# Ask the Psychic **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 1, 2006, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953 "2006-05-01T14:20:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/61 "2006-05-02T15:49:18Z")
Will the Giants win the World Series in my lifetime? ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/62 "2006-05-02T16:06:41Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > What is it about you that convinces you that you are psychic? Specifically, what abilities do you have? You can see my response to **AuntBeast** to read about the distance reading I did. I’m still coming along and learning what I can do, so I can’t exactly give you a definitive list of psychic abilities. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/63 "2006-05-02T16:12:44Z")
> [@mrald](#): > > OKay, If I let my bestfriend move into the apartment in my backyard will it work out? I advise against it. It never works to combine friends/family and money. > [@](#): > > Will I be able to afford the renovations? If you plan accordingly for it, you will. Don’t run up your credit to do this. > [@](#): > > What color are my underwear? Hmm…I’m not getting anything. I don’t think you’re wearing any. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Antinor01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecae2f/32.png) [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/64 "2006-05-02T16:14:49Z")
**Lord Ashtar** , I just wanted to say I think you’re handling this thread quite well. Both giving thoughtful answers to those that actually ask thoughtful questions but also playful about it and giving offhand answers to the others. Good show. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/65 "2006-05-02T16:19:20Z")
> [@ianzin](#): > > **Lord Ashtar** , you have titled this thread ‘Ask the Psychic’. Before we can go ahead and respond to this suggestion, we have to establish that you are, in fact, psychic. If you’re not, then your offer / suggestion is bogus, and this thread is a total waste of time. When was the last time there was a thread in MPSIMS that _wasn’t_ a complete waste of time? > [@](#): > > (1) For what reason should anyone consider that you possess genuine psychic faculties? Putting it another way, what evidence would you offer to support the contention that you have psychic abilities or gifts? Please remember, that psychic =! omniscient. I’m not much of a reader yet, but my belief is that they aren’t supposed to give you direct answers about the future so much as tell you what you need to hear. Think of it as a guide. I still believe that you make your own destiny. > [@](#): > > (2) Are you able and qualified to answer questions in a way that constitutes more than just jokes, evasive manoevres, guesswork or cold reading? If so, please explain the underlying mechanism by which you receive the information contained in your answers. That’s up to you. Please be advised that flippant questions will get flippant responses and joke questions (like **tdn’s** ) will get joke answers. I will be as honest and forthcoming as you are in your questions. ---
**Author:** ![yoyodyne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a9a28c/32.png) [@yoyodyne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yoyodyne)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/66 "2006-05-02T16:27:13Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > When I was first taking a course on meditation and learning what I could do, one of the exercises I did was called a distance reading. I paired up with someone I didn’t know, they thought of another person I’d never met, and I described them. > > Not only was I able to describe this person’s favorite type of music, but I described their manner of dress and even was able to talk about his favorite cowboy hat. I also got that this person had dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. She said I was spot on. How do you know she was telling the truth? ---
**Author:** ![MissMossie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f6c823/32.png) [@MissMossie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissMossie)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/67 "2006-05-02T16:29:40Z")
The Gods of Sequential Threads suggested that I ask a psychic if women turn into their mothers. Do they? ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/68 "2006-05-02T17:01:40Z")
Hmmm… First you say you won’t reveal winning lottery numbers because it would ruin your chances to win. But then you say you don’t want the Randi prize money because you don’t use your powers for personal gain. I smell a rat! Or, you really \*\*are \*\* a politician! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![dre2xl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/34f0e0/32.png) [@dre2xl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dre2xl)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/69 "2006-05-02T17:07:46Z")
_skims thread_ Okay. What would your distance-reading of **yoyodyne** say? And, if you won’t do the distance reading, why not? Do you have to be there in person? ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/70 "2006-05-02T19:20:57Z")
> [@yoyodyne](#): > > How do you know she was telling the truth? You’re absolutely right. She could’ve been lying. But that would’ve defeated the purpose of the exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/71 "2006-05-02T19:23:19Z")
