I was thinking about this topic the other day and thought that this article would help to clear up some  misconceptions about the gift.    Empathy is the gift of sensing and interpreting the emotions and feelings of others.  I find that it is a rare gift by all accounts and is one of the most precious gifts that a person can recieve from the Universe, Divine, goddess, whatever you beliefs may be. 

Lets first talk about the different aspects of Empathy.  There is active and passive empathy.  Both forms of empathy have their "powers" for lack of a better word, and they too have their downfalls.  Active empathy is typically the form that is misused.  These are the empaths who have the ability to "project" their feelings onto other people.  These people can influence those around them into doing the things that they want or need them to do.  Sometimes Active empaths are not even aware of their gift, but use it anyway.  This is unwise for reasons that will be discussed later in the article.  Passive empaths are those who have th gift, but it dosen't really do anything.  You can interpret the feelings, give counsel on how to deal with the feelings, that about it/  These people are less likely to misuse their gifts, simply because they can't and these people too may have the gift and be using it and not even know it. 

To be honest, and untrained empath is dangerous.  These people may fear their power and as such it could bring them to harm.  Others may engage in dangerous behavior without fulling understanding the ramifications of what they are doing.  There are depths to empathy that can only be explained by Empaths themselves.   Ways  to shield youself from the emotions  that berate you day in and out.  If interest appears to arise, i'll discuss these things in greater detail.  Until then.....