glossary of psychic terms
astrology
The art of using the position of the planets in the heavens to understand the world around us. Most commonly used to look at the character and destiny of individuals. A form of divination.
clairvoyance
In its most literal sense this means ‘clear sight’, so a clairvoyant is someone who sees clearly. A true clairvoyant will get pictures in their mind’s eye that can provide very useful information for the client. (Clairaudience is 'clear hearing' and clairaudients hear spirit voices which guide them in their readings).
crystal ball
A spherical glass or crystal ball in which the seasoned practitioner can see pictures and images. It takes most people a long time to train themselves to see images, which can be both literal and symbolic.
divination
The true spiritual origin of all fortune telling methods. In times gone by people would ask if their intended actions had the blessing of the gods, never just a plain ‘what is going to happen?’
i ching
A Chinese book of divination which dates back thousands of years. Steeped in wisdom, and dispensing a mixture of Confucianism and Taoist ideology. Popular in the 1960’s, but the traditional format can seem inaccessible to the modern mind.
medium
Someone who contacts spirits of the deceased. In ancient cultures Shamans used to do this, now in the West it’s the Spiritualists. Rather than telling the future, they endeavour to provide evidence of life after death, and messages from departed loved ones.
psychic
A psychic is someone who gets impressions through non-rational means. This can be in the form of visions, sounds, sensations and dreams. All of us are psychic to some degree, and these abilities can be enhanced through training and practice.
psychometry
The art of picking up impressions by holding an item of personal value. Metal is popular, as it is believed to store energy. Psychics can also get impressions of previous owners. Wedding rings and keys are commonly used.
runes
A Nordic system of fortune telling that may have originated with the Vikings. Runes are traditionally made from wood or horn, and the simple and evocative images can give very direct answers to questions.
tarot
The Tarot deck is the forerunner of our modern playing cards and consists of 22 Major and 56 Minor cards. There is much debate about their origin, and their mysterious images still exert a powerful hold on our psyche.