Craig the Psychic

According to those Skeptical of the Psychic Reader "all of it" entails a thing they call "Cold Reading", but what does that term actually entail? Does it hold any truth to it?

You decide. . . 

It’s Just Cold Reading

Skeptics and so-called “Rationalist” in the world are quick to point fingers at this work I do and infer that it is some kind of psychological formula that is composed of the following;

An Understanding of the Human Animal

• Commonality of Life Patterns
• Demographic Profiling based on;
• Race/Culture
• Education Levels & Intelligence
• Religious Influences/Expression of Faith
•  Economic Status (and Vocational Roles)

Effective Awareness & Recollection Skills

• Understanding Body Language cues
• Understanding “Tells” – facial tics and other such involuntary reactions
• Somatotyping – Profiling prospects based on body-type {see; http://www.somatotype.org/history.php and http://wilderdom.com/personality/L6-1PersonalityTypes.html for further details)

Effective Communication Skill

• Listening Skills – being able to discern language patterns as well as vocabulary boundaries (reflects education & social status)

• Influence Skills – the ability to effectively use one’s voice & body language/gestures as a means of controlling the subject.

Understand that this is but a cursory list and too, our cynical fellows love to add to and adjust the information sat onto this “explanation” so as to keep up with current trends and supposed “scientific” standards. Unfortunately the “standards” embraced by the naysayers tend to be far more rigid and unyielding than those typical of actual unbiased scientific research.  That however, is an entirely different issue we’ll have to look at, at some later date.  For the moment we’re interested in the “charge” that “all Psychic Readings are in fact “Cold Reading”.

So Where Does This Concept Come From?

We’d need to go back to 1948 and a class given by Professor Bertram R. Forer to his psychology students.  The essence of this “test” was based on the generalities found in the typical daily Newspaper horoscope which, as we all know, is about as accurate as having the typical 3-year old replicate the Mona Lisa. . .  nowhere near close the majority of the time. Yet, this is the “Scientific Basis” and foundation used by Forer that has become the “rational” explanation behind Readings and what Psychics really do – see for yourself;

You have a need for other people to like and admire you, and yet you tend to be critical of yourself. While you have some personality weaknesses you are generally able to compensate for them. You have considerable unused capacity that you have not turned to your advantage. Disciplined and self-controlled on the outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure on the inside. At times you have serious doubts as to whether you have made the right decision or done the right thing. You prefer a certain amount of change and variety and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. You also pride yourself as an independent thinker; and do not accept others' statements without satisfactory proof. But you have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing yourself to others. At times you are extroverted, affable, and sociable, while at other times you are introverted, wary, and reserved. Some of your aspirations tend to be rather unrealistic.

Understand that this IS NOT a “Reading” but rather a Character Analysis, something the naysayers tend to ignore it would seem, implying that all Readings follow this particular sense of pattern. The other thing you should notice is how it will first say one thing and then counter that statement by moving towards its opposite descriptive, a tactic that is used so as to generate psychological agreement in the person receiving said information who will naturally apply one or the other or even both points of view to his/her situation.  As most of us that have participated in a High School level psychology class or any sort of basic salesmanship seminar are aware, the more times you manage to get a person to respond in the affirmative, the greater your chances are at getting them to sign away their life. . . ask any salesman, it’s one of the many tricks they and advertising agencies use on us daily; they “force” us to agree.  The frightening part of this particular scenario is how it is likewise exploited by politicians and varies modes of clergy as well.

HUMAN BEINGS MANIPULATE ONE ANOTHER!

This is just a fact of life and very much a part of human nature.  As I’ve mentioned in my other writings however, such antics aren’t always a dark or sinister thing, it depends on the motives of the one (or ones) pulling the proverbial strings and what their agenda may be.  When it comes to the traditional “shut-eye” Reader the agenda typically centers on helping you, the client, in resolving your issues and being able to get on with life.  According to the naysayer’s society however, our only goal is to take money from your pocket and bilk you dry. . . but then they likewise believe that anyone that visits a psychic/spiritual counselor is an (and I quote) “gullible fool and idiot”, which I find to be quite odd given the number of highly successful as well as educated individuals that patronize us.

