Personality Types + Tarot / Psychics

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 03 May 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Free Flight	03 May 2005
Hi All I am reading a book at the moment, it is called Mia's World by Mia Doolan and she is a psychic who basically talks about the process of becoming psychic - starting with reading auras and the moving onto reading / contacting guides etc. It is an interesting read but the reason I am posting is because she mentions a specific personality type of people who are sensitive. She claims people who are "sensitive" are often very nervous individuals, highly strung, with some sort of major trauma in their past. I found this interesting as this is a good loose description of me and because of my travels around the ATF I feel this could be an apt appraisal for some others. The other thing I notice around here is that a lot of people are smokers (me included) and not surprisingly any psychic style person I have gone to visit in the past, is also a smoker...This, is think, ties in with the nervous theory well. I am sure there are exceptions but I am curious what other opinions would be x Free Flight (DISCLAIMER: I know this could set off a discussion about whether tarot reading is of a psychic nature. This is not the aim of this thread. Lets state for the purposes of this thread that tarot reading requires someone to be sensitive but not necessarily psychic)

Emeraldgirl	04 May 2005
Free Flight wrote: She claims people who are "sensitive" are often very nervous individuals, highly strung, with some sort of major trauma in their past. I found this interesting as this is a good loose description of me and because of my travels around the ATF I feel this could be an apt appraisal for some others. The other thing I notice around here is that a lot of people are smokers (me included) and not surprisingly any psychic style person I have gone to visit in the past, is also a smoker...This, is think, ties in with the nervous theory well. I am sure there are exceptions but I am curious what other opinions would be Sounds very familiar. Do you have a link for where you can purchace the book? It soiunds like it would be an interesting read.

Free Flight	04 May 2005
Hi EmeraldGirl this is the site for the book's blurb. It was an in store May title so I imagine there are a few copies floating around in the Melbourne area. If you want, let me know where you are near to and I can even manage to let you know a book store which would have copies.... http://www.harpercollins.com.au/title.cfm?ISBN=0007204086&Author=0022662&txtSearch=0007204086%20&SearchBy=ISBN

MeeWah	04 May 2005
Free Flight: Interesting correlations that appear to have some grounds in the reasoning; basis in fact according to the personality type. There are exceptions as I know of several very competent readers here who are not smokers, but could fit the "high strung" capacity.

Emeraldgirl	04 May 2005
Thanks Free Flight. I work in the CBD so I should have no problems hunting it down. I have just checked and both Dymocks and Angus Robertson have it on their sites. I will have to stop off on the way home and have a look for it.

TheoMo	04 May 2005
I think there may be some basis to this. Jungian psychological theory distinguishes between "introverted" and "extroverted" people. Extroverted people look for meaning and fulfillment through relationships with other people and tend to define themselves by their company, while introverted people look inside themselves for meaning and self-definition (a loose, perhaps very loose interpretation of Jung's works, lol). I don't know how many people are familiar with the "Myers-Briggs" personality sorter, but it claims to be based on Jung's theories. Some of the personality types, like "INFJ," are predisoposed towards psychic experience b/c they are very introverted and also have a strong "intuitive" sense (the N in INFJ). (I am an INFJ, but I am hardly a psychic, lol, but I do like tarot, so I guess that stands for something) You can take the test here: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes1.htm

lunar_rabbit	04 May 2005
Free Flight wrote: She claims people who are "sensitive" are often very nervous individuals, highly strung, with some sort of major trauma in their past. I found this interesting as this is a good loose description of me and because of my travels around the ATF I feel this could be an apt appraisal for some others. I would definitely call myself sensitive, but I am not by the largest stretch of the imagination high-strung. I have had my share of troubling events in my past, but I think everyone who has made it past the age of 20 has too. Also, I am a former smoker. :)

Enchanted	04 May 2005
Thanks for the link to the test TheoMo. It was very interesting. According to that I am an INFJ. I noticed this test quantifies it. So while I am 100 introvered and 75 feeling personality (this I knew) I am moderate on the judging and low on the intuitive. (I guess I knew this too!) :D Personally I do think it helps to 'read' if you know pain just as I think it helps if you also know joy. Empathy is always key. :( confession, I'm a smoker too. But I take that to mean I just have the will-power of a gnat! :D

Gwynne	04 May 2005
I'm don't smoke, but I could definitely be considered high strung. Very nervous too. Get the jitters a LOT. Classic ADHD actually, although I despise that diagnosis as it destroys childhoods. Extremely traumatic childhood. Abused as a child, had to learn how to read peoples emotions very well so as to avoid angering mom or dad at the wrong moment. I find that in a LOT of empathic kids.

