Psychometry
From The Book of THoTH (Leaves of Wisdom)
In parapsychology, psychometry is a psi (or psychic) ability in which the user is able to relate details about the past condition of an object or area, usually by being in close contact with it. The user could allegedly, for example, give police precise details about a murder or other violent crime if they were at the crime scene or were holding the weapon used. Psychometry is a type of retrocognition. Psychometry, like all other paranormal abilities, is unconfirmed and hotly debated in most circles.
This term refers to bursts of energy and/or memories, both negative and positive, which have left an “imprint” upon an object or place. For instance, a house where a traumatic experience has happened, such as a murder or suicide, may feel distinctly chilled or “bad”; while a favorite childhood toy or play area may feel light or “good”. A place or thing may be so charged with emotions and memories that it may even seem haunted.It might also be considered a form of precognition in reverse accomplished by touching a specific object.
Depictions of psychometry in popular culture
Pyschometry has been depicted as a plot device in several works of popular fiction:
- Actor Jeff Goldblum portrays a psychometrist in the 1988 comedy movie Vibes.
- Bruce Willis's character in Unbreakable experiences a similar form of psychometry.
- A similar power is bestowed upon the main character in the Stephen King novel/movie/TV series The Dead Zone, who combines this talent with clairvoyance, and can see a person's past or future by touching them.
- In the Wild Cards series, one Ace named Cameo is able to recreate the personalities of the dead by touching their belongings.
- Kaos, a character in the manga Gunnm (Battle Angel Alita in the US), has a form of psychometry that allows him to absorb not only memories but knowledge and skills as well. If he were to touch an old, authentic katana, he would become a master swordsman. Likewise if he were to touch a used piano, He could play it as well as its former user. His main problem is that many of his memories and feelings are not his own, and he described himself once as a "hollow man".
- In the computer game Myst IV: Revelation the player character, the Stranger, finds an amulet which endows him with a degree of psychometric ability, so that at certain points in the game he/she can see or hear events that have happened in the past (providing backstory or clues to the game's puzzles).
- The fictional mutant superhero Longshot from the X-Men comic books published by Marvel Comics has among his super-powers the power of psychometry. He is able to touch any object and learn its history.
- In the quintet Children of the Red King Gabreil is endowed with psychometery much to his detriment, as the visions are mostly disturbing since his disaffluent mother only has enough to allow one set of new clothes for their entire large family.
- During the Ginyu saga of Dragon Ball Z, Son Goku uses psychometry that he developed during intense training in 100 times earth's gravity to read Kuririn's mind and asses his friends current situation on the Planet Namek. Interestingly, this is the only time he uses this ability.
- Eiji Asuma in manga Psychometer, uses this ability to help Ryoko Shima, an expert profiler, solve crime.
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--Angel 17:55, 23 May 2006 (CDT)
