Category Archives: Blog

Crystal Gazing: Then and Now

There is always a crystal ball in movies, but do you know why? Here are some fun reasons from different cultures.

“Scrying” is the technical term for gazing into a shiny reflective surface as a means of divining new information or predicting the future. Usually, it’s a crystal ball that is used to scry. Where did that originate?

There’s a part of an elite class of Celtic people, called ‘Druids’, who lived primarily in the British Isles and France during the Bronze Age. Druids used crystals to foretell the future. Even Julius Caesar also described Druid superstitious practices in his oral histories of the Gallic Wars. Druids did not limit their divination to crystals; they also use pools of water, mirrors or reflective glass.

Apart from the Druids in ancient France, China also practiced it. An ancient Chinese criminal code described Yuang-kuang-fuchou, or the magic of the round glittering that is purportedly able to show the face of the thief who stole any possession. Or there’s Khalif Mansur, who lived in the eighth century, who used a mirror to allegedly reveal whether someone was friend or foe. Or a different leader who possessed a ruby ring that could reveal faces in its surface. Folk remedies included sick people looking into a shiny pot of water to be healed, as was believed in Medina, Saudi Arabia, while other people used mirayat, or magic mirrors.

But scrying still is popular around the world. Crystal balls became fashion accessories or to ward off evil spirits in the Middle Ages, possibly because of their association with the wizard Merlin in the King Arthur legends. Nowadays, Merlin is often depicted with a crystal ball for use in prophecy. John Dee of the 16th century, an astronomer, scientist and mathematician, who was friends with astronomy luminaries and served as advisor to Queen Elizabeth I, turned to crystal ball gazing after traditional scientific methods of inquiry failed to produce satisfactory insights.

Famous crystal balls have been made out of quartz crystal or rock crystal or hand-blown glass, but today’s crystal balls typically consist of glass, lead crystal or reconstituted quartz crystal. You see them in the average fortune-teller’s shop.

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Looking into The Future in Lynnwood

Over at The Psychic Shop we may not divine via the crystal ball but we do use other more contemporary forms of reading the future. Find out more when you visit us in Lynnwood.

Be Not Afraid: Understanding Nightmares

What are nightmares and who gets them? Nightmares are extremely upsetting dreams involving threats to an individual’s emotional or physical sense of safety or threats to loved ones, or loss of loved ones. Children, adolescents, and adults commonly have them. About 5 to 8% of the general adult population reports having nightmares once per week or more often. The lifetime prevalence for nightmares is practically 100%.

Is it abnormal to have nightmares?

To be considered a disorder, nightmares need to cause significant daytime suffering and distress. Chronic nightmares are those nightmares that persist for at least six months with one or more nightmares per week.

What causes them?

People used to believe it’s caused by demonic presence, or just an upset stomach. Others say it’s a secondary symptom related to underlying psychological issues. Nightmares seem to leave people largely helpless to cope with them successfully, or is a disturbance that would disappear only if the psychological issues are uncovered and dealt with. Some factors play a role. Early traumatic experiences (abuse, neglect), life stressors (divorce, financial worries, new job), and genetics can all play a role. In some, nightmares can be related to their personalities – particularly sensitive or highly creative or artistic. Or they can be triggered by medications ( antidepressants, barbiturates, and beta blockers).

Do nightmares have negative effects?

If you have frequent nightmares it can be associated with severe sleep disturbances, as higher rates of insomnia. There’s increased severity of psychological and psychiatric distress, suicidal thoughts, and poor physical health. By directly targeting nightmares, people can experience significant improvements not only in nightmare frequency, but also in these other spheres.

Occasional nightmares are normal and universal. Some people don’t undergo treatment, believing these dreams are just a part of who they are or make them better persons. If it’s chronic or related to trauma or some psychological issues, there are effective, non-drug treatment options. They can be acted upon.

