How do psychic mediums know stuff about you

[JimOfAllTrades]

Are all atheists cynics? Is thinking about negative things a compulsory part of atheism?

No, people seem to think this. Atheists can and do appreciate beauty and wonder in the world, enjoy art and music, love and be loved, and be amazed about how cool a place the universe is.

But if you're trying to form a opinion about the rules that govern the universe, your explanations have to take into account everything for which there is evidence of occurring, not just the parts you like. The "karma" explanation sounds fair and like everyone is constantly "growing", until you have to account for 3-year-olds getting raped. If your view of the world ignores this because you find it distasteful then you're fooling yourself. And if you're fooling yourself about that, what else are you fooling yourself about?

So when you start talking about angels, spirits, and karma, we ask about the parts of the world you seem to be ignoring.

 

[Scorpion]

So, putting your head in the sand or hiding your eyes from others pain is - spiritual?

I don't claim to be spiritual. I just say there is no good can come, of obsessing about negative events in the world. Most of us do not experience terrible things every day, and watching the news is just taking negative things on board that rarely effect us directly. Most of us live normal lives, most of the time. So why clutter our minds with tragedies that happen far away?

 

[Pixel42]

Here is a scientific study that shows something unexpected occurs in mediums brains.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/...the-unexpected-in-the-brains-spirit-mediums-0

I dunno, it's pretty much what I would expect if the mediums are essentially handing over control of their muscles from their conscious to their unconscious minds.

 

[welshdean]

Here is a scientific study that shows something unexpected occurs in mediums brains.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/...the-unexpected-in-the-brains-spirit-mediums-0

It would be more accurate if they reported 'A study that shows something unexpected occurs in trance-state minds.'

Until they can prove that any of the 'psychography' readings(?) were valid and pertinent to whichever relevant individuals they were meant for then the words 'spirit mediums' are superfluous. If the 'psychography' readings weren't meant for and validated by individuals then the whole thing becomes a farce.

 

[AmyW]

This might be an interesting read-

https://news.yale.edu/2016/09/27/psychics-help-psychiatrists-understand-voices-psychosis

 

[abaddon]

Are all atheists cynics? Is thinking about negative things a compulsory part of atheism?

Nope. You are getting cynicism because you are proposing your imaginings as reality. That is not how reality works. That is not how anything works.

I don't think about such things. In fact I look away from the television when charities show horrible pictures of deformed children in an effort to get money from people. My mind does not seem to have been as damaged by life as some of the people on this forum, in spite of having had mental illness for over fifty years.

What a stupid notion. If you close your eyes and ears reality ceases to exist. And you wonder why you get a cynical response?

 

[arthwollipot]

Here's a quick psychic reading for you, free of charge:

Someone who's posted on this thread:

Is worried about their finances.

Ooh! Ooh! That's me! You're amazing! How did you know that?

 

[Darat]

Here we go again, why can't you look on the bright side?



I have not had an easy life, but I do not come up with all the negative stuff you do.



Also, I seem to recall it was a 12 year old girl last time you said this, not a three year old. You are just exaggerating now.

That you want to hide from the horrors of your beliefs is not something I'm willing to do. If other people come to believe as you do there would be no one bothered about a 3 year old being raped, they would like you do simply shrug their shoulders and think like you do that it was planned and neccessary. Indeed given your beliefs it is even worse than I said above as trying to prevent a 3 year old from being repeatedly raped would be wrong as you would be hindering her "evolution".

At least have the honesty to not try to deceive people about what your beliefs mean when you are making your claims.

 

[dann]

This might be an interesting read-

https://news.yale.edu/2016/09/27/psychics-help-psychiatrists-understand-voices-psychosis

So the voices in your head aren't really bad. They may even keep you company. What the voices tell you to do, however, is much more sinister.

 

[Cosmic Yak]

I don't claim to be spiritual. I just say there is no good can come, of obsessing about negative events in the world. Most of us do not experience terrible things every day, and watching the news is just taking negative things on board that rarely effect us directly. Most of us live normal lives, most of the time. So why clutter our minds with tragedies that happen far away?

So screw those starving Yemenis? Not much empathy in your belief system, is there?

 

[bluesjnr]

So, putting your head in the sand or hiding your eyes from others pain is - spiritual?

And saves him money.

 

[kali1137]

I don't claim to be spiritual. I just say there is no good can come, of obsessing about negative events in the world. Most of us do not experience terrible things every day, and watching the news is just taking negative things on board that rarely effect us directly. Most of us live normal lives, most of the time. So why clutter our minds with tragedies that happen far away?

