What is a clairvoyant? And how they may see beyond the ordinary? Some say it’s a gift. Others call it a hoax.
Clairvoyants claim they can predict the future, chart your soul path, provide emotional clarity and balance, improve wellness and abundance, and even talk to spirits.
But is there any truth in any of this? What really goes on behind these mysterious visions?
Let’s take a closer look at what is a clairvoyant.
In this article:
What is a Clairvoyant?
So, what is a clairvoyant? By definition, a clairvoyant is someone who claims to access visions or knowledge through extrasensory means.
These visions can range from brief flashes (like simple images) to full-blown “movies” playing out in their mind’s eye. Clairvoyants may see a distant place (which they have never visited before), past events, or even communicate with spirits.
How Do You Pronounce the Word “Clairvoyant”?
In American English, “Clairvoyant” is pronounced as /klɛərˈvɔɪ.ənt/.
To break it down:
- “Clair” sounds like “clear,” but with an “air” at the end.
- “Voy” rhymes with “boy.”
- “Ant” sounds like the ending in “vibrant.”
So, it’s pronounced like “klair-VOY-uhnt.”
The term originates from French. “Clair” means “clear” and “voyant” means “seeing” (or “sighted”). This association may explain its association with the ability to “see clearly” beyond normal perception.
What Can a Clairvoyant See?
Some say clairvoyants have a natural gift—they are born with it. For others, it’s a skill that, with enough practice, can be developed over time.
Natural or earned through practice, one thing is for sure: there are different types of clairvoyant visions (and they can vary a lot from person to person):
Precognition: Seeing the Future
One of the most common types is precognition. The ability to see into the future. Clairvoyants with this ability may receive visions of events that haven’t happened yet.
However, the visions are usually quite vague (like witnessing an unfamiliar place). Or, they may be very specific. Even down to the physical characteristics of the people involved.
Still can’t wrap your head around the concept? Just think of a déjà vu you probably experienced at some point in your life. It feels like you’ve already lived through a moment that hasn’t happened yet, right? Well, precognition is something like that.
Retrocognition: Seeing the Past
Recognition is seeing past events. But don’t confuse it with memories. It’s not the same thing. Not by far. Recognition involves having visions of past events the clairvoyant wasn’t physically present for.
For example, they might suddenly “see” a historical battle. Or the site of a past crime scene. All without ever being there.
What triggers these visions? It’s hard to say. It can be a certain place (location), object, or a seemingly random moment.
Remote Viewing: Tapping into Distant Scenes
The third type of vision is remote viewing. It’s a unique ability that may allow clairvoyants to perceive events or locations far away—sometimes in real-time.
For instance, a clairvoyant may sense the layout of a room they’ve never been in or describe activities happening miles away.
SpookySight note:
The U.S. government studied remote viewing during the Cold War. One of the most well-known programs was Project Stargate, where clairvoyants attempted to “spy” on foreign military installations.
Famous Clairvoyants
Over the years, many clairvoyants have made headlines with their unique abilities. While not without controversy, how they influenced history can’t be denied.
Here’s our complete list of famous clairvoyants (past and present):
| Clairvoyant | Notability/Description | Years | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulrica Arfvidsson | Swedish fortune teller, advisor to royalty | 1734–1801 | Sweden |
| Joaquín Argamasilla | Claimed to have X-ray vision, debunked by Houdini | 1905–? | Spain |
| Arsenios the Cappadocian | Greek Orthodox saint, known for healing and prophecies | 1840–1924 | Greece |
| Mir Bashir (palmist) | Famous palmist, astrologer for political figures | 1907–1974 | Pakistan |
| Clifford Bias | Psychic, spiritualist, and founder of the Universal Church of the Master | 1908–1987 | United States |
| Edgar Cayce | Trance readings on health, reincarnation, and prophecies | 1877–1945 | United States |
| Cheiro | Palmistry and numerology expert, consulted by prominent figures | 1866–1936 | Ireland |
| Andrew Jackson Davis | Spiritualist leader and author of The Principles of Nature | 1826–1910 | United States |
| Eileen J. Garrett | Medium and parapsychologist, co-founder of the Parapsychology Foundation | 1893–1970 | Ireland |
| Erik Jan Hanussen | Psychic entertainer, alleged advisor to Nazis, murdered in 1933 | 1889–1933 | Austria |
| Wolf Messing | Claimed telepath and mind reader, performed under Stalin’s regime | 1899–1974 | Poland/Russia |
| Baba Vanga | Bulgarian mystic, known for predicting global events | 1911–1996 | Bulgaria |
| Lorraine Warren | Paranormal investigator, involved in high-profile hauntings | 1927–2019 | United States |
| Lisa Williams | Medium with TV show “Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead” | Born 1973 | United Kingdom/US |
