Unwritten law: Don't speak about psychic abilities - right or wrong?

[Tobias Zimpel]

I recently had a discussion about having and using psychic abilities, and using them professionally. I took Erin as an example for someone who uses her abilities to make a living.

Since the other person has also psychic abilities, I believed that she would be open to the idea. However, she told me that there was an unwritten law that those with psychic abilities don't talk about them, and that since Erin is talking very openly about her "abilities", she must be a fraud.

Hm... interesting reasoning, indeed!

I really believe that in the past it was highly deadly to talk about ones psychic abilities (witches and all...), but I don't believe that such a fear-based law - it it ever existed - should still be valid. And indeed I know that the other person is afraid of using her abilities in any way.

However, I'd like to hear other opinions, if you like.

[MiBeloved]

Even if it is an unwritten law, still it would be interesting to know who authored the law.
In the yoga system there is also a statement regarding the use and development of psychic abilities. This is from the Yoga Sutras:
Those divination skills are obstacles in the practice of continuous effortless linkage of the attention to a higher concentration force, object or person. But in expressing, they are considered as mystic perfectional skills. (Yoga Sutras 3.38)*
Patanjali claimed that using the psychic powers creates obstacles to samadhi which is deep meditation practice, but he was writing about yogis who develop mystic abilities through yoga.

One related topic is the calibration of psychic abilities, which means that the psychic should figure the degree of accuracy of the psychic faculties. For instance on the physical side we have glasses which are designed to compensate for vision deficiency. An ophthalmologist checks the vision of a person and determines the deficiency and then calibrated lenses are created. So if the psychic has some idea about the degree of distortion of the ability, he or she, taking that into consideration, can better advice clients


*Amazon.com: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Michael Beloved: Books

[Daffy Duck]

Originally Posted by Tobias Zimpel

the other person is afraid of using her abilities in any way.

Maybe that's why she feels the way she does.

There is no unwritten law. People like Erin have already shown this. I think your friend just has a fear-based perspective, like you said.

The only way to know if someone is a fraud is to test them personally.

[Erin Pavlina]

Some people are afraid to talk about their abilities, sometimes because they are afraid of the abilities themselves or they fear the abilities come from a dark place. But for someone with abilities to call someone else with abilities a fraud simply for speaking out loud about them seems very silly to me.

[codenamesmiley]

I can understand the unwritten law, being something that existed during the times when the Christians were hanging, beheading, burning and torturing those they considered to be witches. (and seeking out excuses to put that tag on them, such as prophetic dream, birthmarks and whatever they could pinpoint to accuse the victims of this fear-induced slaughter.)

I can understand those with a deeply instilled "Christian guilt" in life, to feel either afraid to use, or ashamed to use their abilities. (Boy do I understand that one.) Perhaps not discussing them abilities with the family that raised one to feel that way, would be wise if they are concerned about being judged or disowned. (Of course, those with deeply instilled Christian belief, should also know that ONLY GOD can judge them on their deeds...not their family..not their neighbors..not their employer) Why would God give a gift, only to deny you for having them? (Abuse of such ability, now that is another story altogether)

1 Chorinthians 12 should clear that up for any christians that are concerned about their gift coming from a dark place.

I would not call anyone, that speaks of their abilities to be a fraud. If anything, I COMMEND those like Erin, who share their experiences and are out there to help others understand and/or hone their talents into something practical for use in their life.

Yes, there are alot of frauds out there, spending more time selling themselves as psychic than they spend actually being psychic, but no sense letting those people effect our opinion of ALL psychics. That makes about as much sense as banning pitbulls, because some jackass turned his into a killer that got ahold of an innocent victim...do you ban the breed or the deed???

I think that talking openly about our abilities in forums, gives us all an opportunity to share what we have learned and perhaps learn from what others have gone thru along their path.

I hope that your friend realizes that she has this ability for a reason, and the longer she denies herself the growth and use of such ability, the longer it will take her to get on track when she commits to utilizing them for the greater good.

I wish you both some peace of mind on the subject.

Blessings to you,
Rebecca

[Erin Pavlina]

It's also funny that if it's an unwritten law, how would a person know about it? I found that funny when I was driving to the gym this morning. But it brings up a good point. When I wanted to turn professional I had a hard time finding information on how to do that; and certainly nothing about running a psychic business. I intend to correct that when I train other professionals.

