Trance Mediumship and Channelling: What’s the Difference?

Trance mediumship and channelling—two terms that get thrown around a lot in spiritual circles, often used interchangeably. But are they actually the same thing?

Not quite.

While they both involve allowing spirit to communicate through you, the way they work, how they feel, and the level of control you have are very different.

So, let’s break it down: What’s the difference between trance mediumship and channelling, how do you know which one you’re experiencing, and—most importantly—do you actually need to pick a side?

Let’s dive in.

What is Trance Mediumship? (The Deep-Dive Experience)

Trance mediumship is like a spiritual trust fall.

It’s a form of mediumship where you enter an altered state of consciousness—somewhere between fully awake and fully unconscious—so that spirit can blend deeply with your energy.

✨ What happens in trance?🔹 Your awareness takes a back seat, allowing spirit to use your voice and sometimes even your physical mannerisms.🔹 Messages often sound very different from your usual speech—different tone, pacing, or even vocabulary.🔹 Your body might feel light, heavy, or tingly as spirit steps closer.

Trance requires deep trust because, unlike regular mediumship, you don’t filter the information.

It’s spirit taking the lead—not you.

What is Channelling? (The Conscious Connection)

Channelling is a lighter, more conscious version of trance.

Instead of stepping back and letting spirit take over, you stay fully aware and present while receiving and delivering messages.

✨ What happens in channelling?🔹 You hear, feel, or sense spirit’s words and then speak them aloud.🔹 You still have full control—you can stop or edit what you say.🔹 The energy is strong, but you remain fully conscious and engaged.

If trance is like letting spirit drive the car, channelling is like spirit being your GPS—you still have control of the wheel.

Key Differences Between Trance and Channelling

Feature	Trance Mediumship	Channelling
Level of Awareness	Deeply altered state, reduced control	Fully conscious, active participation
Who’s Speaking?	Spirit speaks through you	You relay spirit’s message in your voice
Feeling in the Body	Heaviness, warmth, or deep relaxation	High energy, lightness, inspiration
Message Style	Often profound, slow, and poetic	Quick, direct, and conversational
Control Over Words	Minimal—you don’t edit	Full—you can interpret and refine

How to Know Which One You’re Experiencing

🔹 If you feel yourself fading into the background, your voice changes, and you’re barely aware of what’s being said? → That’s trance.

🔹 If you’re fully conscious, hearing the message first, and choosing how to phrase it? → That’s channelling.

🔹 If you’re somewhere in between—feeling slightly altered but still aware? → You’re probably in a light trance or deep channelling state.

Spirit works fluidly—so sometimes, the lines blur.

Do You Need to Pick One?

Nope!

Some people naturally gravitate toward channelling because they like feeling in control. Others prefer trance because they enjoy letting spirit take the lead.

Both are valid.

In fact, many mediums experience both at different times.

✨ You might start as a channeller and later develop into deeper trance.✨ Or you might work in trance for some sessions and channelling for others.

There’s no right or wrong—only what works best for you.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About Trust

Whether you’re working in trance mediumship or channelling, the key to both is trusting spirit and trusting yourself.

🔹 If you’re drawn to deep surrender, explore trance.🔹 If you prefer conscious awareness, stick with channelling.🔹 If you have no idea yet—just go with what comes naturally!

Because at the end of the day? It’s all spirit.

And they’ll work with you in the way that suits you best.

Enjoyed this?

Want to develop your connection to spirit in a way that works for YOU? Join The Gateway for live workshops, practice sessions, and a no-fluff approach to spiritual development.

Do you prefer trance or channelling? Or have you experienced both? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences! 👇