Psychometry – the supposed ability to discover facts about an event or person from inanimate objects associated with them. Oxford English Dictionary.
Not to be confused with psychometric testing, which some companies use in their recruitment process.
Many psychics and mediums use this method of divination, especially when giving a private reading. It is often a very interesting way to glean information, but it does have its drawbacks. If the item belonged to someone else originally you may find their vibrations are still on it. This could lead to a lot of negative responses from the sitter.
The psychic or medium takes hold of an item, preferably one which only its owner has held. The medium then tunes in their sixth sense to the vibrations on the item. This may sound weird and spooky but it is very simple and straight forward.
Every object holds vibrations and all the vibrations give off energy which is full of information. The information gleaned can be about the owner of the item or about the history of the piece or, an amalgamation of both.
It is sometimes used whilst the medium adjusts to the person for whom they are giving the reading. Especially if they are giving several readings in succession.
Flowers or foliage are often used for this purpose. It is always best when giving a flower reading to ask that the sitter picks the flower themselves and lets no one else touch it. The flower will then only hold the vibrations of the owner.
A really good reading using psychometry would begin with the reading of vibrations from an object or flower and continue into a a mediumistic reading when the medium has settled down and tuned into the spirits.
Flower services are sometimes held at Spiritualist churches but not on Sunday when it is a Divine service.