Many are unaware of the true different between a medium and a psychic. Frequently, people assume psychics are mediums and vice versa; however, despite this common belief, these two words are not interchangeable. Throughout this article, we will briefly examine the difference between these two terms and talk about what each one means.

We will start by addressing the term that’s familiar with most people—psychic. The term “psychic” refers to the ability to sense and perceive things that others are unable to detect. Psychics have extrasensory perception, also known as ESP.  This extrasensory perception is often referred to as the sixth sense—an addition to hearing, seeing, touching, tasting, and smelling. Therefore, psychics have the sixth sense that others lack, giving them an ability to perceive things outside of a normal person’s ability. Psychics use this extra sensory perception ability in a variety of skills, techniques, and practices, including foretelling the future.

On the other hand, a medium specifically refers to a person that communicates with those that are no longer living—the dead. These individuals communicate with spirits in the afterlife. The term “medium” comes from the person’s ability to foster communication between the spirits and the living. Spirits can refer to the deceased, angels, and even demons. Furthermore, there are some instances in which the spirit is given permission to take over and speak or write through the body of the medium.

Psychics and mediums are similar in that they both function in an altered state and feature abilities that involve the supernatural aspect of the human mind and spirit. Furthermore, both have an extra sense that allows them to go beyond normal functioning. However, despite these similarities these two words are not interchangeable and refer to two different areas and occupations.