Basic Kuji-in

Kuji-in is a series of hand positions called mudras, originating in India and has influenced Buddhism all over the world.  The nine hand positions (mudras) pertains to a different philosophy in which they can assist in holding power over. Using each mudra in succession with the proper focus on each meaning can be a very potent experience. With practice, Kuji-in can be an invaluable part of any meditative practices or for energy workers of every sort. The purpose of this practice is to bring the practitioner into a state of oneness and focus, aiding them in their purpose.

The mantra and syllable of each hand position in order is "rin pyou tou sha kai jin retsu zai zen". Each syllable symbolizes a different concept and a different hand position. As you go through each mudra, one should say it's corresponding syllable and focus on it's meaning at the same time. But the focus on the overall goal of practicing the  Kuji-in must also be kept in mind. Whether it be for relaxation, prayer for something, healing, or any other type of energy work. When performed correctly, your goal will be greatly empowered.

Kuji-in is common amongst Eastern energy healers as a way to help us in focusing our energies, but also can be a benefit in all aspects of life. There are many schools of thought, different hand gestures, etc., and even training on this practice as an art in itself. I prefer to keep it simple and focus on the essence and what is important. These hand gestures can be used one after another, in which the practitioner should say it's name and focus on it's meaning as it's being spoken. Or you may choose to work with one at a time in a meditative or semi-meditative state or work with it's associated mantra. I've included the mantras associated with each hand position for those who which to work with individual aspects.

Practice the different hand techniques and really think about the meanings behind them as they are performed. It helps a great deal with focus, relaxation and empowerment...

Rin

The hand position is hands folded, with the middle fingers extended against each other.While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on bai shira man tou ya sowaka". Rin symbolizes strength in all it's forms.

 

Pyou

The hand position for pyou is hands folded with thumbs and index fingers extended, with like fingers against each other; middle fingers curl over the index fingers and meet. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on i shanaya in taraya sowaka". Pyou's symbolizes energy direction both inward and outward.

 

Tou

The hand position for tou is hands folded with the last two fingers extended into the shape of a v, with like fingers against each other.  Thumbs are extended, while the other fingers are interlocked inwards. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on jiretarashi i taraji barata no oh sowaka". Tou's symbolizes harmony on all levels. Not only the outer world, but our inner world as well.

 

Sha

The hand position for sha is hands folded with index fingers, thumbs, and little fingers extended and against each other, with other fingers interlocked inwards. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on hayabaishira mataya sowaka on no oh makusanmanda". Sha symbolizes healing on all levels.

Kai

The hand position for kai is simply interlocking all fingers. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "basara dankanon aganaya inmaya sowaka". Kai symbolizes empathy and sensing dangers.

Jin

The hand position for jin is hands folded with all fingers interlocked inwards, with thumbs extended and together. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on hirota kisha nogajiba tai sowaka on chiri chi ibaro". Jin symbolizes understanding of others' thoughts and feelings, and shielding your own.

Retsu

The hand position for retsu is the index finger of the left hand pointing up, with the fingers of the right hand curled around it.  The right thumb is pressed against the outside edge of the nail of the pointing finger. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "taya sowaka". Retsu symbolizes time and control over it's passage.

Zai

The hand position for zai is palms forward, fingers extended and spread.  The thumbs and index fingers of both hands should be touching each other to form a triangle between them. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on chiri chi ibaro taya sowaka". Zai symbolizes communication with nature and the world surrounding us.

Zen

The hand position for zen is the right hand covering the left, and the two thumbs either touching at the tip or folded. While in this hand position, repeat the mantra "on araba sha no oh sowaka". Zen symbolizes enlightenment and connecting the other eight hand symbols into one

