intuitive

It seems to me that we are taught to be too careful in life. What happened to relying on your instincts? What about trusting in your own internal guidance system?

Each one of us has intuition. If we pay attention to it, we would be guided in the right direction each and every time. Interestingly enough most people that have reached a level of success in their lives have greatly relied upon their intuition to guide them. A quote from Albert Einstein comes to mind, and it is: "The only real valuable thing is intuition."

Now we all know that Albert Einstein did great things in his life, things that the helped shape the modern world. Have you ever seen an interview with a famous person? When asked if ever at any point they wanted to give up and just throw in the towel, almost always, they say, “yes, there were days when I wanted to give in, but I knew I just could not do that, or I knew that I would make it.” When asked how they knew they would be successful, the response is usually, “I just knew “. Where does this inner sense come from? Some people would say it comes from the heart, while others might call it a gut feeling. Others might say it was just pure determination! Still others might say it is destiny. I’d say that they are all right!

You see when someone has that kind of drive, it can not come from anywhere else but the heart. I truly believe when the drive is that strong, then that individual came into this life to accomplish exactly what they are doing. That person, in those circumstances, is definitely determined to succeed at what they are doing. What do you think?

The human mind we know is divided into the right side of the brain and the left side of the brain. At a basic level we know that the right side is intuitive and instinctive, and the left side is logical and orderly. So what keeps us from following our intuition? Is it fear? What makes some of us not have the same individual drive as Albert Einstein or even Bill Gates? A very simple quote by Bill Gates he says: "Often you have to rely on intuition." quick and to the point but it pretty much sums it up. Often we do have to rely on our intuition. Have you ever experienced a thought so strongly that you could not stop thinking about it, but you were not able to explain why? Maybe it was a feeling that you needed to call someone who is close to you, and when you called, you found out that the person you had the feeling about was very much down because something tragic happened to them. In any case that person needed you right at that moment. That is your intuition. Follow your intuition and you cannot go wrong.

How do we break old habits and start following our intuition? First you have to start with being confident in yourself, so you can follow your heart. A quote from Allan Alda says this: "You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you will discover will be wonderful. What you will discover is yourself." This is a very true statement. When we look inward, we then can start to discover who we are, and where we are going. We can find out what our innermost desires are. This is the hardest task you will ever undertake. This journey of self discovery is necessary, to discover what you really want out of life. Once you discover that and start to push forward, then you will see that you are creating your reality around you, with your thoughts and intentions. A reality that conforms to your own desires. Then you will start to see the endless possibilities of life instead of all of the limitations. The whole universe is before you, nothing is impossible to you! But first you must start with yourself. You must learn to love yourself, and believe in your own abilities. You must accept responsibility for your own life, and stop blaming others for the bad things in your life. You must accept that you are responsible for your own happiness. You have free will, and can choose your response to any given situation. Stop beating yourself up, forgive yourself and move on. You are the only one who is holding you back! This is a process, which may take some time. We must change our mindset completely. Holding in anger, either at yourself , or with others is damaging to you. Refusing to give this up is only hurting yourself, no one else. Forgiving another doesn’t mean that anything they may have done to you is ok, it just means that you want to move on. You want to have a life filled with joy, and all of the things that you have dreamed of. It is possible. It depends on you!

