Psionics

Psionics is a term used to describe the practice of using a variety of 'psychic abilities'. Psychic abilities have never been reliablely and scientifically demonstrated in a controlled setting. However, believers in psychic phenomenona have developed numerous theories on its function.

Theories on how these claimed abilities work vary greatly, but one of the more common ones involves the manipulation of an unknown energy type known as psi energy. However, it really depends on the community or school of thought. Some would consider the manipulation of any energy type psionics. Some do not even recognize the need for the manipulation of energy.

History

The term "psionics" most likely derives from science fiction, where it was originally used to describe a telepathic radio. Psi (a term first used by pioneering parapsychologist, J.B. Rhine) was originally used in parapsychological experiments to denote the "unknown factor", much as x and y are used in mathematics. It came into common useage as a term to refer more specifically to the catalyst for psychic phenomena than to other types of paranormal phenomena at some point later on.

Energy

When beginning training, most of the major communities suggest starting out by learning to move psi. Although some claim that any energy that can be manipulated in such fashion is considered psi, others contend that there are distinctions that can be made between energy forms. Common distinctions are between 'life energy', 'earth energy', and psi energy. Those who make these distinctions usually do so on the basis that the different energies have a different 'feel' to them, and thus can be separated. Common ways energy can be manipulated is by generation, changing direction or velocity, density, and shape. This is done through some kind of intention, usually through the use of visualization for beginners. Some believe that the subconscious is what actually does all the work in psionics, while the psion learns to better communicate their intention to their subconscious. However, others believe this is complete rubbish. Other theories involve the use of the soul or spirit, while still others are even less scientific in nature.

Constructs

Constructs are a mass of energy that has been formed into a specific shape and programmed to perform a specific task. This can range from a simple shield (a shield being a construct that regulates or stops the energy passing through it), on up to creating artificial "spirit entities". A common example that many beginning psions start out with is a 'psiball', which is essentially a simple construct programmed to retain a spherical shape.

Mental aspects

Mental abilities generally deal with the mind and/or nervous system. This area is generally considered to include telepathy (Sensing or affecting thoughts), empathy (sensing or affecting emotions), precognition (predicting future events), remote viewing (seeing a location without the use of physical eyes), and nervous system ability (sensing or affecting the senses and/or nerves of others).

Physical aspects

Physical abilities are those which deal with the physical world. A commonly associated ability in this area is psychokinesis (affecting a physical object). Some split psychokinesis into smaller, more specific groups to clarify what is being affected, such as pyrokinesis (manipulating fire and/or temperature) and electricity manipulation (sensing or affecting electricity), among other things. However, affecting matter in any way that is physical using psychic ability, is psychokinesis. Thus psychokinesis is the catch-all name for such abilities mainly because there is little value in creating new terms for sub-sets of the same ability.

Role-playing

Psion(Dungeons & Dragons) is used in the d20system as a variant magic system. Under current (3.5) rules, psionics uses a system of points (power points) as opposed to spell slots to limit the number of powers used per day.

See also

• Paranormal
• Astral Projection
• Parapsychology