Dream Interpretation in Lynnwood

Bothered about nightmares? Let us help you understand. It can lead to some interpretation, clarification, and perhaps open the way to dealing with them. Here at your Psychic Shop in Lynnwood.

The Wonder of Stars and Stargazing

Just like the sun, stars move across the sky on a regular schedule. There are certain groupings of stars seen, called constellations, that provide amusement and awe for us simple folks. Actually, they originated as instruments to help people in ancient times mark the time of year. Today, these star constellations continue to stand as tools for astronomers and stargazers.

Different constellations appear at sunset at various times of the year. They rotate based on the earth’s path through space, and so are able to tell the beginning and ending of seasons.

Before Greek and Roman times, people already are mapping the skies. And then these great empires came and gave Greek and Roman names to the constellations. The Greeks adopted their system from the Babylonians who took their origins in turn from the Sumerians some 3,000 years before. However, further back, star markings were found in cave walls in southern France believed created over 17,000 years back. This must be the first known star map.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially defined 88 constellations in 1929, fixing the boundaries and enabling astronomers to communicate about the regions of the sky they study. The official constellations are rectangular slices of the sky holding the stars within it and included individual groupings. The constellation of Ursa Major, for instance, contains all of the stars around the shape known by the same name. Some groupings are not considered constellations, but very popular like the Big Dipper, considered an asterism, a group of stars not officially recognized.

The sun, the moon, and the planets travel on a set path through the sky known as the ecliptic as the Earth rotates. The list of 13 constellations they pass through are known as the stars of the Zodiac we recognize from Capricorn to Sagittarius. Astrologers use 12 of these as signs of the Zodiac to make predictions. They omit Ophiuchus, considered the 13th constellation, deemed an unlucky number. Signs differ from constellations, bearing only a loose reference to one another. If you are born under a particular sign, that constellation it is named for is not visible at night. Instead, the sun is passing through it around that time of year, making it a daytime constellation that can’t be seen. That is how Zodiac signs and constellations relate to one another.

Your Zodiac and Related Constellation

What’s your Zodiac sign? Learn more about your sign and the related constellations at the Psychic Shop in Lynnwood.

Clues From Your Zodiac Sign

Comes a time in your life when you’re deciding where to live. Maybe you are on the move, or are deciding where to live close to your workplace, or where you’re suited to establish a home to raise a family. Did you know that using your astrological birth chart will provide you the blueprint of your future domicile? The stars may tell you where you are best suited.

So what draws you to a certain place? Your elemental nature is a start. Let’s take a peek at the birth chart which can offer clues.

Fire sign people are those under the Zodiac signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. The Fire element is one of spontaneity, inspiration, intuition, and big passions. Fiery people are excitable, impulsive, and love to light a fire under others. They want to be in the middle of the action, stimulation, and so prefer dynamic big cities that never sleep, like Manhattan, for example. They like places with a special character that’s renown, or a place of seekers, movers and shakers. If you’re such a person, you like to move and love wide open spaces.

Earth sign people are under Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo. They crave green, fertile locales with lots of wild terrain to explore. The Earth element is one of rooting in, crafting, and conserving and is highly connected to the senses. They are oriented toward reality, often making them very productive and able to create tangible results. Practical earth folk choose places that make sense, for making a living and creating some stability. If you are an Air sign person, you love places where you can live and work at the same time.

Air sign people are Libra, Aquarius, and Gemini. They are the “idea people,” who breeze in and offer fresh perspectives. They’re often seeing from a loftier position, and able to offer clarity that others don’t have. Airy folks thrive in cultural meccas or in places with panoramic views; are drawn to lively crossroads and hubs, where great ideas are hatched and refined. A town like San Francisco, with its micro-climates in appealing, different neighborhoods, is attractive to air signs’ love of variety and constantly shifting weather.

Water sign people Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are lured to water ways and places like coastal towns, islands bays and inlets, near lakes and rivers. Water signs are submerged in their surroundings, often sensing the hidden emotional reality. These people are attuned to waves of emotion, able to read moods. Sensitive to relationships, they know when to show warmth and when to hold back. They have to work harder, though, than other elements to maintain their personal boundaries. Watery folk go by how they feel, and the kind of community they want to create.