Psychics!! Fortune-Telling!! It’s everywhere these days – the lure of the psychic and the pursuit of the otherworldly: promises to change your life, find that right person, win the lottery!
Is there any truth behind all this hype? What’s all this business about intuition? Is it “out there” and beyond the pale? Or is it a misunderstood – and very normal – part of life?
Let me start off by sharing three things with you: The first is that I am an intuitive consultant. The second is that I never saw myself as such. And the third is that:
You are probably intuitive yourself – more so than you may realize.
Does this seem to be a startling revelation?
Before you start to turn the page, please bear with me.
I have learned that what we call intuition is a very complex – and misunderstood – phenomenon, and that we all, myself included, have some misperceptions about it.
So let’s start off by defining our terms. The word “intuition” is the noun form of the verb “to intuit,” which comes from Latin, meaning “to look in” or “to look on.”
Intuition is defined by Webster’s as “the immediate knowing or learning of something without the conscious use of reasoning; instantaneous apprehension.”
A lot of times we tend to use the word “intuitive” interchangeably with “psychic.” I don’t use the term “psychic” to refer to myself because of all the negative and strange connotations associated with the term – several of them coming from associations with 900 lines and fortune-telling. However, for the sake of this article, let’s assume that the terms intuition and psychic can be used interchangeably.
Intuition is simply a form of knowing things without using our left-brain analytical reasoning faculties. Period. It is really not that arcane or esoteric.
So, let’s delve into it more. Allow me to take you by the hand and share some fascinating things with you about intuition.
First of all, intuition is real. It is not fantasy. It is not necessarily spooky and otherworldly. It is quite real and exists in our normal everyday reality.
Intuition is simply a mental faculty, another form of intelligence. It’s another way of knowing things. For anyone who enjoys using his or her mind and mental abilities, learning to use your intuition is de rigueur. If we have only developed our left-brain intelligence, we are incomplete in our intelligence capabilities. We may not be as “smart” and cognitively developed as we could be. In order to be truly high-functioning, we must incorporate all our possible faculties, including the intuitive.
You don’t have to choose between being logical and intuitive. These faculties can work together, rather than being “either/or” modes. Indeed, some of the truly high-functioning minds among us are those that are whole-brain (logical, creative, and intuitive), including some of our greatest historical geniuses: inventors, scientists, thinkers, etc.
You also don’t have to be weird or “out there” or wear a turban to be intuitive – or even necessarily see yourself as a “psychic.” As I mentioned, I never saw myself as an intuitive. I had a very normal upbringing. I had a rigorous academic background, including graduate work. So my left brain was strongly developed. I also had a strong spiritual orientation from birth. I pursued acting and singing as well, as two ongoing loves, so I was also incorporating a form of creativity into my life. And I had an abiding interest in metaphysics, ESP, and “psychic phenomena,” and read everything I could get my hands on on these subjects. Still I never saw myself as “psychic.” I was, instead, a fairly normal, if well-rounded and also somewhat independent, product of growing up in the 50’s.
I attended Duke University as an undergraduate and went to Dr. Rhine’s lab one day. (Dr. J. B. Rhine was a pioneer in this country in researching ESP.) When I stopped in to visit one day out of curiosity, the staff there were very nice. One person insisted on informally testing me, which I resisted because I thought it would be a waste of time.
I did well.
And I also considered it a fluke.
I simply did not consider myself psychic
And yet here I am now, an intuitive consultant.
So, what happened?
Quite simply, I developed my latent abilities and figured out how my intuition worked. And I accepted that I really was intuitive.
And you can, too – if you are so inclined.
One of the first steps toward developing your intuition is simply to acknowledge that the ability is there and that you can develop it. Until you make that acknowledgment to yourself, you will find yourself stymied. Our own self-doubt gets in the way of accomplishing things. Self-doubt booby-traps us.
When I first started doing intuitive sessions for others, my doubt that I could really do what I was doing kept interfering with my doing the best I could. I had to work on developing my intuition and then I had to work on accepting that I was intuitive.
So, let me say that you are more likely than not quite intuitive.
If you think about it, you’ve probably had a spontaneous intuitive experience. For example, you think of someone you haven’t seen in a long time and then you hear from or run into this person. Or you think of a song and turn on the radio and it’s playing. Most people have had experiences like this and thought nothing of them. They are, however, spontaneous expressions of intuition – very common, ordinary occurrences that we give no second thought to. Intuitive occurrences.
For some of us, intuition may be closer to the surface than for others. I’ve always felt that there was a strong link between intuitive ability and creative/artistic ability – and also between creativity and spirituality (even if it’s repressed).
So the more creative and spiritual among us may also be more consciously intuitive.
Those of us who are most intuition-accessible and creative may be more “thin-boundaried.” The theory of thin and thick boundaries has been formulated by Dr. Ernest Hartmann, a psychiatrist and sleep researcher at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston, in the context of his research into sleep and nightmares, and the boundaries referred to represent boundaries between the conscious and unconscious mind, as well as between us and others (thin-boundaried people being more empathic). I would also extend this idea to a boundary between our normal three-dimensional reality and other, more spiritual realms. The thin-boundary theory feels like a correlate to or another way of expressing my sense of a connection between and among intuitive ability, creativity/artistic ability, and spirituality. (And, again, there is no antithesis or mutual exclusivity between being creative/intuitive and logical or analytical!)
So, some people may be more easily prone to accessing intuition
People who are more naturally intuitive may also just pay more attention to subtleties.
And this brings us to one lesser-known attribute of intuition, and that is that intuition is receptive. In other words, it is a receptive mode by which we receive information. It is in stark contrast to our left-brain logical and analytical mode which is active and seeks and probes. The active left-brain mode is the mental mode that we are normally in in our culture; it is the mode that we are trained to use and that is encouraged.
Intuition, however, operates differently. When I have taught people how to access their intuition, they will often engage in left-brain guessing games as they’re initially trying to use their intuition, because they’re not used to being in a receptive mental mode. (Indeed many were trained out of being in this mode and were, instead, accused of “day-dreaming,” etc.)
There are other attributes of intuition. True intuition is clear and not colored by our emotional needs and wants or fears, or by our preconceived mind-sets. This is why it is so important for practicing intuitives to have worked on clearing their own personal emotional issues and mental prejudices – or at least to bypass them in their work – so that the information they get for others will be clear and true information, and not coming from their own fears or ego needs
Different intuitives may have different ways of working to get clear information, and anyone wishing to develop and work with his or her intuition will also want to do this. I “tune in” to get information, going to a deeper level of consciousness so as to receive pure information uncontaminated by any of my own “stuff.”
Although there is a link between strong intuitive ability and spirituality, in some people spirituality may be repressed. In other words, some people who are intuitive may not necessarily be empathetic, altruistic, or ethical. We have all heard stories of psychics (often a “Sister this or that” or “Madame somebody or other” or “Lady thingamabob”) who prey on their customers’ vulnerability by telling them that they have a “curse” on them that can be removed for $1000. If it sounds like a scam, it probably is a scam!) Then there are the stories of the spiritual leaders (often male) gifted in psychic abilities, who continually seduce their female followers, again by preying on their vulnerability and convincing them that such sexual contact is necessary for their spiritual advancement.(!) Just because we’ve developed our intuitive ability does not mean that we have suddenly become a spiritual adept!
One fascinating thing that I’ve learned about intuition is that there are so many different forms and types of it. I always used to feel that if a person was “psychic,” he or she always did the same thing, got information in the same way, and it was usually the same type or genre of information. I continued to labor under this misconception even after I started working as an intuitive. I kept trying to put myself into a preconceived mold, trying to be the “psychic” I thought I was supposed to be or that others expected me to be.
Well, I’m here to tell you that it just ain’t so.
If you’re psychic, you get sudden flashes of information and usually about the future, right?
Wrong!! It ain’t necessarily so!
Intuition can be so variable from one person to another that I’m reminded of Baskin-Robbins: intuition can come in many different flavors. And these variations can come both in the form of intuition and in the type of information received.
Some intuitives do get strong, sudden flashes. Some people get impressions. Some people just have a knowing. Some people get images or see things, including those who have visions; others hear things. Some people are voice-sensitive. Some people are mediums and communicate with those who have passed on. Others “channel” or receive information directly from spirit guides or disembodied entities. Some people specialize in psychometry, a method of receiving impressions or information from holding objects. (Psychometrists often do police work, working with the personal objects of victims or perpetrators.) Some people receive information in dreams. Some people can actually see inside others’ bodies. Some people are gifted in psychokinesis, using their mental abilities to affect objects. Some people see and read auras (energy fields around people, animals, etc.) The list can go on and on.
Although I do sometimes get flashes, most of my information comes in the form of impressions. If only it were strong and easy! (This is another factor in working with intuitive information: if the information we get is not straight-forward or self-explanatory, then we need to interpret it. This can be somewhat tricky, but, like anything else, improves with practice.)
In developing your own intuition, you might find that it naturally comes in one form more than others – or it can also come in more than one form. Although I usually get a sense of things, at times I also get images or words or even colors, for example.
The type of information that we get can also vary. The traditional “psychic” usually focuses on events, what will happen – a wedding, an accident, a pregnancy, “coming into money,” etc. This is what we consider traditional “fortune-telling.” Some people mainly receive dramatic information about plane crashes, assassinations, natural disasters, etc. Some intuitives specialize in finding lost objects. Others specialize in health issues, working as medical intuitives. Some people have spiritual knowing, awareness of spiritual matters. Just as some intuitives focus on the mundane, others may focus more on the esoteric and spiritual.
The important thing to determine in developing your intuition (have I convinced you yet that it’s there?) is how your particular intuition expresses itself, what form it comes in, and what particular type of information you’re oriented toward.
It took me over four years to figure out what I was doing and how I was doing it. I thought I was supposed to do what I thought a “psychic” was supposed to do. Boy, if someone had only clued me in earlier!
I finally came to realize that my orientation was really toward personal and spiritual growth issues. I was not – nor could ever be – a typical “psychic” or fortune-teller, because that was not my orientation. My spiritual orientation and a priori underlying assumption that we are here to learn and grow serve as a focal point for my work.
I learned that I am very sensitive to energy, most notably people’s energy (but other types of energy as well), and that I have a particular gift for reading people, their essence and what is going on in them internally as a result of what they’re dealing with. Reading people and their energy, including their relationships and other people in their lives, including those who have passed on, is central to my work.
I also learned that, just as some might focus more on events, my true orientation was toward meaning, the underlying meaning of events, relationships, etc. and how they relate to where we are in our process.
Once I figured out what I was doing and how I was doing it, the picture became a lot clearer – and I also gained more confidence about what I was doing. So in developing and learning to work with your intuition, you should find over time that you’re gaining more and more of a clearer grasp of what it is that you’re doing and what your focus is.
One fascinating thing about intuition is that we tend to take our particular intuitive gifts for granted. I have heard people say over and over again that they just assumed that everyone could do what they could (for example see people’s organs). So, what you take for granted about yourself may be the particular gift you have. For instance, if you’ve always had a particular “feel” for people, that may be a key to your gift. Indeed that may be your gift.
There really are benefits of intuition. Many the stories of accidents averted because someone had a “gut feeling” to take a different route or do something different from their normal custom. And, conversely, many have found that a “hunch” has brought something good to their lives. However, there are other benefits as well.
As I have worked with my intuitive abilities, I have also coincidingly gained more knowing about things in general – and understanding. And this has strengthened me as a person – another very nice side-effect of developing your intuition: that of developing your inner voice and strengthening within yourself. This, in and of itself, can give us more confidence and bring a greater sense of satisfaction to us in our lives.
So, are you interested in using more of your mental potential, being able to know more, feeling stronger in yourself? Are you interested in having a sense of what the truth is, the real inner truth, rather than going by mere supposition or external appearances?
Then, again I ask you, how are you intuitive? What is your particular gift? How does your intuition express itself? You’ll notice I didn’t say, “Are you intuitive?!”
The question really isn’t “are you intuitive,” but “how are you intuitive?” What is your knowing?
Think about it....