Paranormal Shinto

Shinto is an ancient animistic based faith of the indigenous Japanese people. Shinto has no founder, no singular religious text, nor is there an exact date known for it's creation. Like many ancient traditions, it's beliefs are thought to have been passed down orally through the generations. Amazingly enough, a great deal of the tradition has not been lost to time, which often happens to many ancient belief systems. As other religions came to Japan, the Japanese people would incorporate others beliefs like Buddhism into the Shinto faith, rather than letting their folk religion become completely dissolved. The Native American belief systems are a close comparison to Shintoism based on age, polytheistic concepts, and a focus on nature and animism. Unfortunately much of the Native American traditions have been lost, but Shinto has been lucky enough to stand the test of time. The core precepts of Shinto are based in harmony with one's environment, sincerity, and purity being of the utmost importance. The purity ritual of followers showing in freezing water, called misogi, has become world famous as a demonstration of the Shinto faith. Purity is so important to followers of Shintoism, that even when visiting shrines one must wash their hands and rise their mouth before entering. Such things as death are seen as impurity, so as Shinto and Buddhism have become intertwined in Japan, functions like weddings are performed in the Shinto traditions and funerals in the Buddhist. To this day a great majority of the Japanese people practice a combination of Shintoism and Buddhism, as the two faiths have intermingled with one another for centuries.

Kami

A central part of Shinto spirituality is the belief in what is called Kami. This term is difficult to translate exactly, because it encompasses all spirits including ancestors. Compared to other polytheistic religions, Kami could be compared to the Gods and Goddesses of the well-known pantheons like the Greeks, with Okami being the title granted to highest members of the Shinto deities. The pantheon lead by Amaterasu Omikami, the sun Goddess. Though the term is usually reserved for spirits of greatness, all Kami are not divine in nature and may have lived human lives before becoming known spirits. The Shinto view of spirits is not very different to how we see mankind, with our vast range of emotions and intentions. The nature and intention of a Kami can be good, evil, indifferent, mischievous, and everything in between. Even in modern times, followers of Shintoism create home alters called Kamidana, meaning spirit house. Offerings of food, sake, water, etc, are left for these spirits in hopes of receiving blessings and good fortune, and/or appeasing Kami that may have ill intent toward them. Showing respect for the spirits is absolutely paramount. Many shrines are located all over Japan, where followers can pray and take part in the ancient traditions. Receiving blessed items from shrine priests is common, for followers to place in their Kamidana, other specific places of the home, or to carry with them for blessings and protection.

Demons (Animistic)

Oni or Yokai are umbrella terms used to describe negative spirits in which there are many different kinds and categories. Oni is well known for being the quintessential demon with horns and fangs depicted in Japanese art, but folklore goes beyond this image. While some western faiths have personalized, individual names for demons, the Japanese traditions categorize demons and negative beings based on their appearance, nature of being, or simply what they do to interact with people.

Shinto being an animistic faith, many shape shifting demons, called Obake, take on the appearance of animals indigenous to Japan. Some folklore suggests that normal animals become these demons once reaching a pinnacle age, 100 years for instance. While others are simply immortal beings, much like other belief systems across the globe. Some examples of Obake are: Kitsune, or fox demon, is one of the most famous of these demons. Many stories have become popular about the Kitsune taking the form of a beautiful woman to seduce men for greed or many other reasons. The Jorogumo, or female spider demon, is eerily similar to the western succubus, also a seducer and devourer of men. Though a creature called a Hinoenma is an almost exact description of the succubus. The Tengu is another Obake, which have combined characteristics of humans and birds which are foretold to have tormented mankind. The list of Obake goes on with characteristics of snakes, cats, wolves, dogs, etc. These demons usually are seen as part human and part animal, though it is said that they can take on a complete animal form, or human form as a way to trick victims. Most stories relating to these beings are of negative interactions with humans. But much like the Kami, their true intent can range from misunderstood to unknown.

Demons (Human-like)

In Japanese folklore, demons are not limited to eternal or immortal beings. Humans have the potential to become Yokai upon death depending on circumstances, or the nature of one's soul. Human ghosts which have become angry, vengeful, or sinister in intent are another large category. But the difference in humans that become demons, are the scope of their power and levels of evil they posses. Some examples are: Kiyohime, a woman who becomes a snake demon because of unrequited love. Oiwa, made famous by the films The Grudge and Ju-on, are loosely based on an ancient story of a woman becoming a demon after being murdered by her husband. Or Obariyon, simply a Yokai that jumps on a human victim and becomes unbearably heavy. Despite being demons created from human spirits, they are treated with the same level of respect and caution as their eternal counterparts.

