Psychics are people who allegedly have extraordinary mental powers or a sixth sense, generally known as ESP (extra sensory perception). Psychics look into the lives of people and predict future events. Derived from the Greek word psychiokos or psyche, which means soul or that which is mental, the word psychic is generally associated with fortunetellers. The word psychic was first used by William Crookes, a chemist for describing Daniel Dunglas Home, a famous magician (1833-1886).

Psychic reading implies the art of reading a person's mind. It involves use of intuition and deep analysis of a particular problem or a query that is posed. Psychics use several techniques like psychometrics, astrology, tarot, palmistry, telepathy, I Ching and so on to connect to a higher consciousness, which they believe will have answers to all questions. Psychic readings can relate to a person's present, past or future; his love life, relationships, ailments, stress and general success (or failure) in life. Psychic readers answer these questions and offer guidance and advice for leading a better life.

Psychic readers are people who have high levels of ESP. They master the art of automatic writing, channeling, clairaudience, the ability to hear or perceive sounds which are not normally audible, clairsentience (knowing about an event- past, present or future, through a feeling) and clairvoyance (extrasensory perception of an event which does not related to the normal five senses).

Divination is the art of offering a prophecy, prediction or foretelling the future via the occult, while hiero is the more down to earth act of automatic writing or drawing. Precognition involves seeing forward in time) and psychometrics derives knowledge about an object or a person connected with it by making contact. Psycho kinesis is the ability to move objects with the mind and remote viewing allows a psychic to describe a person, place or thing without being in their presence. Telepathy is simply mind-to-mind communication.

There are thousands of psychics in the world. Several are willing to offer their services like psychic reading for a fee. A psychic's fee ranges from $1 per minute to $10-$15 per minute. Psychics can be contacted in person, by mail, phone or through e-mail. There are also several websites that offer free psychic consultation online. However, these free services are limited. Psychics are slowly finding acceptance there is a demand, in spite of the skepticism of some critics. However, there are fake psychics also who claim to have great success with their powers, which is in fact obtained by cheating, so buyer beware.