href="/facts/World_(philosophy)/ceMeHvG3">world</a> is made up of at least two fundamental <a href="/facts/Substance_(philosophy)/KI4rGFH6">substances</a>, <a href="/facts/Matter_(philosophy)/pD8SYlJU">matter</a> and <a href="/facts/Spirit_(animating_force)/58PeK6Ia">spirit</a>. This very broad <a href="/facts/Metaphysics/fSFt6SHe">metaphysical</a> distinction is further developed into many and various forms by the inclusion of details about what spiritual entities exist such as a <a href="/facts/Soul/DJl01SxP">soul</a>, the <a href="/facts/Afterlife/8rxbbNXE">afterlife</a>, spirits of the dead, <a href="/facts/Deities/doCvhDHj">deities</a> and <a href="/facts/Mediumship/PSrcEtXq">mediums</a>; as well as details about the nature of the relationship between spirit and matter. It may also refer to the <a href="/facts/Philosophy/zAH5PVD6">philosophy</a>, doctrine, or <a href="/facts/Religion/cxntrD0R">religion</a> pertaining to a spiritual aspect of existence. </p><p>It is also a term commonly used for various <a href="/facts/Psychic/zUWcWBLv">psychic</a> or <a href="/facts/Paranormal/0BeTVPJC">paranormal</a> practices and beliefs recorded throughout humanity's history and in a variety of cultures. </p><p>Spiritualistic traditions appear deeply rooted in <a href="/facts/Shamanism/Kq60HV3J">shamanism</a> and perhaps are one of the oldest forms of religion. <a href="/facts/Mediumship/PSrcEtXq">Mediumship</a> is a modern form of shamanism and such ideas are very much like those developed by <a href="/facts/Edward_Burnett_Tylor/8DvrQI0R">Edward Burnett Tylor</a> in his theory of <a href="/facts/Animism/jsPnJBuD">animism</a>; in which there are other parallel worlds to our own, though invisible to us and not accessible to us in our state. A <a href="/facts/Psychic/zUWcWBLv">psychic</a> is to be one of the connecting links between these worlds. A psychic is defined as someone endowed with exceptional sensitivity to the <a href="/facts/Occult/G59eqens">occult</a> dimension, who experiences visions and revelations. Some authors have stated only few individuals are said to have this capacity. </p>