> [@MissMossie](#): > > The Gods of Sequential Threads suggested that I ask a psychic if women turn into their mothers. Do they? Indeed, they do. What you need to do is look at her mom. If you like what you see, keep dating her. If not, run like the wind. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Dunderman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/72 "2006-05-02T20:22:00Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I do, which is why it really blew my mind to discover some of the things I could do, since rationally they don’t exist. I’ve read the thread and couldn’t see the answer to the most obvious question. If you’ve already answered it, I missed it and I apologize. The question is simply this: what, specifically, is it that you can do? ---
**Author:** ![KGS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/90ced4/32.png) [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/73 "2006-05-02T20:44:07Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > When I was first taking a course on meditation and learning what I could do, one of the exercises I did was called a distance reading. I paired up with someone I didn’t know, they thought of another person I’d never met, and I described them. > > Not only was I able to describe this person’s favorite type of music, but I described their manner of dress and even was able to talk about his favorite cowboy hat. I also got that this person had dropped out of high school in the 11th grade. She said I was spot on. Ok…I am intrigued. Do you want to do an experiment? I’m actually very opened minded about possible psychic powers, though I don’t know what to degree I believe in them. (And yes, I know all about cold reading.) What kind of questions should I ask? P.S. I personally think James Randi is a charlatan and fraud, just like all the psychics he pretends to debunk. But, that’s just my opinion. P.P.S. Opeth rocks!! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/74 "2006-05-02T20:55:22Z")
> [@Governor Quinn](#): > > Will the Giants win the World Series in my lifetime? They will, but in the after party celebration Barry Bonds will admit on camera to taking steroids and will also implicate half of the team. The title will be stripped the following day. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/75 "2006-05-02T21:06:39Z")
> [@fetus](#): > > I thought you weren’t going to do it because you didn’t need the money? Well, at least you’re being honest. 😕 When did I say that? Seriously, I scanned the thread again and can’t find it. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/76 "2006-05-02T21:09:18Z")
> [@Antinor01](#): > > **Lord Ashtar** , I just wanted to say I think you’re handling this thread quite well. Both giving thoughtful answers to those that actually ask thoughtful questions but also playful about it and giving offhand answers to the others. Good show. Much thanks. I’m really enjoying this, actually. I may have to try and think up another “Ask the…” thread to start. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/77 "2006-05-02T21:11:35Z")
> [@dre2xl](#): > > _skims thread_ Okay. What would your distance-reading of **yoyodyne** say? And, if you won’t do the distance reading, why not? Do you have to be there in person? I’ve only done it a few times, and each time it’s been in person. I doubt I’d be able to do it without having someone with a connection to the person I’m reading in the room. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/78 "2006-05-02T21:14:03Z")
> [@Priceguy](#): > > I’ve read the thread and couldn’t see the answer to the most obvious question. If you’ve already answered it, I missed it and I apologize. The question is simply this: what, specifically, is it that you can do? Here’s my earlier reply on this: > [@](#): > > See my reply to AuntBeast about the distance reading I’ve done. I’ve done a few other exercises similar to that, such as reading another person’s chakras and telling them things about themselves that I didn’t know (and a few things that they didn’t know, either). Since I’m still rather new to this, I can’t exactly give you a definitive list of what I can do yet. ---
**Author:** ![Stringer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Stringer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stringer)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/79 "2006-05-02T21:22:02Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > When did I say that? Seriously, I scanned the thread again and can’t find it. I think this was it being referred to: > [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > Nope. I’m a firm believer in not using one’s powers for personal gain. Just so we’re all on the same page, can you define what you mean by “psychic” for the purposes of this thread? ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2006, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953/80 "2006-05-02T21:22:39Z")
> [@Lord Ashtar](#): > > I’m going to answer this, and then I’m going to ignore any further questions about Randi and his prize, because quite frankly I can only answer it so many times. I’m still fairly new at developing my abilities and don’t think that Randi would be all that impressed with what I can do. With all due respect, horse hockey. If you can do the distance reading that you say you can, Randi will gladly give you the prize. Look, either you can or you cannot. It is really quite simple to determine. If you can perform that task at a rate statistically significantly higher than chance you have won. I suspect that a reading so detailed would be quite easy to set up. What do you have to lose. However, I do see that your post #59 presages your post #62, so perhaps you are on to something. > [@KGS](#): > > P.S. I personally think James Randi is a charlatan and fraud, just like all the psychics he pretends to debunk. But, that’s just my opinion. In what way is he a charlatan, in your opinion? What claims has he made thaty he cannot substantiate? What promises has he left unfulfilled? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-psychic/354953.md?page=5)