Hieroglyphs
Hieroglyphs were, and are, frequently made use of by the spirits in the so-called "direct" writing, i.e., writing produced without a medium or any physical agent. Direct writing, though frequently produced at sèances, is perhaps most common in poltergeistic outbreaks, when the poltergeist is wont to distribute messages through the house. Thus in the disturbance in the house of Dr. Phelps, Stratford, in 1850-51, hieroglyphs were found on the walls and ceilings, while turnips covered with them were seen to grow from the pattern of the carpet. On this occasion the matter was investigated by Andrew Jackson Davis, who recognised the hieroglyphs as spiritual symbols, which he was inspired to interpret as friendly messages from high spiritual powers.