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Welcome to our beginner's guide to Remote Viewing!
Whether new to the topic or looking to brush up on the basics, this guide will help you get going. Please note that we intend this as an introduction rather than a definitive resource; there is much more to learn and explore beyond the information presented here, but we hope this will provide a good starting point.
Below we will cover the fundamental concepts you need to get started with Remote Viewing and perform an introductory session. By the end, you will understand the Remote Viewing protocol and basic terminology and have completed your first session.
Always approach remote viewing with a grounded and balanced mindset to ensure a safe and constructive experience.
What is Remote Viewing?
The International Remote Viewing Association (IRVA) defines Remote Viewing as:
"Remote viewing is a mental faculty that allows a perceiver (a “viewer”) to describe or give details about a target that is inaccessible to normal senses due to distance, time, or shielding. For example, a viewer might be asked to describe a location on the other side of the world, which he or she has never visited; or a viewer might describe an event that happened long ago; or describe an object sealed in a container or locked in a room; or perhaps even describe a person or an activity; all without being told anything about the target — not even its name or designation."
The term "Remote Viewing" can be misleading as it may be mistaken for any kind of clairvoyance. In fact, Remote Viewing is a narrow sub-set of clairvoyance anchored within a specific framework to try and get repeated results. Clairvoyance refers to the ability to see things through any extrasensory means at all. Although remote viewing and clairvoyance both access information beyond what is immediately available, they are not the same as many other things are also considered clairvoyance that are not remote viewing.
Remote Viewing is a distinct discipline that explores clairvoyant abilities through a structured framework. The main key difference is that Remote Viewing follows a specific protocol. This protocol includes clear rules to determine if Remote Viewing has taken place and what the results were.
The protocol comprises four steps:
Planning and targeting: Remote Viewing requires a deliberate effort to focus on a specific target when the viewer is ready, rather than random insights or feelings beyond your control.
Recording: Any data obtained during the Remote Viewing session should be recorded in some format for later analysis.
Double-blind: The target should be kept secret from you and anyone else present during the session to eliminate any possibility of bias.
Feedback: Finally, receiving feedback is essential for determining whether your Remote Viewing was successful. Feedback confirms whether you were accurate in your observations or not. Feedback is also vital for improving your skills.
By following this protocol, Remote Viewing can provide verifiable and more accurate results, as it helps to minimize guesswork, imagination, and the viewers’ biases/assumptions from corrupting the data. Anything done outside of this protocol is not considered Remote Viewing. To gain a deeper understanding of the origins and rationale behind these rules, we suggest exploring the history of the practice.
A Quick Exercise
Below is a Target ID - random numbers assigned to represent the “address” of the target, set by a tasker using only their mind. They have nothing to do with what the target is. Without clicking on the link, take two or three deep breaths. Clear your mind, read the number out loud, and wait a few seconds for something unexpected to pop into your head. Think about that, and then click on the link.
Don't expect to get anything exactly right - but did something correlate? Did the color, shape, weather, or some feeling you had when you thought about the Target ID end up being true about this image? Did something line up far more than if you were guessing randomly? Most likely, it did. That’s the edge of remote viewing.
Let’s Go Deeper
Remote Viewing Terminology
Let’s begin by understanding some of the fundamental terminology used by viewers that are part of every remote viewing session:
Target (or Objective): A Remote Viewing session aims to gather and record data from a specific target, as described by the tasking. A target (or objective) can be anything, such as a place, person, object, or event, at any point in time. The tasking of a target can be simple, like “The Eiffel Tower,” or more complex, like “The winning moment of the 1993 Superbowl.” The tasking describes the specific information for the viewer to get them to a particular point in time and space and tell them what to do with that target. The tasking defines the target.
Target ID: To maintain the viewer's blindness to the target while still being able to identify it, viewers use a Target ID, also known as a Target Coordinate, Target Reference Number (TRN), Objective ID, or Tag. This code is unrelated to the target itself and is typically a string of randomly generated numbers. Think of the Target ID as the target's address or phone number, assigned at the time the target is tasked. The Target ID is the only element a viewer should see.
Tasking: The description of the target that comes after the Target ID that directs a viewer to view the target and describe it.
