PK (literally mind movement) is a term used for psi phenomena wherein a person appears to directly affect their environment through mental intention or even by their mere presence. As ESP was thought to be analogous to sensory functioning, PK was the psi equivalent to motor functioning. Traditionally, PK has been split into two categories:
History:
The term psychokinesis is derived from the Greek words psyche meaning "breath," "life," or "soul," and kinein meaning "to move." The occurrences of PK have been recorded since ancient times. The occurrences include levitation, miraculous healings, luminosities, apports, and other physical phenomena attributed to holy persons and adepts of magic around the world. Such phenomena is recorded in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts. One example is cited in which St. Paul and Silas where imprisoned in Ephesus where they prayed and sung hymns, and at midnight their shackles fell off as the prison doors swung opened (Acts 16:19-40).
It is thought that possibly magic spells, curses, and rituals to control the weather may involve PK. The use of the evil eye has been placed within this classification.
Manifestations of PK have occurred in spiritualism such as alleged materializations and dematerializations, apports, levitations, table-tipping, raps, and the appearances of ectoplasm and pseudopods. One 19th century D. D. Holmes was known for his ability to levitate and to handle hot coals without being burned. But, also during this time, there were individuals known as "electric people" who experienced a"high-voltage syndrome". They made knives and forks cling to their skin, and with a touch could send furniture flying across a room.
At the beginning of the 20th century Rudi Schneider, another medium known for his PK ability of materialization and telekinesis of objects, was studied by psychical researchers.