"What am I to do?" Do you have a tendency to feel stressed as you think about all the possibilities? Once you finally made a decision, do you then wonder if you made the right choice? If you are like me, you weigh everything, see both sides, and find it difficult to make decisions. For my sanity and reduction of stress that causes dis-ease, I fortunately discovered a better way. I call it Intuitive Problem Solving.

Everyone is intuitive and has the ability to tap into this 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round (even on holidays) free consultation. Intuition is the wise part of us that has all of our answers. How convenient it is to innately have this valuable resource.

The following are four other ways to connect with this "wise service". Everyone has at least one dominant method and a secondary one. See if you can identify your natural strength of your sixth sense.

If you are clairvoyant, you are visual or "see" things or people with your minds eye. Clairaudient means that you hear things that are not on the physical plane. You are clairsentient if you have a gut feeling of something being appropriate or not. Finally, you are Telepathic if you have a knowing of something. No matter which mode you have of receiving your intuitive messages, they are all equally valid.

Your intuition offers you very important information. There are many stories of people's lives being saved, as well as problems prevented or solved because they listened to and acted on their intuition. If it is so valuable, why do so many people disown this part of them? Our society mainly values our thinking minds--left part of the brain--and requires physical, logical proof.

Intuition is in the right part of the brain and is metaphysical-beyond the physical. Like feelings, it is not based on logic. Therefore, it can be more difficult to accept. However, that does not mean that it is any less valuable. In fact, intuition is wiser than the mind. That is because the mind only knows what it learned and bases information on the basic five senses.

Wisdom comes from beyond thoughts and physical perceptions. You can give people information, but you cannot teach wisdom which comes from an inner source-- your intuition. You can learn how to listen to your inner messages and tap into your wisdom. There are many ways to do that. However, they have some common guidelines. The first important process is to overcome any fears you have of the situation.

For example, if you want to purchase a house you may be concerned that it is the only house you will be happy in. You can let go of that limiting belief by saying, "I release the fear that this is the only right house for me." Follow that with, "I trust that if this house is right for me, I will be able to purchase it. Otherwise there will be another one which is better for me."

Then it is helpful to let go of any attachments your mind or emotions may have to the house by saying, "I am not attached to the answer. I know and trust that the perfect house is available to me at the perfect time." The next step is to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then tap into your intuitive messages by asking, "Is it for my highest good to purchase this house now?" Once you receive your answer, have the courage to act on it.

I personally often wait until the morning when I first awaken to check in with my intuition. That is because my logical mind has not "kicked in" yet as I am still in that semi-conscious state. If I need to make an important decision, I will check in with my intuition for a few days. If I am facing a crucial issue, I am likely to contact an intuitive friend who has no emotional charge on the issue for a more objective answer. It is even fun to get a few intuitive opinions to see what happens.

Another way I connect with my inner wisdom is through kinesiology-- muscle testing. The general rule here is that a strong muscle means, "yes" and a weak one means "no". For example, you can have someone try to push your outstretched arm down as you say a question out loud.

Finally, I pay attention to the center of my chest as I ask my question. If my chest feels tight, I know that it is a negative answer. An expansion tells me "yes". The more you practice listening to your intuition, the easier it becomes. Have fun with it.

For example, when I awaken in the morning, I guess what time it is before I open my eyes. When the telephone rings, I sometimes tune in to my intuition to find out who is calling. I suggest that you value and trust your inner wisdom, no matter what other people say or do. Choose an easier way to resolve your problems-your intuition.

In these days of burgeoning interest in all topics metaphysic, intuition and psychic phenomena have piqued the curiosity of many. Indeed, we have all, by and large, been fascinated by accounts of experiences involving psi (that elusive “x” factor that causes psychic phenomena), usually assuming that these phenomena belong to a realm out-of-the-ordinary and are not within the daily purview of most of us “common folk.”

As one who has delved more and more deeply into the world of intuition as a practicing intuitive, albeit somewhat unintentionally, I would like to share some of the things I’ve learned about these interest-provoking, yet little understood phenomena. I say “albeit somewhat unintentionally” because I did not set out years ago to have this as a career goal: it was not what I majored in in college nor something I had ever seen myself doing. However, at the same time, being somewhat of a “reluctant” intuitive has given me an interesting perspective on this often misperceived topic as I had to develop and work with a faculty I didn’t even know was there.