Kyuketsuki is a human-like manifestation of a demon, but stands as a class on it's own because of it's interesting nature and folklore history. Called the Japanese vampire, Kyuketsuki folk tales have been told centuries before the vampire came into being. Like the modern vampire, Kyuketsuki are said to appear to be humans though they live a nocturnal existence. It is said that their heads separate from their bodies at night and roam to feed on the living. To kill a Kyuketsuki, one must find it's body and hide it so the head does not have a body to return to and will die in the sunlight. This ancient tale being so similar to what we know about vampires today raises questions on if perhaps other cultures were influenced by this story. Possibly authors like Bram Stoker were inspired by the Kyuketsuki legend.

Demons and Cryptids

As with most folklore across the world, the Japanese also have a myriad of what could be considered mythical creatures or monsters. Exploring the lore, these beings are unique in that they seem to be a cross-section of natural and unnatural elements. These creatures are said to have a corporeal form, most of which are living, but are considered of supernatural origin. So the lines between demons and beasts becomes a bit blurred. Some examples are: Hibagon: the Japanese version of yeti.  Akkorokamui: the giant octopus that sinks ships, foretold in many cultures. Hainu : A winged dog said to attack humans and their livestock very similar to the Chupacabra. So there is a cryptozoology element to these ancient stories which are being explored even today. What exactly these creatures are is still unsure, yet sightings continue across the globe.

Demons and Monsters

Looking deeper into these monsters of myth, some are a bit more abstract and human-like. Why exactly these creatures are considered to be monsters rather than demons is not certain. But looking at their very nature and the ancient accounts of their encounters; they are quite terrifying indeed. Some examples are: Nukekubi : a human-like being whose head detaches from its body. Ittan-momen: a monster of cloth-like substance said to smother people by wrapping around their faces. Mukujara: a large, faceless being covered in hair. Some of the tales associated to these creatures resemble modern day paranormal accounts considered demonic in nature. Which raises the questions: Are these beings actually demons? And are these accounts passed down through the centuries more than just stories? We cannot be sure, but it’s interesting how similar these stories are from various cultures, and across time.

Ghosts

Ghosts are a large category in Japanese folklore based on what they do, how they died, or how they haunt people. In western culture, ghost is an umbrella term with very few other terms to describe the nature of departed human spirits. The Japanese on the other hand, have a multitude of names to describe these spirits, with a few umbrella terms, like:  Shiryo: the spirit of a dead person. Jibakurei: a ghost that is bound to a certain place. Hotoke: a deceased person. Or Gaki: hungry ghosts of Buddhism. Some examples of specific names for spirits based on characteristics are: Zashiki-warashi: a child-like spirit in a home. Ubume: a spirit of a woman who died in childbirth. Noppera-bo: a ghost with no face. Funayūrei: ghosts of people who died at sea. The list goes on with many more names given for ghosts, some named for being in a specific area of Japan, because of sounds the spirit makes, and even specific rooms of a home the spirits are said to haunt.

Haunted Objects

Another component to the Shinto faith is the belief that all natural objects contain an energy or spirit. With basically everything being created from some or mostly natural materials. Another category of Yokai are that of inanimate objects. Western culture sees these items as "haunted objects" with spirits attached to them. The theory is much the same in Japanese folklore, but like Obake, it is said that sometimes these items become "haunted" once reaching a certain age (Tsukumogami), or because of their treatment. It is believed that there are not as many haunted items as in the past because of the disposable nature of todays society, but also energy like electricity will repel these spirit making it hard to nearly impossible for them to take possession over an object. Even in modern times, some Shinto shrines perform ceremonies to purify items believed to have spirits, or to prevent a spirit from inhabiting them.

Should Scientific Teams Handle Severe Residential Cases?