Helping You to Relocate

Chart your destiny with us at The Psychic Shop. Know the best place to live by just consulting your astrology birth chart. We factor in your life story, stage of life and the the whole chart to assist in a major decision.

The Rise and The Evolution of the Horoscope

Horoscopes are the representation and translation of the energies of each of the Zodiac constellations and their fixed stars. The term zodiac comes from a Greek word meaning, “circle of animals”. Rooted in Greek mythology, the animals representing the signs were placed among the stars usually for great acts of heroism.

The zodiac is that great celestial belt that marked the path of the Sun at that time, each constellation of stars symbolizing a passing sign. The number of constellations, the figures formed by the connections of the stars, varied in shape and significance by each civilization, according to their their myths, and imagery.

From the influence of mythological images of the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, the 12 signs became standard and they are what we know today. With a fixed reference for observing the stars, the zodiac horoscopes paved the way for the individual birth chart – an analysis of the sky at the time of birth bringing revelations about the person and his destiny.

When did horoscopes come into recorded existence? The first records of horoscopes appeared in the 7th century BCE. It was the time when ancient civilizations were dedicated to observing the movement of the stars in the heavens believing the stars could influence human life. But it was in the 5th century BCE that the confluence of the astrology of the different ancient civilizations resulted to the creation of the Zodiac.

Interpretation of the signs also evolved through the eras, like since early Christianity, which considered the change of the seasons and the temperament of persons born under the same sign. Then the sun path over the centuries also changed with the direct correspondence between astrology and astronomy no longer as accurate as it was in the past. The sun now passes through constellations that are not part of the zodiac, as well as in periods different from those observed in ancient times. The horoscope has adapted to changes over time such as when planets Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered, which brought new elements to the astrological heavens.

Stars and Signs in Lynnwood

Now you know how the horoscope started. And if you want to dig more, such as the origins of the individual Zodiac signs, come to The Psychic Shop in Lynnwood. It makes for interesting lessons to know where your birth sign came from. Take a peek into your persona, only here in Lynnwood.

To Believe Or Not To Believe

Some people believe that astrology has scientific basis or is scientific. This is so even if no scientific studies have ever been found to back up the claims astrologers make. Maybe because astrology involves the stars and planets in the universe, which objects in the firmament have been studied- their beginnings and behavior having scientific explanations – people assumed that connecting them to human affairs and earth events have similar scientific basis.

The practice of astrology is likewise old, dating back to the 17th century when the first astrology columns appeared in the papers. Some people will argue that astrology is not a science, yet through its history, it is was better understood by circles which were technically evolved and intellectually open to the world, and that the way it was approached depended more on the society itself than on the times.

We are now beginning to understand why astrology is sometimes regarded as with basis, and people’s personalities might have something to do with it.

According to the Wellcome Trust Monitor Survey, a UK-based charitable foundation that conducts surveys on medical research, science and health, 21% of adults in Britain read their horoscopes “often” or “fairly often”. Many read horoscopes just for entertainment or as a conversational topic, though some believe astrology have valid influences on human behavior, that it can be used to understand personalities. Nonetheless, in spite of a large body of work undertaken over the past 40 years to scientifically prove this, there is no evidence to support such claims.

It can be a concern for many to make important life decisions based on entirely astrological predictions, for example, deciding on a marriage partner based on his/her astrological sign, or making an important financial decision based on position of the planets. Fortunately, the number of people in Britain who regard astrology as valid is small. Less than 10% think horoscopes are “very” or “quite” scientific; similarly, the whole European Union also thinks so.

Understanding What Astrology Offers

While astrology lacks scientific data to back up claims, we in Lynnwood regard our expertise as an efficient way to guide people into the future. Astrology is a product of one of human mind’s greatest attempts to better understand the world.