Putting these elements together into target tasking:
209-283: The viewer will describe the moment of the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron to begin the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. ONLY.
After the Session
Feedback: As per protocol, the target is kept secret from the viewer until the time for feedback. The feedback is given to the viewer after they have done the session and is composed of the tasking and any additional information about the target. For example, suppose the target was the Eiffel Tower. In that case, the feedback should contain a picture of the structure and a brief description. The target cue could be: “The viewer will describe the Eiffel Tower at the moment the picture was taken, only.” Even from professionals, a Remote Viewing session will not be 100% correct. Aggregating sessions from several viewers creates more detailed information on a target. Feedback is used to assess the accuracy of the session. For this reason, a person should always be wary of any data coming from a session whose target does not have verifiable feedback.
Frontloading: In specific settings, it can be beneficial for the viewer to know a bit about the target beforehand - this is called frontloading. Frontloading is very general and neutral information that can help the viewer better focus their efforts, saving them time. Frontloading is optional; no viewer should rely on or count on it for their sessions, as it is intended for more experienced viewers. The frontloading should be written with special care because too much information about the target will trigger AOLs. An example of frontloading might be “the target is a location.” - This lets the viewer know what tools they should use without giving any information that might cause guessing or imagination.
AOL: This is an abbreviation for Analytical Overlay, which refers to the phenomenon where the conscious mind fills in the gaps during a Remote Viewing session with imagination (guesses). As more details emerge about the target, the viewer's brain scans everything it knows to draw conclusions that fit the data. It can be challenging to distinguish between actual psychic data and the products of the conscious mind, and a viewer can quickly lose control of their session if they are not careful.
For example, you describe a large, colorful ball floating above the ground, but you sense it's hollow. Your conscious mind may jump in and conclude that it's a piñata, causing ideas of piñatas and birthday parties to flood your mind. However, fixating on these AOLs can cause you to lose focus on the actual Remote Viewing target. In this instance, it turns out that the target was the first crewed hot air balloon flight in 1783.
Remote Viewing Data
Contrary to what the name “Remote Viewing” suggests, a viewer typically does not see the target as if they were seeing it with their eyes, nor is sight the only sense used in a session. Instead, the psychic data comes in the form of subtle impressions that can be translated into ideas, perhaps a sensation in your body or even a quick faded and fuzzy visual in your mind’s eye. So don’t worry if you don’t see a clear picture.
You can often capture these impressions by directing your attention towards the target and being aware of your body and mind. As a rule of thumb, psychic impressions come quickly, without any preceding thought, and are often more sensory. For example, suppose you focus on the target, and suddenly, the color red comes to your mind without you consciously thinking about it. In that case, chances are this is a psychic impression. Same for sensations in your body, such as suddenly (and quickly) feeling cold or sensing a smell or taste.
With practice, you should be able to perceive these impressions more easily and come to understand your own psychic “language.” People are different; some may be more kinaesthetic than others, more visual, etc.
A word about AOLs
Viewers should focus on rudimentary data to describe the target - do NOT try and name the target or elements you are describing.
Viewers typically avoid using nouns to describe the target during remote viewing sessions. Nouns tend to invite imagination and conclusions about the target. In contrast, adjectives help the viewer stay focused on the sensory experience of the target. For instance, in the first crewed hot air balloon flight example, if the viewer had simply described a large, colorful, and hollow object instead of naming it a piñata, they would have stayed on target. Therefore, a general rule for remote viewing is always to describe the target and avoid naming it. Any nouns that appear in your mind are almost certainly AOLs. Leave analysis and guesses for after the session.
Your First Session
Before you begin, carefully read the first three steps.
Step 1: Preparation
To begin your Remote Viewing session, grab a pen and a few sheets of (preferably) blank paper, and find a comfortable and quiet place where you won't be interrupted for the next 10 minutes. Ideally, this space should be free from noise, bright lights, or any objects that could distract you from the session.
Step 2: Quieting your mind
Quieting your mind before a session is called a cool down. This is a moment to eliminate distractions, such as work-related issues, pending tasks, or lingering emotions, and focus on the present. Take a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath and center yourself. Once you feel centered and focused, you may proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Remote Viewing
Now, we’re sitting down to do your first Remote Viewing session. Ready?