WalesWoman	04 May 2005
This is interesting, I never thought of myself as high strung, but then again, someone else might think so. I've got a lot of nervous energy, can't sit still for long periods...unless it's here reading threads... I smoke and live on coffee. I don't remember much of my childhood, other than it seemed uneventful... my dad's wrath was something to be avoided and definately feared. He was paranoid schizophrenic, so I think that has a lot to do with my fear of failure and tough time with valuing myself enough and his suicide was perhaps the most traumatic thing in my life and coincided with my entrance into adulthood. Some people have told me I should write a book about my life... simply because there have been so many interesting experiences and tough times, but there are enough soap operas out there and I'm completely happy when things get boring. Which they are most of the time. But what I think is, all these accumulated experiences have made me be a better reader because I can relate to so many of the people I have read for in one way or another. I am most definately introverted. It seems like such a contradiction to how many people percieve me... my term for myself is an introverted extrovert, because I am a people person, just takes a lot for me to be drawn in and then loose enough to be myself. Empath is a term I can identify with more than psychic, but I'm not going to say I am or not... it seems to be in a state of development and remains mainly untapped and unexplored. I have noticed another thing about readers, that there are many who are very creative in one way or another, either as artists, writers or some sort of craft. Was there any correlation with that in this book on personality types. I took that test and guess I'm an extroverted introvert...instead. LOL INFJ Introverted iNtuiting Feeling Judging The description seemed to fit pretty well, a counselor type.

cybercat	04 May 2005
Interesting most of the HIgh Strung people I know are to flighty to be sensitive. More like insenseitive for the are everywhere trying to either do a million things at once or trying to impress everyone on how good they are. A few I have know had a good overdose of ego to go with there high strungness. These people are more likly to say something to get attention and not think of the other persons feelings or how it may afect them. Alot of these people also drink alot of caffine which does not help them at all. All of them can not function without coffee in the moring. Makes one wonder if coffee is not a drug and people are dependant on it. More like the caffine is and people need to weed off it. That not the topic here but something to think about. Cat

MeeWah	04 May 2005
Cybercat: Both the substances nicotine, found in tobacco--& caffeine, found in coffee, tea & certain soft drinks are stimulants. Though flightiness or scatterbrainedness can be accompanied by a lack of or an inability to focus, it need not necessarily exclude sensitivity to the environment. May be as a side effect of an existing sensitivity/condition. Personally, unable to handle caffeine as its side effects unpleasant & includes hyperactivity; however, for others caffeine can produce an opposite, calming effect.

Clau	04 May 2005
I took the test and I turned out to be "Extroverted Sensing, Feeling, Judging".....And read tarot...not sure what it means....LOL I'm also a smoker....and have the same willpower as Enchanted...sad but LOL! BTW what is Strung? Love,

Imagemaker	04 May 2005
Quote: BTW what is Strung? It's "high strung"--like a tight wire on a violin--when you pluck it, don't do it too hard or it will snap. Gives off a high note, too--like high tension wire. It's a common phrase to say that race horses are high strung--nervous, jumpy, thoroughbreds who race fast but need gentle handling. Don't know if that's true, but it's the common phrase. I know several high strung people and all are empathic, they pick up the emotional vibes of others very easily. Can't always handle it, sometimes give off more tension than anyone else in the room. They can be great fun and high energy, too.

MercyMe	04 May 2005
There is a range between Extroverted and Introverted, Feeling and Thinking, etc. I usually come up IFNP, but the I is very close to the middle near the line for Extrovert. I'm an extroverted introvert. :) So it also depends where on the continuum you are, you may exhibit qualities of the other end of the spectrum. I am sensitive. I have an abusive/traumatic past. I am also a smoker. I think I am internally high strung but if I were any more laid back externally I would be in a coma. Anyway, that's interesting stuff there. ~Mercy

mike gorth	04 May 2005
Hmm Interesting. I just know everyone has the same potential and it is just who develops it or not. I don't know about the aura stuff and all of that. I'll email my mentor. I just might read that book. I'm in the library. might as well.