This has to be the most heartless thing I have seen uttered in awhile.

Amy,

To save you further questions about Scorpions beliefs let me give the cliff notes. He hates Muslims and believes the reason he was graced with a lottery win, and the great thing he did with the winnings, was to buy a computer so he could go all over the internet fighting their beliefs and trying to convince others how evil they are.

As to the original topic, I too believed in mediums and such before coming to this forum. I used to get readings at least once a year. I was convinced that they "knew" things that couldn't be known. The lucky thing for me was that this one that I went to taped all the readings. Once I went back and listened with a skeptical mind, it was amazing how off he was and how many hits were just generic.

 

[Bikewer]

This reminds me of the attitude that was frequently expressed (sometimes by celebrity authors) during the “New Age” fad....
That it was pointless to try to assist the downtrodden as they were in the process of paying their “karmic debt”.
This heartless attitude is also one of the worst features of the Hindu caste system... As those who are suffering not only richly deserve their misfortune, but it’s actually beneficial for them in the long run.

How easily we rationalize things.

 

[The Common Potato]

Here's a quick psychic reading for you, free of charge:

Axxman300's almost perfect cold reading!

Is worried about their finances.

I was overcharged by a supermarket recently.

Thinking about getting a new job even though it's a huge risk.

Nope. But I was pondering my life and career recently.

Is missing a beloved pet.

Yes, but from 20 years ago.

Has a family member who is ill.

They're all dead.

Has minor car trouble that they've been putting off due to money, but it bothers them.

I haven't driven for many years and was pondering that fact recently.

Just had a birthday.

I'm having one soon.

Is shopping for someone else's birthday.

Bought a card for a friend.

Has an upcoming doctor's appointment that they're nervous about.

I have just registered with a new GP.

Is thinking about going back to school.

Was chatting online to a schoolmate recently.

Has gone off their diet.

I am getting a tad fat.

Is thinking about a large purchase which will upset their spouse/significant other.

I want a new graphics card but can't afford one.

Didn't see the last Avengers movie.

I learnt to drive in a Hillman Avenger.

Like's chocolate ice cream.

I bought some for a friend who is coming to stay.

People have so much in common, it's about casting a wide net.

 

[The Common Potato]

Thank you so much everyone for your comments, how do you quote what people have said to reply to?
What if you were to pay by PayPal can they then retrieve your information?
Welshdean none were right lol, try again

Let's see, here is my reading....

You live in Wales and often the weather is cold hahaha!

Yeah, but he thinks Wales is going to win the World Cup.

 

[Scorpion]

Amy,

To save you further questions about Scorpions beliefs let me give the cliff notes. He hates Muslims and believes the reason he was graced with a lottery win, and the great thing he did with the winnings, was to buy a computer so he could go all over the internet fighting their beliefs and trying to convince others how evil they are.

Hatred of Islam on the other hand is easily justified, as is hatred of any obnoxious ideology. Muslims themselves are the main victims of Islam

Richard Dawkins

 

[The Common Potato]

Some mediums claim to be able to directly speak to spirits, and have a conversation with them.

Do those same spirits answer back? I regularly shout at my PC but it rarely replies.

 

[Foolmewunz]

Hatred of Islam on the other hand is easily justified, as is hatred of any obnoxious ideology. Muslims themselves are the main victims of Islam

Richard Dawkins

As distinct from noxious ideologies? Say one that thinks that twelve year olds experiencing abuse are "just karma"?

 

[wasapi]

I don't claim to be spiritual. I just say there is no good can come, of obsessing about negative events in the world. Most of us do not experience terrible things every day, and watching the news is just taking negative things on board that rarely effect us directly. Most of us live normal lives, most of the time. So why clutter our minds with tragedies that happen far away?

Tragedies that happen far away?

I had a baby that died a horrible death when she was less then an hour old. The man I loved died from suicide. Another close friend was murdered.

Far *********** away? How dare you. I guess they are all now getting their groove back and are partying in heaven and receiving their good karma.

This is so offensive from you.

 

[dlorde]

Anyone interested in how psychics use the Barnum effect, this article on the mentalist web site has the excellent video by Darren Brown of the experiment he performed showing how susceptible members of the public are to such frauds.

E.T.A. Oops - that's not the full video - I'll try to find it... Here it is - if you're allowed Channel 4 content.