Now to show you how accurate and “honest” our skeptical detractors are, they claim that the great showman P.T. Barnum used Cold Reading in his shows and it is from this he coined the phrase “There’s a sucker born every minute” which in truth, was NOT ever uttered by Mr. Barnum.  The idea that the old barker actually demonstrated such is likewise questionable even though he did, as all carnival & circus folks learn to do, “Read” people; like any salesman worth their grain, he knew how to size a person up in a matter of seconds and essentially “know” them well enough to fit them into this or that niche.  If you take a look at that list I opened this article with, I believe you’ll readily see how such a thing is possible.

Is This What Actually Psychics Do?

Sure it is, isn’t this what you do when you first meet someone? Don’t we all classify the people we meet into this or that niche based on appearance, clothing, grooming, language and command thereof?

There’s not a single person alive, dead or about to be born that has not, does not and will not use this very natural “intuitive” course of action and yet, the naysayers would imply that it is part of a Reader’s means of deception.  Understand, they do this kind of thing with great frequency, issuing a kind of double-standard that more or less states that “Psychics” or mystics of any flavor, are not allowed to use natural/innate skill-sets while any other profession can; most of which actually abuse the consumer-base far more than any psychic (charlatan or otherwise) in history ever has. . . 

. . .but the Bernie Madoff types aren’t as vile, dangerous or predatory as those that call themselves Psychics, Healers, etc.; at least not according to the moral and ethical standard held by our detractors.

The “Barnum Effect” is on one hand, an echo to what Professor Forer latter confirmed.  On the other hand however, we have what the naysayers call “Barnum Statements” which range from stock lines of bold flattery to prophetic proclamations or what show people call “Hurling the Headlines”, which I must point out, tends to be more of where you see the latter – on a stage being done by a performer.

The Canned Spiel (a.k.a. Barnum Statements) actually host a truth to them, one of which is a major negative that came to light in the 1990’s by way of the then popular Psychic Hotline type services, the other a bit more pragmatic factor;

• The On-Line & Telephone Styled Psychic Businesses – Many of these are “volume focused” which means turn-over is everything.  Because of this literal scripts are employed by people that frequently have little to no actual psychic/intuitive skill; if they can recite the scripts in a manner that is fluid and conversational sounding, then they have a job.

• IMAGE READERS – This is the “honest” side of said mountain in that every Reader that does legitimate work using a proven oracle is guilty of this particular factor.

Every Tarot card ever printed has a myriad of images and for that matter, every letter in every language has a significant meaning unto itself though such things aren’t as well known in the case of a limited handful of primary alphabets, this particular “Romanized” text being one of them, even though assigned meanings do exist such as we see in Numerology. You will find that Hebraic lettering refers to numbers, animals, shelter, etc. just as the Nordic Runes will do or the Asian Congi script (the script styles common to the Orient).  This is all known fact just as another thing is proven anthropological and historic fact; global symbolism; the fact that every single plant, animal and mineral known to humankind since its earliest memory, has had a series of known associations and/or meanings. Even where an item is positioned to and from us in distance; up and down from the horizon, etc. ALL OF IT has an Oracular significance to those of us that are both, trained to understand the information and who have an innate connection to said “languages” (all Readers are not created equally; some excel in using the Tarot or Astrology while others do better translating the Runes or Dreams).

So yes, Readers do use a kind of “script” – a memorized understanding as to the meaning of specific things; colors, shapes, the meaning behind specific plant-life, animals, etc. But, as the title itself implies (“Reader”) the skill stems from knowing how to literally “read” and thus “Interpret” the information based on a formal “system” . . . a kind of pseudo-science if you would that stems from generations of study and discovery by yesteryear “Mystics” – the scientist of ancient times.