Target ID: 653-729
First, write your target ID at the top and say it out loud if you want. Tell yourself that you’re connecting to this target and will remote view it. It will take a few seconds but patiently sit there, ready to record whatever data comes in.
For your first session, probe your target for some basic descriptors. Ask (out loud if it helps) about any of these elements:
Colors, sounds, size, smells, and textures associated with the target.
“What color is it? What does it smell like?” etc..
If the target is natural or manmade.
The weather/atmosphere around the target.
Try to sense shapes or forms. Sketch if you can.
Note any words that pop into your head, especially if it's not a word you usually use in conversation.
Initially, you may feel uncertain about what to write down and whether it's relevant to the target. However, it's crucial to record everything that comes to your mind, no matter how seemingly unrelated or random it might appear. Remember that it's important not to name the target and stick to describing it. Refrain from attempting to guess what it might be.
If you experience a vivid mental image during a Remote Viewing session, it's likely to be an AOL. This is normal, so don’t worry. Ensure to include it in your notes, as sometimes it can hint at something similar to the target. While noting the AOL is important, it's crucial to recognize it as a product of imagination and let it go before continuing with your session.
Eventually, you may reach a point where you feel like you're not receiving any further information. At this stage, it's best to end the session. Take a deep breath and disconnect from the target.
Congratulations on completing your first RV session!
Step 4: Take a Step Back
Take a moment to review your notes. Now, you may allow your imagination to flow and see if you have any guesses about what the target may be. Don't worry if it's something unfamiliar to you. It's common to feel confused until you receive feedback and can piece everything together.
Step 5: Feedback
Now, it’s time to get feedback and assess your level of accuracy.
Tasking:
Remember that this exercise isn't just about being entirely right or wrong. This is a practice session to help you become more familiar with recognizing the RV data signal, documenting it, and seeking more detail. Take note of what you got right, and pay attention to how it felt when you received that information. Observe how any AOLs led you astray or how you felt when you recorded something that wasn't relevant to the target. Search for correlations and similarities, but don't force connections that aren't there. Were the themes similar? Was it natural or manmade? Did it involve water or air or motion? Was it a biological or a structure? Focus on the good data and how it felt to receive it.
Don't worry if you didn't get anything right or the session didn't go as expected. This is what practice is for!
Moving forward
This guide has taught you the fundamentals of remote viewing and the most basic way of doing it. There isn’t a single way of performing remote viewing, and methods comprise a series of steps that build on each other and guidelines to help you work your way through the target. There are multiple methods out there, and the benefit of a formal method, such as CRV (Controlled Remote Viewing) used by the U.S. Military during the remote viewing program, is that it can help boost your sessions’ quality and accuracy.
Search online for additional resources to help you continue your journey remote viewing.
Keep Practicing
Like any other skill, such as learning a language, martial arts, a hobby, or playing a musical instrument, remote viewing is also a perishable skill. Without regular practice, you won't improve and may even lose the skill you've gained. When you start practicing, you may experience beginner's luck but then hit a slump where your performance decreases. That is normal and expected, as your brain is learning and adapting to recognize and process RV data.
While formal training is not imperative to become proficient in RV, it can accelerate your progress and provide valuable insights and support. An instructor can help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, which can be difficult to correct on your own. They can also provide structure and accountability, helping you stay motivated and on track with your training.
Conclusion
This guide was your first step into your Remote Viewing journey. Remote Viewing is a skill that can be developed and mastered with practice, patience, and persistence. It is a fascinating and useful tool that can provide valuable insights and information about the world around us. Remember to stay open-minded, trust your intuition, and have fun exploring the limitless possibilities. While staying open-minded, do take everything with a grain of salt. Remember the Remote Viewing protocol and that when it comes to how it works, “all models are wrong, some are useful.”
If you have any questions, feel free to post here (I'll post an FAQ thread in a bit), or refer to the Reddit Remote Viewing community that this guide was originally pulled from.
Happy viewing!
