Why do believers want a reading with a psychic medium?

[CFLarsen]

Clancie came up with a very good point in another thread: Before one wants to argue against people seeking out psychic mediums, one should make an effort to understand the reasons for wanting the reading.

I would like to ask the people who have had a reading with a psychic medium to tell us the reasons why they got one - or even started looking into these matters and began believing.

As I understand it, both Steve Grenard, Clancie, neofight and RC all lost a close relative/friend shortly before their interest in mediums started. Does this have anything to do with it?

[RC]

Yes, my interest in mediums came shortly after the death of my partner. I stumbled on the Crossing Over show (the one where he reads Melissa Gilbert that they've shown a million times) and I got hooked. That led to my further research and desire for my own reading(s).

Interestingly, my interest and to some extent my belief in mediums decreased at about the same rate as my grief. I don't know what that means, and it is specific to my own situation, but it's something I realized the other day.

I know that neofight's interest was not sparked by a recent loss.

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen
Clancie came up with a very good point in another thread: Before one wants to argue against people seeking out psychic mediums, one should make an effort to understand the reasons for wanting the reading.

I would like to ask the people who have had a reading with a psychic medium to tell us the reasons why they got one - or even started looking into these matters and began believing.

As I understand it, both Steve Grenard, Clancie, neofight and RC all lost a close relative/friend shortly before their interest in mediums started. Does this have anything to do with it?

Claus,

As you may remember, I had a thread on TVTalkShows about my experiences with a number of mediums. In each case, I came away from the experience feeling that I'd not only not seen any evidence of communication with the dead, but no evidence of psychic ability either. My motive for visiting these mediums had nothing to do with any recent loss of a loved one. It was purely a matter of intellectual curiosity--a desire to see first hand if any of the mediums I visited would show any evidence of either psychic ability or ability to communicate with the dead. While I think that it's evident that many people have sought out mediums in the hope of communicating with deceased loved ones, I think that reason does not hold for everyone. And in the history of the investigation of mediums since the founding of the SPR, I think that there have been a number of investigators who were motivated primarily by scientific curiosity, and not by a desire to alleviate personal grief.

I know you addressed your post to believers, so I probably don't qualify, since at this point I am agnostic as to even the existence of an afterlife, let alone mediums' ability to communicate with spirits allegedly dwelling in such an afterlife. But I thought I'd respond anyway.

Mike

[CFLarsen]

RC,

I might have been wrong about neofight, then. It could be interesting to hear neofight.

Your point about your interest waning might be a good one. Could it be that we seek out mediums as a way of dealing with our grief?

If that is the case, why do some people continue to seek out mediums? Is it because they can't get go?

Mike D.,

I don't think I particularly address my post to believers. I merely pointed to some believers here as an example.

Can I ask you why you reposted my whole post?

[Pyrrho]

Everybody's looking for a miracle, these days. It's a way of "coping" with the stress of modern life, or a way of feeling "special", or part of the "miracle". Today it's mediums, tomorrow it's some other pseudo-spiritual fad, such as faith healing. Some people just want to have that "glow" of thinking they've been in touch with God, somehow.

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen
Mike D.,

I don't think I particularly address my post to believers. I merely pointed to some believers here as an example.

Can I ask you why you reposted my whole post?

Claus,

In reading your post again, I see that it is not only addressed to believers. I apologize for the mistake. I also apologize for reposting your whole post. I've gotten into the habit of quoting the post I'm responding to for reference, but I can see that it was not necessary in this case since the thread is not that long yet.

Mike

[Clancie]

Quote:

Posted by Mike D

While I think that it's evident that many people have sought out mediums in the hope of communicating with deceased loved ones, I think that reason does not hold for everyone.

And in the history of the investigation of mediums since the founding of the SPR, I think that there have been a number of investigators who were motivated primarily by scientific curiosity, and not by a desire to alleviate personal grief.

Hi Mike,

To me the question you answered--"Why does anyone want a reading?"--is more interesting than the one in the thread title.

I'm sure, as you mention, that there are many reasons someone might see a psychic or medium, grief being just one possibility.

In the case of Sylvia (from Kenneth's thread), the stepmother's reasons for going might be even more interesting than someone going to see JE, since Sylvia considers herself much more of a professional psychic than she does a medium.

Personally, I have no interest in going to Sylvia or any psychic, but I am interested in knowing what people would be hoping to hear from one.

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike D.
In reading your post again, I see that it is not only addressed to believers. I apologize for the mistake.