I think most of us do is to assume that intuitive/psychic phenomena are something that other people experience (and I’ll use these terms interchangeably in this article to refer to informational phenomena, rather than other forms involving psychokinesis, teleportation, etc.). One thing (of the many) that I’ve learned from doing this work is that everyone is intuitive and can have “psychic experiences.” Intuition is democratic; it really is everyone’s birthright.

I’ve also learned that what I used to consider as other-worldly really is a very natural part of life. Intuition and psychic knowing are actually another form of intelligence, another way of knowing and apprehending. For those who are interested in developing and using their full mental and knowing potential, developing and using their intuition is essential. However, one flip side of this aspect of intuition is that, because intuition really is a form of intelligence, it is not always connected to spirituality. We have often assumed that intuitives, just because they are intuitive, are spiritually oriented; this ain’t necessarily so! As an ability, it can be used for good or ill, just like anything else.

Consider, for example, the reports of psychics who tell vulnerable clients that they have a curse on them and they can remove it for some exorbitant fee. Although this sort of misuse would appear to be in the minority, the point is that spirituality is not always a correlate of psychic ability nor, conversely, is psychic ability necessarily a portal to mystical wisdom and higher knowing. When the two are combined, however, ah, now that’s a beautiful thing! But I’m digressing....

One fascinating aspect of intuition is that it can come in many different forms and, just as I am convinced that everyone has intuitive ability, so too have I learned that the form it can take can vary greatly from one person to another.

I always assumed that intuitive or psychic information came in the form of sudden, strong awareness, almost like being hit by information, and, indeed, some people do get information like this. Intuitive insights can also be very subtle — a sense or feeling or impression about something. And some people simply have a knowing about things; this knowing can be so deep that it will often be there with no effort, as if by osmosis, a knowing that is deeply integrated and ingrained and may just come to conscious awareness at the appropriate time. One just knows — without knowing how one knows or when one came to know.

Aside from the strength or subtlety of these awarenesses, the form can vary greatly as well. Some people will see images or hear voices (either literally through the auditory faculties of their ears or in their heads or minds). Some may see or sense colors. Others may have an impression that does not come in the form of one of the five senses.

Some people are very sensitive to energy, whether it’s the energy of a place or location, people’s energy, geological or geothermal energy, nature energy, animal or plant energy, or even color or light energy. Some people are sensitive to the energy of objects, receiving information from holding them. This latter form is called psychometry and many forensic psychics who specialize in working with police on solving crimes work with this form.

The type of information that comes from intuition can also vary. We have all had mundane experiences where we think of a song right before it’s played on the radio or think of someone just before they call on the phone. Psychic information can come in the form of events — what is going to happen — whether trivial or significant. It can also come in the form of meaning, what the meaning or significance is of what someone is going through.

There are truly many variations on the forms and types of intuitive experiences and the information they may provide, as well as the way they come to people. I am often asked by clients how I receive my information and what form it comes in. It took me a long time to figure this out and to know how to respond, because I was not doing what I thought an intuitive did (or should do?). (I read people’s energy — directly experiencing it — on a level not usually associated with the body, receive information, and work to interpret it — usually in the form of a direct experiencing that is difficult to define, a sense, an impression, sometimes visual images, sometimes words or quotations, sometimes colors, etc. I am particularly sensitive to people’s and animals’ energy. And I also have a deeply seated knowing about things.) Some intuitives/psychics specialize in certain types of phenomena or information: some specialize in health, working as medical intuitives; some, in finding missing people or lost objects; some, in communicating with passed-on loved ones; some, in animal communication; etc. Some people directly access their information; others work with guides as intermediaries. The point I would like to make is that intuition/psychic informational experiences are a much richer, more complex, and diversified phenomena than most of us have realized and, because of their richness and complex beauty, are well deserving of our admiration as another of the universe’s creations and marvels.

We can all have one or more types of intuition in one or more forms. The information or content we get can run the gamut from the mundane to the divinely sublime. But we all usually have some form or forms of it, and, if we’re truly open and don’t put preconceived terms and self-imposed limitations on it, can receive many different types of information in different forms. The trick is to start to work with what we have (and may not even know that we have). Ofttimes someone will have an ability and just assume that everyone else does. For instance, a gifted healer I know has always been able to see people’s organs and assumed that everyone else had this trait.

It is in starting to work with what we have that we start to open up the treasure chest that we have been given in our lives. There are many benefits of doing this aside from the trivial and temporary side effects of wowing or entertaining ourselves or others, or of simply manipulating energy or playing psychic games. We can have many practical benefits in our lives with regard to information that can be helpful to us in a practical, quotidian fashion. For instance, we have all heard about people averting potential tragedy or catastrophe by heeding gut feelings or other intuitive information they received.

In addition and quite significantly, when we begin to tap into our own intuitive/psychic knowing ability, we begin to strengthen in ourselves. Once we begin to develop our own knowing, it is very powerful and deepening. No one can take that away from us. With knowing comes the beginning of understanding. And with understanding and insight can come wisdom if we are so open and so inclined.

There are many ways of starting to develop our innate gifts. There are several very good books on this subject that are available. I as well as others have taught workshops on this. One can just practice and feel one’s way along.

The key is to know how it works for us and also simply to believe that it is indeed there. We have to first acknowledge and own that we do, in fact, have some form(s) of intuitive ability. Once we figure out how ours manifests, we must honor our gifts and their form(s).

One tricky little potential sticky point to using intuition/psychic ability is in learning to distinguish what is true knowing from what may be coming from our own “stuff” — our wants, needs, fears, mindsets, beliefs, etc. True intuition is not colored by emotional feelings; it is neutral, colorless. Nor is it filtered through our mindsets or cultural filters. If we get a feeling about something that is tinged with, for example, fear, it may just be coming from our own issues. Pure intuitive information is just that: pure, and uncontaminated by our “stuff.”

One reason why it may have been more difficult for us in our contemporary Western culture to work with our intuition, aside from the fact that it hasn’t been valued in our culture, is that it often works in a different way from our normally used and encouraged faculties. Intuition is receptive. It is a receiving of information, which is a different mode from that of our left-brain logical modes which are active as we analyze and probe. Instead of trying to figure things out intuitively (which doesn’t work because it’s a figurative oxymoron), we must instead receive information, paying attention to what comes. I am convinced that we all receive information all the time. It’s just that we aren’t trained or encouraged to pay attention to these subtleties. As a matter of fact, I am convinced that we are all spoken to all the time by this wonderful universe, if we are inclined to listen or pay attention to the signs we are given.

It is perhaps my own personal prejudice, but I also feel that the highest manifestations of intuition/psychic information come in a spiritual form and/or have spiritual relevance — that give us information for our own progress on our paths (or for others on their paths). I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I have a strong sense that the more we connect to the knowing place within ourselves, the more we also connect to the divine. And the more we consciously connect with the divine, the more true knowing we have.

