Meditation refers to a state where your body and mind are intentionally relaxed and focused.  Practitioners of this talent say that they have increased awareness, focus, and concentration, as well as a more positive outlook in life.

Meditation is most commonly associated with monks, mystics and other spiritual disciplines.  However, you don’t have to be a monk or mystic to enjoy its benefits.  You don’t even have to be in a special place to practice it.  You could even try it in your own living room!

Although there are many different approaches to meditation, the fundamental principles remain the same.  The most important principle is that of removing obstructive, negative, and wandering thoughts and fantasies, and calming the mind with a deep sense of focus.  This clears the mind of debris and prepares it for a higher quality of activity.

The negative thoughts you have – those of noisy neighbors, bossy officemates, that parking ticket you got, and unwanted spam– are said to contribute to the ‘polluting’ of the mind, and shutting them out is allows for the ‘cleansing’ of the mind so that it may focus on deeper, more meaningful thoughts.

Some practitioners even shut out all sensory input – no sights, no sounds, and nothing to touch – and try to detach themselves from the commotion around them.  You may now focus on a deep, profound thought if this is your goal.  It may seem deafening at first, since we are all too accustomed to constantly hearing and seeing things, but as you continue this exercise you will find yourself becoming more aware of everything around you.

If you find the meditating positions you see on television threatening – those with impossibly arched backs, and painful-looking contortions – you need not worry.  The principle here is to be in a comfortable position conducive to concentration.  This may be while sitting cross-legged, standing, lying down, and even walking.

If the position allows you to relax and focus, then that would be a good starting point.  While sitting or standing, the back should be straight, but not tense or tight.  In other positions, the only thing that is a big no, is slouching and falling asleep.

Loose, comfortable clothes help a lot in the process since tight fitting clothes have a tendency to choke you up and make you feel tense.

The place you perform meditation should have a soothing atmosphere.  It may be in your living room, or bedroom, or any place that you feel comfortable in.  You might want an exercise mat if you plan to take on the more challenging positions (if you feel more focused doing so, and if the contortionist in you is screaming for release).  You may want to have the place arranged so that it is soothing to your senses.

Silence helps most people relax and meditate, so you may want a quiet, isolated area far from the ringing of the phone or the humming of the washing machine.  Pleasing scents also help in that regard, so stocking up on aromatic candles isn’t such a bad idea either.

The monks you see on television making those monotonous sounds are actually performing their mantra.  This, in simple terms, is a short creed, a simple sound which, for these practitioners, holds a mystic value.

You do not need to perform such; however, it would pay to note that focusing on repeated actions such as breathing, and humming help the practitioner enter a higher state of consciousness.

The principle here is focus.  You could also try focusing on a certain object or thought, or even, while keeping your eyes open, focus on a single sight.

One sample routine would be to – while in a meditative state – silently name every part of you body and focusing your consciousness on that part. While doing this you should be aware of any tension on any part of your body.  Mentally visualize releasing this tension.  It works wonders.

In all, meditation is a relatively risk-free practice and its benefits are well worth the effort (or non-effort – remember we’re relaxing).

Studies have shown that meditation does bring about beneficial physiologic effects to the body.  And there has been a growing consensus in the medical community to further study the effects of such.  So in the near future, who knows, that mystical, esoteric thing we call meditation might become a science itself!

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One tool a psychic may use when conducting readings are tarot cards. Tarot cards are often colourful and well decorated, generally capturing the imagination of the people around. Many people believe that the deck of tarot cards possess the power to reveal the hidden secrets to life however, it is really the interpretation of the reader that holds the power.

Tarot cards allow a psychic t0 receive messages for the person they’re reading for. These messages can vary the way that they present themselves for the reader.

The earliest variant of tarot cards is believed to originate somewhere in northern Italy, around the fifteenth century. This original version of tarot cards was deployed to play games like the regular cards but differed slightly in composition. Unlike the regular card packs, the tarot cards comprised of an extra 22 cards known as Major Arcana. These extra cards did not belong to any special suit and had on them symbolic pieces of artwork, which have become crucial in psychic readings. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 3% [?]

“Psychic Readings” is a term used to describe the abilities, to tune into the higher energies and deploy the acquired unusual powers to see beyond the normal sight. Psychic readings tell an unbiased opinion by which, a neutral onlooker is able to connect mind and spirit to notice the irregular. By psychic readings, a connection is established, that helps solve the mysteries of past, present and future. It is believed that every individual can be a psychic reader. It is just a matter of patience and the dedicated effort towards this end. Sounds impossible, is it? If yes, then read on, because psychic readings is an interesting idea and you never know, you might just posses the right skill set to master it. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 4% [?]