Free Flight	04 May 2005
I am INFP, but I guess I already knew that. Very introverted and somewhat intuitive. Work on feelings It is interested about empathy here. one has to experience events to have empathy...maybe that is what it is

firemaiden	05 May 2005
Hmmm.. I went to a guy (career counselor) who wanted to type me this way, and we went back and forth on all the types, and were not able to pin one down in any convincing way ... I am allergic to the concept of "types". I am highly sensitive, but did not have any "trauma", and have never been a smoker.

similia	05 May 2005
I think that there are as many different types of "sensitives" as there are subtle things to be seen (and that you can tell a lot about a sensitive by the type fo things they are able to "see"). There certainly is a type of sensitive that fits the description. Perhaps but they just stand out more than the other types (being highly strung individuals. The squeaky wheel really does get more grease :D )

Fudugazi	05 May 2005
similia wrote: I think that there are as many different types of "sensitives" as there are subtle things to be seen (and that you can tell a lot about a sensitive by the type fo things they are able to "see"). I completely agree with this! As I read Free flight's first post, I was thinking, yes, I do know some psychic individuals who fit her description very well, down to the smoking. I myself am rather nervous and like WalesWoman, love coffee, though I don't think I am highly-strung - or at least not unless there is a full moon }). But some of the strongly psychic people I have known - for instance witch-doctors in Africa or a shaman I met in Ecuador, an intuitive healer I met in England and also a nun at our school - were placid and very calm people. I think of them as more highly evolved psychics. They are super-sensitive (they can read your mind and know things about you without any foreknowledge, on sight), but this does not come out as nervousness at all. It is the same with many people who have followed a religious discipline for a long time - e.g. monks and nuns of all religions or kabbalists. They are so evolved in their sensitivity that they are fully in the now, in all its completeness, including the spirit world - and this gives them peace and a deeper form of sensisitivity. I think the nervous-type intuitive or psychic - like many of us here - are simply more unevolved than these individuals. We are "skin" intuitives; whereas they are flesh and bones intuitives. Much of our work on ourselves might be usefully directed towards moving up the ladder and shedding our nervousness and our self-defeating habits (she writes, as she sips her coffee ;)) - deepening our practice, learning to be entirely present. I believe initiation stages (formal or informal) are useful ways of doing that - which is why Tarot is such a great tool for the self as well as for helping others. But also seemingly simple mindfulness exercises such as the Buddhists practice, over dinner or washing-up - but repeated over years of discipline.

mike gorth	05 May 2005
I checked with my mentor and she said that everyone has the potential, you just have to develop it.

Enchanted	05 May 2005
firemaiden wrote: Hmmm.. I went to a guy (career counselor) who wanted to type me this way, and we went back and forth on all the types, and were not able to pin one down in any convincing way ... I am allergic to the concept of "types". I laughed when I read this as I once "broke" a career choice computer program. You had to answer all these multiple choice questions and I went in trying to be as honest as possible as I wanted the best guidance in this area. But I ended up confusing the computer program and it didn't know what to do with me. :laugh: I just figure I'm a bit of a square peg! I would agree with the last post by Mike, in each of us is the potential for anything and everything, even the 'yucky' stuff. Somewhere along the line as we grow we make choices, which I am not sure are always conscious, but we develop certain areas of our personalities at the expense of others. Then we encounter other people, we see traits that we like, that we would like to be in us, or even other ways of thinking through reading that change things in us and we can change and grow in this other area. Why, coz we want to.

