Which practice aroused people's interest in mysterious powers prior to the rise of spiritualism?

The answer is: mesmerism

Mesmerism refers to the general believe that there is some sort of invisible natural force that could influence people's life.

This view was introduced by a famous figure named Franz Mesmer in the 18th century, even though none of his view was backed by actual science. Due to his popularity, this view later on developed into the rise of spiritualism.