lil' bits of this-n-that: Abraham Lincoln Was A Spiritualist?

I've learned lately that quite a few historical leaders of this great country were spiritualists. They believed in astrology and a lot more. Many critical decisions throughout history were made based on these beliefs. I'm wondering why is this subject still a taboo for so many. Do you think President Obama has an insight that we don't know about?

There is indisputable evidence that Lincoln believed in and utilized numerous mediums before and during his stay in the White House. Scholars have long testified that Lincoln possessed some psychic gifts, and that his periods of silence were "trance like". During the Civil War Lincoln told his cabinet and officers, "I have no doubt that favorable news will soon come. I had last night my usual dream that has preceded nearly every important event of the war, I seem to be in a singular indescribable vessel, but always toward a dark and indefinite shore...Victory has not always followed my dream, but the event and results had been important."

The same medium gave Lincoln the remedy for rallying his demoralized Union Army, which was threatening to retreat and had refused to obey orders. He was told to immediately go to the front with his family and leave behind his officers, official display, and dignity, seeking out the tents of private soldiers to hear their grievances. He was also to widely broadcast the news of his trip at once. Lincoln followed Nettie's directions to the letter, and thereby stopped his army's insubordination.

At another sitting, Lincoln was told of the state of the freedmen, which resulted in an investigation leading to the formation of the Freedmen's Bureau, later to become the cornerstone of the reconstruction.

Lincoln believed in testing mediums before taking their advice. For example, a battle plan was drawn up, Ms. Colburn was asked to duplicate the plan while in a trance. She drew the plans on a map down to the last detail and confirmed her abilities. Lincoln was noted as saying, "It is astonishing how every line she has drawn conforms to the plan agreed upon."

Lincoln was forewarned of assassination attempts. On at least one occasion, during a trip from Philadelphia to Washington, he wore a Scotch cape and hat that saved his life. He believed his inevitable end would not come until he had completed his work even though he had been warned.

According to many, Lincoln's spirit lingers in his former White House bedroom. Those who have encountered or felt Lincoln's presence include Lady Bird Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt, Grace Coolidge, James Haggerty, President Truman and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. When visiting the White House, Winston Churchill avoided Lincoln's bedroom. Susan Ford refused to sleep there.