How to develop your abilities through psychic practice 

Parapsychology recognizes many different practices in the realm of psychic experience.  Channeling, lucid dreaming and visualization, psycho and telekinesis and ESP are just a few of the techniques used to connect with the astral realm to obtain knowledge and guidance.  While the mechanics of practices vary, there are some basic instructions that can be learned and implemented by anyone who wishes to test the waters of spiritualism. 

The foundation of any psychic practice is to first ground one’s own energy.  This anchors you to the earth and helps you draw upon the energy of the planet to increase your individual energy vibration.  The concept is linked to science in that it is an excitement of molecules that generates the energy needed to effect change in the physical universe.  So, by grounding with the earth your personal energy field is enhanced. 

Next is a clearing of conscious thought.  Common entrée to the calm mind may be achieved through meditation, pranamayic (rhythmic) breathing, chanting, prayer or visualization.  The goal is to induce a waking sleep state that aids in the detachment of the spirit being from the body and its physical surroundings.  The astral plane exists in pure energy.  While the attention of the spirit is no longer focused on controlling the physical body, there is no worry of the body dying in the absence of the spirit.  Breathing and other vital signs might slow while in a trancelike state, but the body is still engaged with the process of maintaining life and a home for the enlightened spirit being. 

It helps to have some basic knowledge of guides, angels and astral beings when making your first foray into the astral realm.  When entering the altered state of consciousness it is advisable to ask these protective energies to come forward to guide you on your journey.  You might first create in your mind a safe place … a stream or clearing in the forest or a dune on the edge of a great ocean.  This is the place you will go to await the arrival of your guides.  Wait patiently.  They may come alone or as a group.  You might even find them waiting for you when you finally arrive.

Take note of animals and sounds in your magical place.  Animals are revered in many cultures as totems or guides in their own way.  The appearance of a raccoon, for example, might be a message to be creative in your daily life.  Embody the personality of the raccoon… playful, creative, secretive… in order to better manage the challenges of daily life.  The rabbit or hare might be a warning to be wary of those around you.  Better to flee than to risk great loss by standing your ground. 
Now that you have met your guides, ask them their names.  They might be hard to understand, but you can ask again each time you gain entrée to your secret place until you are certain you know by what name each wishes to be called.  You might ask them what you are to learn from them.  Again, it could take some time to truly understand, so be patient.

To practice lucid dreaming, before entering the meditative state as a precursor to sleep, focus on the result you wish to achieve through the lucid dream experience.  Start with something small and achievable.  A small financial windfall; a call from a long lost friend; achievement at work.  Flesh out the details of your goal so that you can visualize a comprehensive result.  Keep your focus on that goal and push other conscious thought from your mind.  You should ease into sleep peacefully still focused on your goal.  Your energy will be transitioning in sleep to create the changes needed to make your dream come true.  The more complicated and ambitious your goal, the longer it might take to achieve.  But don’t give up hope.  Consistency and persistence are imperative whenever learning any new skill and psychic ability requires a commitment beyond what is normally required to plod through life on this earth. 

Once one has mastered connection and communication with guides and other astral beings, one can look to them for learning new skills.  Depending upon the desired skill or achievement, your guides might introduce other spirit beings whose energies are aligned to the task at hand.  Welcome each new being as an old friend because beings on the astral plane are not limited by space and time as we are on earth and they understand that we are all energy beings at our core.  They have been with you all your life.  Isn’t it about time you got to know them better?