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Pub Psychic Nights

Spiritual and Social Transformation Beyond Institutional Boundaries

Bibliographic Data

ID20206801
AuthorsCaroline Starkey (0000-0002-7807-6617, University of Leeds), Josh Bullock (0000-0002-5666-5162, Kingston University, London), Adam J Powell (0000-0003-1489-7026, Durham University)
Year2025
Volume26
Issue4
Pages366-386
Publication date2025-09-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueImplicit Religion (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1463-9955 • E-ISSN: 1743-1697
PublisherEquinox Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1558/imre.33028
OpenAlexW4414059333
LanguageEN

This article explores pub psychic nights in Britain. The audience of these events are predominantly working- class women who gather in local pubs and social clubs to participate in spirit communication led by a medium and/or psychic. Drawing on qualitative data from 16 interviews and four participant observations we examine the social and spiritual significance of these events for the audience, arguing that they have a profound impact in helping people deal with grief and loss, extending far beyond mere entertainment. We further argue that pub psychic nights create an opportunity to address existential questions and seek comfort outside of traditional religious institutions. We demonstrate how these nights blur the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary and transform historically male-dominated pub spaces into local hubs of female- led spirituality. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary spiritual practices and their significance for marginalized communities

Existentialism · Grief · Participant observation · Psychic · Qualitative research · American Sports and Literature · Diversity and Impact of Dance · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices

Citation velocityhistorical
Highly citedNo

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