Psychometry is the alleged Psychic ability to obtain information about a person, place, or event by touching or holding an object associated with it. Practitioners believe that objects can retain impressions, energies, or memories that a sensitive individual can perceive through Extrasensory Perception (E.S.P.) means. In Paranormal investigations, psychometry is sometimes used in attempts to learn details about an object’s history or its previous owners.
Historical Context
The term psychometry was introduced in the 19th century by Joseph Rodes Buchanan, who proposed that objects could store information that could be psychically accessed. During the rise of Spiritualism and psychical research, psychometry became a popular subject among Mediums and paranormal investigators. Researchers collected accounts of individuals claiming to describe people, locations, or historical events after handling personal belongings or artifacts. Although psychometry remains unverified by mainstream science, it continues to be discussed in parapsychology and Metaphysical traditions.
Popular Culture
Psychometry frequently appears in Paranormal fiction, fantasy, and Supernatural television. Examples include:
- The Dead Zone – Featured Psychic impressions triggered by touch.
- Medium – Included Psychic investigations involving personal objects and impressions.
- Paranormal reality shows where Psychics attempt to gather information from artifacts or Haunted items.
- Comic books, novels, and video games feature characters who experience visions through physical contact with objects.
References
- Joseph Rodes Buchanan – Originator of the term psychometry and early theories surrounding the phenomenon.
- Parapsychology – Investigation of psychic abilities and Extrasensory Perception (E.S.P.).
- Psychology – Examination of perception, memory, suggestion, and belief.
- Spiritualist, Metaphysical, and Paranormal literature concerning object reading, Psychic impressions, and Extrasensory Perception (E.S.P.) information gathering.