There is absolutely no intention of deception on our part and yet, you would have members of the Skeptic’s society, such as Joe Nichol, tell their fans that when acting as a palm Reader you can assign any name and significance you want to the lines and simply act as if you really are a sincere “expert” in what you are doing.

Becoming an Expert Is a Pretty Simple Procedure; Tell People You’re An Expert. After You Do That, All You Have To Do Is Maintain Appearances And Not Give Them A Reason To Believe You’re Not.

Handbook to Guests

The Amazing Three Meeting

Las Vegas - 2003

While the formula described in the above quote is commonly encouraged in the world of Public Speaking, many professional speakers literally skimming over a book or two prior to an engagement addressing a named topic, it is likewise the sentiment of these good Samaritans I refer to as Skeptics & Cynics; The Amazing Three Meeting being one of the many annual gatherings said genius culture come together at in order to pat one another on the back and boast about their triumphs in slamming the paranormal as well as “faith”. . .

. . . again, one of those related things I’ll have to address later.

My question is, if our detractors keep encouraging acts of deception such as I’ve noted in these few incidents, what qualifies them to be the judge of people that do Psychic and spiritually oriented work?

I’ve but touched upon the key points associated with Cold Reading, information anyone could find by surfing about on the web and yet, I’ll probably be lynched by the magic community for “exposing” some kind of Holy Grail method.  There are other facets to this theory the naysayers cling too that I have deliberately not touched upon; techniques that employ deliberate subterfuge – mechanical modes of trickery, slight-of-hand and even certain “investigative” techniques that would make your head spin.  As John Edward pointed out some years ago when he was still on the Sci-Fi Network, to employ this list of methods would require the Psychic to have a massive staff or network in place that includes the latest in surveillance & communications technology, literally millions-of-dollars’ worth of assets.

Part of the theory put forth by the cynic’s stems from a supposed confession-manuscript by M. Lamar Keen entitled “The Psychic Mafia” which seems to prove they’ll (the skeptics) believe anything that sustains their contention, given the fact that there is little collaborative witness to the claims made in said “tell all” tome. That’s not saying that the concept is invalid, it most certainly isn’t and can be seen on a small scale with those operations that are deliberately criminal; typically obscure family operations of the sort you can read about in my next article “Thieves Amongst Us”.

For now, I encourage you to contemplate what’s been said here.  I hope to generate a sequel that helps clarify certain aspects I’ve but touched upon here, such as how symbols and meanings come into play, but I believe these are the kinds of things one can easily research on their own.  So for the time being, I bid thee farewell…

Blessed Be!

Healthy Skepticism!

When I was young, confused about my ability to sense and even see certain things there was no source from which to learn and gain proper perspective.  Coming into my early teens and being the good little Baptist lad I was groomed to be, my nightly prayers were filled with a pleading of sorts that I might come to understand the whole of my own novelty.  Lo and behold, the Universe responded and answers began to flow, and as is true with all such discovery, new questions arose.

Far too many of us read a book or two about the Paranormal, Mysticism or any number of philosophic views pertaining to the migration of the soul and gaining "enlightenment" and simply jump into the deep end of the pool with enthusiasm and commitment; we blindly accept what we are presented because it somehow "fits" us . . .

. . . at least it fits us better than some other way we've been shown, indoctrinated in or whatever the case may be.

The problem is, we don't question it; we don't look behind the proverbial curtain to see what lays beyond the illusion (or "delusion" as is oft times the case).

The First Question we always need to ask -- framed deliberately in a skeptical view -- is why do we believe this information or point of view?  What substantiates it over others?  Why do we perceive it in such a way?

