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            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: 78% [?]

            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: 80% [?]

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: 96% [?]

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: 93% [?]

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: 85% [?]

            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: 80% [?]

Astrology 101:

            Humans have had the desire to see into the future since ancient times. Fear of the unknown as well as a need to control ones fate has led to elaborate systems of fortune telling to spring up in most every culture known to man. One of the earliest known fortune telling method began with the stars and I am not referring to Miley Cyrus or Hannah Montana. Astrology may be the most widely known system of early fortune telling.

            Astrology is defined as a system in which knowledge of the apparent relative positions of celestial bodies and related details are held to be useful in understanding, interpreting and organizing information about personalities, human affairs and terrestrial matters. By using this information astrologers are able to lend insight into people’s lives as well as predict their future.

            Astrologists generally study the relationship between positions of certain celestial bodies and how they may influence life on earth. They then use this information as an indicator to offer explainations about how specific moments in time relate to the character and personalities of the people born at that moment. Modern astrology asserts that every situation has several options and with the right insight we can find the best possible option available.

            Historically astrologers were often serving functionary roles in early civilization. For example they often upheld positions of advisory to high ranking officials as well as positions such as priest and even judge. During this same era astrology and the current day scientific field of astronomy were indistinguishable. They both aimed to predict and conjure information from the stars. However, astronomy had separated itself from astrology by the 18^th century. Eventually astronomy became distinguished as a scientific study as opposed astrological speculation.

            Astrologers use scientific facts in the mapping of human consciousness and as keys to the understanding of experience. This is an interpretative process, which does not depend on accepting particular theories about how planets can affect us, or on whether they are a sort of synchronous clock ticking along with psychological and social factors on earth, or on some other causal process. The strength of astrology comes from the accumulated knowledge of centuries of research and observation, developed within a deeply intuitive understanding of the essential nature of the world, consciousness and the environment. Combined with accurate mathematical and scientific data, today’s astrologers can use this established knowledge in the generation of valuable psychological, economic, or predictive profiles.

            Today astrology still exists despite scientist’s speculation of the field. Horoscopes are common and well known astrological phenomena. A horoscope is a map of your personality as dictated by the formation of the stars when you were born. The sun and moon and other planets affects everything from the pull of the ocean to how our lives will unfold. By understanding the field astrologists are able to explore their relationships with the world.

Popularity: 78% [?]

            Have you ever been in a situation and had the uncanny feeling that you had already experienced it? Maybe you were driving past a traffic accident and felt like you had seen the incident before or maybe you met someone at a party for the first time but you could have swore that the introduction had already taken place. Most of us have had a similar incident at least once.

            This repetitive feeling of familiarity is defined as déjà vu and studies indicate that at least 70 percent of people admit to having it.

            Déjà vu is often described as a feeling of repetition or familiarity. Sometimes it is accompanied by an eerie strangeness. The word déjà vu is French and means “already seen” and was first used by psychic researcher Emile Boirac. But many people have experienced this phenomenon. And scientists have come up with more than 40 different explanations for this phenomena ranging from faulty memory, reincarnation and psychic activity to symptoms of mental illness.

            Many people may confuse the experience of déjà vu with precognitive experiences or an experience in which someone gets the feeling that they know what is going to happen next. Déjà vu occurs while the incident is happening and not before. However, some theorists believe that déjà vu is the remembrance of a precognitive dream. From this stand point the feeling of déjà vu is the real time version of a precognitive dream.

            Other explanations of déjà vu include memory glitches. According to Dutch psychiatrist Hermon Sno memories are similar to holograms. He asserts that you can recreate a entire three-dimensional image from a small piece of the puzzle. However, the smaller the fragment the fuzzier or the harder it is to see the entire image. From Sno’s perspective people may experience déjà vu when they encounter something similar to a memory that is very hard to recall. For example you may be at a party and be introduced to a young woman named Mary wearing a yellow sweater. You feel déjà vu and can’t explain why. Sno’s theory would assert that possibly you met a girl named Meredith wearing a yellow sweater in previous years. This is generally referred to as the hologram theory.

            Some scientists believe that déjà vu has more to do with the way the brain stores information that old and unclear memories. Robert Efron tested Veterans in 1963 and proposed that a delayed neurological response is the real cause of déjà vu. He said that the part of the brain responsible for sorting incoming information may process the information twice due to a glitch in-between the two sides of the brain. According to his theory the brain processes the information twice normally, once on the right side and once on the left.

