Automatic writing

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Automatic writing is a psychic phenomenon that involves a person writing or drawing without consciously controlling their movements. It is believed by some to be a way to communicate with spiritual beings or to access the subconscious mind. Automatic writing has been a subject of interest in both the paranormal and psychological fields, and it has been used as a tool in spiritualism, psychotherapy, and artistic expression.

History

Automatic writing has its roots in the spiritualism movement of the 19th century, where it was used as a means for the living to communicate with the dead. The practice gained popularity with the rise of the Spiritualism movement in the United States and Europe, where séances and mediumship were common ways to attempt to communicate with the spirit world. Notable figures such as William James, a pioneering psychologist, and André Breton, a founder of Surrealism, explored the concept of automatic writing from a psychological and artistic perspective, respectively.

Method

The method of automatic writing involves the individual entering a state of trance or relaxation, allowing the hand to move freely across a page without conscious effort. Participants may use a pen and paper or a keyboard to perform automatic writing. The key aspect of this practice is the absence of conscious thought in the writing process, which is thought to facilitate a direct form of communication with the subconscious mind or spiritual entities.

Psychological Perspective

From a psychological standpoint, automatic writing is often viewed as a manifestation of the subconscious mind. It is studied in the context of dissociative phenomena and is sometimes used as a therapeutic technique in psychotherapy to explore a patient's thoughts and feelings that are not accessible through conventional means. Psychologists have also investigated automatic writing in the study of creativity and the functioning of the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Paranormal Perspective

In the paranormal context, automatic writing is considered a form of mediumship, where the writer is believed to be under the influence of spirits or other non-physical entities. This perspective holds that the messages produced during automatic writing sessions come from external sources rather than from the writer's own subconscious mind.

Criticism and Skepticism

Automatic writing has been met with skepticism, particularly from the scientific community, which often attributes the phenomenon to the ideomotor effect—a psychological phenomenon wherein a person makes motions unconsciously. Critics argue that there is no conclusive evidence to support the claim that the writings originate from spirits or the supernatural realm. Instead, they suggest that the content of automatic writing can be more readily explained by psychological factors such as the writer's expectations, thoughts, and beliefs.

In Popular Culture

Automatic writing has been featured in various works of fiction, including literature, films, and television shows, often depicted as a mysterious or eerie means of communication with the supernatural. It continues to fascinate both believers and skeptics, contributing to its enduring presence in popular culture.

See Also

• Spiritualism
• Mediumship
• Subconscious
• Ideomotor effect