Psychic Readings

Remote Viewing Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

This glossary will help you navigate the terminology used by remote viewers, from the basic concept of a "target" to more specialised techniques like "gestalt."

By Steve Higgins
March 16, 2025

Photo: Pixabay

Photo: Pixabay

Remote viewing is a practice where individuals attempt to perceive distant or unseen targets using non-local consciousness. To help navigate the terminology used in this field, this glossary provides clear definitions of key terms, from the basic concept of a "target" to more specialised techniques like "front-loading."

Aperture

The amount of sensory or conceptual information a remote viewer receives during a session. A narrow aperture provides limited, raw data, while a wide aperture allows for more detailed impressions.

Associative Remote Viewing (ARV)

A technique where different targets are assigned to possible outcomes of a future event. The remote viewer describes a target, and their description is later matched to one of the predefined targets to predict the outcome.

Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)

A technique used to engage both hemispheres of the brain, sometimes incorporated into remote viewing to enhance perception. Methods include tapping, eye movements, or auditory cues.

Blind Targeting

A remote viewing session where the viewer is given no prior information about the target to prevent contamination of results.

Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV)

A structured method of remote viewing developed for military applications. It uses specific coordinates (randomised numbers, not actual locations) to cue the viewer's subconscious.

Displacement

A phenomenon where a remote viewer picks up data related to an incorrect target, often due to subconscious interference or confusion.

Double-Blind

A session where neither the remote viewer nor the monitor knows what the target is, ensuring no unconscious cues influence the session.

Front-Loading

Providing a remote viewer with partial information about the target before or during the session. This can influence their perceptions and is generally avoided in controlled experiments.

Gestalt

A broad, overarching impression of a target, such as "a structure," "a body of water," or "an event." Viewers often perceive gestalts before refining details.

Ideogram

A rapid, subconscious sketch or mark that represents the target's essential structure or concept, often used in the early stages of CRV.

Monitor

A person who oversees a remote viewing session, guiding the process without giving away information about the target.

Outbounding

A technique where a person physically visits a target location while a remote viewer attempts to describe it. The visitor may later verify the accuracy of the session.

Overlay

When a remote viewer unconsciously mixes imagination, personal bias, or analytical thought into the session, leading to inaccurate data.

Protocol

The structured method or set of rules used to ensure that a remote viewing session is conducted under controlled conditions.

Remote Perception

A general term for perceiving information about a distant or unseen target, encompassing remote viewing and related psi-based techniques.

Remote Viewer

A person trained in or naturally skilled at obtaining information about distant or unseen targets using non-local perception.

Session

A structured period of time during which a remote viewer attempts to gather information about a specific target.

Signal Line

A theoretical concept describing the information pathway between the target and the remote viewer's subconscious mind.

Target

The location, object, person, or event that the remote viewer is attempting to perceive.

Target Cueing

The process of defining the target using coordinates, descriptors, or intent without revealing specific details to the viewer.

Target Pool

A collection of potential targets used in remote viewing sessions, often to prevent pattern recognition or subconscious bias. In ARV, each outcome is linked to a target from the pool.

Tasker

The person who designs and assigns a remote viewing target, often ensuring proper blinding and experimental integrity.

Tasking

The act of assigning a remote viewing target, typically involving blind or double-blind conditions.

Veridical Data
Information obtained through remote viewing that is later confirmed to be accurate.

About the Author

Steve Higgins

Higgypop Founder & Paranormal Writer

Steve Higgins has been writing about the paranormal for almost two decades, covering ghosts, hauntings, and the paranormal attracting over 500,000 monthly readers.