We don’t have to become professional practicing intuitives or psychics to develop our potential and benefit from it. Intuition is real. It is a very natural part of life. And it can be yours if you desire for it to be. It can enrich your life, as well as that of others around you. And it is deserving of our respect, because it can serve a quite honorable purpose.

This article was first published in "Innerchange Magazine" in the February/March 1998 issue.

There is one big complaint for most people who want to take the step out of working for someone else and begin their own business. That complaint is, I don t know how to make any money. I want to be independent but I don t know what to do. For that reason most people will never take a chance in creating independence for themselves. They may never get to experience a life of wealth as we all know getting wealthy from a pay check is very unlikely.

Creating wealth does not have to be difficult. There are ideas for creating wealth all over the place. If you look around you will find many opportunities. Many people have a difficult time because they believe that only big companies make money or that it takes a lot of money to make money. But, none of this is true.

Every greater company was first birthed out of a very simple idea and usually out of simple conditions too. When you take away the big signs and the lights it s all a very simple idea which has succeeded so well to have grown beyond recognition.

So if you would allow yourself to see the very small things with great eyes and a big vision you will discover numerous opportunities to create a new business; one where you can gain freedom and greater wealth.

Successful people very often speak about knowing when to make a particular choices and knowing when to take right action was all based on a gut feeling or an inner voice. When you connect with the inner voice you can receive answers on anything.

There are three general ways in which you can receive answers. Your dreams, through advice from other people or instantly tuning in for the answer.

1) Dreams have been said to be a rough sketch for our life. The answers we receive are priceless as an accurate way for helping you make the right choice. Its serves as a preview for a potential outcome, this is one of the best ways to develop your intuitive connection. Get a dream journal and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Even when the events seem simple and you are tempted to dismiss it, you should write it down. Later as the day goes on you will realize that those simple precognitive clips are more meaningful than you thoughts. Somewhere in there you will find your answer.

2) Ever notice how quickly you meet with some long lost friend not long after talking about them? When you put a wish out into the universe people respond to it. After asking your question you may find someone telling you about some great new business product to get into. The idea is to become aware and expect an answer. Every question gets an answer if you know how to listen well.

3) That is where the third intuitive skill comes in. The listening factor is quite a skill to master. Some people have it naturally while others need a little time to enhance it but everyone will tell you how useful of an ability it has been.

You can always use your intuition to lead you to the source of greater wealth. You will always have at your disposal a compass that cannot go wrong. Imagine never ever having to be out of money or never feeling stranded and financially devastated.

In a recent blog, author Brent Edwards elaborates on the differences between "strategic intuition" and "expert intuition." When we have achieved a level of heightened awareness, we find that the two variations of these often misunderstood phenomena go hand in hand in not only the decisions that we make, but also in living our lives purposefully and in the present moment.

Edwards, in his interview with published author William Duggan, discovers that strategic intuition is a more thought-out plan to action by facilitating insightful means and ways through an "A-ha moment." The "A-ha moment" -- or "Viola!" ingenuity is when we find resolutions through instinctual thoughts, sights, sounds, and even scents in everyday living. For example, how often have you worked on a specific problem and you've had to walk away from the issue to try and contemplate it? All of we have done this at some time or another. But, it's in that time that we've thought about or walked away from the problem, and peering around our environment that we've suddenly encountered something, heard something or perhaps, a thought crosses our mind, and VIOLA! - We’ve created a solution with little or no effort. This is in essence, strategic intuition. In our contemplation, we find resolution.

Some of history's greatest inventors and philosophers didn't randomly come across information without serious contemplation and meditation. However, their "Viola!" moment came at the precise moment when they were in the process of assimilating an idea, invention, or theory on a process, definition or other innovative mechanism. It's all relative. Fundamentally, this is how strategic intuition works; and we have, at some point in our lives, used this inherent and deliberate methodology without ever realizing it. A matter of fact, it is strategic intuition that lends its wisdom in achieving success, manifesting wealth, and improving overall lifestyle.

When we use expert intuition, we rely on our instinctual senses to quickly assert a situation and spring forth into action. This brings back the subject of "flight or fight" response - where we leap feet first, relying on past experience and rapid insight. Expert intuition is gained through achieving a higher consciousness, and knowing instinctively when to act and when to retreat. This is how many a man; woman, child and even animals have quickly turned into heroines through instinctive behavior and call to action. By rapid recognition of a certain environment, situation or problem, we apply expert intuition to act quickly. In this sense, we are not "contemplating" the situation, we simply "know" that we must, and accordingly do, act to address the situation at hand.

In general, both expert intuition and strategic intuition are facilitated to generate positive outcomes and in creating prosperous realities. When is the last time you've used your expert or strategic intuition to manifest success? If you haven't recognized it yet, you may not be using your full sixth sense perception and cognitive potential to create positive change in your life. If you are ready to learn how you can apply both expert intuition and strategic intuition in your daily life, the Manifestation Method is a teaching tool that emboldens you with greater and more powerful means to achieve your dreams, and to create the reality that you would like to have in the here and now.

Until we speak again, I am

Joan Marie, your Intuition Expert

© Copyright - All Rights Reserved
Another Concept in Intuitive Action
By Joan Marie Whelan

If you have ever been around someone with great intuitive skills, it can look almost like magic the way they seem to just know things. Perhaps your mother had great intuition, always knowing just when you needed a hug and just when you needed a push. In the world of business, too, there are people whose intuition is sharp and accurate, usually helping them toward business success. Leaders recognize the importance of intuitive skills and continually develop and refine this skill as part of their leadership development.

Natural intuition

What exactly is intuition? Some people describe it as a gut feeling, a little voice in your head, or even a tingling sensation that gets your attention. The truth is that every person has natural intuition that expresses itself in different ways, but not every person is aware of or pays attention to their intuition.

It is said by some that women tend to have greater natural intuition than men do, but that is not necessarily the case. Anyone who has ever been a regular caregiver for a child knows that it is possible to develop a sense of what that child is thinking and feeling, especially when the child is very young. And in close social groups, such as fraternities, clubs, and service organizations, friends of both genders often develop close bonds that are strengthened by their natural intuition.

Strengthen your intuitive skills

Natural intuition is really just a person s ability to observe the world around him or her and interpret the information. Regardless of whether you think you have much natural intuition, there are ways for you to strengthen your intuitive skills.

Body language You can learn much by watching the body language of people around you. Experts say that 60% to 80% of all communication is non-verbal, and body language is the primary component. Much of what we call intuition is really just paying attention to body language and understanding what it means.

