The word “psychic” means “of the soul” or “mental”, and usually refers to a person’s unique ability to perceive hidden information, apart from the five known senses. Often called “extrasensory perception” or ESP, psychics possess what many consider to be paranormal abilities. While the concept of psychic abilities is more widely accepted than ever, many people still deny that real psychics exist.
The term “psychic advisor” was popularized by the large industry by which psychics provide clients with glimpses into their future. Some of the most popular psychic advisors of the past century include Sylvia Browne and John Edward.
Fortune telling and psychic skills date back to ancient times, with many early civilizations closely following astrology. Those who were able to predict events without the use of charts or systems were first known as seers or prophets, and in later days as psychics and clairvoyants.
From the earliest Biblical prophets to the seers of the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, mystery and awe has surrounded those extraordinary people, with their visions of the future. One of the most enduring historical figures with considerable psychic ability was Nostradamus, a 16th century French apothecary whose prophecies are still world famous to this day. Most of his prophetic visions had to do with disasters, such as earthquakes floods, wars, murders and plagues, but none of them were dated. While he remains a highly controversial figure, his many fans still credit him with the prediction of numerous world events.
In the late 19th century, Edgar Cayce gained popularity for making several highly publicized predictions at a time when the Modern Spiritualism movement had just begun. Among many others who belonged to this movement, Cayce believed that he could make contact with the spirits of the dead.
While scholars and skeptics attribute psychic abilities to a combination of self-delusion and manipulative trickery, in a 2005 Gallup survey, a surprising 41 percent of Americans polled expressed belief in extrasensory perception. The same study reported 26 percent believe in clairvoyance and 31 percent believe in psychic, or telepathic communication.
According to 2006 survey by Oklahoma City University, belief in psychic phenomena is more common among college seniors (31%) and graduate students (34%) than it is among college freshmen (23%), suggesting that people with a higher education level may be more likely to trust in psychic advisors.
Some people also believe that one can inherit a psychic ability, since the gift seems to commonly be passed down from generation to generation. Others believe that psychic abilities can be enhanced, or activated, through the practice of various mental disciplines and techniques, such as meditation.
People who claim to have psychic abilities often seek to make a living from their talent, with many hosting their own web sites, television or radio programs. The recent proliferation of psychic hotlines, psychic advisor networks, and real online psychic readings may have contributed to the industry’s market share, but it has also made it much harder to be sure if the person you consult with is a genuine psychic advisor, or just a fake psychic looking to fool an innocent public.