wellspring	05 May 2005
Yes, am sure that get to point where are either for example worn out with being 'highly-strung' or empathic, or just generally, and ache to really find more calmness and depth and sense to things, and to refind those parts that got squashed and need to come through. Never comfy with the words 'highly strung' as are so often used in books, tv, community, etc etc, in a derogatory way. Have to recommend this book .... "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine N. Aron, isbn 0-7225-3896-0. I'd got sick of being told I was too honest, or too sympathetic, or too patient, etc, and reading this book was a real breath of fresh air, and makes you realise that it's not a problem being sensitive etc; really helps with self-acceptance and handling sensitivity better. I'd also say in hindsight that being too honest, sympathetic and patient WAS a fault in ways, as was taken advantage of, and now see things quite differently! I came out as an INTJ, but definitely years ago was very different to that. Experienced severe things, very visual/creative, sensitive, empathic (tough to handle), and smoke, but dropped from 25 to 10, nearly there! And gone onto decaff, telling brain it tastes the same anyway - couple of headaches later, a decaff convert! And the 'highly-strung' bit .... as a previous post said too, have known some very insensitive highly-strung people, who seem to be insecure and 'crackling' with energy that's not grounded or that has no clear direction/goal. But lots of lovely 'highly-strung's too. I find I get very anxious when I sense bad vibes/bad will, when am in a place with too many people or where don't feel safe, that kind of thing. But again, have found there are always solutions so can reduce having too much sensory input or other input e.g. meditation to give more of a sense of space and less vulnerability to soaking up things. Ultimately I see that all the sensitive qualities, that are so relevant to Tarot, but sometimes misunderstood or temporarily uncomfortable until develop further and learn how to handle them better, are where the gifts and magic lie ... the caring, perception, insights, all that kind of thing. And having the strength to transform bad experiences, the curiosity to learn, the sense of adventure with the cards, as well as the reverence, I feel are all aspects too. Cat x

Indigo Rose	05 May 2005
On the matter of the personality test above. I took it 3 different times, over the past day; it was different based on how I was feeling. LOL!!! The first time I took it I was feeling more outward, so go figure the results were the Champion Idealist (eNFp), the second time I took it(last night) I was feeling more inward and the results were Healer Idealist(iNFp); the third time(this mornging) I was again feeling more inward, but slightly more critical than the second time I took it and the results were Counselor Idealist(iNFj). The intuitive and feeling components were consistent. The introvert is more likely me consistently, but at times I can be extroverted. The perceiving versus judging components I think are seen in my natal chart. Astrological correalations can very clearly be made with this test. I am a Pisces Sun/Mars/Saturn/Midheaven. Pisceans tend to perceive, intuit, and feel their way through life. They are generally lower energy people, introverted, and very sensitive. OK I can see my Piscean energy all over the iNFp. Now, I have a Virgo Moon/Pluto/Uranus. Virgos tend to analyze and use critical thinking to arrive at answers. They are in fact the opposite sign to Pisces, and in this I see the judging coming out versus the perceiving. I agree with others here regarding choice. Every sign and every personality type have the potential for good and bad. It is the sum of our choices that reveal who we are and who we are becoming.

Fudugazi	05 May 2005
What I dislike about this discussion so far is that: a) it ossifies people according to some kind of type, astrological sign or passtime (smoking!!); and b) allows for no progression, growth, stages of initiation that can lead to real wisdom, and not just messing around with one's nervous gift (or calm gift). I think Mike's in the right. We are all capable of improvement, we can all learn. We might not all be psychics - just as we are not all opera singers - but we can all become wise and learn to use our intuition. But that involves tossing personality types and any other chart (and person!) that purports to tell you what you are once and for all - out of the window into the wind, where it belongs - and starting the real work :)

Moongold	05 May 2005
The Myers Briggs typology is based on Jung's theories developed over twenty years of observation and clinical experience Myers Briggs developed their own version of Jung's ideas but retained the essence. The point about Jung's typology and MBTI is that they indicate preference only and acknowledge that people step outside type frequently, as necessary. I am an INFP but close to INTP. A quick throw around done here a few years ago showed that at that time, of all the people who responded to the survey at Aeclectic, most were INFP's. For what that is worth. There were only about 50 in the survey :). By the way INFP's make up only 2% of the relevant population. MBTI is very culturally based by the way - western middle class culture. In relation to Free Flight's original ideas, I suppose I am "highly strung" but I don't smoke. I guess I have used other ways of "escaping" however. It is a bit irrelevant if you smoke or use something else. There ore lots of ways of managing stress. I am not psychic at all but I am "sensitive". Too sensitive for my own good sometimes :). I agree with the idea that there are different types of sensitives as well. I also believe that one's capacity for intuition can be observed in the astrological chart. But ultimately we do have choices about everything. Knowing about preferences and the way one might instinctively act can only enhance the ability to choose.