By far most paranormal investigation teams are science based and looking for proof of the paranormal. Part of this may be because of all the TV shows, and many just emulate these techniques and theories. The one good thing TV has done for this field is it has brought paranormal to the mainstream. It has made it much easier for the general public to talk about experiences, letting go some of the taboo.

On the other hand, if a family or individual is having an issue with paranormal activity in their home; the list of teams, researchers and investigators to sift through is now enormous. Some teams have experience while others do not. Some are purely technical and can only offer proof of a clients claim, while others use spiritual and/or psychics and mediums to try and help resolve the haunting. So how does a member of the general public choose a team for help? Should they automatically think the teams on TV are experts and ask them for help? This is a problem I feel can damage the credibility of our field in the long run.

Coming from a family involved with helping others with the paranormal on a spiritual level (even before "paranormal investigating" was a term). I seriously question the morality of purely technical teams (and those with little experience) getting involved with residential cases in which the family or individual is frightened. Or the nature of the haunting is negative. In these cases what can a purely technical team provide as a positive outcome to help the family? They can capture evidence to validate the clients claims, but how is that going to help with the problem of dealing with the haunting? The family or individual is still scared and has to live in the environment.

I feel it's almost like telling the family "Well, thanks for not lying about your experiences here, and thanks for this evidence we now get to keep and use to promote ourselves. Good luck with that." This has even been portrayed on TV shows, where a family has to go through multiple teams before they find one who can actually help them. This is why unity in our field is absolutely essential...

I'm not saying technical teams should never be involved with residential cases. But I do believe it is paramount if you are a purely technical team, to network with other teams who either have more experience and contacts, or have spiritual tools that may be able to resolve a haunting. I personally wish that paranormal investigating would shift from the objective of proof, to understanding the causes and nature of this phenomena. That might not make great TV, but the focus of an outcome should be on helping others living or deceased, before anything else.

Why Many Paranormal Teams Do Not Use Psychics

Paranormal research and investigation has become a very fact based and evidence driven field, with a main focus on either debunking or providing solid proof that paranormal phenomena exists. With this being true, many wonder why more teams do not use psychics, sensitives, or mediums to help point investigators in the right direction, and provide helpful insights and information. I'd like to go over some of the reasons teams choose to not use psychics. Which I've discovered much of the scientific paranormal community are hesitant to express openly, not wanting to offend anyone. As a medium involved in paranormal investigating for years, I am a strong advocate for finding a technical and spiritual balance in this field. But the many concerns regarding this subject are valid, and should be addressed.

One of the biggest concerns scientific researchers have is finding a psychic who is able to contribute in a way to help obtain evidence. For example, go into any paranormal chat room and ask "Who here is a sensitive?" Or just log on to Facebook and search psychics. The amount of people claiming to have abilities is enormous, with various and sometimes confusing titles describing what they can do. I believe psychic abilities are inherit in all people, but the skills and caliber of performance can vary greatly. It would also be very naive to think that some are not charlatans or exaggerate their abilities. So how can scientific investigators sort through the seemingly endless list of individuals, to find a psychic who can be of service to them? To try out every claimed psychic would be very time consuming and could also compromise an investigation and the teams reputation. So simply put, it's a chance not all teams are willing to take.

Because of the very nature of psychic abilities, it isn't something that can be proven, measured, or reproduced consistently to the scientific and skeptic mind. This being the case, investigators have no way of proving or disproving the information passed on by the psychic if the insights are vague. A great concern is investigators do not want to go on a wild goose chase following the impressions of a psychic with no physical evidence to back it up. Or to be told a place is haunted, yet absolutely nothing happens during the investigation. It's important to remember that a scientific team's objective is to capture evidence. So the only use they see for a psychic is providing detailed information that can be researched and proven, or leading investigators to capturing physical evidence. But not all those with extra sensory abilities can produce information in this way.

