Hot reading
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Hot reading is the use of foreknowledge when giving a psychic reading.
The reader can gain information about the sitter (person getting the reading) through a variety of means, such as research or overhearing a conversation. Hot reading is commonly used in conjunction with cold reading (where no foreknowledge is available) and can explain how a psychic reader can get a specific claimed "hit" of accurate information.[citation needed]
This technique is suspected by many in the skeptic community as being used by some television psychics in conjunction with cold reading. [1] The psychics may have clients schedule their appearance ahead of time, and then send collaborators to people's homes to collect information while posing as religious missionaries, magazine sales people, or the like. [2] Such visitors can gain a wide understanding of a person from examining their home. The "psychic" may then be briefed on the information and where the person will sit in the audience.[citation needed]
A 2001 Time article reported that psychic John Edward allegedly utilized hot reading on his television show, Crossing Over.[3] In another incident, Edward was alleged to have used foreknowledge to hot read in an interview on the television show Dateline.[4] John Edward has denied ever using foreknowledge, cold or hot reading.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ Colin Hunter. "Cold Reading: Confessions of a 'Psychic'". Skeptic Report. Retrieved on 2007-10-18.
- ^ Secrets of Psychics Revealed, NBC (2003)
- ^ Leon Jaroff. "Talking to the Dead". Time Magazine. Retrieved on 2006-06-14.
- ^ Joe Nickell. "John Edward: Hustling the Bereaved". CSICOP. Retrieved on 2006-06-14.
- ^ Edward, John (2001). Crossing Over. Jodere Group. ISBN 1-58872-002-0.