The reading for the week ahead is full of good things, but like all things it needs working toward. The cards I drew were, A New Dawn, Contemplation Time and Ready, Set, Go!

A New Dawn

The worst is behind and that the horizon is filled with new and positive experiences. Don’t give up yet, just look forward and be positive.

Open yourself to new and unexpected opportunities that may be presented this week. Let go of the past and move forward with confidence. Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 2% [?]

            If you type “psychic abilities” into most any search engine you will undoubtedly receive more than results. But the one thing you won’t find as easily with any internet source how to determine if you have psychic abilities and what to do to cultivate them. Despite the skepticism surrounding the field of parapsychology scientist have cultivated test which help to detect certain amounts of psychic ability. And although the tests are far from perfect they may be the stepping stone between the alien field of parapsychology and modern science. 

            Have you ever noticed that you often know who is calling before you answer the phone? What about thinking about an old friend and suddenly you run into them in the grocery store? These instances may not be coincidences they could be indications of psychic ability.

            Psychic abilities are ones that everyone is born with. Just like the sense of smell, touch and taste they are a natural instinct that helps us navigate through the world around us. Because psychic abilities are not part of mainstream culture they are often ignored. So how do you determine if you have psychic abilities that are worth cultivating and if so can you develop them?

            JB Rhine and members of Duke University developed an experimental science studies program in the 1930s. Along with associate Karl Zener, Rhine began to try and identify psychic activity. Zener formulated a rudimentary test for identifying psychic activity that is still in use today, Zener cards. This test consists of a series of cards with distinctive symbols on them that a test subject will try to predict. Although this test has been in use for decades there is some speculation about its accuracy.  

            These tests have been criticized as being strategic guess work. Further every aspect of psychic activity has fallen prey to skepticism. Because there is no sensory organ that psychic abilities seem to originate from it is against the current understanding of physics to accept their existence. But many testify that these abilities do exist and to find out if you have them.

Popularity: 90% [?]

            The 21^st century is marked by the rise of the internet and growing concerns about the environment. Civilization is moving forward with leaps and bounds and so is our capacity to learn about the intuitive nature locked inside each of us.

            As reflected in art, literature and philosophy life is an epic journey. It is a continuous pursuit of answers in which each of us is searching for the key of transformation. The answers to these questions are surprisingly locked within our psyche. Intuition is the key that unlocks these questions. This quest for knowledge is reflected in many religions including Judaism, Christianity and Zen. Everyone has a different set of questions and a different quest.

            According to Laura Day in her book “Practical Intuition” the human race has lost the connection with its natural instincts and is thus cut off from the answers within.

            “As creatures increasingly cut off from our environment by high technology,” she said. “We have lost touch with our senses as well as our intuition.”

            Even when we have unplugged the computer and turned off the television Day asserts that we are still tuned into the white noise of society. “Because we are continuously bombarded by stimuli, we have learned to edit out the information that we receive,” she adds.

            Finding a balance between editing stimulation and being able to recognize sensations as you experience them may be harder than it seems. It is virtually impossible to notice your surroundings without censoring your feelings. Despite the growing noise pollution it is possible to still the mind and allow yourself the freedom of uncensored thought and it is through this thought process that consciousness and instinct can be developed.

Popularity: 87% [?]

Origin of Runes:

            Runes have been used for literary and divination purposes for more than 15 centuries. There are seven different casting methods that predominantly reflect the region in which the method was first conducted. However, as a divination tool runes depict such things as cattle and thorns as well as chariots, gifts and a Yew Tree. These symbols represent strength, wealth, death and other aspects of life, including death. 

            Runes are believed to be part of the Germanic alphabet. They were predominantly used writing and divination or other paranormal activities. These tile shaped stones were used throughout northern Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland and the British Isles for a number of centuries ranging from the third to the 13th. As a divination tool runes act as an oracle to those who seek a better understanding of their path forward. The runes do not actually work as a fortune telling tool they simply outline answers to detailed questions and you have to rely on intuition to construct the details. In this way it is up to you to find the real truths however the runes allow you a pathway inside. 

