Definition
Precognition is defined as a form of extrasensory perception where a person is said to perceive information about places or events before they happen. Extrasensory perception (ESP) is defined by Wikipedia as the apparent ability to acquire information by paranormal means independent of any known physical senses or deduction from previous experience. ESP was named by J.B. Rhine and his wife and covers precognition as well as telepathy and intuition as well. It is also known as 'gut instinct', 'hunch', or 'sixth sense'. Another term that includes the precognition abilities is clairvoyance. Modern terms include psychic and medium. Sometimes precognative abilities is referred to as being 'sensitive'.History
The first study of precognition was recorded in 1927 by a British aeronautics engineer named J.W. Dunne. He published a book entitled "An Experiment with Time." His research was based on his own precognitive dreams involving both his own life and major news events in the world. The next major study of precognitive dreams was done in the 1930s at Duke University by the Rhines, mentioned above.The Phenomenon
Precognitive dreams make up the largest percentage of the Precognitive phenomenon, rating 60-70% of all reports. Precognition may also occur in 'visions' while the individual is awake, in auditory hallucinations, simply thoughts in the mind and sometimes just having the sense of "knowing." The majority of precognitive experiences happen within a 48 hour window before the future event, but usually it's as soon as a 24 hour period. In more rare cases they may occur months or years before the event occurs. Emotional shock seems to affect the individual with these abilities, as the events are shown to focus mainly around bad or unhappy events. These events usually are about death and dying but can also revolve around a diagnosis of illness, an accident of some type and natural disasters. It is shown that 80-85% of the experiences involve a family member or a close friend rather than more casual friends or strangers.Dealing with Having the Ability
There is a phenomenon associated with many Precogs, and it's simply this: guilt. Many feel like they should have told someone, or that they could have prevented disaster. Then many report the problem with telling someone and getting laughed at or called 'crazy'. Many have constant worry and stress with their abilities; they ask "Why Me?" and wonder how to stop the dreams or visions. Many studies suggest that all people have precognitive abilities, but the majority never 'tune in' to them, or they ignore their abilities. Abilities of this nature seem to fade with time if not exercised. Sadly, our culture discourages us from talking about anything 'not normal' - or paranormal - in public. Not so long ago, we burned "witches" for less - simply talking about a dream or a feeling we had about something.Some people feel some sense of relief or release of worry about such a dream by writing them down. We must realize that even if a person shares their dream with others, a disaster is not always averted. Every individual with abilities has to figure out how to live comfortably with their own abilities and not accept the guilt of the world. A journal is a way to channel this and maybe release it from the mind, therefore releasing any guilt associated. A journal may not work for all but it is an easy way to start. Also, there is the Central Premonitions Registry (P. O. Box 482, Times Square Station, New York, N.Y. 10036) that was set up both to resolve this problem and to research the accuracy of predictions. It does not handle personal forecasts, but only those of general and national interest. Contacting CPR may resolve some individual's guilt because they did contact someone with their 'dream'. This is a website that has many interesting and hopefully helpful articles for someone who is struggling to deal with their psychic abilities or just wanting general answers (Please note this site is NOT recommended for children.). http://www.psychic-experiences.com/
References:
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience, New York: HarperCollins, 1991, pp. 463-464
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precognition
http://dreamtalk.hypermart.net/campbell/dreamer_guilt.htm