by James Kambos
Several years ago a friend of mine who is a visual artist decided to take an art workshop. For the first activity, the instructor of the workshop passed around a box containing tubes of different colored paints. The box was closed except for a hand-sized hole on the top so that the artists were unable to see the tubes of paint. As the box was passed around the room, the instructor told everyone to reach into the box and, when they thought a tube of paint “felt right,” to pull it out. Amazingly, almost every individual pulled out his or her favorite color!
Whether or not they realized it, the artists in this workshop were practicing a psychic skill known as psychometry.
What Is Psychometry?
Psychometry is the psychic ability to “read” or to obtain some type of information about an object by touching or feeling it. This reading can give a psychic clues about an item’s history, about its origin, and about its owner or owners. It’s similar to a reading done by scrying with a crystal ball or a magic mirror, but in psychometry the reading is done by touching a particular object. Think of psychometry as scrying by touch.
The term “psychometry” was created by American physiologist Joseph Buchanan. It’s a combination of the Greek words psyche, or “soul,” and metron, which means “measure” or “meter.” Professor Buchanan experimented with psychometry in the 1840s. His original belief is that all objects possess a soul or memory.
Some psychometrists today still hold onto the belief that objects have a soul that can be sensed or measured. Other psychics believe that objects don’t have a soul but are imbued with an energy left by someone that can be felt.
How It Works
In the opening example, artists were able to sense some type of connection with the tubes of paint by touching them. This connection enabled them to unknowingly select their favorite color in most cases. This is indeed a form of psychometry. However, psychometry is usually used to form a contact with a person—living or dead.
To do this the psychometrist is given an item or items that have a long history associated with a particular individual. These objects could be clothing, keys, jewelry, a hairbrush, even a photograph. And if the person in question is lost, it’s not unusual to include a map.
The psychometrist will then handle the items, perhaps breathing on them or holding them to his or her forehead.
Now the natural abilities of the psychic will take over. Some will feel emotions coming from an object—love, joy, fear, anger. Anything is possible. Others will actually see or hear an entire scene, like watching a film.
If you’re trying to establish a link with a specific person, whether deceased or alive, the objects used must have a history with that individual. The age of an item doesn’t matter. Psychometrists have been known to give accurate readings after touching objects thousands of years old.
I’d like to add that many experts in the field of psychometry feel that metal objects are the best items to use for a reading. The belief is that metal has the ability to “hold” a memory or an impression better. This idea isn’t as widespread as it once was. I think as long as an object has an attachment to the person who’s the subject of the reading, that is what’s important.
If you choose to use psychometry to connect with the spirit of a deceased individual, you won’t need to establish a contact with a spirit or a spirit guide. The object you use will be the only contact you need. This is one of the advantages of psychometry.
Here’s my experience with psychometry: My mother had a favorite scarf, and she had it for years. For about a month before she died unexpectedly, it seemed that every time she wore it she’d receive many positive comments about it. I thought it was slightly unusual but forgot about it. Then several months after her death, I went to a meeting of psychics. Something told me to take that scarf with me. While there I met a woman who practiced psychometry. After speaking to her she said she’d be glad to “read” the scarf. She wrapped it around her fingers and gently pulled it through her hands. Then she began to give me accurate details about my mother’s life. I was amazed.
But psychometry can be used for more than connecting us with our departed loved ones. A highly skilled psychometrist can be used to solve crimes. Given items from a crime scene, a psychometrist who is talented at receiving visual images would be able to describe a crime as it happened. They could give details on the number of people involved, the weapon used, or where the weapon might be hidden. And psychometrists can be very valuable in helping track down a runaway.
Humans aren’t the only ones psychometry can help. Pet owners have been known to provide a psychometrist with their pet’s photo or an item such as a collar when they needed help finding a lost pet. Psychometry has also helped pet owners find out what is on their pets’ minds, which can help solve some behavior issues.
Do It Yourself
Don’t be afraid to give psychometry a try. You don’t need to be a wizard. And most psychics agree that the objects you touch aren’t controlled by some spirit. Your mind is in control. Here is an exercise to get you started:
First, gather with some like-minded magical friends. It would be best if there were several of you. Discuss the idea before gathering with your friends so that everyone can bring at least one old or well-used item.
Make sure you won’t be disturbed. Being quiet is a must—no cell phones, please. Whoever wants to try reading an item should sit quietly with their eyes closed. Palms should be up and feet flat on the floor. Ground and center while breathing calmly. Release all cares and thoughts.
When you feel ready, you should say that you’re prepared to accept an object. Keep your eyes closed, and someone should silently place an object in your hands.
Feel the item. You may simply hold the object or raise it to your heart or forehead. You’ll probably feel some emotions coming from the object. If you can, “see” the feelings you’re receiving.
Begin to say what you’re feeling and seeing. Don’t analyze anything, just keep talking as long as you’re getting messages. Something you think is crazy may make total sense to the person you’re reading for. Keep your first sessions short, perhaps about five minutes.
In the beginning don’t worry about accuracy. Just keep talking about the images or feelings as they come to you.
The more you practice the better you’ll become. Soon, you’ll begin to master the incredible psychic skill known as psychometry.