Whether new to the topic or looking to brush up on the basics, this guide will help you get going. Please note that we intend this as an introduction rather than a definitive resource; there is much more to learn and explore beyond the information presented here, but we hope this will provide a good starting point.
Below we will cover the fundamental concepts you need to get started with Remote Viewing and perform an introductory session. By the end, you will understand the Remote Viewing protocol and basic terminology and have completed your first session.
Always approach remote viewing with a grounded and balanced mindset to ensure a safe and constructive experience.
What is Remote Viewing?
The International Remote Viewing Association (IRVA) defines Remote Viewing as:
"Remote viewing is a mental faculty that allows a perceiver (a “viewer”) to describe or give details about a target that is inaccessible to normal senses due to distance, time, or shielding. For example, a viewer might be asked to describe a location on the other side of the world, which he or she has never visited; or a viewer might describe an event that happened long ago; or describe an object sealed in a container or locked in a room; or perhaps even describe a person or an activity; all without being told anything about the target — not even its name or designation."
The term "Remote Viewing" can be misleading as it may be mistaken for any kind of clairvoyance. In fact, Remote Viewing is a narrow sub-set of clairvoyance anchored within a specific framework to try and get repeated results. Clairvoyance refers to the ability to see things through any extrasensory means at all. Although remote viewing and clairvoyance both access information beyond what is immediately available, they are not the same as many other things are also considered clairvoyance that are not remote viewing.
Remote Viewing is a distinct discipline that explores clairvoyant abilities through a structured framework. The main key difference is that Remote Viewing follows a specific protocol. This protocol includes clear rules to determine if Remote Viewing has taken place and what the results were.
The protocol comprises four steps:
Planning and targeting: Remote Viewing requires a deliberate effort to focus on a specific target when the viewer is ready, rather than random insights or feelings beyond your control.
Recording: Any data obtained during the Remote Viewing session should be recorded in some format for later analysis.
Double-blind: The target should be kept secret from you and anyone else present during the session to eliminate any possibility of bias.
Feedback: Finally, receiving feedback is essential for determining whether your Remote Viewing was successful. Feedback confirms whether you were accurate in your observations or not. Feedback is also vital for improving your skills.
By following this protocol, Remote Viewing can provide verifiable and more accurate results, as it helps to minimize guesswork, imagination, and the viewers’ biases/assumptions from corrupting the data. Anything done outside of this protocol is not considered Remote Viewing. To gain a deeper understanding of the origins and rationale behind these rules, we suggest exploring the history of the practice.
A Quick Exercise
Below is a Target ID - random numbers assigned to represent the “address” of the target, set by a tasker using only their mind. They have nothing to do with what the target is. Without clicking on the link, take two or three deep breaths. Clear your mind, read the number out loud, and wait a few seconds for something unexpected to pop into your head. Think about that, and then click on the link.
Don't expect to get anything exactly right - but did something correlate? Did the color, shape, weather, or some feeling you had when you thought about the Target ID end up being true about this image? Did something line up far more than if you were guessing randomly? Most likely, it did. That’s the edge of remote viewing.
Let’s Go Deeper
Remote Viewing Terminology
Let’s begin by understanding some of the fundamental terminology used by viewers that are part of every remote viewing session:
Target (or Objective): A Remote Viewing session aims to gather and record data from a specific target, as described by the tasking. A target (or objective) can be anything, such as a place, person, object, or event, at any point in time. The tasking of a target can be simple, like “The Eiffel Tower,” or more complex, like “The winning moment of the 1993 Superbowl.” The tasking describes the specific information for the viewer to get them to a particular point in time and space and tell them what to do with that target. The tasking defines the target.
Target ID: To maintain the viewer's blindness to the target while still being able to identify it, viewers use a Target ID, also known as a Target Coordinate, Target Reference Number (TRN), Objective ID, or Tag. This code is unrelated to the target itself and is typically a string of randomly generated numbers. Think of the Target ID as the target's address or phone number, assigned at the time the target is tasked. The Target ID is the only element a viewer should see.
Tasking: The description of the target that comes after the Target ID that directs a viewer to view the target and describe it.
Putting these elements together into target tasking:
209-283: The viewer will describe the moment of the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron to begin the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. ONLY.
