How to get a good psychic reading

MIT-trained scientist Pete Sanders, in his bestelling book You Are Psychic, gives some helpful tips on choosing a good psychic.^[1]

The first thing to consider is obvious: How much does it cost? A psychic who really wants to be helpful will charge you a fair price. “A higher fee does not necessarily mean better psychic ability or quality,” Sanders explains. “A reasonable price, however, usually indicates a commitment to service and clear spiritual motives.”

Another important consideration: Is the psychic giving specific answers? Or just general answers? As Sanders notes, “All psychics have times when they simply can’t get a clear signal. An honest psychic reader will tell you at least once during the interview, ‘I’m getting nothing on that’ or ‘It’s not completely clear.’ A reader who gives you an unequivocal answer to every question is probably exaggerating, and may even be making things up. Look for psychics who give you their impressions, and then try to help you sense further on your own.”

And if a psychic insists that you not consult any other psychics, that’s a definite red flag, he says.

Because tarot reading is a particularly popular form of psychic advice, I recently spoke with tarot master Eve Paris to get her thoughts on that subject.^[2] “As with any psychic,” she said, “you must find one with whom you have a particular affinity.” She went on to explain how tarot is differs from other psychic forms:

“People classify tarot reading as psychic even though it’s more like reading a different language.  Intuitive flow is usually a factor, but empathy and academic know-how are more important to a good reading. Like playing bridge, tarot reading can be performed on many levels; this is true of almost every ESP tool, for when dealing with extra sensory perceptions, you are bridging the gap from three-dimensional time-space, cause-and-effect conscious reality to the multi-dimensionality of our psyche—a quantum leap from the familiar territory of rational logic. A good reading, whether tarot or otherwise, will simultaneously deal with as many levels as possible.”

As an example, she offers this demonstration:

“Let’s say you are seeking some general life direction. With the tarot reader you draw The Emperor, 10 Swords, and The Devil. This could be read, ‘You have a huge job ahead of you which will require a new perception of your reality if you are to face the obstacles successfully.’ A charlatan might read the same cards as ‘You have been cursed by a powerful man of means, and he will betray and oppose you, but I can rid you of that curse for $4,000.’ I trust you get the point.  The psychologist will draw you out to reveal your innermost emotions, competently or not, and the psychiatrist will likely dose you with whatever designer drug is currently in vogue to take the edge off, both often resulting in an expensive bill in the long run, even if you are legitimately assisted. In seeking an advisor, then, your rapport with that advisor and the confidence you feel for them is the best guideline. Bottom line is: the only credential worth its salt is in the results obtained.”

[1] Pete A Sanders, Jr., You Are Psychic (New York: Ballantine Books, 1990).
[2] Eve Paris, interview with author, 20 October 2015.