| Vincent Turvey | British clairvoyant, author of The Beginnings of Seership | 1873–1912 | United Kingdom |
| Moll Pitcher | American clairvoyant, known for political and maritime predictions | 1736–1813 | United States |
| Madame de Thèbes | French fortune teller, advisor to Parisian elites | 1845–1916 | France |
| John of Kronstadt | Russian Orthodox priest, attributed with miraculous healing powers | 1829–1908 | Russia |
| Princess Märtha Louise of Norway | Modern-day clairvoyant and spiritual coach | Born 1971 | Norway |
| Michel Hayek | Lebanese clairvoyant, known for predictions on Middle Eastern events | Active 20th–21st century | Lebanon |
| Chizuko Mifune | Japanese clairvoyant, committed suicide after skepticism | 1886–1911 | Japan |
| Twyla Herbert | American psychic, mentor to musician Roky Erickson | 1921–2009 | United States |
| Agnieszka Pilchowa | Polish clairvoyant, executed during World War II | 1888–1944 | Poland |
| Flower A. Newhouse | Spiritual teacher and clairvoyant | 1909–1994 | United States |
| Petrache Lupu | Romanian mystic known for predicting World War II | 1907–1994 | Romania |
| Forceythe Willson | Poet and clairvoyant, known for his work on spiritualism | 1837–1867 | United Kingdom |
Common Misconceptions About Clairvoyants
So, we have already explained what a clairvoyant is. Now it’s time to move on to another pressing topic: misconceptions. Believe it or not, there are plenty of misconceptions about clairvoyants.
Here are some of the most common myths:
Clairvoyants Can See Everything, All the Time
Clairvoyants have a constant, all-encompassing view of the future or hidden information. That’s 100% false.
In reality, most clairvoyants describe their visions as sporadic and unpredictable. Most of the time, they perceive fragmented images (or symbols) rather than full, detailed scenes.
Clairvoyance Is the Same as Psychic Ability
Another false myth. While clairvoyance is a type of psychic ability, not all psychics are clairvoyants.
Clairvoyants specifically receive visual information—images, symbols, or flashes in their mind’s eye—while other psychics may rely on different senses, like hearing (clairaudience) or sensing emotions (clairsentience).
Clairvoyants Only See the Future
Many people assume clairvoyants can only predict the future. However, clairvoyants often receive visions of the past or present as well. They might “see” a past event they weren’t part of or gain insight into something happening in real time but in another location.
Clairvoyant Visions Are Always Literal
People often think clairvoyant visions are literal, like watching a movie. However, visions can be symbolic. For example, seeing a bridge might symbolize a major life transition rather than an actual physical bridge. It’s up to the clairvoyant to interpret these symbols and connect them to the person or situation.
All Clairvoyants Are Mediums
Although some clairvoyants communicate with spirits (mediums), not all are mediums. Clairvoyants focus on receiving visual information, while mediums typically serve as intermediaries between the living and the dead.
What Happens During a Clairvoyant Reading?
Probably the second most common question people have (after “What is a clairvoyant?”) is “What actually happens during a clairvoyant reading?”
If you ever asked yourself that… you’re not alone. Many seek out these readings for insight into their lives, from love to career choices.
Let’s break it down.
What is a Clairvoyant Reading?
A clairvoyant reading is all about tapping into the unseen. During a session, the clairvoyant focuses on picking up visual information, often beyond the ordinary senses.
Some may use tarot cards, crystal balls, or pendulums to help guide their visions. Others rely purely on their inner sight (their “mind’s eye”).
The whole process is very visual. The clairvoyant will explain the images or symbols that come to his mind during the reading. Each symbol or vision is interpreted based on the client’s energy and the situation they’re asking about.
Interestingly, most clairvoyants don’t even need to be in the same room as you to give a reading. With remote readings—over the phone, via video calls, or even by email—those with the gift can tap into your energy from afar.
Why People Get Clairvoyant Readings
People seek clairvoyant readings for all kinds of reasons. However, the most common reason is that they want to know more about the future.
Whether it’s relationships, career moves, or family matters, a clairvoyant may offer insights that might not be obvious on the surface. By interpreting energies (or glimpses of potential future events), they help guide individuals through life’s uncertainties.
You can also turn to a clairvoyant for a fresh perspective on your current situation. Sometimes, the reading can provide reassurance during tough times. A certain guidance on how to navigate challenges.
For others, a clairvoyant reading can be a form of emotional healing. Especially when trying to connect with loved ones who have passed away through mediumship. These sessions often bring comfort and closure during times of grief.
