Birth Legends: The Mark of a Psychic

Caulbearers throughout history

Each of us has, at some point or another, experienced a moment of foresight. For instance, thinking of someone just as she or he calls on the phone or somehow knowing what the next song on the radio will be. Moments like these often make one stop to ask, "Was that a coincidence or am I psychic?" Although it would be wise to consider whether or not your favorite radio station rotates the same 50 songs day after day, it very may well be that you are at least a little bit psychic.

Of course some people, like musical proteges, have the gift more than others, and from a very early age. Many of us study and practice a musical instrument for years, achieving a moderate level of proficiency, while others take to it with what appears to be lightning speed, able to identify and play notes on hearing them, visualizing music and hearing music play in their heads. The very best psychics have a similar gift, an extraordinary Extra Sensory Perception (ESP).

One of the earliest marks of a psychic takes place at birth when a child is born in the caul (also referred to as veil or hood). The caul is a thin membrane, part of the amniotic sac in which the baby grows while in the womb. A child born with a caul usually emerges with the amnion covering his or her head. It has been described as a shimmering veil. The caul is harmless and easily removed by a doctor or midwife. Those born this way are referred to as caulbearers. These types of births are very rare, especially today due to more interventive birthing techniques.

There is much folklore associated with caul births. In certain societies caulbearers were burned as witches and thought to be werewolves or vampires. For the most part, however, being born with a caul was seen as a good omen, a sign of luck and greatness, the mark of kings (caulbearers being born already crowned).

Thought to bring wisdom, honor and truth, cauls were often purchased by Greek and Roman statesmen. In Scandinavian tradition, the caul was associated with the presence of an accompanying spirit called a fylgja, which after birth would manifest as an animal, object or person. In other societies, caulbearers were believed to be impervious to drowning, and the cauls themselves (which can be dried and saved), were highly sought after by sailors, who would buy them and often wear them in lockets as prevention against drowning. Amniomancy, a form of divination, was practiced by interpreting the caul. Cauls were often kept as heirlooms. Upon the death of the bearer, it was said that the caul should be burned so its owner could rest peacefully.

Caulbearers are also said to have the ability to be able to detect underground water, to predict weather changes and to know when fish and food will be plentiful.

In addition to all this is the psychic ability. Born behind the veil, caulbearers are believed to possess special sensitivities, to have the ability to navigate between many worlds and to see the future. Along with the psychic gift, they are also said to be natural healers, practicing via laying on of hands or doing distance healing.

Caulbearer infants are usually easy babies. As they develop, caulbearers can potentially be misunderstood because people sense that they are different. If you know a child or have a child born with a caul, being aware of these associations may help sensitize you to their potential needs and gifts. However, it's important to bear in mind that all children, born with a caul or not, should be treated no differently and allowed to develop whatever psychic, healing or special talents they may have.

Some famous caulbearers include Alexander the Great, Jesus, the poet Lord Byron and the mystic poet Kahlil Gibran.