For sensitives of every variety wanting to be involved in paranormal investigating, I feel it is important to soul search and ask oneself, "How can my abilities be used to help an investigation team?" You have to be honest with yourself and consider the expectations of those who may not have a full understanding of your ability. The skills and abilities we posses are all different, and some may not be tailored for this field as much as others. I like to use the metaphor of musical talent when it comes to psychic abilities. For example: I may be great at playing the guitar and piano, but not so good at singing. While someone else may be a great singer, but not so good at the guitar. We both are able to read music, but the skills we have in performing are different. The metaphor gets even deeper when you ask questions like, "How proficient are you at playing the guitar?"

For sensitives interested in paranormal investigating, my advice is to study and learn the technical side of the field. Having a greater understanding of equipment, various techniques, and the data scientific investigators are trying to obtain can make you a great asset. Cross training is so important, because you should be an investigator first, and your abilities can be a great added bonus making you more valuable to a team. Don't let a single aspect of who you are create a one dimensional skill set in the minds of others. Just being involved in a field like the paranormal, most scientific investigators believe in psychic phenomena. Having skeptical minds they just need some working proof of what you say you can do. Showing that there is much more to you when it comes to investigating than your sensitivities is a great start to building trust, and showing your commitment to the field.

To scientific teams who have entertained the thought of utilizing a psychic, but unsure if it would be beneficial to their team, my advice is to not completely rule out what could be a great asset. Look for sensitives who have a good reputation, endorsed by trusted people you know, or can provide testimonials from either the general public or other investigation teams. Ask them for a reading, or simply test by bringing them to an undisclosed location known for activity, or having no activity at all and see what they say. This test doesn't have to be during an actual investigation if you have concerns with clients, it could even be held outdoors. Yes, it may take some time before you discover the right person you believe will work well with your team, but in trying out different psychics you can learn theories and techniques used by the spiritual practitioners in the paranormal field, as well as possibly finding someone who could play a pivotal role in many of your cases.

The line between technical and spiritual investigators does not have to be so defined. It seems everyone has to just pick a side and stick with it. Though the two sides seem to work toward different outcomes of an investigation, there is still a great deal we can learn from one another. Technical teams still have to rely on spiritual resources as solutions to severe cases; and the spiritual investigators rely on technical tools to provide tangible evidence clients want to see. This is a prime example of how we may be different, but still need one another. I believe we will see more unity in all facets of the paranormal community, if our focus shifts from proof and collecting evidence, to understanding the causes and nature of this phenomena. Even though we may never obtain definitive answers to the mysteries of the paranormal, it will take the combined efforts of both the spiritual and technical members of our field to make any true progress.

What Kind of Psychic are You?

With spiritual awareness and acceptance on the rise, it seems that more and more gifted individuals are emerging offering various services. It would be naive to think that there are not some charlatans in the mix, or those that exaggerate their abilities. But I feel it's important to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and those with less than moral intentions will eventually be exposed. The big difference in current times are the various titles sensitives are using to describe what they can do. In the past, simple terms like psychic or fortuneteller were the staple titles; but now the terms have become much broader and can become confusing.

It's human nature to have the need to give names and definitions to everything. This fact also holds true when it comes to defining the various types of psychic abilities. I'd like to give a brief description of common terms you may see individuals use to describe what they can do. I believe intentions are pure, trying to describe in detail how they can help others; but not everyone fully understands this terminology.

Psychic: This is an umbrella term used to describe anyone with extra sensory abilities. All of the other terms described in this article fall under the umbrella of psychic abilities, with the exception of medium (which I will touch on the reasons for this separation). The term psychic often conjures up images of the stereotypical palm readers, fortune tellers, and seems to have some negative connotations attached to it. I believe it's because of experiences and the exposure of charlatans that caused damaged to this name, which may be part of why we have so many different terms now. But regardless, this defines all abilities from aura reading to scrying.

Sensitive: This term is synonymous with Psychic. This is also an umbrella, and it seems more and more gifted individuals prefer this term, possibly because of the negative stigma surrounding the word "psychic". As the word implies, it describes those who can perceive things others cannot through heightened sensitivities. Though the two terms mean virtually the same thing, psychic is often seen as "other worldly", and sensitive simply seen as enhanced natural abilities. Though there is still some taboo surrounding psychic abilities, "sensitive" seems to be considered a more socially excepted alternative to "psychic".

