TABLE TURNING Meaning and
Definition
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Table turning refers to a mildly controversial practice also known as table tilting or table tipping that was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It involves a group of individuals gathering around a table, usually in a dimly lit room, and placing their hands on the table's surface. The participants then concentrate their energy or focus their thoughts on requesting supernatural or spiritual forces to physically move the table.
The phenomenon of table turning is predominantly associated with spiritualism, a belief system centered around communication with the spirits of the dead. According to those who advocate for this practice, the movement of the table is believed to be influenced by spiritual forces rather than scientific explanations. Proponents claim that the spirits communicate by tilting or moving the table in response to questions posed by the participants.
Table turning gained notoriety during the Victorian era when séances and other paranormal activities were highly popular. Skeptics often dismissed it as mere trickery or the result of unconscious muscle movements, known as the ideomotor effect. Despite the controversy surrounding it, table turning remains an intriguing historical practice that offers insight into the spiritual beliefs and curiosity of the past.
In contemporary times, the widespread decline in belief in spiritualism and the advancements in scientific understanding have significantly diminished the popularity and credibility of table turning as a genuine phenomenon. However, its historical significance and the cultural context in which it occurred make it relevant to the study of spiritual and supernatural beliefs.
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The alleged movements of tables attributed to an exertion of power of departed spirits, or to the development of latent, vital, or spiritual forces-generally understood, however, to be the result of mere physical causes; to lay on the table, in Parliamentary usage, and in the usage of corporate and other bodies, to receive any document or written communication, as a report, a motion, and suchlike, but to agree to postpone its consideration indefinitely; to serve tables, in Scrip., to administer the alms of the church, a duty assigned to the deacons; to turn the tables, to change the condition or fortunes of contending parties, a metaphor taken from the vicissitudes of fortune in staking on the gaming-tables.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TABLE TURNING
- rable turning
- fable turning
- gable turning
- yable turning
- 6able turning
- 5able turning
- tzble turning
- tsble turning
- twble turning
- tqble turning
- tavle turning
- tanle turning
- tahle turning
- tagle turning
- tabke turning
- tabpe turning
- taboe turning
- tablw turning
- tabls turning
Etymology of TABLE TURNING
The term "table turning" originated from the practice of Spiritualism in the 19th century. Spiritualism was a movement that gained popularity during the Victorian era, with believers attempting to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. Table turning refers to the practice of sitting around a table and placing their hands on it, hoping to receive messages or movement from the spirits. The word "table" refers to the piece of furniture used for this purpose, while "turning" describes the phenomenon of the table seemingly moving or rotating due to the supposed presence of spirits.
Similar spelling words for TABLE TURNING
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