Answering this first round of questions isn't easy, especially when we must be brutally honest with ourselves, responding to each at the intuitive level rather than the emotional and conscious level we are frequently compelled to pay heed to for any number of external reasons.  The biggest stumbling block being our "need' for things to make sense and "define" us in some way, typically in an ego-based manner that sets us aside as being someone -- something -- special; again, our love of being in love with the idea of heightened spirituality or the idea of being "psychic". 

Then we come to the Second Set of Questions we need to weigh or, to be more concise, the realities we must include as we look at the issue.  This is a very difficult thing for most of us in that it is our nature to look outside the self for hope and answers rather than going within. We're too busy looking for the Gods and Magickle elixirs to be bothered with simplicity and the pragmatism it involves. Yet, if we are honest and aware, we cannot escape the ancient wisdom our foreparents  knew -- the divine exists in the simplest of things, it is not some grand thing, nor is it exclusive to any one sect, group or culture.

It is here that we find the "catch" however, the known fact that "Magick" is literally "Science"  -- the accumulation of lore involving the miraculous and even wisdom parable, all comes  from Nature and Will, not magickle mixes and modes of faux observance.  To coin a phrase, "Faith without works is dead!"

How Does This Apply to Healthy Skepticism? You ask

While there are points in our lives that demand a "leap of faith" said leap must never be made when you are blind.  The true spiritual warrior asks questions and will even shake their fist at the gods.  Just look at the story of Abraham in the Old testament, or Moses, even Christ himself had those moments in which they all questioned their god as well as their own actions. 

When we walk into things, especially circumstances that host spiritual and karmic ties, and we do not question the teaching or our own role within that circumstance, we fail!  We voluntarily set ourselves in the position of becoming a victim rather than being an empowered impassioned example in life who walks his/her own path (albeit, a path based on proven principles). 

Guardians of Truth. . . 

I'm referring to the true skeptic, those people that are fair and open-minded enough to accept the fact that there are things science and logic simply cannot explain. Such people seem to manifest the sort of inner-peace and humility the Master Teachers of old encouraged. Yet, our determination to find that magickle cure -- the elusive answer to it all -- prevents us from recognizing this rather simple, elementary truth. 

Look at it this way; what this type of skeptic radiates is identical to the energy found in the lives of the typical Buddhist -- a spiritual tradition that is very pragmatic, finding "blessing" by going within and through the exercise of asking questions and constantly challenging our own answers.

You will see similar realities in the various forms of Gnosticism, which again seeks KNOWLEDGE not the facade; they view the idea of "enlightenment"  not as some kind of magickle phenomena but based on one's willingness to learn and discover -- to see life at the Micro as well as Macrocosmic levels -- and as such, understand the physics or mechanical nature of things vs. the fantastic.

 Dangerous Times

My encouragement to others when it comes to asking questions and being skeptical over things spiritual, religious, and phenomenal goes a bit beyond the bounds shared by most and unfortunately, paint me in a peculiar corner in which I take on the mantel of "Conspiracy Theorist" and all around "Nut Job", as some would say.  I can assure you however, I'm not all that concerned when it comes to the literal ideas shared in John's Revelation let alone the rumored antics of Free Masonry (and I'm pretty confident that ET and his chums aren't trying to take over the world). On the other hand, there is an evil afoot, perhaps one of the most sinister and dangerous evils the world has ever known. . .

MAN

There is a wisdom saying that is attributed to the New Testament that speaks of mankind's love of "money" and how it is the root to all corruption. A casual look around at modern society revealing the truth to this tenet and yet we excuse it and elect to ignore it.  Worse yet, we buy into it, justifying our drive to keep up with the Jones' 

While the outward aspect of this "sin" is more than apparent in the Westernized cultures of the world; Europe, North America, parts of the Orient and South Pacific Islands, the criminal aspect of it is found in those "Third World" societies in which the "ruling" class (a.k.a. Dictators & their chums) usurp all incoming riches being the nations GNP or charitable contributions made by others on behalf of that nation's impoverished.