Understanding Different Psychic Abilities

To help you better understand the different types of psychic powers, here are some of the most common psychic practices and how they are used.

Astral projection
The ability to will your consciousness out of your body. This is a voluntary experience, not the same as an out of body experience, which is typically involuntary. Astral projection is achieved through meditation and allows your astral body or your “soul”, to travel places your physical body cannot.

Clairvoyance
The ability to see things beyond the physical realm, and it also includes seeing into the past and future. Unlike other psychics, clairvoyants have the unique ability to see spirits or ghosts and communicate with them. They can also tell someone’s fortune by looking into the future.

Divination
The practice of gathering evidence from the spiritual world to interpret the physical world. Some divination practices involve tarot cards, tea leaves, crystal balls, Ouija boards, pendulums, dowsing, scrying, bibliomancy, and the use of other tools to translate messages from the ethereal world.

Mediumship
Also called ‘channeling’, is the ability to communicate directly with spirits. Psychics with this ability essentially act as a “medium” to relay messages from the spiritual world to the living.

Psychometry
Psychic power where an individual can experience visions or emotions related to a place or object just by touching it. Also called token-object reading, the psychic will usually hold an object in their hands, such as a photograph or clothing, in order to summon information about the object.

Telekinesis
One of the most fictionalized forms of psychic power, telekinesis is the ability to move objects in the physical world with your mind. This type of psychic power is extremely rare.

Telepathy
A type of psychic power that allows mind-to-mind communication. There are varying degrees of telepathy, but in powerful cases, the psychic can communicate clear and complete thoughts in just a blink of an eye.

Finding a Psychic in Lynnwood

If you want to know more about these powers and other lesser known psychic practices, come and visit The Psychic Shop. It’s your palm reading center in Lynnwood.

The Charming, The Natural Leader, or The Good Communicator

According to studies, you don’t have to look any further than your own hand if you’re looking for an accurate personality test. It’s all about the ring finger! The length of your ring finger indicates the amount of testosterone you were exposed to in the womb. The longer or shorter it is, the more it tells about your personality.

Take a close look at you left hand, hold it up straight to see, back and front. Keep your four fingers close to each other and observe your ring finger length. Your ring finger can either be as long as your index finger, shorter than it, or is at the same length at the tips.

Let’s say that Hand A means your ring finger is longer than your index finger. You ooze with confidence and charm, so you tend to take more risks, and they often pay off. You notice others often flirt with you or that others respond well to your flirtations. Some even say you can be a bit aggressive. If this is not you, then better start making changes in your life. The best profession for you would be soldier, salesperson, or CEO. Hence, if you’re a Hand A, you’re charming!

Hand B is your index finger being longer than your ring finger. You are a confident, take-charge kind of person. Born to lead the pack, you’re quick on your toes and eager to guide the way. Resourceful, even-tempered, and confident, people look to you for the right answers. If you don’t agree with this, you better reassess yourself. Your ideal job would be politician, author of self-help books, or teacher. Hand B means you’re a natural leader!

Hand C denotes your ring finger and index finger are the exact same length. You’re a balanced person who tends to listen more. You make others feel comforted and appreciated when they need it most. You’re peaceful, compassionate, and warm, so you’re at your best when helping others. If you don’t think you connect with this, then it’s time to look inwards and find the balanced, softer side of yourself. Your ideal profession would be nurse, social worker, or therapist. Hand “C” means you’re a good communicator!

Take this test and you’d be amazed!

A Fun Exercise with Fingers in Lynnwood

When you come for palm reading with us in Lynnwood, this fun exercise also points to your personality. It’s a great help when you want to unravel yourself.

Dream Analysis Made Easy

Dreams are a way your mind communicates ideas, warnings and issues and sometimes they can even convey the future. There are many how-to articles or publications that teach dream interpretation or dream analysis. Dream dictionaries carry terms and definitions for beginners and some for advance learners. But you must remember that however hard or easy is it these materials aim to teach you, your own perceptions take precedence over any interpretation they give. Your own perceptions are always better.