Free Flight	05 May 2005
wellspring wrote: Never comfy with the words 'highly strung' as are so often used in books, tv, community, etc etc, in a derogatory way. Have to recommend this book .... "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine N. Aron, isbn 0-7225-3896-0. I'd got sick of being told I was too honest, or too sympathetic, or too patient, etc, and reading this book was a real breath of fresh air, and makes you realise that it's not a problem being sensitive etc; really helps with self-acceptance and handling sensitivity better. I'd also say in hindsight that being too honest, sympathetic and patient WAS a fault in ways, as was taken advantage of, and now see things quite differently! Hi Cat I have read this book and yes it is gfood. I scored 10 out 12 in the quiz (think there were 12 questions). X FF

Alta	05 May 2005
I read a different book a few years ago, and the metephor really struck me. The author referred to 'thick-boundaried' and 'thin-boundaried' people. People with thin boundaries let too many impressions in, more than they can easily handle. Although I suppose that ability evolves over times as people grow in their abilities. People with thick boundaries, who are not a part of this discussion, let less stimulus through and hence can tolerate more, even seek it out. One thing I have seen mentioned here many times is a dislike of crowds, or close contact with people over extended periods. A deeply felt need for space, and I mean mental and sometimes also physical space. To me this is a thin-boundary person. I don't fit too many of the criteria mentioned. I have never smoked, drink very little coffee, maybe half a cup a day and would never be described as nervous or high-strung. Had a normal childhood and never experienced any deep trauma. I think I can read tarot fairly well and am developing my intuitive abilities at a rate that satisfies me. My job requires a lot of intense people contact, chairing large meetings, dealing with stressed people, explaining, developing, presenting. After work I actually avoid a lot of human contact just to come back up. I find prolonged conversations on a social level (with trusted exceptions) to actually provoke a 'flight' reaction in me. I feel an increasing need during a perfectly pleasant conversation to break away. Like I said, I have mentally labelled this as 'thin-boundaries'. Only years of experience have allowed me to develop coping mechanisms. But I feel certain that I have seen similar patterns discussed here. I am INTJ btw, not from the site, I was tested at work.

Free Flight	05 May 2005
Helvetica wrote: What I dislike about this discussion so far is that: a) it ossifies people according to some kind of type, astrological sign or passtime (smoking!!); and b) allows for no progression, growth, stages of initiation that can lead to real wisdom, and not just messing around with one's nervous gift (or calm gift). I think Mike's in the right. We are all capable of improvement, we can all learn. We might not all be psychics - just as we are not all opera singers - but we can all become wise and learn to use our intuition. But that involves tossing personality types and any other chart (and person!) that purports to tell you what you are once and for all - out of the window into the wind, where it belongs - and starting the real work :) Hello Helvetica :) It was never my intention to box people into compartments nor was it a discussed aimed to promote that of smoking. I was merely making an observation which i thought could lead to a discussion of personality types. Many people I meet are closed off as well as high stressed but equally a lot of people who are "sensitive" i find cannot cope with stresses due to what I think is that they are more open and have more input coming in to cope with. For example as Meewah mentioned to me, I try and avoid shopping centres and places with a lot of people as I find these sorts of places quite overwhelming..i personally think I am sensitive to others moods and when I am around someone who is depressed or angry I take some of their mood with me. I find I am always having to cleanse myself of others emotions as things tend to cling to me. I do not cope with stress and I smoke (which i believe is a symptom of stress - just as others have mentioned coffee drinking to be a way of coping with stress). Everyone suffers from stress in our day and age, I just feel that sensitive people are more open to this sort of thing and I think it can differentiate us from others. We are all a combination of many things some things I would include in this list are Genetic Makeup, Environmental including how we were raised, formative events, tradgedy etc Astrological chart Numerological input Plus many many other things that make up the sum of our parts Additionally I believe that personality tests such as the Myers Briggs can give snap shots into a person's make up but they are by no means definitive. These are used all over the industrial world to get an idea of a person's makeup. I agree with you that these should not be definitive but they can be helpful to show a person's GENERAL identity. I too, believe we all have the ability to be psychic but that some people are not pre-dispossed to begin travelling down this path. Some people never will, my question is WHY? I think that most people who want to travel this path can be typified by some of the above. hope that helps you insofar as calrifying why this post exists and that you will continue to read along with us :) :) x Ainsley

MeeWah	05 May 2005
I find the personality tests to be fascinating in their concept. They offer a glimpse towards understanding the core individual. Anything that can foster understanding & communications to be valued. Based on the tests I have taken over several years, it appears I am INFJ. What Marion mentions about "thick-boundaried" & "thin-boundaried" resonates. I first learned to shut down & withdraw in elementary school. Difficult to be in an environment surrounded by so many people. This is true for any place where people or large crowds gather. The effect is like being in a see-sawing boat, a captive audience of one to uncontrollable channel surfing on a huge movie theatre screen with surround sound & emotions.

