Top 10 Supernatural Powers

This compilation delves into extraordinary skills individuals profess to possess, which remain unverified by scientific methods and are seldom observed. Approach this list with skepticism. Presented in no specific order, here are the top 10 paranormal abilities.

1. Psychokinesis

Psychokinesis, often referred to as Telekinesis or mind over matter, is the purported ability to move or manipulate objects using the mind. Combined with pyrokinesis (featured at number 5), this ability was famously depicted by Carrie White in Stephen King's iconic novel and film adaptation, *Carrie*. Among all the abilities listed, this one is arguably the most coveted, as it could render the television remote obsolete and allow us to lounge effortlessly all day. However, scientists and skeptics typically dismiss any evidence of this phenomenon as fraudulent. Numerous books promise to teach this skill, often including exercises like repeatedly rolling dice while attempting to influence the outcome. Unfortunately, this can lead to the illusion of control, where individuals believe they are affecting the results despite the odds remaining unchanged. A notable figure who claims to possess this ability is Uri Geller, renowned for his spoon-bending demonstrations. Critics, however, have replicated his tricks without claiming any supernatural powers.

Extra Sensory Perception, commonly known as ESP, refers to the capability of acquiring information without relying on the five traditional senses, earning it the nickname 'sixth sense.' ESP is frequently tested using a set of 25 Zener cards. These cards feature five distinct symbols: a circle, a square, a triangle, wavy lines, and a plus sign. In a typical test, one participant views the cards while the other attempts to 'perceive' the symbol through mental power alone. With a 1 in 5 chance of guessing correctly, this method is not particularly reliable for proving ESP. However, the odds improve if participants are informed of their accuracy, allowing for card counting. Zener cards are also used in telepathy experiments, where the viewer tries to mentally transmit the symbol to the other person. On average, most people guess correctly about 20% of the time.

Telepathy refers to the capacity to communicate mentally with others. In parapsychology, it is classified as a type of ESP. This phenomenon often manifests spontaneously during crises, such as when a loved one is injured or killed in an accident. Individuals may sense the danger from afar, receiving information through fragmented thoughts, dreams, visions, hallucinations, mental images, clairaudience, or sudden words in their mind. This awareness can prompt changes in behavior, such as altering travel plans, daily routines, or reaching out to the affected person. Some cases even suggest telepathic connections between humans and animals.

Clairvoyance involves acquiring information without using the physical senses, distinguishing it from telepathy as it does not involve communication between individuals. Practitioners often claim this knowledge originates from the spirit world. A related ability, Clairaudience, allows individuals to internally hear messages from the deceased. Doris Stokes, a renowned British spiritualist, was a famous clairaudient. Advocates of clairvoyance believe most people are born with these abilities but suppress them due to societal norms ingrained during childhood. Various institutions offer courses aimed at reawakening these latent clairvoyant skills.

Pyrokinesis refers to the alleged ability to start or extinguish fires using only the power of the mind. This phenomenon is famously depicted in Stephen King's novel *Firestarter*, where the protagonist, a young girl, possesses this skill. While there is no scientific proof supporting the existence of pyrokinesis, many in the parapsychology community argue for its reality. Some speculate a potential link between this ability and cases of spontaneous human combustion.

Psychometry is the purported ability to extract information from objects. For instance, a psychometrist might hold a watch or wallet belonging to a stranger and, through focused concentration, gain insights into the person’s past, present, or future. This concept is a popular feature in stage performances and séances, where participants provide personal items for a medium or psychic to interpret. Stephen King’s 1979 novel *The Dead Zone* and its 2002 TV adaptation used psychometry as the foundation for Johnny Smith’s visions.

Precognition is the ability to predict future events. The renowned American psychic Jeane Dixon famously demonstrated this ability. She is best known for her alleged prediction of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. In the May 13, 1956, issue of *Parade Magazine*, she wrote that the 1960 presidential election would be “dominated by labor and won by a Democrat” who would later “[B]e assassinated or die in office though not necessarily in his first term.” However, she later admitted, “During the 1960 election, I saw Richard Nixon as the winner.” Nixon held her in such high esteem that he prepared for a terrorist attack she had foreseen. Dixon was also among the psychics who advised Nancy Reagan during the Reagan Administration.

Bilocation is the supposed ability to exist in two places simultaneously. St. Pio of Pietrelcina, a renowned stigmatic, was believed to possess this power. Unlike astral projection, bilocation is considered a physical phenomenon rather than a spiritual one. Occultist Aleister Crowley’s associates claimed he could bilocate, though he was reportedly unaware of these occurrences. This rare phenomenon has ancient roots and is said to have been experienced or deliberately practiced by mystics, saints, monks, and magical practitioners. It is also often cited as the explanation for accounts of individuals appearing to loved ones shortly before their death.

Postcognition is the inverse of precognition; it involves the ability to perceive events after they have happened. This ability is widely utilized today, with many police departments enlisting psychics to help solve challenging cold cases. Stephen King explored this concept in *The Dead Zone*, where the protagonist can glimpse dark aspects of a person’s past by touching them or their belongings. While postcognitive visions have occasionally aided criminal investigations, they are often dismissed as hoaxes or fraud, with skeptics attributing the insights to prior research on the crime.

Astral projection is the alleged ability to separate one’s spirit from the physical body and traverse great distances mentally. Unlike bilocation, this involves a spiritual rather than physical presence. This concept has ancient origins, dating back to early Chinese and other ancient cultures. However, skepticism surrounds this ability, as the only evidence comes from the individuals claiming to experience it. Dr. Charles Tart’s studies tentatively suggested some validity to astral projection. For instance, in a 1967 experiment, a subject failed to identify a five-digit number in another room but provided details about the technician’s activities. Tart concluded that while there might be some ESP involvement, the results were inconclusive.

Notable omissions: Aura reading

Sources: Wikipedia

Technorati Tags: paranormal