Medium: A medium is simply an instrument or tool for the spirit world to speak through. Mediums are able to sense and engage in back and forth communication with spirits, and pass on that information to the living. The spirits a medium can communicate with range from earthbound souls, to passed loved ones who have moved on to the other side. This ability is seen as being separate from the umbrella of common psychic abilities because of it's specialization working with the spirit world. There is a saying that "all mediums are psychic, but not all psychics are mediums". This basically means that all mediums possess an extra sensory ability, but the gifts of a psychic may be limited to the physical plane. There are also many subdivisions of mediums defining how they receive information. Just a couple examples:
Trance Medium: One who receives information from spirits via a meditative or "trance" state.
Physical Medium: Those who allow spirits to enter their bodies gaining temporary control of the medium. This is so the spirit can communicate in their own words and expressions.

Channeler: Can be synonymous with medium, and seems to be an older term used to describe those who communicate with spirits.One difference is channelers usually open up communication with spirit guides rather than directly with other spirits. Mediums receive information this way as well, but a channeler is more specialized in this method and are said to receive information from a more pure or divine source.

Empath: These are the individuals who can feel and experience the emotions of others. This can be one of the most draining and difficult abilities to manage. It's imperative that empaths focus on self awareness, and learn how to differentiate what is their emotions from the emotions of others. This gift is not only limited to feeling emotions of living persons, but also earthbound spirits. I've seen the term empathic medium used before, describing how they sense and feel the emotions of spirits.Through feeling emotions, sometimes an empath can also gain insights and impressions, giving them a view of details.

Discernment: This is the ability to sense the presence of spirits and often gain insight into it's nature. Regardless of it's simplicity, this gift is very useful in paranormal investigating. This term you will often seen coupled with another title. For example: Discernment Demonologist

Remote Viewer: This is a seemingly rare ability that many may not be familiar with. A remote viewer will go into a meditative state, and allow their consciousness to travel to another location. In doing so, they are able to see from a third persons perspective what is happening at this location in real time. I've heard of many instances where sensitives will receive a flash vision of something taking place. This experience falls into the category of remote viewing,. but gaining conscious control of this ability is extremely difficult. Documents have show the during the Cold War, both the United States and Soviet Union experimented with remote viewers to try and spy on one another. That might sound silly but it's true. Trying to use such a gift for selfish reasons they both had mixed results.

These definitions become even broader, as some use terms of how they receive information to describe their abilities. Examples: Clairvoyant Medium, Clairaudient Channeler, etc. Clairvoyant for example, simply means receiving information visually; Clairaudience through sound, and Clairsentience through sensation. Many gifted individuals use psychometry as well, which means they receive information and impressions through touching objects. It's important to remember that these are not abilities on their own, just descriptive terms used to further explain the nature of one's ability.

The list goes on to those who use specific tools to aid them: tarot cards, pendulums, various scrying devices, and so on. This is not a complete list of abilities as there are many more that are less easily defined. But I hope these brief descriptions help to give a better understanding of the gifts some posses. Personally, I do not care for titles as we are people first and no single term can define us as a whole. So regardless of any titles, when it comes to using our gifts to help others, it is accurately portraying what we can do that matters most of all.

Psychic Development Simplified

I would like to share my core theories on how to get started with developing psychic abilities. I have worked with many individuals who have transformed from being frightened and having no control over their gifts, to being grounded and strong psychics, able to perform readings with accuracy and confidence. It takes a lot time and work, but it is a balance that is attainable by all.

So many individuals have reached out to me for guidance and all of their stories have been very similar. They've expressed experiencing psychic phenomena ranging from intuitive messages to being visited by spirits. Most often they are afraid and unsure of what is happening to them and in many cases, they have had other experiences throughout their lives, but have now come to a point that their senses have intensified and have begun to interfere with their daily life. It has now turned into a very overwhelming experience which is now making them question their own sanity. Psychic abilities are often misunderstood and discounted by so many that these individuals often feel alone, with no one to talk to and help them rationalize what they are experiencing.

