The Seance Circle of New Zealand

In the early 20th century, a small but influential group of mediums and spiritualists in Christchurch, New Zealand, organized what has since become known as the Seance Circle of New Zealand. This circle operated from 1913 to 1925 under the guidance of Ada Fyfe, a prominent local medium. The seances attracted not only curious attendees but also serious paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike, creating an atmosphere ripe with both intrigue and skepticism.

The History and Background

Ada Fyfe was born in England in 1870 and moved to New Zealand in the late 19th century. She quickly gained a reputation as a gifted medium after demonstrating her abilities at a public seance in Christchurch in 1913. Recognizing the potential for a more organized approach, Fyfe founded the Seance Circle of New Zealand, which aimed to provide a platform for spiritualists to engage in séances and conduct research into paranormal phenomena.

The circle’s members included not only Ada Fyfe but also other notable figures such as Charles Halsey, a local doctor who supported Fyfe’s work, and Helen Phipps, a well-known medium. The seances were held every Friday night at the Christchurch Town Hall, with each session lasting for several hours.

Key Events or Sightings

The Seance Circle of New Zealand became famous for its ability to produce physical phenomena during séances. One of the most notable events occurred on October 20, 1915, when participants reported seeing a translucent figure appear in the center of the circle and move around the room. This sighting was witnessed by several members including Ada Fyfe, Charles Halsey, and Helen Phipps.

Another significant event took place on March 4, 1920, when a participant claimed to have felt an intense cold spot emanating from a specific area of the circle. The group observed that this cold spot coincided with the appearance of a ghostly hand reaching out to touch one of the attendees. These and other phenomena were meticulously documented by Fyfe in her private journal.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Ada Fyfe kept detailed records of each seance, including descriptions of physical phenomena such as levitating objects, materialized figures, and temperature changes. One particularly compelling account was provided by a participant who claimed to have seen a shimmering white figure emerge from the darkness during a séance on November 12, 1918. The witness described the figure as being about three feet tall, with long flowing hair and an ethereal appearance.

Helen Phipps also provided testimony about the seances. She recounted instances where objects moved without any visible physical contact. In one instance, she reported that a small table levitated to the center of the circle, hovering just above the ground for several minutes before returning to its original position.

Investigations or Research

The Seance Circle of New Zealand was not merely a social club but also an investigative group dedicated to scientific research into paranormal phenomena. Charles Halsey conducted several experiments during seances, including attempting to measure temperature changes and document any other physical anomalies. His reports were later published in the local newspaper, providing some level of validation for the circle’s activities.

Ada Fyfe herself was known to have conducted numerous séances under controlled conditions, often with a camera present to capture any visual evidence. These efforts produced several photographs that are now considered part of the historical record of New Zealand’s paranormal history. One such photograph, taken on June 27, 1916, reportedly shows an apparition hovering above the circle.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Seance Circle of New Zealand disbanded in 1925 due to a combination of factors including personal disagreements among members and increasing skepticism from the scientific community. Despite its cessation, the legacy of the group lives on through historical records and anecdotal accounts passed down by descendants of those who attended the seances.

Today, there is a renewed interest in the circle’s activities, with historians and paranormal enthusiasts seeking to uncover more about Ada Fyfe and her work. Recent research has uncovered additional documents and letters that provide insights into the methods used by Fyfe and her colleagues during their investigations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was Ada Fyfe?

A: Ada Fyfe was a prominent medium who founded the Seance Circle of New Zealand in 1913. She is known for organizing regular séances that produced various paranormal phenomena, including materialized figures and levitating objects.

Q: What kind of evidence did the Seance Circle produce?

A: The circle documented physical phenomena such as levitation, temperature changes, and the appearance of ghostly figures. Detailed records were kept, and some instances were even captured on film.

Q: How long did the Seance Circle operate?

A: The Seance Circle of New Zealand operated from 1913 to 1925, with regular seances held every Friday night at the Christchurch Town Hall.

Q: What was Charles Halsey’s role in the circle?

A: Dr. Charles Halsey supported Ada Fyfe and conducted scientific experiments during seances, including temperature measurements and documentation of physical anomalies.

Q: Are there any surviving records or photographs from the Seance Circle?

A: Yes, Ada Fyfe kept detailed journals and several photographs were taken during séances, providing valuable evidence for historical research. These documents continue to be studied by paranormal enthusiasts and historians today.