The phenomenon has been observed into modern times, often being decried as a form of spiritualism or seance and considered anathema by some religious groups.

It is usually considered anathema for a member of Congress to defy his or her party's leadership on a parliamentary issue.

In the late 18th century, his works were considered anathema by the ruling monarch.

Many of them opened multilevel stores, once considered anathema in retailing.

For a long time dispersal of any book from a public library was considered anathema.

But for most other magazines, featuring the same topic simultaneously - or worse, after the competition - is considered anathema.

Tax talk, especially, would be considered anathema.

That alone is a major change, one Mr. Bush would have considered anathema just months ago.

For Sale: Selling a portfolio of startup investments was once considered anathema.

At the same time, developers around the city have found that there is a market for housing in many neighborhoods considered anathema a decade ago.