For example, if you are in a staff meeting and observe an employee leaning forward and listening closely, that person is showing interest and engagement in the discussion. If, however, an employee is leaning back, arms crossed, looking down or doodling on a notepad, that person is showing disinterest and disengagement in the discussion.

Tone of voice When a person speaks, their message is much more than the words used. Tone of voice is a powerful part of verbal communication, and gives greater depth of meaning to the message. When you pay attention to tone of voice, you build your intuitive skills.

For example, the next time you participate in a discussion at work listen to how other participants use their tone of voice. Monotone, quiet, or lack of inflection may indicate disinterest or disapproval. A lot of inflection and louder tones may indicate strong feelings about the topic at hand. Or, ending sentences with an inflection up, similar to a question, may indicate someone is unsure of themselves or lacks confidence.

Intuition vs. Assumption

It is important to understand the difference between intuitive skills and simply making assumptions about other people. Paying attention to your intuition is never an excuse for making unwarranted assumptions, being judgemental, gossiping, or engaging in rumor and innuendo.

Intuitive skills are not a substitute for open communication, strong interpersonal skills, and building good work relationships. Rather, they are a way for you to enhance your ability to work productively with others and improve your business performance.

The Nintendo Wii is a video gaming console introduced by Nintendo. As a matter of fact, it could be compared to other gaming consoles such as the Sony Playstation 3 or the Xbox 360. Some people may prefer these other gaming consoles over it. However, the this console comes with its own set of advantages that make it a “must-have” among avid gamers.

For one, the controller of the Nintendo Wii is very impressive. Bluetooth wireless technology is used to translate the movements of a player's body directly onto the screen. This is quite an improvement over other gaming consoles, wherein users have to press buttons in order to initiate the desired changes. The game play thus becomes more engrossing and intuitive with it, which is the purpose of video games in the first place.

One could say that the gaming experience has become more passionate with the Nintendo Wii. The Wii remote is one of its kind. The remote is quite slim and looks more like the remote for your television. The remote is connected wirelessly with the console. In addition, innovative motion sensors are a part of this sophisticated remote. This sensor can distinguish movement in three dimension.

With the Nintendo Wii, one can relate physically with the virtual world. With this gaming console, even a game with simplistic game play becomes more interesting and engrossing. Players feel as if they are actually playing the games which make them more fascinated with this gaming console.

It can be said that this device has given an altogether different dimension to video gaming. Thanks to the intuitive motion control system, players using this gaming console can make the most of their leisure time. Playing a game with the Nintendo Wii is a great way to de-stress and wind up after a hectic day's of work.

Designed with music and gaming in mind, the N81 comes with dedicated music and game keys and are loaded with memory so users can store more and play more. The 3D Multimedia Menu introduced in these device is the first step to bringing a new user interface to the Nokia Nseries range. The new menu makes it easy to discover and enjoy digital content and the Internet, and share experiences with others.

Nokia N81 8GB also offer the discovery of millions of tracks through the Nokia Music Store. And, with their integrated Nokia Music Players, creating playlists and managing music collections on the move is a breeze. For enhanced sound quality, compatible high-quality headphones or speakers can be used with the standard 3.5 mm headphone connector. Nokia N81 is a Quadband Phone. N81 supports 3G and Wi-Fi. The internal Memory of N81 is 8GB. It supports Bluetooth with A2DP. The Operation System of N81 is Symbian OS 9.2

Nokia-N81-8GB-Cocoa-brown is a phone with a 2.0 MP and Built-in handsfree.Its Dimensions are 102 x 50 x 17.9 mm, 86 cc & Weight is 140 g . It supports Wi-Fi , GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, 3G, Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP & USB v2.0 microUSB. N81 with Expandable Memory N81 8GB with 8 Gbytes of Internal flash Memory WLAN Technology 3G Technology 2.4 Inch QVGA 16 Million Colour Screen 2 Megapixel Camera with 20 x Digital Zoom & Flash Music Player with Music & Volume Keys.

The Nokia N81 multimedia computer has dedicated music and gaming keys, 3.5 mm headphone connector and 3G and WLAN connectivity. With a sleek, polished surface and keys that light up when you activate them, accessing content on the 3D multimedia menu is fast and intuitive. Both versions are expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007.With all the key features of its predecessor, including a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, built-in A-GPS, WLAN, HSDPA and an innovative 2-way slide, the Nokia N95 8GB now offers up to eight gigabytes of built-in memory. Please Purchase Online http://www.phoneandbeyond.com

In the new age mobile world, stylish and design rich handsets are driving the attention of mobile users all over the globe. New and innovative designer handsets are being launched from the leading mobile manufacturers. And the obvious competition among different brands can easily be seen. However, consumers are getting advantage with loads of options. In the same fray, leading company like Samsung has also come up with a series of stylish and performance rich handsets.

Samsung mobile devices in addition to their slim design never compromise on features. One of the best examples is the E900 from Samsung's E series portfolio. Built on slider technology, this slim and attractive device is most suitable for fashion enthusiasts. Available in gloss black colour and touch-sensitive keypad – it provides completely new experience to the user.

Boasting a powerful 2.0 mega-pixel camera with flash – capture special moments on the move. Users can also record video footage. Share both pictures as well as videos via MMS and email. Featuring a large 2.5 inch 262k TFT colour screen – the display screen provides an intuitive interface for watching picture, videos. View documents in different formats such as World, Excel and PowerPoint or send and receive emails through mobile internet wherever you go.

The Samsung E900 also comes with music features for all music fans. Loaded with an integrated music player, the device lets you play your favourite sound tracks on the move. Receive calls while listening to your favourite music tracks. With Bluetooth and USB connectivity options – share songs, videos and images with or without using a wire.

The Samsung E900 is a very lightweight phone at 93g and slips easily in the pocket. With compact dimensions of only 93x45x16.5 mm – hold the phone in your hand and browse all the features. The device is a perfect synergy of form and functionality.

Samsung E900

April 6 through April 12, 2008



Aries (March 21-April 19)

Don't be afraid to share how you feel with your close friends. The importance of sharing is stressed this week because you have kept emotions cooped up inside of you for such a long time. This is a great week to clear the cobwebs and clean up friendships.



Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Don't assume anything. When your emotions and tongue are tempered with compassion, your sensitivity is very helpful to others. A delicate approach may help you focus your desires successfully. Be straight with others and you'll get the truth back in return.



Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Your determination to succeed may become your greatest asset. Share your ideas. Your intuitive insights and healing energies can be used positively to help others as well as yourself. This is a great week for you to open your heart and connect with new friends.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Your temper has been increasing lately and is very close to burning bridges with important relationships in your life. It’s time to make up with these people or you will find yourself having to deal with long term separation.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Family issues arise when a family member from out of town decides to pop in without notice. Be hospitable with him or her and ask other family members to understanding. Chances are you will help this person make a major life changing decision that will keep them from making a bad choice.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

Family members will approach you this week and ask you to help them out. Some will ask for money. It is important to let them know that you can only do so much.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Circumstances at work have a likelihood of providing new opportunities this week. A new direction may be on the horizon, which will point you in the direction of greater personal growth.



Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Stop thinking so much and enjoy life. Remember, our mind and heart can work together. Follow your intuition and experience life through feelings. You will have many new adventures on the way.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Family is important to you. This week you may find yourself saying things that could be hurtful. It's important to communicate the right feelings to others without them feeling hurt. Know that family is most likely to be understanding with your feelings if you are honest.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

It's time to get away for a few weeks and wind down. Listen to your heart and allow yourself to move through some emotional issues. You will come back with a new, positive state of balance and possible move.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Avoid jumping ahead with financial initiatives for the time being. It’s best to review your financial affairs. Relationships pick up by the end of the week. Be careful and separate business with pleasure.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

This is an excellent time for connecting with a partner or family member to resolve an old and challenging problem. By doing this, you will be able to release negative energy that's been built up from the past.

Thought for the week:

“The path to enlightenment begins when you decide to open the door.” ~Kimmie

If you have ever been around someone with great intuitive skills, it can look almost like magic the way they seem to just know things. Perhaps your mother had great intuition, always knowing just when you needed a hug and just when you needed a push. In the world of business, too, there are people whose intuition is sharp and accurate, usually helping them toward business success. Leaders recognize the importance of intuitive skills and continually develop and refine this skill as part of their leadership development.

Natural intuition
What exactly is intuition? Some people describe it as a gut feeling, a little voice in your head, or even a tingling sensation that gets your attention. The truth is that every person has natural intuition that expresses itself in different ways, but not every person is aware of or pays attention to their intuition.

It is said by some that women tend to have greater natural intuition than men do, but that is not necessarily the case. Anyone who has ever been a regular caregiver for a child knows that it is possible to develop a sense of what that child is thinking and feeling, especially when the child is very young. And in close social groups, such as fraternities, clubs, and service organizations, friends of both genders often develop close bonds that are strengthened by their natural intuition.

Strengthen your intuitive skills
Natural intuition is really just a person’s ability to observe the world around him or her and interpret the information. Regardless of whether you think you have much natural intuition, there are ways for you to strengthen your intuitive skills.

Body language – You can learn much by watching the body language of people around you. Experts say that 60% to 80% of all communication is non-verbal, and body language is the primary component. Much of what we call intuition is really just paying attention to body language and understanding what it means.

For example, if you are in a staff meeting and observe an employee leaning forward and listening closely, that person is showing interest and engagement in the discussion. If, however, an employee is leaning back, arms crossed, looking down or doodling on a notepad, that person is showing disinterest and disengagement in the discussion.

Tone of voice – When a person speaks, their message is much more than the words used. Tone of voice is a powerful part of verbal communication, and gives greater depth of meaning to the message. When you pay attention to tone of voice, you build your intuitive skills.

For example, the next time you participate in a discussion at work listen to how other participants use their tone of voice. Monotone, quiet, or lack of inflection may indicate disinterest or disapproval. A lot of inflection and louder tones may indicate strong feelings about the topic at hand. Or, ending sentences with an inflection up, similar to a question, may indicate someone is unsure of themselves or lacks confidence.

Intuition vs. Assumption
It is important to understand the difference between intuitive skills and simply making assumptions about other people. Paying attention to your intuition is never an excuse for making unwarranted assumptions, being judgemental, gossiping, or engaging in rumor and innuendo.

Intuitive skills are not a substitute for open communication, strong interpersonal skills, and building good work relationships. Rather, they are a way for you to enhance your ability to work productively with others and improve your business performance.

I’m an intuitive healer. Another word for what I do and who I am is psychic. Normally the first question that enters into peoples’ head’s when I tell them about myself is, “Can she read my mind?” I cannot reach into your mind and see that time in third grade when you stole that candy bar from the local deli. My nature is that of a healer and my intention is to provide insight that is in a person’s highest interest. Is it really in the highest good to see a misjudgment?
I believe that every single one of us has “intuitive abilities.” I believe that intuition is like using a muscle. If you don’t use a muscle, then it becomes weak. So like any muscle the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Now, some of you are saying, “I don’t ever use this muscle in fact, I’m not sure I even have the muscle.” I expect you are using the muscle more than you think you are...
If you were thinking about someone and then they called; you had an intuitive moment and you’re using the muscle. If you had a gut feeling and it came to pass; you had an intuitive moment and you’re using the muscle. If you had a dream and then it played out during your waking hours, guess what, you had an intuitive moment and you’re using the muscle.
How do I use my intuitive muscle? What I do is I listen to the guidance that most people tune out and relay that information to them to give insight and clarity. Each one of us has a metaphysical support team behind us. This support team sometimes is referred to as Angels. I call them Guides and Teachers. A lot of us don’t communicate with our team, I do. I can also converse with yours. I help people establish a dialogue with their guides and teacher as well.
Another question that I get asked is, “So, what’s it like being intuitive?” You might have an idea from watching shows like Medium or The Ghost Whisper. About 55% of what those show depict is accurate. Of all the shows, I think Medium does the best to illustrate how a psychic “sees” what they see. Intuitive images don’t usually come to you all neatly tied up in a bow. They require us to piece them together into a coherent picture that serves us in the moment. Because, we each have diverse experiences, our processes are different and we are each specially wired; “how” we see things will be particular from person-to-person.
There is a whole lexicon of terms that explain how people get their intuitive information, these include:
Clairvoyance – The ability to gain information via means other than human known senses. It comes from the French clair meaning “clear” and voyant meaning seeing.

Clairaudient: The ability to gain knowledge psychically via hearing.

Clairalience - The ability to gain knowledge psychically via smelling.

Claircognizance – The ability to acquire knowledge psychically primarily by the means of a built-in
knowledge. This is the ability to know something without knowing how you know it.

Clairsentience – The ability to gain information psychically an impression of what a spirit wants to communicate.
Clairsentinence – The ability to gain information psychically by taking on the ailments of a spirit, feeling the same physical problem the spirit, person or energy.
Clairgustance – The ability to gain psychic information by tasting.
Empathic – The ability to physically feel what another is feeling, emotionally and physically.
Medium – The ability of a person to relay information via the contact with the incarnate energies.

