Basic Psychic Hygiene

by Sophie Reicher

Basic Psychic Hygiene is a training handbook for anyone who is interested in developing their psychic abilities, who is seeking training for gifts they already possess, or who simply desires to develop a greater sensitivity to magical energy. This book takes readers step by step through a thorough system of exercises designed to raise the practitioner’s level of competence, confidence and skill. Following in the footsteps of Dion Fortune, this book aims at preparing the next generation of magicians and psychically talented individuals in the skills they need to know to develop and thrive in the world at large.

132 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2008

Reviews

[Galina Krasskova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It's one of the best descriptions and training guides for those with psychic sensitivities/gifts that I have ever read. I'd rank it as equal to or better to any of the classics, including Dion Fortune or Denning and Phillips. I'm giving this book to all of my students. It's clear, concise, unemotional and provides many useful and detailed exercises.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good primer particularly on self-protection. It covers topics of grounding, centering, shielding, warding/cleansing of a house, and the basics of magic. Along the way you will learn about uses of oils, herbs, candles, incense, cleansing baths, knives/athames and wands, and very basic energy manipulation. This is written from the perspective of a Norse pagan and includes a small amount of Norse ritual, but it also covers basic principles of the circle (Wicca), uncrossings and headbaths (rootwork/Afro-Carribbean tradition), and the general place of pragmatism within energy work. There is at least one ceremonial/Kabbalistic ritual in here. The practitioner has a "use what works" approach which I appreciate. I give it 4 stars because it does have some Norse leanings which were not that useful to me. When I first decided to read this book, I was working with the energy of the Norse and I am no longer doing so, so in that respect some of it was a little irritating, but what can you do, we all have our perspective. The other reason I give it 4 stars is it is sort of like one long essay. The chapter breaks are barely there, really, and it has no index. I understand why--it's just over a hundred pages, and a bit on the short side. But it will be irritating to go back through (to me, anyway). I should have come at this book with post-its like I used to use in academic texts. Ah, well, live and learn. :)

This book also has a recommended reading list and several appendices.

[Claudia Loureiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are floundering with issues about some of the techniques like grounding and centering, how to cleanse, and how to shield, that is what this book talks about.
Intellectually stimulating as well as practical, filled with hands-on exercises about basic skills (such as grounding, centering, cleansings, and wardings), that show how to nurture and control your psychic gift. Beginners can easily grasp the exercises and seasoned practitioners will appreciate the fresh perspective on traditional techniques for shielding, grounding and cleansing.