Influential Female Psychics & Mediums

One of the most famous mediums of all time was Leonora Piper. Born in 1857, Leonora became known worldwide for her claimed ability to communicate with spirits during trance states. Trance mediums enter a deeply relaxed or altered mental state, often appearing asleep or unconscious, allowing spirits to supposedly speak through them. Leonora was tested extensively by scientists and researchers who struggled to explain her remarkable abilities.

Another influential figure was Eileen Garrett, an Irish medium born in 1893. Eileen claimed to experience clairvoyance, meaning she could perceive events or information beyond normal human senses. She also helped to bring psychical research (the scientific study of paranormal phenomena) into mainstream acceptance, founding the Parapsychology Foundation in 1951. This organisation still exists today, promoting balanced and scientific approaches to psychic claims.

Gladys Osborne Leonard, born in 1882, was another significant British medium. Known for her trance sessions and automatic writing - a practice where messages are said to be written by spirits controlling a medium's hand - Gladys was consulted by bereaved families after the First World War, who were desperate to communicate with loved ones they'd lost. She became famous for accurately conveying personal details she supposedly could not have known by ordinary means.

In the 20th century, Jeane Dixon gained widespread attention as a psychic in America. Born in 1904, Jeane famously predicted the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy in 1963, bringing her worldwide recognition. While not all her predictions came true, her influence and popularity were undeniable, significantly impacting the public's interest in psychic phenomena.

Known as the last person to be imprisoned under Britain's Witchcraft Act of 1735. She gained fame for her materialisation séances, during which she claimed spirits physically appeared through a substance called ectoplasm. While some saw her as genuine, she was famously accused of fraud, highlighting ongoing debates between believers and skeptics.