I believe that psychic/medium gifts are a natural part of the human consciousness. I also believe that everyone has the ability to develop these gifts. Some people are just born a little more "attune" then others. I also find that is seems to be a genetic trait that runs in families. I cannot say with certainty that I believe it is part of human evolution, but the growing numbers of individuals with psychic gifts makes it a definite possibility in my opinion. Much like the natural talents you see in athletes, musicians, artists, etc., everyone has the capability to heighten their natural abilities with time, practice, and faith in one's self.

Psychic Development - Meditation

First step and possibly the biggest key to psychic development, is meditation. This is how we "exercise" the intuitive mind and learn to keep a calm, focused, and relaxed body and mind. There are many different types of meditations, but it is important to practice clearing, focusing, and opening the mind. For those that have had difficulty with meditation in the past, I suggest using guided meditations to start practicing with. In book stores and online you can find many to choose from. Sometimes it takes some searching to find the right one for you. Meditation helps us in training the mind to receive and feel, rather than think when reading for others. I know it may sound like a huge task, but with regular meditation it becomes easier over time and you will be astonished by the level of focus you can achieve. Eventually, you will learn to bring that calmness and focus into an awaken state of being, allowing information to flow to your mind naturally. It is important to practice meditation as much, and as often as you possibly can. It can also be a useful tool for us in many avenues of life. It helps to promote a balanced mental and emotional state, which is essential for anyone hoping to read for others with a clear consciousness.

Psychic Development - Spirituality

Next step is that one must work on a deep spirituality no matter what it is you personally believe. This goes beyond religion, it's about how you see the Divine and what your personal relationship is with him/her/them. This is so important because this is where we draw our strength, energy and an unshakable faith that we are protected. It is through prayer that we cleanse ourselves before and after readings so we do not end up taking the energies of others into ourselves. Without doing so the energies can actually manifest in many ways including our physical health. True spiritual faith is such a powerful force, and it is an absolute necessity we keep a constant affirmation of our beliefs in our hearts and minds. Faith is our best weapon in battling fears, especially for those hoping to work with spirits and perform mediumship. Some may disagree with me on the need for spirituality to be psychic and to aid psychic development. But I do not see how one can effectively work with spirits and energy without holding some belief system close to their heart. In my opinion, you will not be able to find longevity as a psychic and the ability to perform readings without spiritual faith.

Psychic Development - Faith

Then the last and most important is absolute faith in yourself. You must believe without a doubt in your developing psychic abilities and beyond what rational thought tells you is possible. We have been trained our entire lives on what is possible, and what is not. So we must retrain our minds and come to a point of blind faith in our psychic abilities and a "knowing" that comes from within. This can take some time to work on, but with just a little faith in your developing psychic abilities, you can completely surprise yourself on what you can do. I have witnessed many, who have just begun working on psychic development, completely blow others away with their accuracy. This is simply because they completely believed in what they could do without a shadow of a doubt. How much you can evolve as a psychic/medium is only limited by your own faith.

So meditation, spirituality and faith in yourself are the key components to begin working and developing your natural psychic abilities. Add in time, practice, and patience and you have a great foundation to work from. Fear seems to be what most have the hardest time dealing with in the beginning. If you really think about it, it's the only obstacle and can easily be overcome. Once you really incorporate the 3 key components into your life, your fears will begin to melt away. Practice reading for others as much as you can and don't beat yourself up if sometimes you get some information wrong. It's a learning process just like any other and takes time to perfect. I will stop here at the basics. I've tried to just explain the main concepts briefly of psychic development and give an idea of where to begin. From here I usually go on to energy work with chakras and methods about coming into contact with your spirit guides. I have full confidence that anyone who actively follows this formula will see results in their psychic abilities. For some, I've seen very quick progression in their psychic development, but the time it takes to learn new things varies from person to person and patience is important. Like most things in life it takes some work and dedication, but the rewards in the end can be beyond anything you believe possible. Always remember, your psychic abilities are a “gift” not meant to be feared but to be shared.

