This blog post was written a while ago in response to a question from a client and I’ve just updated it.
Andrea’s Question: "Do you have any recommendations about how one should go about furthering their psychic abilities? I've read tarot cards on and off, and seem to have a knack, and then of course there's my natural ability to "read" people. But not necessarily with dates & times and all that predictive stuff."
My Response: I personally like to learn experientially in a hands-on fashion, but my very earliest experiences with the intuitive realms involved private exploration of dreams and dream journaling, astrology, tarot and paganism. I began learning about these things in my early teens and have gone on to develop my natural intuitive abilities (which we all have) with the help of teachers, through group classes, workshops, lectures, books and private sessions with healers and intuitive guides.
Dreams
I started out by working with my dreams and recommend keeping a dream journal by your bed where you can record dreams when you wake up or by setting an alarm clock to wake yourself up at an odd hour to facilitate dream remembrance. Significant dreams will stay with you and resonate for years to come and you will begin to know which dreams are significant with practice. You can also work with lucid dreaming or by asking yourself a question before falling asleep and requesting that the answer come to you in a dream. Often dreams will allow you to re-connect with deceased friends or relatives and sometimes you may astro travel as well.
Update: Now that I’ve been dream journalling for so long I don’t like to request dream guidance very often because I often find that it disrupts my sleep. But sometimes on special occasions (significant moon phases/equinoxes etc) I will.
Recommended books: “Symbols for Self Understanding” by Betty Bethard
Astrology
There is much more to astrology than just your sun sign (determined by the day you were born.) Becoming involved with the study of the planets and stars will expand your awareness on a universal level connecting you with the bigger picture crossing generations and even universes. My own studies in metaphysics began with dreams, which led to astrology.
Recommended books: “The Only Way To Learn Astrology” (6 Volumes) by Marion March & Joan McEvers, “Planets in Transit” by Robert Hand, “Astrology for the Soul” by Jan Spiller, “The Liquid Light of Sex” by Barbara Hand Clow, “The Changing Sky” by Steven Forrest
Recommended magazine: “The Mountain Astrologer”
Recommended authors & teachers: Steven Forrest, Barbara Hand Clow
Tarot
Tarot decks are a whole world onto themselves and can involve you in an ancient study of images and symbols with mysterious origins. Working with tarot cards has allowed me to access the many realms depicted in the cards. By working with a Pre-Celtic Shamanistic deck called “The Greenwood Deck” I first encountered one of my main spirit guides while meditating upon the Ancestor card.
Update: I’ve self published 3 oracle decks (as of 2020). Oracle Decks also help to stimulate our intuition connecting us with universal archetypes. I prefer to create oracle decks because I can create my own system rather than working within an established system such as the Tarot.
Recommended books: “Tarot For Yourself” by Mary K. Greer
Paganism
& Goddess Worship
I became involved with the study of paganism and ancient goddess religions when I was at university taking a Women’s Studies class. On a more personal level I was first introduced to this topic by a male friend of mine who liked to dress up as Pan on Halloween. I have attended several goddess groups and pagan rituals but prefer to practice my own solitary, eclectic and personal blend of reverence for Mother Earth.
Update: Currently I work within the tradition of Third Road Celtic Faerie Shamanism and was initiated into this tradition in 2017 by Francesca De Grandis.
Recommended books:”The Language of the Goddess” by Marija Gimbutas (archaeology), “The Motherpeace Tarot” deck and book by Vicki Noble, “The Book of Goddesses & Heroines” by Patricia Monaghan, “Be A Goddess” by Francesca De Grandis.
Recommended authors, teachers & leaders: Starhawk, Szusanna Budapest, COG (Covenant of the Goddess), Francesca De Grandis
Upcoming posts will delve into: shamanism, energy healing, herbs, mediumship, crystal healing, channeling, psychic work, meditation, yoga and past life regression.
To read more posts about My Psychic Background please click here and for Psychic Development please click here.
About Kathy Crabbe
I’ve been an artist and astrologer forever and a soul reader since awakening my intuitive gifts while painting with my non-dominant left hand. I’m here on this planet to be of service. My Lefty Oracle, Elfin Ally Oracle, and Zodiac Goddess Power decks can help awaken your intuition and creativity and my readings heal and guide. I am proud to have my work featured in women-centric places such as We’Moon Datebook, Women’s Museum of California and Sage Woman Magazine. I write for Witches and Pagans, belong to Hey Grrrl Collective and teach a Divine Feminine eClass at Wise Woman University. I make my home in Southern California with two pooches and architect partner, Mark in an adobe style home we built ourselves.