No need to apologize.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike D.
I also apologize for reposting your whole post. I've gotten into the habit of quoting the post I'm responding to for reference, but I can see that it was not necessary in this case since the thread is not that long yet.

Hmmm....actually, when I look through your more recent posts, I see both posts where you quote and where you don't quote at all. However, when you do quote, it is only the snippet that you reply to.

Just wondered why this was not the case here.

But...as I write this, I can see why.

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
To me the question you answered--"Why does anyone want a reading?"--is more interesting than the one in the thread title.

Sure, if you want...

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
I'm sure, as you mention, that there are many reasons someone might see a psychic or medium, grief being just one possibility.

What other reasons? Wanting to find out whether the psychic was real or not? Spending thousands of dollars, and a lot of time and effort on this? Wow, that's dedication to something that doesn't fill up much of one's life...

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
In the case of Sylvia (from Kenneth's thread), the stepmother's reasons for going might be even more interesting than someone going to see JE, since Sylvia considers herself much more of a professional psychic than she does a medium.

She does? Where does she say this? What's the difference?

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
Personally, I have no interest in going to Sylvia or any psychic, but I am interested in knowing what people would be hoping to hear from one.

Uhoh...yes, you do:

Quote:

Gryphon2 207.175.243.209 09-02-2002 11:59 AM (Clancie, as we know you here)
Neo: "If he were still accepting names, my name and my husband's would definitely be on it."

Yes, you, me, and probably thousands of people watching CO would be signing up.

Have you changed your mind about going to see JE? Have you not seen other psychics before, e.g. Robert Brown and Brian Hurst?

I don't really see that you have tried to reply to the issue of this thread - or even why anyone would want a reading. I find that strange, since you were the one who brought it up. Oh well, we can hope other chime in...

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by Pyrrho
Today it's mediums, tomorrow it's some other pseudo-spiritual fad, such as faith healing.

Pyrrho,

It does seem to me that various forms of alleged paranormal activity are subject to cycles of popularity, and wax and wane periodically as the decades go by.

Mike

(Claus, note that I've quoted only a snippet above. )

[thaiboxerken]

For some, it's their way of "proving" to themselves that praying or talking to a deceased loved one really does get through to "the other side". For others, it's "proving" to themselves that there is something more after death. It all comes down to fear of death and the inability to deal with death.

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike D.
(Claus, note that I've quoted only a snippet above. )

(Yes, I noticed that you have gone back to your usual MO, now that Clancie can respond without having to talk to me directly...don't think I don't notice these things... )

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen

Spending thousands of dollars, and a lot of time and effort on this?

Claus,

I know your comment here was addressed to Clancie, but I want to express my personal views of the cost of sessions with mediums. I would not be inclined to visit a medium who charged what I would consider to be an unreasonably large sum of money. Where the cutoff point would be for me I guess I'd have to decide on a case by case basis, as I've done in the past, but the thought of paying over a thousand dollars or even several hundred dollars for a session with a medium seems ridiculous to me, since the medium is asking me to pay for a service that likely has not been shown, or at least not yet been shown, by scientific testing to be valid. But I can see how certain mediums can command what I regard to be unresonable fees, in that there are probably lots of people who accept that what a particular medium does is genuine and are willing to pay large sums of money for the assurance that their loved ones are still living and loving in the afterlife. And I can see how that desire for assurance could fuel an almost addictive quest that would take someone from one medium to another and become a consuming passion.

I remember reading that Brian Hurst charges a modest fee to those who attend his seances--I believe well under $100. If I was living in the Los Angeles area, I'd probably check him out. But I have no interest in paying to fly across the country to see him.

Mike

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen

(Yes, I noticed that you have gone back to your usual MO, now that Clancie can respond without having to talk to me directly...don't think I don't notice these things... )

Claus,

Since when did you become a conspiracy theorist?

Mike

[CFLarsen]

Mike D.,

I am not merely talking about the actual cost of the reading. We also have to count in travel expenses, hotel, food, drink, etc.

In Clancie's case, she is willing to fly across the country, shelling out a lot of money on a medium she does not believe is real.

Oh, I forgot. No, she doesn't. Now.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mike D.
Since when did you become a conspiracy theorist?

Look me in the eyes and tell me I was wrong.

[Mike D.]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen
Mike D.,

I am not merely talking about the actual cost of the reading. We also have to count in travel expenses, hotel, food, drink, etc.