mike gorth	05 May 2005
Helvetica, I meant precisely, WE ALL HAVE THE POWER! That means everyone. the reason why some of us can't sing opera is because it's the body we are in. Being psychically connected is within all of us. (the song "I've got the Power!" playing in the background.)

huredriel	06 May 2005
Very interesting FF, took the test and got INFJ which in some ways surprised me. One part of the explanations for this that I totally got was by Marina Margaret Heiss who said that while appearing as extroverts INFJs are true introverts, a paradox maybe, but one I identify with strongly. I smoke I drink lots and lots of tea (which has caffeine in) I had a somewhat traumatic childhood I have been told I am sensitive in that I take everything way too personally I think I'm quite highly strung, always lived off nervous energy. And whilst I have always loved to be in crowds, parties etc, I found out something strange a few years ago. When I started going away on karate camps, spending a whole week with a group of people, I HATED it. By the end of the week I felt as if I was suffocating and needed to escape. I still can't be around even a small group of people for that length of time. I always put it down to having lived alone for many years, but the "thin-boundaries" resonates well here for me. Thanks for the thread :) x Huredriel

Fudugazi	06 May 2005
mike gorth wrote: That means everyone. the reason why some of us can't sing opera is because it's the body we are in. Being psychically connected is within all of us. I don't agree with that statement, Mike; but I think we all have intuition we can train and wisdom we can attain :) But to classify oneself as anything for life is neither wise nor intuitive, IMHO. It allows for no growth and certainly no discovery! Ainsley - I read the test and took it some years ago (maybe I should again, see if it's changed) - I know your own point was not reductive - but I have a big problem with any kind of labelling of the complex individuals we all are. I have heard so many people short-changing themselves by saying "I can't do that I'm a XXX" (whatever - Pisces, nervous, sensitive, etc.). My sister has it fixed in her mind, like a cracked record, that she cannot think logically, it's not in her make-up. She took that test years ago, and a psychologist told her it was not her forte so that's it - she won't budge on that. Logic is a human being's birthright! Anyone can train to think logically. I can think of other people too - some who say "I'm a Taurus, I'm not creative!!!" (what about Shakespeare or Barrie???). It saddens me endlessly. I am also very sensitive - far too much for my own good. I cry for the world like it was my own child. But sensitive is double edged. In my life, I have been more hurt by sensitive than by insensitive people, paradoxically. (and maybe I am psychic after all ;))

TheoMo	06 May 2005
I think the test is useful in maybe getting a snapshot sense of who you are, but it is by no means a permanent indicator of your personality -- I know I've changed a lot over the last few years, and my scores on the test have drastically changed as well (I used to be extremely extroverted, I think was an ENFP, but now I'm a very introverted INFJ). And like almost everyone here has said already, I find myself really disliking crowds (I feel like I'm suffocating) I can't stand huge parties where everyone is drinking (my thoughts always turn to the people doing the serving, and how they're trying to feed their kids while everyone else is spending hordes of money drinking) and I really like just spending time with myself. But none of that was the case even just a few years ago. I don't smoke (i used to) or drink caffeine. I also don't think that these characteristics are in any sense agoraphobic -- I am not scared of going out per se, but I just find meeting up with lots of people superficial and often just a waste of time and money (two things I have little to spare these days, lol) The test is like any category -- what you may gain in insight via the classification system you lose in details and nuance. It's just another way to look at things, but nothing more concrete than that. Theo

Fudugazi	06 May 2005
TheoMo wrote: I think the test is useful in maybe getting a snapshot sense of who you are, but it is by no means a permanent indicator of your personality -- I know I've changed a lot over the last few years, and my scores on the test have drastically changed as well I might have over-reacted :D - something in me reacts when I hear people put themselves (or others) in boxes. But I agree, this kind of thing can be useful for self-knowledge as long as we see them as evolving, as we are evolving daily. Thanks for writing how the result of the test has changed for you! I still haven't sorted out in my mind the difference between intuitive (which we all can be) and psychic, which I think is a gift given to few - but I realise my own definition of psychic might be narrower than some people here. To me a Tarot reader s not a psychic, but a psychic might be a Tarot reader - perhaps I need to look at the topic more broadly. Re: smoking and coffee. I wonder if these are not causes as well as symptoms of nervousness? I don't smoke but I love coffeee, and the more I drin it the more jumpy I am (1-2 coffees a day actually relax me, but more has the oppsosite effect). I find that too much coffee affects my intuitiveness and ability to read Tarot comfortably. Has anyone else that experience with either too much coffee or to many cigarettes?

mike gorth	06 May 2005
Helvetica- I didn't mean that you can do anything a proffesional psychic can. It takes training.

