Diary of an Uncertain Psychic

Deena I.J. Newman

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English

University of Toronto Press
07 October 2025

Graphic novels; Religious groups: social & cultural aspects; Anthropology

Series: ethnoGRAPHIC

In Diary of an Uncertain Psychic, artist-anthropologist Deena I. J. Newman explores the life and lessons of Elizabeth, a California psychic and radio talk show host. Following the thread of spontaneous inner images, she ties together personal stories and fieldwork experiences in Israel, Ethiopia and the United States. Through vivid graphic narrative, this detailed account tells a story about images through images.

In Western culture, the phenomenon of spontaneous inner imagery is often considered unusual or abnormal. Newman challenges this perspective by suggesting that many people experience spontaneous visual, auditory, and kinesthetic imagery and contends that such imagery may be a potential key to understanding psychic and mental processes. She shows how these images may be interpreted differently across different cultures

as spiritual messages, omens, sources of scientific and artistic inspiration, psychological insights, symptoms of mental illness, or simply nonsensical productions of the mind.

In visualising these images on the page, this book invites readers to delve deeper into the complexities of inner imagery

both within psychics and within themselves. Newman illustrates the film-like inner images commonly experienced yet frequently overlooked, revealing the uncertainty involved in translating between images and words. By analysing Elizabeth's and her own experiences, Newman underscores the challenges inherent in this translation process.

By: Deena I.J. Newman
Imprint: University of Toronto Press
Country of Publication: Canada
Dimensions: Height: 254mm, Width: 178mm,
Weight: 1g
ISBN: 9781487563288
ISBN 10: 1487563280
Series: ethnoGRAPHIC
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 07 October 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface Diary of an Uncertain Psychic Notes Bibliography

Deena I. J. Newman is an Alexander Technique teacher and anthropologist who has taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and received Fulbright and Wenner-Gren grants for her work in Ethiopia.