In Clancie's case, she is willing to fly across the country, shelling out a lot of money on a medium she does not believe is real.

Oh, I forgot. No, she doesn't. Now.



Look me in the eyes and tell me I was wrong.

Claus,

I agree with you about the cost of the reading itself not being the only factor to consider. As I mentioned, I would not fly across the country to check out Brian Hurst. And food and lodging, as you mention, can be very expensive too if one doesn't have friends in an area with whom one can stay.

And yes, you are wrong if you believe that I quoted your post so that Clancie could see it and respond. After all, I was responding to your *entire* post and not just a portion of it. And if Clancie ever asked me to quote your posts just so she could see them, I would certainly not agree to do so.

(Unfortunately, I can't look you in the eyes and say this, as you are in Denmark! If you'd only stayed in New York, I could perhaps have taken the train down and met you at a skeptic meeting and said it then! And maybe gotten in a session with Steve's trance medium as well! )

Mike

[CFLarsen]

Mike D.,

If you say so.

[max]

CFLarsen
I went to a couple of mediums because I had, had several 'paranormal' incidents and I thought maybe I could find out more but I was disappointed. Also the dead are unable to predict the future in the same way that we can't. No jokes about the dead can't speak anyway please

[Clancie]

Quote:

Posted by Mike D

And yes, you are wrong if you believe that I quoted your post so that Clancie could see it and respond. After all, I was responding to your *entire* post and not just a portion of it. And if Clancie ever asked me to quote your posts just so she could see them, I would certainly not agree to do so.

Thank you, Mike. At least now I know Claus realizes he's on "Ignore". (Sometimes I wonder....)

And, lol, about me asking to have his posts "reprinted". If I wanted to know what they say, I could always click on the post and see for myself. I wouldn't have to impose on my friends to get it for me!

Claus won't (or can't) change his ways to me (the rudeness and misrepresentations), but I guess he just doesn't like to be ignored at all. Oh, well, maybe some day he'll realize that what goes around comes around, and change his tactics. One can hope...

[Cleopatra]

When I lost somebody close to me, his sister started seeing a medium.

Interestingly enough she started delivering to me "his" wishes regarding various issues financial mostly that they weren't included in his official will that even I ignored its existence before his death... His sister was not included in this will and as you understand she was kind of frustrated but since the will was completely legal she couldn't offend it in court.

So, with the help of the medium she attempted to create tensions between friends and relatives by implying that I was ignoring the will of the dead. Nice way to get over a death, don't you think?

This comes from my personal experience, something that coincides my professional experience as well. It's not rare that people use "info" provided by mediums to influence other people's will and decisions.

[Yahweh]

I'd see a psychic medium, just for laughs... of course I'd probably spend the money on something more constructive... probably refurnishing my home with more plants (because we are in dire need of more plants...).

[thaiboxerken]

Quote:

Originally posted by max
No jokes about the dead can't speak anyway please

It's no joke, it's a fact.

[RC]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen
RC,

I might have been wrong about neofight, then. It could be interesting to hear neofight.

Your point about your interest waning might be a good one. Could it be that we seek out mediums as a way of dealing with our grief?

If that is the case, why do some people continue to seek out mediums? Is it because they can't get go?

I think it's impossible to brush all that go to mediums with one stroke. I'm sure that many go to deal with grief. I think I went out of both grief and genuine curiosity. If I were to go to one again, which I probably will, it will be strictly out of curiosity since I'm no longer grieving.

I'm sure there are many people who can't let go of those who have died and continue to seek out mediums. There is a lot of unhealthy behavior associated with an inability to complete the grieving process.

[RC]

Claus, just to correct something, Clancie is saying in this thread that she is not interested in seeing a *psychic*. She is distinguishing between *psychic* and *medium*.

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by RC
Claus, just to correct something, Clancie is saying in this thread that she is not interested in seeing a *psychic*. She is distinguishing between *psychic* and *medium*.

I am aware of that. However, she has refused to say what the difference is.

[Clancie]

Quote:

Posted by RC

Claus, just to correct something, Clancie is saying in this thread that she is not interested in seeing a *psychic*. She is distinguishing between *psychic* and *medium*.

Thank you for clarifying that for Claus, RC. I would have certainly expected that he already understood the difference very well by now-- that "psychics" claim to be highly intuitive and able to tell you about your past, present and future...while "psychic mediums" say they are able to communicate with the deceased.