. . . but let's just ignore the tons of food, clothing, etc. that's deliberately left on the docks to rot because the ruling class refuses to release it and disburse it to those in need.

We could ignore such things of course but then we have the many "scams" that seem to target us all under the header "Identify Theft" which not only targets our own economic position but in a very curious way, forces us to surrender even more of our personal independence and worse, our ability to feel "safe".

Look at how many companies now exist that will "protect" your identity for a small annual extortion fee. Look at the number of background check companies that are now advertising, telling you to investigate everyone that comes into your life, all of your neighbors, even their pets.

A Promotion of Fear that has been invented and placed into our "reality" as the result of man's love of money/ monetary gain and the illusion of power and influence it allows them to know. 

The hidden Fear Factor is the biggie marketing professionals target; our fear of seeming ignorant, outside the proverbial loop and not in sync with what is and isn't "popular" a.k.a. Peer Pressure. 

Marketing pros deliberately target young people when it comes to technology and designer everything, knowing that the kiddies will whine and make their parent's life a living hell until they cave in and get that "thing" they've been insisting on. What makes this matter worse, is how the situation has been structured so as to make parents impotent when it comes to dealing with their children and the age-old tradition of making the EARN the things they want. . . 

. . . it's actually viewed as psychological child-abuse in certain circles -- telling a child "NO" has become a "crime".

The point is, we each have the power to say "NO" to all of it. We have the obligation to look at the many scenarios and question them; seeing beyond the presented details in order to discover the greater over-all truth to it all. 

As it stands, the world is in a religious/cultural war thanks to the antics of a wannabe cowboy that was allowed to sit in one of the most powerful political seats on the planet and play Army, even though his own military background was questionable at best. While certain Islamic factions lit the fuse, it was the Bush agenda that took the world to a state of over-all distrust, a failed economy, and extreme paranoia. Above all, it is the source from which a brand new "Crusade' was enacted; a genuine Holy War that is unlike anything any of us can possibly imagine -- it's massive and will eventually put all of us on uncomfortable footing.

Why? you ask.

About a month ago I heard an advertisement for the U.S. Army in which the typical gung-ho action played on the screen depicting supremacy and heroism while Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries" played in the background.  A vision that would take anyone half-way educated about life in the 1930's and 40's, back to a time when such images stood for a very different thing.  Sadly, unrelated events compounded my "connection" of such things in the form of two films; the first is entitled "Battle for Haditha"  in which one witnesses the brutish antics of American soldiers that take on a very Gestapo sense of righteousness as they retaliate against innocent civilians in Iran, after being ambushed, literally murdering dozens of innocent people under the excuse (and misconception) that all Muslim's are the enemy. An unfortunate sentiment that is still being perpetuated in this country by way of the Evangelical "Christian" Community and certain aspects of far right-winged politics (such as the famed Tea Party).

More disturbing for me was the film "Constantine's Sword" and expose by author James Carroll, pertaining to antisemitism within the American Military and the deliberate push by the Evangelic movement to infiltrate and thus, directly influence America's military might. 

When we look at events that envelope the first decade of the 21st century we all have reason to question things, starting with how we are each a part of the unfolding situation, primarily due to our passivity and unwillingness to question what is happening around us and even because of us -- our act of feeding our ego by placating it with "things" and "fixing our lives" by surrounding ourselves with the people, places and situations that cosign our own madness rather than that which challenges us -- compels us to no longer tolerate bigotry in any form, and to demand a firm and pronounced segregation between all forms of Religion and the auspices of Government including the Military.

This is not an easy thing for any of us, but the situation mirrors events that occurred within recent memory; people are still living that survived that hell, it is so recent. As spiritually in-tune individuals however, it is up to us to speak-up and challenge society and perhaps remind us all what the prophets and great teachers came to teach us all when it comes to the faux pleasures of the world and the illusions we all are tempted to buy into.

Until next time. . .

Blessed Be!