The art of predicting the future, often called "divination," has been around as long as time. Everyone has had unexplainable experiences of the paranormal, whether they want to admit it or not. As Dr. Judith Orloff, psychiatrist and clairvoyant, notes, "By nature we are all seers, though our ability may remain latent." In her book, Second Sight, Orloff tells her story of discovering her own gifts through dreams as a young child.

By connecting with the higher self and developing certain aspects of intuition, many individuals have explored and perfected their own insights and have become professional counselors. What follows is a sampling of the various professionals who use intuition in their practice and the various methods they may employ.

"PSYCHICS": This word has become a catchall name for anyone who is using his or her intuitive abilities. Some intuitive counselors specialize in finding missing persons and helping solve crimes. Intuitives receive messages in many different ways. The methods used may vary, but here are a few:

• Clairvoyance is the "clear seeing" of pictures and/or action.
  
• Clairaudience is the "clear hearing" of words and messages.
• Clairsentience is the "clear feeling" of emotions and/or physical sensations.

Intuitive counselors may also use tools to help them "tune-in" to the person they are counseling. For example,

• Psychometry is the holding of an object or photograph to obtain vibrations.
• Crystals or Crystal Balls can be used as a focal point. Some intuitive counselors use crystals to energize their abilities, especially clairvoyance. Others use crystal balls to view images.
• Written Questions may be used as focal points. Often the intuitive counselor does not even look at the questions.
• Holding hands is used to feel vibrations from the client.
• A variety of cards are often also used for focus. These may include tarot cards.
• Candles and candle flames may also be used as focal points. Some intuitive counselors hold paper over a burning candle to reveal images.
• Special stones or coins may be held in the hand or mixed in a pouch. When these stones (such as runes) or coins (as used in the I Ching) are cast onto a flat surface, the intuitive counselor may interpret the patterns for further insights.

ASTROLOGERS: Astrology is one of the oldest known sciences. In fact, the earliest known example of a horoscope dates back to 3102 B.C. An astrologer is one who has done extensive study of the stars and planets, using time-honored interpretations derived from mathematical calculations. A natal horoscope is a diagram cast for the exact time, date, and place of your birth. The astrologer studies your diagram and can help you better understand yourself and your lessons in this life. While predictions for your life are made through careful study of the planetary movements in the heavens, many good astrologers also use some of the methods and tools of the psychic intuitive. Astrology can be used effectively to determine relationship compatibility, the timing of business endeavors, baby birthing and conception, and to answer numerous other questions.

NUMEROLOGISTS: Numerology is the science of numbers. It is an offshoot of astrology, and many astrologers incorporate numerology into their counseling. The numbers derived from your birth date and your birth name are the primary numbers used in analyzing your personality, potentials, and future. However, there are many numbers calculated in a full numerology study. As there are various theories about numbers, numerologists sometimes differ in their calculation procedure. As with astrologers, numerologists will often additionally use psychic intuitive methods when giving a reading.

PALMISTS: Palmistry, the study of the human hand as a method of understanding yourself, is also an ancient art. The first records of palmistry are found in Indian literature during the Vedic period around 2000 B.C. The palmist uses both the lines of the palm and the whole of both hands to discern information. Palmistry deals with tendencies and probabilities that one's life may follow. Many palmists, like those using other disciplines, frequently have strong intuitive or psychic abilities.

MEDIUMS/CHANNELS/TRANCE MEDIUMS: Regardless of what they are called, a medium is an individual who has been trained to receive information from sources usually not in the body, and often from the "other side." These may be relatives, Spirit Guides, Master Guides, and Angels. Most channelers are also very intuitive and often work in trance or altered states. Sometimes their voices and faces may change as other entities are communicating. A medium is especially helpful in contacting loved ones from the other side.

TAROT READERS: The reading of Tarot cards is an age-old practice going back to the ancient Egyptians. Tarot interpretation is both a science and an art, for through working with the cards, the reader re-fashions the meaning of both the individual cards and the entire layout in his or her mind. The meanings of the seventy-eight cards have to be studied and this can at first seem quite formidable. Different readers use varying layouts and shuffling processes to give an interpretation. Many highly intuitive tarot readers use the cards as a tool of focus for their own insights.

AURA READERS: Aura readers are able to "read" the energy field around others, either with their intuition or with an aura camera. Many aura readers focus on looking for energy blockages so that individuals might become aware of these possible problems before they are manifest into disease.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATORS: Animal communicators (sometimes called pet telepathists) are able to connect with and tune into a wide variety of animals. Many animal communicators are able to translate an animal's thoughts into words. Animal communicators can help to solve behavioral problems with animals, work with health and emotional problems, and even help humans locate lost animals.

INTUITIVE HEALERS & BODYWORKERS: Intuitive healers focus on finding the energy blockages in the body's bioelectrical system. These healers and bodyworkers may tune into a person's history to find the cause of the blockage. They can also find weak body organs and systems and help to strengthen them.

MEDICAL INTUITIVES: Medical intuitives focus specifically on seeing or feeling the negative energies and blockages in the body that can cause disease.

Intuitive festivals, psychic fairs and holistic expos offer opportunities for individuals to experience a variety of different disciplines.Since everyone is intuitive to some degree, the basic rule for choosing your intuitive counselors is to trust your first feelings. Your hunches will usually be right for you. You may also find it helpful to obtain information about the individual. For example, you might ask how he or she got started. Has he or she had certification training through a church, university or through other classes and workshops? How many years has he or she been in private practice? Many intuitive counselors provide written brochures and flyers detailing their expertise.

As in any undertaking, it is always wise to use both your intuition and common sense when working with an intuitive counselor. Be wary of charlatans who charge fees to "remove spells," make outlandish promises, or require that you keep coming to see them. Most honest, experienced, well-trained, and higher self-directed counselors charge fair and appropriate fees. They will address any concerns you might have about their work before they begin and encourage you to rely on your own intuition. Autumn Garrick is a 6th generation natural clairvoyant currently living in Nebraska. She can be reached for counseling at (402) 238-0224. She will be in Anchorage for the Alaska Intuitive Arts Festival, Jan. 27, 2001. Call (907) 729-0346 for more information.