After the Session
Feedback: As per protocol, the target is kept secret from the viewer until the time for feedback. The feedback is given to the viewer after they have done the session and is composed of the tasking and any additional information about the target. For example, suppose the target was the Eiffel Tower. In that case, the feedback should contain a picture of the structure and a brief description. The target cue could be: “The viewer will describe the Eiffel Tower at the moment the picture was taken, only.” Even from professionals, a Remote Viewing session will not be 100% correct. Aggregating sessions from several viewers creates more detailed information on a target. Feedback is used to assess the accuracy of the session. For this reason, a person should always be wary of any data coming from a session whose target does not have verifiable feedback.
Frontloading: In specific settings, it can be beneficial for the viewer to know a bit about the target beforehand - this is called frontloading. Frontloading is very general and neutral information that can help the viewer better focus their efforts, saving them time. Frontloading is optional; no viewer should rely on or count on it for their sessions, as it is intended for more experienced viewers. The frontloading should be written with special care because too much information about the target will trigger AOLs. An example of frontloading might be “the target is a location.” - This lets the viewer know what tools they should use without giving any information that might cause guessing or imagination.
AOL: This is an abbreviation for Analytical Overlay, which refers to the phenomenon where the conscious mind fills in the gaps during a Remote Viewing session with imagination (guesses). As more details emerge about the target, the viewer's brain scans everything it knows to draw conclusions that fit the data. It can be challenging to distinguish between actual psychic data and the products of the conscious mind, and a viewer can quickly lose control of their session if they are not careful.
For example, you describe a large, colorful ball floating above the ground, but you sense it's hollow. Your conscious mind may jump in and conclude that it's a piñata, causing ideas of piñatas and birthday parties to flood your mind. However, fixating on these AOLs can cause you to lose focus on the actual Remote Viewing target. In this instance, it turns out that the target was the first crewed hot air balloon flight in 1783.
Remote Viewing Data
Contrary to what the name “Remote Viewing” suggests, a viewer typically does not see the target as if they were seeing it with their eyes, nor is sight the only sense used in a session. Instead, the psychic data comes in the form of subtle impressions that can be translated into ideas, perhaps a sensation in your body or even a quick faded and fuzzy visual in your mind’s eye. So don’t worry if you don’t see a clear picture.
You can often capture these impressions by directing your attention towards the target and being aware of your body and mind. As a rule of thumb, psychic impressions come quickly, without any preceding thought, and are often more sensory. For example, suppose you focus on the target, and suddenly, the color red comes to your mind without you consciously thinking about it. In that case, chances are this is a psychic impression. Same for sensations in your body, such as suddenly (and quickly) feeling cold or sensing a smell or taste.
With practice, you should be able to perceive these impressions more easily and come to understand your own psychic “language.” People are different; some may be more kinaesthetic than others, more visual, etc.
A word about AOLs
Viewers should focus on rudimentary data to describe the target - do NOT try and name the target or elements you are describing.
Viewers typically avoid using nouns to describe the target during remote viewing sessions. Nouns tend to invite imagination and conclusions about the target. In contrast, adjectives help the viewer stay focused on the sensory experience of the target. For instance, in the first crewed hot air balloon flight example, if the viewer had simply described a large, colorful, and hollow object instead of naming it a piñata, they would have stayed on target. Therefore, a general rule for remote viewing is always to describe the target and avoid naming it. Any nouns that appear in your mind are almost certainly AOLs. Leave analysis and guesses for after the session.
Your First Session
Before you begin, carefully read the first three steps.
Step 1: Preparation
To begin your Remote Viewing session, grab a pen and a few sheets of (preferably) blank paper, and find a comfortable and quiet place where you won't be interrupted for the next 10 minutes. Ideally, this space should be free from noise, bright lights, or any objects that could distract you from the session.
Step 2: Quieting your mind
Quieting your mind before a session is called a cool down. This is a moment to eliminate distractions, such as work-related issues, pending tasks, or lingering emotions, and focus on the present. Take a moment to close your eyes, take a deep breath and center yourself. Once you feel centered and focused, you may proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Remote Viewing
Now, we’re sitting down to do your first Remote Viewing session. Ready?
