Psionics is the practice of using a variety of psychic abilities. Although the evidence of psychic abilities in a controlled setting is controversial, believers in psychic phenomena have developed numerous theories on its function. Theories on how these claimed abilities work vary greatly.

The term, psionics, is also a recurring element in fiction, usually works of fantasy and science fiction as well as video and role-playing games.

History and terminology

B. P. Wiesner and Robert H. Thouless first proposed the term "psi" in 1942 as a more general term to include both extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. The original terminology proposal divided psi into psi-gamma, for cases of perception, and psi-kappa, for cases of action. These terms were later modified into "passive psi" and "active psi".

Remote viewing

Main article: Remote viewing

In the 1970s the United States and the Soviet Union engaged

Energy

The "psi" catalyst, as with many paranormal forces, is often refered to generally as an "energy" whose physical properties are generally thought to be difficult or impossible to measure in terms of standard physics.

Although some claim that any energy that can be manipulated solely by the mind 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. Additional suggested mechanisms for manipulation of such energies include the

Psionics are mental abilities, not magical or occultic. The main source of power is from the mind, not a "spirit world"

Constructs

According to some psionic practices, constructs are a mass of energy that have been formed into a specific shape and given a specific task to perform. 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 "entities", or constructs with programmed sentience. 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 abilities

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 abilities

Psionics that affect the physical world are sometimes broadly referred to as psychokinesis or PK, but different sources use the terminology differently.

Often, physical abilities are split into smaller, more specific groups to clarify what is being affected. See the article for the ending, -kinesis, for further information and categories.

Fiction

Psionics in fiction take on nearly as many forms as magic, and are often deeply entwined with many related paranormal or science fiction phenomena.

The most widely utilized psionic ability in fiction is telepathy, which is often attributed to magical or highly technologically or mentally advanced cultures as a matter of course. As an example, the Star Trek Vulcans were given limited telepathic abilities in order to make them appear more alien. Psionic abilities are often displayed by beings who do or are in process of trancending their physical existance (e.g. humans in the SF classic, Childhood's End).

Telekinesis and precognition, as exibited by the Jedi in Star Wars is also quite common in fictional psionics.

See also: List of powers in superhero fiction

Role-playing

Main article: Psionics (role-playing games)

Psionics are used in a wide variety of role-playing games including the popular d20 System. One of the base classes under this system is the psion.

See also

• Paranormal
• Astral Projection
• Parapsychology