Indigo Rose	06 May 2005
Categorizing in and of itself is not a bad thing, that is how we understand our world. However, when it comes to people we must realize that we are individualized and have free will; we are not *bound* by a category. I think Astrology is very useful for understanding the energies that influence people in their personalities, life choices, and relationships. People often use Astrology and Psychology, or anything else to stay stuck and not grow. What many people do is take a slice of Astrology and slice of Psychology and apply this spot of knowledge to themselves or others, thinking they have it "all figured out". The old saying, "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing" rings true. However, this fact does not make Astrology or Psychology invalid and not useful. The truth is these are highly complex fields of study, which can offer tremendous help to us; we just have to be open to growing and learning. Psychologists used to identify people with potential psychic abilities by something they termed the "JND" just noticeable difference. They believed these people were ultra perceptive and could notice even the slighest difference in things that others did not notice, until the change became greater and more easily identified. Here is PSYCHIC defined from Webster's online dictionary: "Main Entry: 1psy·chic Pronunciation: 'sI-kik Variant(s): also psy·chi·cal /-ki-k&l/ Function: adjective Etymology: Greek psychikos of the soul, from psychE soul 1 : of or relating to the psyche : PSYCHOGENIC 2 : lying outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge : immaterial, moral, or spiritual in origin or force 3 : sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding - psy·chi·cal·ly /-ki-k(&-)lE/ adverb" I believe ALL people do have psychic experiences in one way or another, at some point in their lives. However, many people never explore it and dismiss it, because they don't understand and are afraid of the unknown. Some are naturally more gifted psychically, and don't have to do much exploring because it is all right there. One thing that is essential IMHO for psychic expression/experiences to occur: Being Open. Nothing can flow through a closed channel. Blessings, Indigo Rose :)

Free Flight	06 May 2005
TheoMo wrote: I think the test is useful in maybe getting a snapshot sense of who you are, but it is by no means a permanent indicator of your personality -- I know I've changed a lot over the last few years, and my scores on the test have drastically changed as well (I used to be extremely extroverted, I think was an ENFP, but now I'm a very introverted INFJ). And like almost everyone here has said already, I find myself really disliking crowds (I feel like I'm suffocating) I can't stand huge parties where everyone is drinking (my thoughts always turn to the people doing the serving, and how they're trying to feed their kids while everyone else is spending hordes of money drinking) and I really like just spending time with myself. But none of that was the case even just a few years ago. I don't smoke (i used to) or drink caffeine. I also don't think that these characteristics are in any sense agoraphobic -- I am not scared of going out per se, but I just find meeting up with lots of people superficial and often just a waste of time and money (two things I have little to spare these days, lol) The test is like any category -- what you may gain in insight via the classification system you lose in details and nuance. It's just another way to look at things, but nothing more concrete than that. Theo Well said And I agree with you wholeheartedly ")

Chara	07 May 2005
I think there are certain types of people who are predisposed to tarot reading and/or psychic abilities, interest, or "dabbling". The types who are sensitive or intuitive, et cetera, seem like the likely candidates, don't they? However, I also believe that everyone has it in them. It's easier for some than others, and certain types of people are going to be more likely to "get into" it. I have an ENFP friend who just doesn't have TIME for that - she's too busy being...insane. I mean, playing hockey. :D (By the way, it's interesting that so many INFJs are popping up here, as INFJ is the rarest MBTI type. So maybe it says something after all?) Certain types of people tend to be drawn to certain things. For example, in Harry Potter fandom, there are a surprising number of people who have synesthesia. Seeing as that is so rare, one would think you'd be hard pressed to find just one on a message board, much less two, three, four, five...ten. A user on LJ did a poll, about how many people considered themselves to be a synesthete. Twenty-two people answered yes (25 said no, and 13 were unsure). So I don't really think it's too much of a stretch to say, "Someone who is naturally intuitive is more likely to be psychic/open to being psychic" but I think it's a stretch to say that someone who fits a different type -couldn't- be psychic, read tarot, pick up a pendulum and see what's going on, that sort of thing... (I hope that all made sense...sounded much more on topic and coherent in my head ;))

