An Introduction to Ribbon Psychometry: Exploring My First Experience

Like “riding a bicycle,” spiritual knowledge and skills, once learned, are never lost or forgotten. Even if you haven’t practiced or used a certain skill for a long time, you can always quickly pick it up again because it is stored in your soul memory.

Spiritual growth and learning possess a level of permanence that sets them apart from acquiring academic knowledge or vocational skills. Unlike the latter, soul growth and spiritual development stem from personal experiences, moments of profound insight, and transformative shifts that permanently alter the essence of our soul.

Our soul memory serves as the archive of our higher self, containing layers of enlightenment similar to the akashic records. These layers preserve all the spiritual wisdom and abilities we have acquired and remain easily accessible, even after extended periods of non-use or neglect.

At a recent gathering focused on mediumship, I had the opportunity to witness a medium showcasing various psychic techniques and approaches that she had extensively relied upon throughout her personal journey in psychic development.

Many years ago, I participated in a psychic development class at the Arthur Findlay College of Spiritualism and Psychic Sciences in Essex, England. As part of the class, we engaged in a enjoyable activity known as “ribbon psychometry.”

Objects and personal belongings hold energy and stories that, if listened to, can guide us to deeper understandings and sometimes even solve mysteries ~ Pam Coronado

Psychometry is the psychic practice of reading or channeling information through psychic touch, also known as “clairtangency.” Clairtangency is a form of extrasensory perception in which practitioners perceive psychic impressions from an object they are touching or holding. The practice was first popularized in the 1840s by Joseph Buchanan, an American professor of physiology who coined the term “psychometry” and conducted experiments to demonstrate the phenomenon.

Leonora Piper, a highly respected psychic medium during the late 1800s and early 1900s, gained recognition for her extraordinary psychometric skills. She astounded numerous researchers by accurately discerning specific details about an object’s owner just by touching it. Piper’s remarkable abilities greatly contributed to the investigation and advancement of psychometry and psychic phenomena in that era.

We can gather a lot of psychic information by touching or holding everyday objects, especially things like jewelry and clothing that still carry the energy imprint of their owner, both living and deceased.  I have even witnessed information given to a grieving pet owner when a medium held the collar and toys of their deceased dog.

Ribbon psychometry is a variation of this practice where the psychometric object (also known as the link object) is a ribbon. It is a popular exercise often done in mediumship workshops and psychic development classes. Participants are asked to “read” a ribbon that has been held, worn or owned by another person. They then attempt to perceive psychic impressions about the person’s life experiences, history, personality, and emotions based solely on holding the ribbon.

The inspiration for using ribbons in readings may come from Celtic esotericism. Ribbons have long been utilized in pagan rituals and ceremonies, and are still prominent in contemporary Wiccan and Neopagan traditions. In these practices, ribbons hold symbolic significance and are often incorporated into ritualistic activities aimed at manifesting desires, warding off unwanted energies, or honoring connections with the natural world, the divine, and others. In present-day Pagan customs, ribbons are utilized in various ways, such as during maypole dancing, handfasting ceremonies, wishing trees, and rituals intended to safeguard, heal, or dispel negative energies.

I have fond memories of my first experience doing a ribbon reading at Arthur Findlay College many years ago. During a recent psychic event, we did a similar activity, but with colored paper strips. It was a nostalgic moment for me. I can recall our mentor at the college placing a large bunch of ribbons of different colors in the middle of the student circle. Each of us took turns selecting a ribbon from the vibrant pile and then went back to our seats. We were advised to gently stroke the ribbon for a few minutes to let it absorb our energy.

Objects carry with them a light as distinct to us as the sunlight is to you. The instant you hand us an object, that instant we get an impression of its owner, whether the present or the past owner and often both ~ Leonora Piper

Afterwards, we were partnered with a classmate to trade and peruse each other’s ribbons. I recall being paired with an elder Welsh man. He appeared to be just as anxious as I was as a beginner, but I was astounded by the accurate information about me and my life that he managed to gather from that ribbon. He seemed pleasantly taken aback, even slightly startled, when I confirmed that he was completely correct!

Afterwards, it was my opportunity to read for him, and at that moment, I understood that he would be quite challenging to surpass! However, I composed myself and utilized the strategies we were instructed to access our psychic perception and eliminate the interference from our logical and analytical mind.

