Are you very sensitive? Do you often feel like you pick up on other people's emotions, or even feel what they are feeling? Do you feel agitated or uncomfortable in crowds? If you can answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may have the makings of an empath. Empaths are often highly creative people, deeply attuned to those around them. They are artists, healers, and problem solvers. All of these good traits come with a price, however -- they are also easily negatively affected by other people's energy.

What is an empath?

An empath is a person with a high degree of empathy. Empathy is being aware of other people's feelings and emotions, even feeling them yourself, even if you have never gone through the same experience. For example, you can understand and feel a friend's sorrow at losing a parent, even if you have never experienced a loss like that. Empaths absorb the energy of those around them, whether it is joy or sorrow. Some may even suffer physical symptoms from this, even though they are not actually ill.

What are some common empath traits?

They are good listeners.
They are natural healers.
They are highly intuitive.
They can feel people's physical illness.
They may be hypersensitive.
They can become easily overwhelmed, especially in crowds.
They can be introverts.
They are often victims of emotional vampires.
They need a lot of time alone to recharge.
They are very connected to nature.
They may dislike strong stimuli. Pungent smells, loud noises, violent movies, and excessive talking can overwhelm them.

What can they do?

Empathic people are very creative. They are not only talented artistically or musically, they can be excellent poets, and fantastic problem-solvers. They do not like experiencing the pain and negativity of others, so they will do whatever they must in order to alleviate it. Some may even experience heightened psychic abilities, due to their ability to pick up on subtle energetic cues. Regular meditation and candle spells can help hone these innate talents.

People and animals alike are attracted to them. They give off a sense of safety, which naturally draws others in. This means that they can be extremely charismatic, even without trying.

How can they protect themselves from other people's energy?

The biggest downside to being empathic is this: most do not know when to stop. It is a wonderful thing for a person to want to take on the world's sorrows, but not if it destroys them in the process. It also is not a good idea to be a vulnerable target for abusers and other emotional vampires. Fortunately, there are ways for empaths to protect themselves, without having to give up the benefits of their sensitive nature.

The first thing all empaths must do is learn to ground themselves. Grounding is, in a sense, "recalibrating" energy. It allows them to retain and realign the energy that belongs to them, while releasing that which does not. One easy way to do this is by using crystals -- carrying, wearing, holding, or meditating with them. Black tourmaline as a pendant or pocket stone is very useful here. Smoky quartz, snowflake obsidian, and other dark-colored stones are also helpful allies, while lapis lazuli can help protect against psychic attacks by energy vampires.

Burning purifying and balancing herbs can also help with the release of negative energy. White sage is an excellent purification herb, and lavender flowers cleanse energy and promote peace.

Regular spiritual baths are another must. Infuse the bath with sea salt and cleansing herbs, or use a prepared bath like a Marjoram or Spiritual Cleansing Big Al Bath & Floor Wash. Step into the water, and visualize it carrying away all of the negative thoughts and feelings that do not belong to you.

Lastly, it is important to set up a psychic shield before leaving the house or going into a crowd. Picture a bubble of white light surrounding you, through which only good things may cross. You can even say it out loud: "I am protected by divine light, and no negativity may enter here."

Being an empath is a wonderful thing, but it can be a mixed blessing. What some see as a divine gift, others see as an opportunity to take advantage of a kind and generous spirit. If you are an empath, it is important that you know your limits, and take measures to protect yourself against other people's energy.