Psychometry is a fascinating intuitive ability that lets people pick up information from everyday objects—sometimes just by holding them.

A sensitive reader may sense things about an object’s owner, like their personality, emotions, or even glimpses of past experiences. The idea is that everything, not just people, retains a bit of the energy it’s been exposed to. With practice, psychometry lets you tap into those subtle “fingerprints” left behind.

Skilled practitioners often say they can describe someone’s physical appearance, character, and even important events simply by touching personal items—a well-worn watch, a favorite necklace, or anything closely tied to a person’s daily life. These objects act as bridges, carrying the energetic impressions they’ve absorbed over time.

While psychometry has roots stretching back centuries, some people today draw loose parallels with ideas from modern physics. We know that all matter is in constant motion, exchanging energy at a subtle level. Enthusiasts suggest that objects might carry energetic imprints from those who use them. This could explain why holding a cherished keepsake from a loved one often brings comfort, even from far away. While the science isn’t settled, many find the experience meaningful.

Psychometry works as both a way of tuning in and a form of focused intention. When someone holds an object, they’re essentially attuning themselves to the web of energy that connects everything. Impressions, images, or sensations linked with the item may surface. This process can be enhanced with intention-setting, mindfulness, or simple rituals, making psychometry a flexible and personal spiritual tool.

Some objects are especially suited for psychometry. Jewelry—rings, necklaces, watches—tends to soak up strong energy because it’s worn every day. Crystals are believed to amplify this effect. For example, quartz in modern watches is said to boost vibrational resonance, making impressions clearer for the reader. Even the stones set in jewelry can act as amplifiers, helping to receive more detailed impressions.

When choosing an object for psychometry, it’s the level of interaction that matters more than who officially owns it. Energy transfers through frequent use, not just legal possession. For clearer readings, especially with second-hand items or objects with unknown history, it’s wise to cleanse them first. You might try washing them in salt water or leaving them in moonlight—simple ways to refresh their energy and clear away lingering vibes.

Like any intuitive skill, psychometry gets stronger with regular practice. If you’re just starting out, try with your own belongings, holding them in your left hand (traditionally considered the receptive side). Pay attention to any words, colors, images, sensations, or feelings that come up. Over time, you’ll start building a personal “symbol library.” For instance, the color blue might mean calmness or introspection for you, while red could signal passion or intensity. Keeping a diary of your impressions helps you track patterns and refine your accuracy.

Once you’re comfortable, you can try psychometry in a group—sometimes called a psychometry circle or party. Everyone brings a personal object, and you swap items to practice reading each other’s energetic imprints. It’s a supportive way to test your abilities and see how much you can pick up without knowing the owner’s story in advance.

It’s worth noting that psychometry is a two-way street. Along with reading energy from objects, you can also “charge” items with your own intentions. Holding something in your right hand while focusing on affirmations or goals can turn it into a little talisman for attracting what you want. This makes psychometry a handy tool for both self-understanding and personal empowerment.

For those drawn to explore further, psychometry can be paired with meditation, energy healing, or spiritual rituals to deepen the experience. For example, combining it with chakra meditation might help reveal emotional patterns or blockages connected to the object’s owner—offering extra clarity and insights for guidance or healing.

Whether you’re just curious or already exploring your intuition, psychometry is a practical, flexible art that anyone can try. All it takes is an open mind, a willing hand, and a sense of adventure.

A Quick Guide to Psychometry

• Use personal objects to access the energy web and extract impressions or information.
• Objects with regular wear carry stronger energetic signatures.
• Cleanse items before use, especially second-hand or energetically dense objects.
• Cleansing methods include saltwater baths or moonlight exposure.
• Keep a journal to record colors, words, images, sensations, and emotional responses.
• Hold objects in the left hand to receive impressions; use the right hand to imprint intentions, affirmations, or visualizations.
• Combine psychometry with meditation or energy work for deeper insights.

Psychometry is the art of reading the subtle energies that cling to personal objects. The idea is simple: everything we touch leaves a trace, like fingerprints made of emotion and memory. By handling items that belong to someone—especially things they’ve worn or carried often—you can tune in to these energetic imprints and pick up on feelings, images, or even details about the person’s life that aren’t immediately obvious.

If you’re starting out, remember that objects with a lot of “mileage” tend to carry stronger energetic signatures. A favorite ring, a well-loved book, an old pocketknife—these have soaked up years of their owner’s energy. In contrast, something new or rarely touched might not give you much to work with.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to cleanse any item you’re going to read, especially if it’s second-hand or feels heavy with old emotions. There are a few simple ways to do this: you can submerge the object in saltwater (as long as it won’t be damaged), leave it under the moonlight overnight, or even use a bit of sage smoke. The goal is to clear away any leftover residue that might cloud your impressions.

As you practice, keep a journal close by. The impressions you receive might come in many forms: flashes of color, stray words or names, physical sensations, sudden emotions, or mental images. Write down everything, even if it doesn’t make sense at first—sometimes the smallest detail turns out to be the most meaningful.

For the best results, hold the object in your left hand as you tune in. The left side of the body is traditionally considered more receptive, making it easier to pick up subtle vibes. If you want to program the object with a positive intention or affirmation, switch to your right hand—this side is associated with active energy and projection.

Many people find that combining psychometry with meditation or other forms of energy work deepens the experience. A few minutes of quiet breathing or grounding yourself before you begin can make a huge difference in the clarity and strength of the impressions you receive.

The Origins of Psychometry

Psychometry as a formal concept dates back to the mid-1800s, when Joseph R. Buchanan, an American physiologist, first coined the term. Buchanan was fascinated by the idea that objects could somehow “remember” the experiences they’d been part of. In 1842, he began experimenting with students at Cincinnati Medical School, handing them various items and asking what they picked up. To his surprise, the students described vivid feelings and impressions tied to the objects—sometimes connected to experiences they’d never personally had. Buchanan believed these responses proved that emotions, sensations, and events could be recorded by physical things, and that a sensitive person could “read” this information, almost like measuring the soul of the object.

Buchanan’s ideas were ahead of their time, and his early work became the foundation for what we now call psychometry. Over the years, the practice has grown and changed, drawing on both ancient traditions and new understandings of energy, quantum theory, and the power of intention. Today, psychometry isn’t just about uncovering secrets or reading the past—it’s also a tool for personal insight and growth. Some people use it to connect more deeply with others, while others focus on charging objects with positive energy to help with manifestation or protection. No matter how you approach it, psychometry offers a fascinating way to explore the hidden stories woven into the fabric of everyday life.