Here is an easy way to start on your journey to being a dream interpreter. Firstly, have tools you’ll need prepared – a notebook and/or a tape recorder to keep records of your dreams fresh. Next, know the proper way to sleep – by relaxing yourself completely before bedtime, paying attention to the main issues of your day and suggesting to yourself what you want to dream about, convincing yourself that you’ll remember your dream, and planning on waking up slowly and peacefully. Then sleep and dream on.

Ask yourself, “What specific area of my life is this dream about? ” rather than asking “What’s this dream mean?” As the usual, anyway, the dream is about you and a message to you. There’s a theme in the dream, connect it to some aspect or condition present in your life, and feel the emotion well. Only by examining your own emotions as you try to fit the theme into a given situation can you know you are interpreting the dream correctly. Emotions are a very good clue to the dream itself.

Are you missing something? Yes, the details. Symbols in a dream are actually the elements that make up the details. That is when you pick up your dream dictionary and look up the meaning of the symbols – such as animals present in your dream, or people, children, vehicles, buildings, clothes, or even death. But symbols are a very personal thing. The dictionary may not necessarily have the correct definition to the symbol in the dream. Because we associate meanings differently from one another at times. For example, you might associate a mountain with hardship, a barrier, nature, a strength, a friend or even with God. Instead of associating, try to list down what a mountain means to you personally. Then you would have reached a dream interpretation effectively.

Trusted Dream Interpreter in Lynnwood

If this method does not suit you well or you would need some more time and exercises to be satisfied with results, you can always turn to your dream interpreter in Lynnwood. At The Psychic Shop, we’ve got a lot of experience in interpreting dreams and we can certainly teach you a lot more.

Gemstones and Crystals: Earth’s Natural Healers

Many precious and semi-precious gemstones have been used since ancient times and throughout recorded history for their spiritual, emotional and physical healing properties. They are earth’s natural healers. Gemstones and crystals emit vibrations and pass and receive energy. They serve as tools to help the thoughts of your consciousness connect with your body. Know the most popular stones

Agate is one of the oldest of healing stones, used in ancient times on the breastplate of armor to give strength and victory in battles. They are used in amulets and medicine bags for their protective powers. Wearing them can bring you courage, emotional strength and self-confidence. Amethyst is another protective stone, repelling negative energy and attracting positive energy. It can rid your home of any negative influence, build a strong business sense and hence, wealth. It is also a crystal of spiritual growth, deepening your self-understanding.

The bloodstone is a stone for athletes, active people and those whose jobs involve plenty of physical activity. It detoxifies the body, grounding negative energy and promoting a constant flow of energy. Clear quartz jewelry allows you to think and focus more clearly. It is also useful for spiritual development, clearing blockages in the body. Freshwater pearls are the bringers of light, beauty and love; linked with innocence and compassion.

A stone of health and energy that enhances energy, passion and pleasure is the garnet. It brings you joy and hope and eases depression. Jade has been a lucky charm for centuries. You see your past fears and negative thoughts which should in turn boost positive emotions like courage and compassion.

The onyx is a powerful shield of the mind and body from electromagnetic energy, absorbing and transforming negative energy, preventing personal energy drain. The stone has a calming, stabilizing effect, helping with melancholy, negativity and depression. The Tiger’s Eye was a talisman in ancient times, against bad luck and curses. Today it is believed to bring good luck, abundance and prosperity to its wearer, and healing in the home.

Finally, the turquoise – the master healer, the bridge between heaven and earth. It helps to connect the mind to the infinite possibilities of the universe and is considered very sacred in Chinese cultures as well.

The Power of Healing Stones in Lynnwood

Know more about gemstones and crystals at The Psychic Shop, your go-to place for alternative healing. Bring along your gemstones and gemstone jewelry and let us help you unlock their powers. Empower yourself knowing the wonders they possess. Only here in Lynnwood.