Women had no clerical role anywhere in the Western world, period.

America became a special source of attraction to people who were fleeing the aftereffects of the 30 Years War and the religious persecution that began to sweep through Europe in the period between the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. And when people got here, very often they succeeded.

There are some people in occult history who warned against using the Ouija Board, who said: "This is a dangerous door to the unconscious. Don't approach this thing."

Once the social and spiritual opening was created for women in the form of spiritualism, suddenly ambitious women who wanted to participate in the culture had a kind of a voice.

People need doorways to explore universal religious and ethical ideas.

I think therapeutic spirituality has largely been a help in the modern world. So the fact that people can approach religion with practical needs.

Even back in its colonial days, America developed a reputation as a safe harbor for people with unusual or radical religious beliefs.