Also called: Kardecism (Show more) French: Spiritisme (Show more) Portuguese and Spanish: Espiritismo, and Portuguese: Kardecismo (Show more) Spiritism, belief system founded by French author and educator Allan Kardec in the middle of the 19th century that is based on the idea that, alongside physical reality, a spirit world exists, which followers believe can be accessed through mediums. Spiritism maintains that spirits exist separately from human bodies, that humans are incarnate spirits, and that spirits undergo repeated reincarnation into the physical world in a progression toward intellectual and moral perfection. Although it began in Europe, it has significantly waned there but has become particularly popular in Brazil. Followers of Spiritism credit Léon-Dénizarth-Hippolyte Rivail (often written as Hippolyte Léon ...(100 of 1732 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!