Its not the first time this distinction has come up in discussion about mediums and psychics. I would have expected that he would have remembered what each was.

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
Thank you for clarifying that for Claus, RC.

Thank you for ...."ignoring" the question.... Why would you even care what I understand? Must be my cologne...

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
I would have certainly expected that he already understood the difference-- that "psychics" claim to be highly intuitive and able to tell you about your past, present and future...while "psychic mediums" say they are able to communicate with the deceased.

Thank you for - finally - answering one of the questions. It does raise the question of whether this is your own opinion, or you can point to some dictionary or something. There is also the question of whether your definitions really are different at all.

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie
I thought he would have remembered that.

That would be a little hard to do, since you refused to answer the question. But thanks, anyway.

Now, if you are going to post in this thread, could you address the issue?

[max]

thaiboxerken
I would expect a rep;y like that off a smart arse...dark cobra LOL....not

[neofight]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen


Thank you for ...."ignoring" the question.... Why would you even care what I understand? Must be my cologne...

Must be, Claus, since it surely is not your charm and/or diplomacy.

Quote:

Thank you for - finally - answering one of the questions. It does raise the question of whether this is your own opinion, or you can point to some dictionary or something. There is also the question of whether your definitions really are different at all.

You're kidding, right? Finally answering one of the questions??? Oh Claus! What is it with you? The difference between an ordinary psychic and a psychic medium has been discussed over at tvtalkshows more than once, and you have definitely been a participant in those discussions.

The difference between a psychic and a medium is so very basic to the topic we have been discussing with you for well over a year now, that it boggles the mind to see that you are still so absolutely clueless. How is that even possible?

Is it willful ignorance? Selective memory? Some sort of learning disability? Or just a complete and utter inability to grasp this one very simple distinction? Seriously. I'm very curious as to how you could possibly have forgotten this, even though it has been explained to you before. Can you explain it to me?

With regard to what you said about me having suffered a recent personal loss, RC is correct when he told you that this is not true in my own case. I got interested in mediumship because once I saw it demonstrated on "CO" and other tv shows, I became very curious about the subject and began looking into it. Over two years later, and I still find it extremely intriguing......neo






]

[Ed]

Claus,

I think that if you checked out reasons religious participation you would find a parrelel. Death seems so final that the history of humanity seems to revolve around denial of that fact. If my wife or kids died, I would sure like to know that it was not, literally, the end. Religion, TV fakes, even going to places where you shared time with the departed are all mechanisms of denial if carried to an extreme (and are, IMHO, unhealthy).

In some ways these coping mechanisms are like taking vitamins: They might work but there is no perceptable harm so might as well do it.

Most people cope in whatever way works for them and then get on with their life. Those that don't have found a womb that will be protected at all costs, even to the extent of rational thought. That is the pity and why the frauds should burn in hell (see, religion does have some utility).

You might compare it (irrational belief) to a sexual rebound in the wake of a divorce. The "left" party needs reassurance of their attractiveness and might engage, for a time, in heightened sexual activity. Fine and good but that is not reality. Some small percentage, I suspect, never stop. Same sort of thing.

Grief can make people do some funny things, as can fear. One might fear death for themselves or for loved ones and turn to religion or mediums in advance of the event.

I think you are looking, Claus, for an answer to why humans are humans. It is not just silly beliefs in the paranormal.

Edit to add that guilt plays a part. Did I do enough when x was alive, I should have done y. Some of the "belief" structure, I am sure, is to obtain absolution. I bet that this is particularly the case when a kid dies. Think about it. You can ALWAYS pay more for more and different medical care. Did you? Was EVERY alternative explored? Were they really? You can't say that can you. You might have done more and if you had your child would still be alive. It is your fault, after all wasn't it? Well, it's too late now so all that is left is forgiveness. But death is final, is it not? Well, not necessarily.

And so it goes.

[Lord Kenneth]

Quote:

Originally posted by max
thaiboxerken
I would expect a rep;y like that off a smart arse...dark cobra LOL....not

....

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by neofight
You're kidding, right? Finally answering one of the questions??? Oh Claus! What is it with you? The difference between an ordinary psychic and a psychic medium has been discussed over at tvtalkshows more than once, and you have definitely been a participant in those discussions.

The difference between a psychic and a medium is so very basic to the topic we have been discussing with you for well over a year now, that it boggles the mind to see that you are still so absolutely clueless. How is that even possible?

