Psychics connect through energy, intuition, and higher realms of consciousness to access insight that goes beyond the physical realm. Whether they’re working with spirit guides, using tools like Tarot or astrology, or channeling messages through clairvoyance or clairsentience, each reader has their own way of receiving and interpreting information.

What Is a Psychic?

A psychic is someone who can perceive information beyond the five senses, often referred to as extrasensory perception or ESP. They may receive insight through clairvoyance (clear seeing), clairsentience (clear feeling), clairaudience (clear hearing), or other intuitive channels. 

Many psychics also work with spiritual guides, energy fields, or metaphysical tools to help interpret messages and provide clarity around life’s questions — especially those involving love, purpose, and the unseen influences shaping your path.

Psychic abilities have been around as long as humans have. In ancient times, psychics were revered as shamans and priestesses, often in high standing within royal courts and advising various people in positions of power. 

In the last century, psychics often played a role in entertainment. They were frequent guests in parlors, on stage, and even on TV. In the last decade or so — with the rise of the internet and social media, the mainstream has embraced psychics once again as accessible daily advisors. 

It’s accepted by many that a person may have a go-to psychic. Intuition planning and spiritual well-being have now been prioritized as part of some people’s lives.

How Do Psychics Receive Information?

There are several ways in which a psychic can receive their information from the beyond. This can include intuition, psychic tools, heightened senses, and spirit guides. While there are almost countless ways for information to be passed to a psychic, it’s generally a matter of sounds, pictures, or thoughts “appearing” in the psychic’s mind.

Intuition

One of the most common ways psychics operate is through their intuition. Intuition is a spectrum from the physical (those gut feelings) to the mental (just knowing when something is happening before actually receiving the news).

Psychic Senses and Other Abilities

Some psychics specialize in specific channels of information. For example, Clairaudient Psychics often hear things that go beyond normal audio. These can be voices or sounds, or they can notice the psychic timing and messages behind real-world sounds such as alarms, phones ringing, or certain songs coming on.

Clairvoyants have the gift of clear sight, meaning they perceive images, symbols, scenes, or visions that relate to a person’s past, present, or potential future. These visual impressions may appear in the mind’s eye or as flashes of insight and are often symbolic, requiring interpretation.

Psychic Tools

There are a variety of psychic tools that have been around since ancient times that are used to conduct psychic work. Sometimes called divination tools, these include divining rods, pendulums, Tarot cards, crystals, runes, crystal balls, scrying mirrors, and spirit boards. 

Spirit Guides

Many psychics notice a hereditary pattern of abilities. They might have a great aunt with sharpened instincts, a grandfather who was never wrong, or a parent who is psychic themselves. There are theories that those with strong ancestral ties or past lives receive much of their spiritual gifts from regions beyond, which are then passed down from generation to generation.

Some psychics are especially attuned to specific groups such as animals or those who have passed on. In these cases, the psychics often are channeling the voice of the departed that cannot communicate in a conventional manner. Because they are acting as a go-between for these conversations, they are called Psychic Mediums.

Birth Charts

Birth charts — also known as natal charts, are a foundational tool in astrology and are sometimes used by psychics to gain deeper insight into a person’s energetic makeup. Calculated using the exact time, date, and location of birth, a birth chart maps the position of the planets at the moment a person entered the world.

Each placement — such as the sun, moon, and rising signs, reveals something unique about a person’s emotional patterns, life path, and spiritual tendencies. Some psychics, especially those who work with astrology, use birth charts to identify key themes, timing, and karmic lessons, offering guidance that’s both personal and cosmically aligned, often influenced by what’s in the stars at the time of the reading.

Related: How To Choose A Psychic

Will All Psychic Readings Be Accurate?

A psychic reading offers guidance, not guarantees. Psychic insight is shaped by the energy present in the moment, the openness of the participant, the placements in their birth chart, and the ever-shifting energies of the universe. It’s helpful to think of it as a tool, not a fixed outcome. Only you have the power to make the changes in your life.

A psychic reading is about connecting with the Universe, with yourself, and with someone who can bridge the gap between the two and offer you valuable information and resources to help you live your best possible life. 

At California Psychics we vet our psychics so meticulously that only the best of the best make it through.

Related: How Much Does A Psychic Reading Cost?

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About California Psychics: California Psychics is the most trusted source of psychic readings. We have delivered over 11 million discreet and confidential psychic readings by phone since 1995. More than a prediction, we are your guide for life’s journey. Learn more about how psychic readings work and explore the California Psychics blog. With over 500 psychics online to choose from with real customer reviews, you’re sure to find the best psychics for you. Call one of our trusted and accurate psychics today! Confidential and secure, real psychics, accurate predictions, 100% guaranteed.