«Światło Zagrobowe»: історія львівського спіритичного часопису (1869-1870)

The aim of the article is to highlight the history, structure and main concepts of the first Polish-language monthly periodical in Galicia, which popularised the ideas of Spiritism. The journal was published during 1869-1870 and tried to draw readers' attention to the otherworld, the problem of the existence of spirits and the possibility of contact with them. Methodology. The research is based on general scientific methods, particularly induction and deduction, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis of periodical material, which have allowed the views presented in the journal to be structured and systematised. The work is based on the principles of objectivity, historicism, integrity and comprehensiveness, which allows for an in-depth understanding of both the content of the edition and its historical role in the Galician cultural space. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the analysis of the history of the journal «Światło Zagrobowe», its structure, its aims and the main ideas that the editors tried to present to their audience. This allows for a deeper understanding of the publication's role in the popularisation of Spiritism in Galicia and its relationship to general European cultural trends of the nineteenth century. Conclusions. «Światło Zagrobowe» was the first Polish-language periodical in Galicia dedicated to the popularisation of Spiritism. Its main goal was to draw attention to the existence of the otherworld, the immortality of the soul and the possibility of establishing contact with spiritual entities. The editors believed that Spiritism was a method of fighting materialism and religious fanaticism, while at the same time helping to solve human existential questions. The journal published the ideas of the famous French spiritist Allan Kardec, as well as the testimonies of spirits given at séances held in Lviv and other parts of the world. A separate section of the periodical was devoted to rethinking Christian concepts through the prism of spiritistic views. The period of the journal's existence, despite its uniqueness, was brief. This is explained by personal disagreements, the financial difficulties of publishers due to a lack of reader interest and criticism from other publications, and shows that spiritistic ideas in Galicia during this historical period tended to be of interest rather to small cultural groups of people.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Papers of the Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University History
Published
2025-01-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.32626/2309-2254.2024-45.109-118
Primary Topic
Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

«Światło Zagrobowe»: історія львівського спіритичного часопису (1869-1870)

Андрій Петраш
Scientific Papers of the Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University History
Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
article

«Światło Zagrobowe»: історія львівського спіритичного часопису (1869-1870)

Андрій Петраш
article en

Abstract

The aim of the article is to highlight the history, structure and main concepts of the first Polish-language monthly periodical in Galicia, which popularised the ideas of Spiritism. The journal was published during 1869-1870 and tried to draw readers' attention to the otherworld, the problem of the existence of spirits and the possibility of contact with them. Methodology. The research is based on general scientific methods, particularly induction and deduction, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis of periodical material, which have allowed the views presented in the journal to be structured and systematised. The work is based on the principles of objectivity, historicism, integrity and comprehensiveness, which allows for an in-depth understanding of both the content of the edition and its historical role in the Galician cultural space. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the analysis of the history of the journal «Światło Zagrobowe», its structure, its aims and the main ideas that the editors tried to present to their audience. This allows for a deeper understanding of the publication's role in the popularisation of Spiritism in Galicia and its relationship to general European cultural trends of the nineteenth century. Conclusions. «Światło Zagrobowe» was the first Polish-language periodical in Galicia dedicated to the popularisation of Spiritism. Its main goal was to draw attention to the existence of the otherworld, the immortality of the soul and the possibility of establishing contact with spiritual entities. The editors believed that Spiritism was a method of fighting materialism and religious fanaticism, while at the same time helping to solve human existential questions. The journal published the ideas of the famous French spiritist Allan Kardec, as well as the testimonies of spirits given at séances held in Lviv and other parts of the world. A separate section of the periodical was devoted to rethinking Christian concepts through the prism of spiritistic views. The period of the journal's existence, despite its uniqueness, was brief. This is explained by personal disagreements, the financial difficulties of publishers due to a lack of reader interest and criticism from other publications, and shows that spiritistic ideas in Galicia during this historical period tended to be of interest rather to small cultural groups of people.

Scientific Papers of the Kamianets-Podilskyi National Ivan Ohiienko University HistoryVol. 45
Openalex Percentile: Top 94%
Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices
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