mike gorth	07 May 2005
Chara wrote: I think there are certain types of people who are predisposed to tarot reading and/or psychic abilities, interest, or "dabbling". YES!!!!! That would be people who have 'dabbled' in it in their previous life!!!!!!Thank you !!!!!!!!! Mike Gorth

caridwen	08 May 2005
MeeWah wrote: There are exceptions as I know of several very competent readers here who are not smokers, but could fit the "high strung" capacity. It's strange because I always imagined Tarot readers were very laid back, hippy types. I don't know how I got this impression but I still have it for some reason.:) Quote: One thing I have seen mentioned here many times is a dislike of crowds, or close contact with people over extended periods. A deeply felt need for space, and I mean mental and sometimes also physical space. To me this is a thin-boundary person. That sounds very similar to me...I think this is very interesting Free Flight. (Marion I know you wrote this, I mean the whole discussion is interesting:) ) I hadn't associated this with Tarot Readers before but I have very thin boundaries. It's something I need to work on. I don't think I"m psychic though.:)

caridwen	08 May 2005
Quote: In my life, I have been more hurt by sensitive than by insensitive people, paradoxically. It's not really a paradox but what an interesting observation. I would consider myself very sensitive but I also hurt people a lot without meaning to. I think it's quite powerful to be sensitive it means you can read people fairly well. People may trust you because you 'know them better than most' or have a knack of being insightful and knowing what they are feeling. Because you are sensitive people expect you to be more sensitive than others or open up more, so it comes like a bolt from the blue when you say something hurtful because they think they are in safe hands. It could also be a back off protection mechanism from the sensitive person. I get overwhelmed by people and intentionally or not, erect barriers when I think things are moving too fast. If it becomes too much I may sting them away from me, get them to jump back a little, out of my space. I think that comes from not having properly developed boundaries. Which again, is somethign I need to work on...:)

TheoMo	11 May 2005
caridwen wrote: It's not really a paradox but what an interesting observation. I would consider myself very sensitive but I also hurt people a lot without meaning to. I think it's quite powerful to be sensitive it means you can read people fairly well. People may trust you because you 'know them better than most' or have a knack of being insightful and knowing what they are feeling. Because you are sensitive people expect you to be more sensitive than others or open up more, so it comes like a bolt from the blue when you say something hurtful because they think they are in safe hands. It could also be a back off protection mechanism from the sensitive person. I get overwhelmed by people and intentionally or not, erect barriers when I think things are moving too fast. If it becomes too much I may sting them away from me, get them to jump back a little, out of my space. I think that comes from not having properly developed boundaries. Which again, is somethign I need to work on...:) Yes I need my space, and I totally agree about the protection mechanism thing. I consider myself generally very caring, but I know I have the ability to hurt people very much if I want to; being blessed with the ability to have insight into others means you know their weaknesses as well as their strengths, and know what buttons to push. Over time, I've just discovered the beauty of closing the door (seriously, lol), not answering the phone if i feel overwhelmed, and what not. On the other hand, I don't consider it a fault or feel i have to correct or alter who I am for others -- I think everyone has the ability to become more sensitive, and I think it's a beautfiul experience to connect with someone on a less "obvious" (for lack of a better word) level, more intellectually and emotionally. I think in very individualistic countries, people tend to destroy and turn off this ability so they can concentrate on material possessions and developing a sense of hyper-competitiveness necessary to "succeed". Quite sad.

Ankou	11 May 2005
Just scanned this thread and thought you guys might be interested in a different sort of quiz http://www.alchemylab.com/quiz.htm It can help identify (by this specific concept) where your at in your journey from "skin" intuitive to "flesh and bones" intuitive. As for opera... I have known those with innate talent and those with learned skill. Those who developed the skill 9 out 10 times become maestros first because they have comited to that path with blood, sweat, and tears... as it were.

The Personality Types + Tarot / Psychics thread was originally posted on 03 May 2005 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.