by Marjorie Young

Why are we here? How do we fulfill our destinies? Is our path preordained or ours to determine? How can we live with true awareness instead of sleepwalking through life?

These are just a few topics I hope to touch upon in my new column. I have been a psychic and spiritual counselor for many years, having been aware of these gifts since earliest childhood. It’s my pleasure and joy to be sharing what I’ve learned along the way with you.

To begin, I’ll touch upon one of my most frequently asked questions:

- Does everyone possess psychic abilities?

First, let’s define ‘psychic’…not necessarily a simple task! Under the ‘psychic umbrella’ can be found a variety of attributes, ranging from the ability to communicate with people or animals by extrasensory means, knowledge of future events, connection with those who have passed on…the list is complex and long.
In my younger days, I was convinced we all possessed innate ‘psychic powers.’ However, after thousands of readings for my clients, I conclude that this is not the case.
I now believe that ‘psychic’ gifts are a talent, like any other. Do we all have musical or athletic abilities? Unfortunately, no! In my own family, there is more than one math genius to be found…but that aptitude has certainly passed me by! On the other hand, I have found that psychic talents, like other gifts, may often run in families from generation to generation.

- Is it possible to develop a psychic bent?

I believe so, just as one may learn to play the piano…with practice and application. But not everyone will have the innate ability to make an exceptional musician. And others may prove ‘tone deaf’ and unable to play at all! So, while we are all equally precious beings, we are clearly not all gifted in the same way. That is certainly a plus, in my opinion! Clearly, the human race needs scientists, entertainers, great cooks, bold explorers, etc. and we all have something to contribute. Finding what that something is should be our most challenging and fulfilling goal.
One gift I wish all possessed is intuition! For it is an amazing ‘survival tool’…the instinct whom to trust (or not), which fork in the road to take, etc. It’s also a sad reality that many who possess it often choose to ignore it. When they do, they’ll almost certainly come to regret it. One unfailing method to develop any psychic gifts is to always heed that ‘gut feeling’ when it makes itself known. Because almost certainly it will prove to be correct! By acknowledging that fact, you’ll be opening the door to allow it to guide you. You’ll discover intuition to be a marvelous friend upon whom you can truly rely.

As I explore the psychic/spiritual view, I eagerly look forward to your comments and questions. Meanwhile, I’m wishing you the best!
E-mail: ballardpsychic@gmail.com