Parapsychology: Dictionary of Parapsychology N-P

A dictionary of parapsychology. Please note that words in grey are hyperlinked to a corresponding archive with articles related to that particular topic.

O

OBE

See out of body experience.

Object Reading

See psychometry.

Occam's Razor

The principle that we should always prefer the simplest explanation of events.

Occultism

Esoteric systems of belief and practice that assume the existence of mysterious forces and entities.

Omen

A sign that foretells events.

One-Ahead Principle

In mentalism, a procedure for sequentially revealing information where the revealing of one item gives the mentalist the next answer. Also used by fraudulent clairvoyants.

OOBE

See out of body experience.

Open Deck

A series of cards used in a card guessing test where each card is chosen randomly and independently. This enables each target to be selected any number of times. Statistical analysis of research data using an open deck differs from statistical analysis of data using a closed deck.

Open Matching (OM)

A card guessing procedure in which key cards are placed face up on the table. The subject then places the unseen target cards in piles in front of each key card, according to their guesses. See also blind matching.

Oracle

(a) An answer to a question, believed to come from the gods.

(b) a shrine at which these answers are given.

Orgone Energy

A term used by Wilhelm Reich to refer to a universal life force, associated with sexuality.

Ouija Board

A board with letters and numbers on which messages are spelled out by unconsciously moving (with the fingers) a glass or planchette. See also automatism.

Out

In conjuring and mentalism, a convincing explanation for an apparent failure, or a convincing alternative ending to an effect that has not worked as planned. Also used by fraudulent clairvoyants and mediums.

Out of Body Experience (OBE, OOBE)

A fully conscious experience in which the person's centre of awareness appears to be outside of the physical body. See also autoscopy, near-death experience.