Target ID: 653-729
First, write your target ID at the top and say it out loud if you want. Tell yourself that you’re connecting to this target and will remote view it. It will take a few seconds but patiently sit there, ready to record whatever data comes in.
For your first session, probe your target for some basic descriptors. Ask (out loud if it helps) about any of these elements:
Colors, sounds, size, smells, and textures associated with the target.
“What color is it? What does it smell like?” etc..
If the target is natural or manmade.
The weather/atmosphere around the target.
Try to sense shapes or forms. Sketch if you can.
Note any words that pop into your head, especially if it's not a word you usually use in conversation.
Initially, you may feel uncertain about what to write down and whether it's relevant to the target. However, it's crucial to record everything that comes to your mind, no matter how seemingly unrelated or random it might appear. Remember that it's important not to name the target and stick to describing it. Refrain from attempting to guess what it might be.
If you experience a vivid mental image during a Remote Viewing session, it's likely to be an AOL. This is normal, so don’t worry. Ensure to include it in your notes, as sometimes it can hint at something similar to the target. While noting the AOL is important, it's crucial to recognize it as a product of imagination and let it go before continuing with your session.
Eventually, you may reach a point where you feel like you're not receiving any further information. At this stage, it's best to end the session. Take a deep breath and disconnect from the target.
Congratulations on completing your first RV session!
Step 4: Take a Step Back
Take a moment to review your notes. Now, you may allow your imagination to flow and see if you have any guesses about what the target may be. Don't worry if it's something unfamiliar to you. It's common to feel confused until you receive feedback and can piece everything together.
Step 5: Feedback
Now, it’s time to get feedback and assess your level of accuracy.
Tasking:
653-729: The viewer will describe the image of the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. The viewer will describe the bridge as it appears in the image at the time the image was taken. ONLY.
Remember that this exercise isn't just about being entirely right or wrong. This is a practice session to help you become more familiar with recognizing the RV data signal, documenting it, and seeking more detail. Take note of what you got right, and pay attention to how it felt when you received that information. Observe how any AOLs led you astray or how you felt when you recorded something that wasn't relevant to the target. Search for correlations and similarities, but don't force connections that aren't there. Were the themes similar? Was it natural or manmade? Did it involve water or air or motion? Was it a biological or a structure? Focus on the good data and how it felt to receive it.
Don't worry if you didn't get anything right or the session didn't go as expected. This is what practice is for!
Moving forward
This guide has taught you the fundamentals of remote viewing and the most basic way of doing it. There isn’t a single way of performing remote viewing, and methods comprise a series of steps that build on each other and guidelines to help you work your way through the target. There are multiple methods out there, and the benefit of a formal method, such as CRV (Controlled Remote Viewing) used by the U.S. Military during the remote viewing program, is that it can help boost your sessions’ quality and accuracy.
Search online for additional resources to help you continue your journey remote viewing.
Keep Practicing
Like any other skill, such as learning a language, martial arts, a hobby, or playing a musical instrument, remote viewing is also a perishable skill. Without regular practice, you won't improve and may even lose the skill you've gained. When you start practicing, you may experience beginner's luck but then hit a slump where your performance decreases. That is normal and expected, as your brain is learning and adapting to recognize and process RV data.
While formal training is not imperative to become proficient in RV, it can accelerate your progress and provide valuable insights and support. An instructor can help you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes, which can be difficult to correct on your own. They can also provide structure and accountability, helping you stay motivated and on track with your training.
Conclusion
This guide was your first step into your Remote Viewing journey. Remote Viewing is a skill that can be developed and mastered with practice, patience, and persistence. It is a fascinating and useful tool that can provide valuable insights and information about the world around us. Remember to stay open-minded, trust your intuition, and have fun exploring the limitless possibilities. While staying open-minded, do take everything with a grain of salt. Remember the Remote Viewing protocol and that when it comes to how it works, “all models are wrong, some are useful.”
If you have any questions, feel free to post here (I'll post an FAQ thread in a bit), or refer to the Reddit Remote Viewing community that this guide was originally pulled from.
Happy viewing!