Psychic Defense and Self Preservation

As psychics, sensitives, and mediums, we often have to deal with a never ending onslaught of energies wherever we go and at any time. In our daily lives we cannot avoid encountering people with their various emotions, locations with energy imprints, or wandering spirits looking to communicate. This can become extremely taxing on us, especially those who have only begun to open up and explore the depths of their abilities. These constant stressors can manifest within us, in the forms of anxiety and depression, even as physical ailments. So how do we adjust and manage our exposure to these energies without sacrificing our health? I'd like to outline ways in which to lessen these stresses, giving us the tools to manage these everyday life encounters with ease.

Meditation

Meditation is not only an essential step in strengthening and advancing our abilities; but can help immensely with psychic defense. Through regular practice we learn to remain calm in stressful situations and how to still the mind. We can bring this relaxation into our awakened state of being, making it easier for our minds to handle anything that comes our way. Through meditation, awareness on all levels will become heightened. Which means we will receive more impressions, feelings and information. But it is the self awareness we gain that is an invaluable tool in our self preservation. We must be able to discern our own emotions and feelings from what is being oppressed onto us. Being able to separate ourself from the energies we are receiving is absolutely paramount. Meditation is elusive for many, and some feel that they just are not able do it. This is not true.. It takes time and practice and the rewards can benefit you in all aspects of life, so keep trying and never give up.

Spirituality

Spirituality is so important because this is where we find our faith in a power beyond ourselves. This is completely separate from religion, and having to do with our own personal relationship with a higher power. The role of spirituality in psychic defense is very simple: protection. When we feel overwhelmed, we should pray and ask for divine intervention, whether it be from angels, white light energy, or even the Divine itself. A great exercise I was taught to ground myself is a simple visualization technique: Envision yourself surrounded by a sphere of the Divine's white light, which nothing can pierce. Plant your feet on the ground and envision roots coming from the bottoms of your feet connecting you with the earth. Take in deep breathes and allow yourself to be free, feeling nothing but peace. This is an easy exercise you can do anywhere and whenever you feel you need it. Another great asset in defense is the presences and guidance of our spirit guides. Even if you have yet to obtain an open communication with your guides they are always with you and watching over you. Ask for their help to guide and protect you. Our minds are sacred, so it's a good practice to give your spirit guides permission to open communication. Their sole purpose is to help us, so we should never be hesitate to call on them for help. Faith in the Divine's power and ability to keep us safe and protected is one of our greatest tools in defense. What could be more empowering than knowing you are never alone, and have heavenly support beyond what we can possibly fathom.

 Exposure and Inner Strength

Time really is the best teacher of all, and as you progress and gain experience, everything will become much easier to handle. This can be likened to the hardened police office, who can walk onto a crime scene undaunted. For those of us that have to endure visions of atrocities, or even deal with feeling them happen. It may never become something you are used to, but with time you will become more and more desensitized. Finding confidence in yourself and inner strength is really what holds everything together. Without it, all the techniques and faith in the world will do little to help you. It's not about being cocky and taking serious things lightly. It's about an inner knowing that you can handle anything and erasing all fears. For those of us who attract spirts, in which some try to force communication relentlessly. If we cannot help them, or their advances are unwanted, we must be able to stand firm without fear and tell them to leave. Just as we would the advances of any human being. Trust in yourself and project confidence, knowing that you have the control of any situation. Self empowerment is the best and most effective defense we have in our arsenal. Just with the sheer will power of our minds and spirits, we can deter the effects of any negative energies,

I hope that these tools and mindsets are found to be as useful and effective for others as they have been for me. The journey of how our gifts evolve is completely individualized, and much of the learning we must do ourselves along the way. For those that have read my article on psychic development, you'll notice that I focus on many of the same attributes like meditation and spirituality. This is because they are the absolute essentials and basics when it comes to managing your abilities, and the ways in which they can help you on your path is vast and not easily defined. My purpose in writing this article, is to give others, whether experienced or new to working with their psychic abilities, defensive tools that are simple in concept, easy to incorporate into daily life, and have shown to be effective. We must take care of ourselves first, so that we are able to use our gifts to help others.