THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE

Visions and messages from the other side can be both blessing and curse. Kirstie Clements explores the burden psychics experience when faced with bad news, and suggests we be less sceptical and trust them to help us tap into our deeper selves

What is it about psychics and mediums that many of us find so alluring? I consider myself an intelligent person; rational and logical. But just mention the word ‘psychic’ and I will book an appointment, money no object. I’ve consulted clairvoy ants in top hotels in London, mediums in Bali, a tarot reader in a field in Montenegro and mystic healers all over the world. Are there people among us who are connected to an unseen spirit world, or are they all just manipulative charlatans? Surely some individuals are vastly more intuitive and emotionally sensitive than others? In a world that currently seems so politically, economically, morally and spiritually offbalance, there is a growing audience for otherworldly guidance, as it becomes clear that we mere mortals don’t have all the answers.

How we relate to the idea of a clairvoyant — or the existence of what used to be referred to as ESP (extrasensory perception) — may be rooted in our cultural and religious beliefs and family superstitions. The concept of the supernatural is manifested in numerous cultures throughout time. There’s Afro-Caribbean voudon (a religion sensationalised in pop culture as voodoo), the curses and spells of the Romani people, the yÅkai creatures and spirits of Japan, the Indian yogis and the jinn (genies) of the Arab world. As clinical psychologist Joanne Corrigan notes, “People have always believed in gods, higher powers, shamans and psychics. It is the function of our brain to attach and belong to something bigger than just ourselves. Mediums and psychics may well have intuitive powers that are yet to be scientifically explained.”