            According to Merriam Webster Dictionary the word “rune” originates in Old Norse from the word meaning mystery. Each rune has esoteric meanings and properties associated with it beyond the regular phonetic association. These words and sometimes phrases signified specific concepts to the early people using the Runes. All of the Rune concepts represent forces of nature and the human mind. And each rune has a story attached to it.

            The runes were a part of common culture well into the 17^th century. They have been found on everyday items such as coins. And there is some references that indicate the church actually sanctioned the use of runes in certain cultures. In the heyday of rune usage everyone was apt to consult them on matters both public and private. Unfortunately Church doctrine banned the usage of runes during the mid 17^th century as part of an initiative to rid Europe of “evil.”

            Many of the skilled rune masters were either executed or forced underground. It is of little wonder that any knowledge of the runes still exists. Despite the odds a revival of rune casting took place in Scandinavia during the mid 19^th with Scandinavian and German scholars sparking an enthusiastic interest in the symbolic script. Runes took the spotlight again during the 1920’s and 1930’s but not in a positive manner. It was at this time that rune usage became associated with Nazi ideology and began to accumulate racist connotations. However, the new age movement of the 1980’s brought runes back as a tool for divination as well as self awareness.

            The traditional set of runes used today is the Elder Futhark. It is composed of 24 symbols or letters. Each rune has two or three possible meanings. Each rune is also associated with a Nordic mythical figure.

Popularity: 89% [?]

Introduction to Tarot Cards:

            Tarot cards conjure the image of star studded gypsies giving readings in the back of a wagon caravan. But in reality tarot cards were not designed for divination. Instead the oldest documentation of tarot cards is in northern Italy during the 15^th century where these “trump” cards were first used in combination with the standard four suit deck. The first known tarot cards were found in the homes of Italian nobility.

            Documentation of the first tarot cards includes evidence that these first cards were added to the standard sets to play a game called “triumph” in which the additional cards, which depicted everything from Greek gods to the emperors and popes of the time, outranked all of the other cards regardless of suit. Centuries later the tarot cards began to emerge to the public as magic symbols. As the popularity of the tarot cards grew the additional cards began to take on new artistic designs that reflect the popular culture of the day.

            There is evidence that tarot cards became popular during the Italian Renaissance. This was a time of intellectual growth in which many philosophies emerged including astrology, Neo-Platonism and early Christianity. Many of these philosophies are reflected in the depicted characters of modern day tarot cards.

            In the 18^th century several occult leaders became interested in the tarot and did much work deciphering astrological attributes as well as the mysterious connotations associated with tarot cards. Although the cards did not originate as a divination tool they have evolved into a form of fortune telling. And a variety of styles of tarot card decks and designs have emerged as well. Historically, one of the most important designs is the Tarot de Marseilles. This style was made popular during the 20^th century. However, other designs include the Minchiate and the Swiss Tarot.

            Today a complete deck of Tarot cards includes four suits, coins, wands, cups and swords. Each suit has four picture cards, Page, Knight, Queen and King as well as number cards ranging from one to ten. Additionally there are 22 trump cards also known as the major arcane. The terminology “major arcana” is used predominantly in divination purposes. Game players using the tarot for everyday card games call these cards trump cards. But the name of the major arcana is not the only distinguishing feature. Tarot cards also have unique illustrations on the major arcana cards as opposed the normal Roman or Arabic numeral on each card.

            Arcana is Latin for mysterious or specialized knowledge, language or information that is generally accessible only by the initiate. These cards depict scenes, mostly featuring a person or several people, with many symbolic elements. The earliest decks were predominantly unnamed and some even unnumbered.

Popularity: 56% [?]

Using a Psychic:

            Finding a psychic on the television, telephone or internet is not a difficult task. Currently there are a plethora of choices for anyone looking to gain some insight into their future. But knowing how to find the right psychic for you is a more daunting pursuit.

            Finding the right psychic is as personal as finding the right doctor. If you do not feel comfortable with your psychic you will not get an accurate reading. If you are not sure about a particular psychic that have decided to try go ahead and ask for a reference. Any professional knows the importance of references and should be willing to accommodate you. But the work does not stop there. Check all references before you embark upon an appointment for a reading. If checking references makes you feel more confident about the particular psychic then their trouble will be worth it. It does not matter if you have any psychic abilities or not if you get a bad feeling walking into a psychic’s office or from a preliminary phone conversation then go with your instincts.

