Throughout history, psychics have been both loved and feared
For as long as people have been recording history, there have been reports of psychics. A handful of people who were somehow believed to reach beyond the “here and now”, and gather information about events “yet to come” have popped up in every culture and every era. They have been called mediums, wizards, necromancers, witches, clairvoyants and spiritualists, and dozens of other titles.
Unfortunately, psychics and their ability to predict the future have not always been held in high esteem. The often turbulent history of psychics has been one of changing winds, roles and images. They have been consulted by royalty, and yet in other places or in other times, their special powers have singled them out for banishment, punishment or even death. Astrologists, palm readers and tarot card readers are often included in the category of “psychic.”
Psychics in the ancient world
In many early cultures such as ancient Egypt, psychics were an essential part of the royal court. They were consulted for decisions large and small, and their abilities were held in the highest regard. Entire battles, decisions about crops and even choices in government officials were often based on the advice of psychic.
But even with their powerful role, their position was sometimes tenuous. An unpopular pronouncement or a failed battle could result n the current psychic facing prison time or even the death penalty.
Monotheism and psychics
With the advent of Judaism, and later Christianity and Islam, psychics lost their position of honor as advisers to the leaders. Priests and other clergy took over the role of spiritual consultants though their claim of direct and ongoing communication with the deity.
Some say that monotheism made psychics unnecessary, but it is more likely that the power structure withing the various religious bodies saw those who could foresee the future as a threat to religion’s control over behavior. So as with earler events in the history of psychics, the very gift that brought one a following, ir even fame, could also result in prison time or death.
This reached a fever-pitch with the now-infamous Salem witch trials, where dozens of women were beaten, stoned, hung or crushed for their “second-sight.” Christianity, in particular came down squarely against psychics and other forms of fortune-telling, claiming them to be the work of the devil and a affront to the all-seeing power of the creator.
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Psychics and the modern world
It is virtually impossible to walk down a urban street in the U.S. and not see a sign for some kind of psychic. Whether it’s a tarot card reader. a palm reader, a gazer at crystal balls or some other form of psychic reading, the up and down hisory of psychics continues today. Books on every psychic topic are easily found, from astrology to healing stones.
On the positive side, police departments and other crime solving agencies are increasingly accepting the value of having a gifted psychic on their staff. Research on psychic abilities and related parapsychology issues has moved from a fringe subject to an accepted part of the scientific curriculum in many colleges and universities.
Television shows featuring characters with psychic abilities are also on the rise. Shows such as Medium, Ghost Whisperer and Supernatural command huge audiences, even in syndication. Psychics are regularly employed in solving the mysteries of hauntings on Ghost Hunter and other similar shows.
Books written decades ago by famous psychics like Edward Cacey and other classic sensitives continue to sell well, and have in fact been reprinted many times over in the past few years. Clearly, psychics are still enjoying a popular following.
But as in all times in the history of psychics, there is a downside. Professional psychics are viewed by most Americans as a cross between con artists and side show acts. Most psychic establishments are located in poorer or less desirable parts of town. Church leaders continue to warn the faithful about the dangers of consulting fortune-tellers and psychics.
And despite mounting evidence confirming the validity of some psychic abilities, leaders in academia remain largely skeptical.
The future of predicting the future
It’s likely that the ups and downs of psychic reputation will continue in the future. But the growing body of proof may help reduce the side-show image of psychic phenomenon.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. Is there a psychic in your future?