[Zas]

I've noticed this in a lot of areas. I mean, since I was first open to the idea I talked to people involved in jewish mysticism, psychic stuff, psi stuff, occult stuff, etc . . . (Like, it ends up all based on the same thing, you know?)

Lots of people seem to talk about *not* talking about such things in the interest of not seeming crazy. That makes you wonder what the world would be like if people were more open?

At the same time, plenty of people do have web sites, publish books, offer services, talk on forums like this or meet in groups in person . . . Right now I smile and respect the privacy of people who say you shouldn't talk about these things . . . But I also understand that I was previously a hardcore, unwavering skeptic type and, as a result, never really came across this information which has always been out there, really. So it feels like it's "out there" just enough that you can get away with talking about it to your comfort level in most cultures. [Because people will experience it at their own level anyway.]

It doesn't really feel right to try to keep it hush hush and esoteric because I've noticed that some people sort of adopt a paranoia/conspiracy theory mentality as a result of that. (I think that's how you can easily tell that it's a fear-based perspective- Because if you exaggerate it just subtly you get people creating a very scary reality for themselves. :P)

[Erin Pavlina]

The other thing I see happening is that some psychics like to keep the whole thing a big secret, like there's a secret magical mystical component and they're all supernatural. People like me, however, feel good about demystifying the subject, and letting people know that they are naturally psychic and need only develop their natural ability if they want to. I think there are those who are worried that if everyone is able to talk to their guides it will put them out of business.

[codenamesmiley]

Yes Erin, I noticed that.

It seems like those that can manage their gift, are not willing to share how they have come to manage it. I think it is for the same reason...scared to put themselves out of business.

I am not in business of the paranormal type, so I have nothing to lose. If I ever do start doing readings, I will still have nothing to lose by extending a helping or guiding hand to anyone who is tormented by an out of control gift that keeps them awake at night, with fear and confusion. (lol or people that just cannot find their keys..lol)

I don't think it is so much that one should remain hush hush about it...but if you have someone close to you that thinks it is craziness, why put yourself thru it trying to talk to them or convince them otherwise? (better to let someone assume you are crazy, than to let them personally drive you there while you try to prove them wrong.)

This forum was my first step out of the "comfort zone", and my baby-steps to coming out of the closet with the things I can do.

I am greatful to be a part of this community. I am so thankful to Erin and Steve for having these forums for people like me to come and share and learn. Anyone who knows someone apprehensive to discuss these things, should have them come here and have a look. Perhaps it would be just what they need to accept themselves in a world where their closest peers do not.

Blessings,
Rebecca

[Dreamline]

Her persective sounds like either a limiting belief, old wive's tale, or a way to conjure mystery around her abilities which actually leads me to think she may be the fraud.

However, there is an aspect....I find that even with LOA, successful manifestations, etc...people can be very negative toward things like that. Sometimes just nonbelieving, sometimes jealousy. They can project their negativity towards you when you make claims they do not respect or believe in. In that respect, it's better to keep things close to the vest.

Which is why I do not discuss my intentions or manifestations. Not even with people close to me. It is sometimes intentional on their part and sometimes it is merely accidental. But it's real.

Jennifer

[Daffy Duck]

Originally Posted by Dreamline

Which is why I do not discuss my intentions or manifestations. Not even with people close to me.

You don't have anyone in your life you trust with sharing your intentions with? Do you intend to change that or are you happy with only trusting yourself?

[veranadine]

Since I spent my teen years and all of my twenties around people who are DEFINITELY real psychics and always were open to talking about it, I find your friend's comment to be not a complete truth.

The person does sound a bit bitter, but leaving that aside, I have met some Europeans, mostly Greek and Italian people, on my travels who had this piece of knowledge passed down to them: that it is okay to talk about these abilities with you family or your priest, but that to give a psychic reading for anything other than generous reasons (ie. to accept verbal thanks or money for them) is punishable as a sin, by being cursed.

Since I have only ever seen good come into people's lives via my readings and have felt the positive energy in my own life and the lives of others increase by giving and accepting thanks, whether in the form of words, hugs or cash, I choose not to be bound by the antiquated beliefs of others.

They may, of course, live by their own rules. I feel my abilities increase the more that I use them and the more that I talk about them. So that is the path that I choose.