Is it willful ignorance? Selective memory? Some sort of learning disability? Or just a complete and utter inability to grasp this one very simple distinction? Seriously. I'm very curious as to how you could possibly have forgotten this, even though it has been explained to you before. Can you explain it to me?

With regard to what you said about me having suffered a recent personal loss, RC is correct when he told you that this is not true in my own case. I got interested in mediumship because once I saw it demonstrated on "CO" and other tv shows, I became very curious about the subject and began looking into it. Over two years later, and I still find it extremely intriguing......neo

You are most welcome to point it out. Examples, please?

[Clancie]

Quote:

Posted by neofight

The difference between an ordinary psychic and a psychic medium has been discussed over at tvtalkshows more than once, and you have definitely been a participant in those discussions.

The difference between a psychic and a medium is so very basic to the topic we have been discussing with you for well over a year now, that it boggles the mind to see that you are still so absolutely clueless. How is that even possible?

neo,

I agree. How is this possible? Or that he actually has the nerve to say this? (neo, quoting CFLarsen: Thank you for - finally - answering one of the questions).

Here is an excerpt from just one of the threads where someone (in this case, me) explained the difference to Claus (aka Cantata).

Quote:

From "A Checklist for a Cold Reading Medium", TVTalkshows, JE forum

CFLarsen (Cantata):

I know you call them "mediums". If you want to separate "medium" from "psychic", then please tell me what the difference is.

What is the difference between a "psychic" and a "psychic medium"?


Clancie (Gryphon2):

Psychics don't claim to do that (spirit communication). Mediums (sometimes calling themselves "Psychic Mediums" because they are both psychic AND able to do mediumship) are differentiated from psychics because of their ability to communicate with the dead.

I've answered your question about it before, and now three times here. I don't know how to make it any clearer.


CFLarsen (Cantata):

So, a psychic medium speaks with the dead. What does a psychic do, then?


Clancie:

The simplest definition is someone with the ability to see, hear and feel by use of senses other than the 5 natural senses. If, in using these "psychic senses", they are able to communicate with the dead, they are a psychic medium.

But, as you already know, there are many things that fall into "seeing, hearing and feeling in ways other than the five sense" that do not involve mediumship skills (precognition, levitation, etc. etc.)

Psychic readings tell people about their lives, past, present and future. They are not for the purpose of providing ADC's.

And, I'm sure you'll remember before we digress onto the subject of psychics, that my interest in psychic phenonmena is limited to mediumship only.


CFLarsen (Cantata):

There is one overriding factor in all psychic readings, be it with the dead or concerning the sitter's life.

And that is the will to believe. People who are being read are usually already convinced that the medium (see? I got it right!) can do what heshe claims. Those who are not, can be persuaded by hype and a few lucky guesses.

From TVTalkshows: "Checklist for a Cold Reading Medium"

[neofight]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen


You are most welcome to point it out. Examples, please?

Point out what, exactly? Are you saying that in all this time of debating mediumship, you are not too embarrassed to admit to us all that you did not know that only mediums claim to communicate with the dead, and that ordinary psychics do not make this claim?

You do not recall ever hearing us explain to you that "All mediums are psychics, but not all psychics are mediums?" Is that what you are claiming, Claus??????? ......neo

[neofight]

Quote:

Originally posted by Clancie

neo,

I agree. How is this possible? Here is an excerpt from just one of the threads where this was explained to Claus (aka Cantata).

[/b]

Thanks so much for digging up one of the relevant exchanges, Clancie. As you can see, I posted my previous post only one minute after you posted yours. lol

As we knew, Claus already was given this information on more than one occasion. Now, I don't believe that he is a dolt, so why does he do these things? Claus? Any explanation that you'd care to offer? ......neo

[Ed]

Do these distinctions really make any difference? Are we not really talking about marketing top spin? Surely JE will talk to dead people, give advice about the future, talk to dead pets, infants, whatever.

[CFLarsen]

Clancie,

I see you are too dishonest to include a very crucial line of mine.

You claimed I had said:

Quote:

There is one overriding factor in all psychic readings, be it with the dead or concerning the sitter's life.

And that is the will to believe. People who are being read are usually already convinced that the medium (see? I got it right!) can do what heshe claims. Those who are not, can be persuaded by hype and a few lucky guesses.

However, you "left out" the line just before:

Quote:

Oh, I have plenty of definitions in my library. However, very few seem to agree - which is why I ask.

Why did you leave out that line? That's where I make it clear that the reason I ask this question is because I can't seem to find what distinguishes one from another.

