What are the different kinds of psychics?
There are a number of different types of psychics. Each kind is defined primarily by its analog in the physical senses. It is common for a gifted psychic to have more than one talent, but there is usually a primary gift.
Empaths are the most common psychics. They sense through emotions and feelings. Like "Counselor Troi" in Star Trek, they don’t always have clear visions, but instead learn to interpret emotions in order to analyze events.
Clairsentient is another term frequently applied to empaths. A clairsentient "just knows things" and can’t always tell you how.
Clairvoyants (literally "clear vision") primarily sense through dreams and visions.
Clairaudients sense things in the form of sounds.
Precognitives sense the future in dreams or waking visions. This is usually a specific form of clairvoyance, though empaths can "project forward" with emotion to postulate a predicted outcome.
Psychometrists have the ability to sense thoughts, feelings and to relive events by handling personal items (usually jewelry) or by touching other people.
Telepaths are the "mind readers", tuning into mental vibrations the way empaths use emotions. True telepaths are extremely rare.
Mediums are sensitive to ghosts, spirits and angelic guides.
Channels, like mediums are sensitive to spirits, but they may allow a spirit or guide temporary access to their own senses in order to facilitate direct communication. A "Conscious Channel" will remain control of all faculties during the experience and has full recollection. An "Unconscious Channel" may black out and have no recollections.
Hyper-Sensitives can be any kind of psychic, but the problem for them is that they cannot seem to shut off their abilities even when the information they get is confusing, painful or overwhelming. They tend to be empaths but may have additional abilities such as mediumship.
There are occasionally "psychic smells" or "ghostly touches", but there isn’t a separate category for such sensations as they generally are not a primary talent.
