Britain's psychic turn
Far from becoming more sceptical, the British are turning in increasing numbers to psychics, spiritualists and tarot readers
William Little, Tuesday 19 May 2009
Belief in Britain today is not encouraged at the pulpit, but in psychics parlours, where ordinary people believe they can communicate directly with the dead and see into the future. By concentrating on mainstream religion, sceptics ignore the fact that a majority of people's beliefs are being reinforced by those claiming to have psychic powers. The priests of belief are not preaching on Sunday mornings, but every day of the week in psychic shops and on premium-rate telephone lines. Belief has been decentralised and contracted out to the psychic sector.
In recent years, this trend has increased, with some polls suggesting that more than half of people in the UK believe in psychic powers. Psychic premium lines are not only busier than ever, but making a packet during the recession as everyone else feels the pinch. More psychic schools are opening – a psychic school in Wales recently received a £4500 business start up grant, helping to legitimise the trade, while courses at the College of Psychic Studies in London have long waiting lists. Its website alone boasts 50 different courses in psychic development from introductory to advanced levels. Belief in ghosts and fortune-telling or tarot has also tripled and doubled respectively since the 1950s.
An article in The Independent stated the negative side of believing in psychics:
A police worker who was sacked because he believed psychics can help solve criminal investigations is to go to court today to defend his right to legal protection from religious discrimination.
In the first case of its kind Alan Power, a trainer with Greater Manchester Police, will rely on a previous judgment that found his belief in mediums who contact the dead is akin to a religious or philosophical conviction.
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