Now....Clancie and neofight: where else can I find this definition of yours? Is it your own, or is there a dictionary definition somewhere?

If you merely have invented it yourselves, then fine: That only means that you invent excuses to be able to explain the difference between Sylvia Browne from John Edward. A pretty poor excuse, too.

If you have not, then I would love to see it.

[neofight]

Quote:

Originally posted by CFLarsen
Clancie,

I see you are too dishonest to include a very crucial line of mine.

You claimed I had said:

However, you "left out" the line just before:

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oh, I have plenty of definitions in my library. However, very few seem to agree - which is why I ask.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why did you leave out that line? That's where I make it clear that the reason I ask this question is because I can't seem to find what distinguishes one from another.

Clancie is not being dishonest, Claus. You've asked what the difference is, and you've been told. More than once.

Quote:

Now....Clancie and neofight: where else can I find this definition of yours? Is it your own, or is there a dictionary definition somewhere?

If you merely have invented it yourselves, then fine: That only means that you invent excuses to be able to explain the difference between Sylvia Browne from John Edward. A pretty poor excuse, too.

If you have not, then I would love to see it.

How utterly absurd to even suggest that we've invented the definition of "psychic medium" Claus. Whatever are you smoking? It's pretty common knowledge what a medium is. How can you not know this after debating mediumship for so long?

If you want advice on job-related matters, or on your love life, etc., you go to see a psychic. If you want to make contact with someone who has died, you go to see a psychic medium. I, like Clancie, would have absolutely no interest in going to see a psychic.

Here, a quote from someone other than Clancie or myself......

Medium vs. Psychic - a psychic attunes to the
vibrations of the universe, a medium attunes to these same vibrations but also attunes to spirit entities. Not
all psychics are mediums.

http://www.direct2spirit.com/pageseven.html

[CFLarsen]

Quote:

Originally posted by neofight
Clancie is not being dishonest, Claus. You've asked what the difference is, and you've been told. More than once.

Yes, she is. By leaving out that little sentence, she deliberately obscures my intent.

Quote:

Originally posted by neofight
How utterly absurd to even suggest that we've invented the definition of "psychic medium" Claus. Whatever are you smoking? It's pretty common knowledge what a medium is. How can you not know this after debating mediumship for so long?

Spare us that condescending tone, neofight. Do not even attempt to determine what "common knowledge" is. Do not attempt to determine what I - or anyone else - know. You are not the sole arbiter of what "common knowledge" is.

Unless you want to pose as an absolute expert on paranormal phenomena. Do you?

Quote:

Originally posted by neofight
If you want advice on job-related matters, or on your love life, etc., you go to see a psychic. If you want to make contact with someone who has died, you go to see a psychic medium. I, like Clancie, would have absolutely no interest in going to see a psychic.

Why not? Because you feel they don't work? Or are you two merely so morbid that you are only interested in dead people?

Quote:

Originally posted by neofight
Medium vs. Psychic - a psychic attunes to the
vibrations of the universe, a medium attunes to these same vibrations but also attunes to spirit entities. Not
all psychics are mediums.

http://www.direct2spirit.com/pageseven.html

• Please explain what "vibrations of the universe" means.
• Please explain what it means to "attune" to these vibrations.
• Please explain what "spirit entities" cover.
• Is this the generally accepted explanation? Please point to other references that verify this.

May I remind you that the American Heritage Dictionary's definition of a medium is "An intervening substance through which something else is transmitted or carried on"? I don't see any difference between a psychic telling fortunes and a psychic (medium) telling you what your grandma said.

[CFLarsen]

Webster

Psychic
1 : of or relating to the psyche : PSYCHOGENIC
2 : lying outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge : immaterial, moral, or spiritual in origin or force
3 : sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding


Medium
1 a : something in a middle position b : a middle condition or degree : MEAN
2 : a means of effecting or conveying something: as a (1) : a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect (2) : a surrounding or enveloping substance (3) : the tenuous material (as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations of matter (as stars) <interstellar medium> b plural usually media (1) : a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment -- compare MASS MEDIUM (2) : a publication or broadcast that carries advertising (3) : a mode of artistic expression or communication (4) : something (as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored c : GO-BETWEEN, INTERMEDIARY d plural mediums : an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits e : material or technical means of artistic expression
3 a : a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish b plural media (1) : a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria (2) : a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting) c : a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter
usage see MEDIA