            Before you schedule a reading determine if this is a person you can form a working relationship with. Try and spend some time with them prior to the reading, even if it is a simple encounter such as a phone conversation. Are you comfortable talking with them? Does the psychic put any pressure on you to make a commitment? Are they charging you before the readings have even begun? These are the types of things that may make you uncomfortable during a reading.

            It is also important to know what kind of psychic you are looking for as well as what kind of information you seek. If you want the services of a tarot reader you may not have the same needs as someone seeking a clairvoyant. Read up on the many forms of psychic abilities including ESP, telekinesis and aura reader.

            After you have found a psychic go ahead and try to record the reading. This will allow you go back and revisit it time and time again. You can check for accuracy as well as inspiration. But even if you record the reading do not tune out. During the reading pay close attention and always go with you instincts concerning accuracy. Does the reading sound right to you? Only you can know the “real” answers so it is important that you remain open to all insight that comes your way as part of a reading. After the reading is over wait an appropriate amount of time and go back and listen. Was the reading accurate? Did you gain insight that influenced future decisions? If your first experience with a psychic was not as accurate as you would have liked do not give up. Maybe you just need to find someone new.

            Just like with a new doctor or more aptly a new hairstylist it may take a few tries to find the one for you. A reading can be affected by a number of influences including your comfort levels as well as your ability to focus so the more you get to the psychic experience the more likely you will gain useful information.

Popularity: 49% [?]

            The word psychic is derived from the Greek word psychikos, meaning of the soul or mental in origin, and refers in part to the human mind or psyche. French astronomer Camille Flammarion is credited as having first used the word psychic. Flammarion was an scientist who studied astronomy as well as spiritualism. He believed that science must not be lead astray by religious beliefs and in many ways can be argued to be an early parapsychologist.  However the word psychic was not introduced into English until the 1870s. Some credit an English chemist and physicist, William Crookes, with coining the word medium as it is used in connection with parapsychology.

            Despite the origin of the word “psychic” the concept has been in existence as long as man. The need for elaborate forms of fortune telling and conjuring prophesies to tell the future is a staple of society.

            One of the most well know prophesies are those of Nostradamus, the apothecary turned “seer”, who may have predicted modern events such as the rise of Hitler and the fall of the World Trade Center. Nostradamus was alive during the 16^th century, a time when all psychic phenomena were frowned upon. He was born in 1503 in the south of France, where his birthplace still stands. Nostradamus had hopes of being a doctor but was expelled from his schooling after the university learned of his apothecary background.

             Despite popular taboos surrounding psychic abilities Nostradamus made prophesies which some believe are valid today as well as horoscopes. Nostradamus began moving toward the occult around 1550 when he published his first annual almanac. Within his almanacs Nostradamus made more than 6,000 prophesies and began to attract attention from regional nobility, who began to request horoscopes and consultations. Later Nostradamus wrote a collection of poetry or quatrains in which he embedded the prophesies that many believe are valid today.

            However, Nostradamus was afraid of being accused of hearsay and therefore he obscured the meaning of his messages. This has caused some debate regarding his work and its legitimacy as opposed to translation interpretations.

            Scottish spiritualist Daniel Dunglas Home was raised in the United States by an otherwise childless aunt. Home’s mother was a well-known Scottish “seer” although this ability was seen as a curse and not a gift because it often meant seeing a person’s death or grievances. None-the-less Home was gifted with the ability to levitate as well as speak with the dead and make knocking sounds throughout an area all by using his mind.

            Home began to travel the New England area in his early adult life and became well known as a psychic but due to health concerns he moved to Europe where he gained even larger notoriety for his séances. Home died of tuberculosis in 1887, just ten years after the birth of another well known psychic.

            Edgar Cayce was one of the best known American psychics of the twentieth century. Born in 1877 in a small farming community Cayce was a firm believer in Christ and he started out using his psychic abilities for healing purposes only. Cayce was able to channel information concerning a patient’s health while in a self induced trance. Later he began to explore other subjects including astral projection and reincarnation. Although Cayce died more than sixty years ago his influence on New Age philosophies is undeniable. Many of Cayce’s readings and philosophies are still in use today.

            As parapsychologists struggle to explain the validity of psychic phenomena history paints a picture of its presence. From Nostradamus to Cayce there have been accounts of numerous people who displayed their abilities and although they met with criticism there is no proven data that denounces them as fraud.

Popularity: 47% [?]