I don’t remember much of what I told him in the reading, but I do remember my first impressions were that he had driven a green car from home very early that morning to attend the class. I also remember telling him that it looked to me like some kind of SUV, like a Land Rover or Range Rover. I also felt that he might be an off-road enthusiast. I also remember feeling the strong emotional connection he had with his daughter and that she was interested in energy healing.

I felt relieved when the reading finally ended and I recall feeling a bit silly discussing vehicles I had no knowledge of! However, he did affirm that he drove a Land Rover with a short wheelbase (which I had to ask him to clarify for me). He also confirmed that his daughter was studying Reiki at that time and emphasized their strong bond.

The recent event involving mediumship and the resulting recollection of this specific encounter has motivated me to reexamine psychometry and potentially resume practicing it. I recall being educated that using metal objects is an ideal starting point since they effectively retain energy. Examples of suitable items include jewelry, keys, or well-used watches. Therefore, I believe focusing on these objects will help me return to practicing psychometry.

While there is a certain permanence to our spiritual learning and skill development, this is not to say that some maintenance is not necessary. Just as a bicycle may need tuning after years of disuse, we need to engage with spiritual practices in order to fully reactivate and embody their spiritual insights and skills. But it is good to be reminded that nothing we learn spiritually is ever lost or in vain.

Psychometry is an intriguing facet of psychic abilities that allows individuals to acquire information about something or someone by simply touching it. Ribbon psychometry, specifically, entails using ribbons or fabric pieces to connect with the energy of the owner or wearer. Intrigued by this concept, I recently partook in my initial ribbon psychometry experience. This proved to be an enlightening journey, and I would like to share the details and insights I gained from this practice.

To initiate my ribbon psychometry session, I collected various ribbons from different sources. Some were given to me, while others were obtained from second-hand stores. Each ribbon possessed distinct colors, patterns, and textures, which I believed contributed to the energy they held.

For my first object of focus, I chose a vibrant purple ribbon with intricate floral patterns. Holding it in my hands, I closed my eyes and took deep breaths to center myself. I then directed my attention towards the ribbon, allowing my senses to become attuned to any impressions or sensations.

As I held the ribbon, my fingertips began to tingle, as if a gentle electric current was passing through them. This sensation was accompanied by a rush of images and emotions flooding my mind. I visualized a joyful celebration, with people dancing and laughing. The accompanying emotions were overwhelmingly positive, filled with love, happiness, and unity.

Intrigued to learn more, I continued to explore the ribbon’s energy. As time passed, the impressions became clearer and more vivid. I witnessed a young woman wearing the ribbon, her face radiant with joy as she celebrated a significant milestone. It seemed that the ribbon held the memories and emotions of this special occasion, allowing me to tap into and experience the energy personally.

Each subsequent ribbon presented a unique experience. A soft, pastel-colored one evoked feelings of tranquility and peace. I saw images of a serene garden with blooming flowers and chirping birds. It was as if the ribbon had absorbed the essence of nature, bringing a sense of calm and harmony to its wearer.

Another ribbon, this time bold and red, exhibited an entirely different energy. It emanated passion, strength, and determination. I visualized a fiery sunset, symbolizing the burning desire and ambition of its owner. It was evident that this ribbon had been worn by someone driven and relentless in their pursuit of goals.

Through my first encounter with ribbon psychometry, I discovered that each ribbon carried a unique story and energy. The colors, patterns, and textures acted as conduits for the emotions and memories absorbed from their owners. It served as a powerful reminder that objects can harbor energetic imprints accessible through psychometric abilities.

Ribbon psychometry provides a captivating method to connect with the past, gain insights into people’s lives, and tap into object energy. By engaging in this practice, we can explore unseen dimensions of our surroundings and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us.

If you’re interested in exploring ribbon psychometry or any form of psychometry, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and trust your intuition. Practice and patience are key in developing your abilities and interpreting the impressions you receive.

Lastly, remember that psychometry is a profoundly personal experience, and each person may have their own unique way of connecting with object energy. Embrace the journey and allow yourself to be guided by the surrounding energy. Who knows what fascinating stories and insights await you as you delve into the world of ribbon psychometry!