            Despite the many ways that scientists have tried to explain déjà vu as a physical occurrence there is no concrete evidence that this is not a psychic phenomena.

Popularity: 80% [?]

            The ears are the first of the five sensory organs to be used. A fetus as young as 10 week can hear its mother voice. Sounds offer many vital clues that allow us to make our way throughout the day. And it is the sounds of music that have the capacity to move us mind, body and soul into a state of relaxation and contemplation.

Music has been an inherent part of the human experience since the beginning of time. Flute-like instruments carved from animal bones have been discovered as early as the caveman. It is no wonder that music has become such a part of human existence when you begin to look at how it has been instrumental in linking the mind, body and spirit. In the lonely quest for the answers of life it is music that soothes the soul. And it is music that many turn to when all else fails. This art form is connected to rebellion as well as religion, therapy and education. Listening to music integrates perception and sensation. And music is also linked to the divine.

Rejoicing choirs are often seen swaying to a heavenly beat in the quest for God. Studies indicate that music can have both positive and negative affects on the brain depending on the music. There is also evidence that music can change a person’s mood and help improve studies. But most notably is the way in which music can encompass the psyche. This allows the body to sway to the beat, the mind to roam at will and the spirit to ride the music notes in harmony.

As a tool in meditation music is convenient and often accessible at almost any time a person can find music. There is no particular stance for music meditation and there are very few rules. Listen to whatever takes you away.

There are four different types of brain waves, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Beta waves are associated with the working, focused and alert state of being. When you concentrate on paperwork or engage in a conversation you are often using Beta waves. Alpha waves reflect a relaxed and reflective state of being. When you complete a task and then stop to take a break the brain slows down and enters into the Alpha state. Alpha brain waves occur when one engages in meditation and reflection. Theta waves are associated with a drowsy state of being. This is especially so during the drowsy state associated with repetition. When you are listing to a monotone lecture or driving on a straight highway you may experience the drowsy feeling associated with Theta brain waves.

The brain works differently to different types of music. And the bodily functions also respond to music. Breathing, heart rates, as well as blood pressure and metabolism are all altered with music. Generally a fast paced beat will speed up the heart rate and breathing but slow music has an opposite soothing affect.

Popularity: 77% [?]

            Spirituality and the paranormal are not typically linked together. But when it comes to developing psychic abilities meditation and finding your “Zen” is a must.

            The human mind is in constant motion. When we allow it, our brains will flow through one series of images to the next. We will create “to-do” lists throughout infinity if we do not slow the flow. Various religions believe that meditation is the key to higher consciousness. And as most psychics will tell you higher consciousness is necessary for a psychic connection.

            The quest for higher consciousness begins with a single breath. Although there are many different techniques for meditation one thing remains constant and that is effective and controlled breathing. Controlling the breath is a discipline which takes much practice and concentration. But once engaged in a natural yet mindful breathing pattern the mind is calm and able to create the space for psychic intuition and development.

            Psychic abilities are as natural as the human ability to smell. Just like the five physical senses psychic intuition is a natural way to navigate through the world around us. However, just like any tool the senses become dulled without use. Meditation is an excellent way to sharpen the sixth sense.

            In order to tune into psychic knowledge you must be able to tune out the growingly unavoidable distractions of the here and now. Everything from television to white noise threatens our abilities to be still. Meditation is just one tool that helps to discipline the body into ignoring the hum of life and listen instead to the sounds of our intuition and natural psychic abilities.

            The skill for tuning out and turning in is more important today than it has ever been in centuries before. The fast pace of society and the many amenities associated with today’s lifestyles threaten the ability to clear the mind as well as the knowledge of the sixth sense. Since this sense is less physical and more intuitive a clear mind is essential. According to Deepak Chopra, a well known physician and author as well as a leader in the field of mind and body medicine, we are bombarded with more information than our ancestors could have imagined. This constant stimulation takes us away from the sixth sense as the mind is busy trying to sort out and articulate the more obvious and physical stimulation.

            There are two forms of meditation. Monks and others seeking enlightenment or the presence of the divine are often distinguished by strict diets and a hermit lifestyle. This type of meditation practitioner is often highly devoted.

            The other type of meditation is for the casual practitioner looking to improve health, creativity, self-esteem and relationships with the world, both physical and paranormal. It is this type of mediation that the novice may find useful in developing psychic abilities.

Popularity: 69% [?]