Now, that you have some idea of ways to see and hear intuitively, if you have experience any of these don’t fear. Whether you understand it totally or not, to have experiences beyond our traditional five senses is “normal.” I assist students all over the country to explore and cultivate their intuitive abilities. One of the first exercises, we do is to write down all the words the student relates to psychic behavior. Do any of the words you have written down have negative connotation? Could those thoughts be influencing your intuitive ability?
Another exercise to disarm feelings of fear around extra sensory perception is to discover how your intuition displays itself. A way of having fun and investigating your intuitiveness is by getting a couple of friends together and each one of you come with an object in an envelope sealed. Each one of you passes around your envelope and the group gets a chance to sense what might be in the envelope. The idea is to write down what first comes in your head and not sensor yourself. Then the contents of the envelope are revealed and you get to experience how you receive your intuitive information. It is important to be open during this exercise. For example: you could write down my hands felt hot when I touched the envelope and the when the contents are revealed it is a red object or maybe a brochure to a tropical island.
If you have children or get to spend any time with kids, you will see that they live intuitively. Intuitiveness seems to flow in children because it feels natural to them and children do what feels natural. They can hear and see things that adults just tune out. An imaginary friend, in my experience, isn’t really imagery and it is no cause for alarm. When your child speaks of his/her imaginary friend, ask questions. What are they wearing? How old are they? Where do they come from? You will be amazed the answers you get. Remember, children learn fear and if they don’t seem to be afraid of this process, then why should you?
I’m here to tell you that living via your intuition makes life easier; not harder. It helps release fears and allows you to live with great joy.
When I give an intuitive reading, I can receive information several ways: in just words in my mind, images, a movie scene, a song, a situation from my own life, information from souls who have journeyed on, etc. One of the earliest memories of Claircognizance is from my teen years. I was on a class trip and I was sitting on the bus waiting to be taken to our next activity and thought the money in my suitcase was going to be gone when I went back to the room that night. I know that it would be gone and I knew who took it. Later that night, when we returned the money was indeed gone. I didn’t know how I gain that knowledge I just knew that it was fact.
I am also empathic. This means during a reading I will feel what the other person is experiencing. I have experience a shortness of breath. When I relay this to the person I ask if they have been having troubles breathing or feel like that can’t catch their breath. I have experienced stomach pains or dizziness during a reading and have found out that a person has digestion problems or is having side effects from a medication.
As an intuitive it is key, not to become attached to how that information is going to be received. What I do you mean by attached? I mean attached to the outcome; how the information I relay will be used or understood by the client, or if the client believes the information I am relaying is “right.”

Once we let go of control and listen to the guidance that each one of us is being showered with everyday, then I believe life can be easier and we attain a sense of freedom from anguish. Most people what to know their future because then they will feel like they have a sense of control over their own destiny. They have it backwards. Releasing control and understanding that you are being provided for at every turn will allow you to live fully in your natural state, which is that of being intuitive.

Are you in need of guidance in your decision making ability? Do you want to know the future? Then Bibliomancy, the ancient art of foretelling the future and for gaining intuitive insights using books, may be for you. Every day we are faced with decision after decision whether it be how to deal with a troublesome person or situation, finding the best way out of a predicament or wanting to know how things will work out in the future. We are all faced from time to time with questions like "What should I do?" or What s going to happen? And it s only natural for us to want to find answers to our questions. Some ask close family or friends for advice, whilst others seek guidance and clarity from professional advisors such as counsellors, psychics or clairvoyants.

Bibliomancy is a divinational practice for seeking spiritual insight by selecting a random passage from a Holy Book. The word bibliomancy is derived from the Greek word biblos , which means paper or book, originating from the Phoenician City of that name, which exported paper products. Mancy means divination or prophesy.

Records of using a sacred book for divinational purposes go back as far as three thousand years, when the I Ching was first used to predict the future. Some psychics and mystics believe Bibliomancy to be the Western civilisations answer to the I Ching. However, Jews and Christians have the used the Torah or Bible, whilst Moslems use the Quran (Koran) for divinational purposes. Before the Bible, in pagan times, Homer (sortes Homericæ) and Virgil (sortes Virgilianæ) were similarly used. The French mystic, physician and prophet Nostradormus also made his predictions through the ancient art of Bibliomancy. One interesting and useful aspect of using religious books is the use of numbers that are scattered throughout the works. By deciphering the numerical value in lines of text or passages, you can gain significant meaning using the ancient art of Pythagoran numerology.

Throughout history other forms of literature have been used, for example in similar techniques to Bibliomancy called Rhapsodomancy and Stichomancy. In these two systems, selecting a random passage from the works of Shakespeare, Greek epics, classical poetry or metaphysical books of wisdom such as, the book of Tao or works of the American psychic Edgar Cayce, have been found to be just as effective

Stichomancy uses the same technique as Bibliomancy except any book off the shelf can be used for this purpose. However in the divinitory variation called Rhapsodomancy some psychics specifically refer to it as being performed only with works of poetry, others believe that books of metaphysical significance are necessary.

All that s really required is a book with passages that are meaningful to you. This could be a works of poetry or any other spiritual or literary works. Alternatively use whatever you feel comfortable with. This could also include making up your own collection of meaningful phrases, sayings or short passages. The more pages the better, as the general idea is not to become too familiar with the layout of the pages.

The method used to pick random passage from a book to answer a question is pretty straight forward, and you should begin by first taking two or three breaths and relaxing. The next step is to close your eyes and try to connect yourself with the Universe, your spirit guide or who or whatever you hold in reverence. What you re after is a sense of positive expectation that your question will be answered. Following on from this, think about the question that you would like to ask, this could be spoken out loud, or in your mind. It might also be helpful if you wrote down your question and placed it in front of you. The next step is to take hold of the book with the spine facing your hand, and then randomly select a page. When you feel ready, slide your finger down the page until you feel the urge to stop. Then open your eyes and read the message, line or passage in the book where your finger is pointing, and think about how it relates to your question. An alternative way to get an answer is by placing the book on its spine, with your eyes closed, allow the book to fall open to a random page. Still with your eyes closed place your finger intuitively on the open page and read the passage, sentence or word.

The answer may not be obvious at first, but it will contain within it the right answer for you. If after some serious thought you still don t understand the answer, give it a break and walk away, and carry on with something else. In this way you are allowing your mind and intuition to process the information. When you feel ready take another look at the text. The techniques, like any other does take practice, so don t be put of if you don t get an instant result; you can always try again. The main thing to remember is not to over do it, this is not a party game and it would be best to avoid testing or experimenting for self-gratification or to impress people. Treat the process seriously and with respect and it will serve you well for years to come.