Sample chapter from the free e-book TaoCraft Portfolio. Download your copy HERE
There aren’t many spiritual portfolios around. So how do you know who is the right psychic for you? How do you avoid scams and know who to trust? Much of Tarot’s value comes from the way it helps us face harsh realities. One of those realities is that not every psychic is an expert. Not every psychic has your best interests at heart. Scams and crimes really have happened and really do exist. That reality has caused harm to seekers and psychics alike. The key is to combine your own instincts with a little street smarts and logic.
Of those, the first step, is to follow your own instincts.
Right away, that sounds like a bunch of double talk. If using your instincts was the answer, then you wouldn’t need to consult a psychic in the first place.
I believe that we all possess good intuition, but sometimes it helps to have another point of view. Two heads really can be better than one. It takes two separate eyes for us to physically see depth and distance. Even professional readers consult with other psychics sometimes. Tarot cards and professional psychics are amplifiers for your intuition, not a substitute for it. It’s said that spirit speaks in whispers. We professionals serve to translate spirit’s whispers into louder language that you can use.
Most people wouldn’t hesitate to ask friends, family or neighbors for a recommendation if they need a plumber or a mechanic or a hair stylist. Why should this be any different? I wouldn’t suggest asking your super religious granny if she knows a good psychic, but asking like-minded people is a pretty reliable way to find a good reader. Word of mouth is often the only way to find some of the best psychics . If you already know a psychic that you like and trust, recommending them is a wonderful way to support their work.
Without a personal recommendation, you might have to dig a little; read ads, visit websites, ask at small local bookstores or holistic health shops. Those of us on this side of the reading table are a little underground for all the same reasons that you need to be on guard. We still have to protect ourselves and our families from cultural and religious bigotry, even in 21st century America. We have to protect ourselves from the reputation other bad actors have created. We have to protect ourselves from people trying to scam us. We have to deal with all the same pitfalls that you do. Wariness on both sides can make it hard for psychics and clients to connect with each other.
When you get a recommendation or find an ad that catches your attention, don’t be shy. Talk to the person. Text, email or call, but ask reasonable questions. Don’t suddenly pour out your heart to a stranger or interrogate them like the latest crime drama. Instead, ask them about practical business things, like scheduling, location, hours, prices, accepted forms of payment and so on.
It is often easier to get a feel for the person’s personality and ethics from this kind of business conversation than any other way. Questions like these are safe, neutral ground for both of you. Working psychics want to protect everyone’s privacy and comfort level. If you are just a little bit friendly, you’ll find that a trustworthy psychic will meet you more than half way. If they treat mundane business questions with professionalism and kindness, chances are they will treat your reading the same way. If they seem like they are hiding something, making a hard core sales pitch or it all just seems way too good to be true, then pay attention to those feelings. It’s ok to talk to several people before you commit to an appointment.
If you’ve talked to the psychic, if it feels right and you can afford it, try a session. If it is a good match, you’ll know right away. A Tarot reading should never make you feel judged or uncomfortable. If that first session isn’t a good experience, simply try again with someone else. Personality and style are important factors in finding the right psychic for you. Some people enjoy a little pizzazzy drama. Others prefer a relaxed, conversation over coffee vibe. A mismatch in style or personality doesn’t mean that the reader did anything wrong. Neither did you. You should never take it personally or be made to feel that a bad session was your fault for “not believing” or any such nonsense.
Of course, always use plenty of common sense to steer clear of scams. “Psychics” who promise to fix your love life, cure anything, give 100% accurate predictions, or demand regular appointments should be approached with caution. I’ve met a lot of excellent psychics and Tarot readers. None of them, not a single one, ever offers a reading out of the blue to a stranger. Advertising, special offers, or giveaways to the general public are normal business practices. Targeting an individual in the guise of being ‘called’ or ‘led’ to do a reading for them is on par with spam bots and email phishing – or worse.
Thanks to the Internet, no matter where you live, you can get affordable, expert Tarot readings. The extrasensory part of a reading comes from outside of ordinary space and time. You are not limited to finding a psychic near you. Communicating the reading to you by phone or internet doesn’t change the content of the message one bit. Distance versus in-person is about style, not substance and personal preference, not accuracy.
Some people like the social fun of an in-person reading. That preference goes for both sides of the reading table. I know a lot of psychics that just enjoy the connection, pace and energy of in-person readings more than typing or video making.
Distance readings are as exactly as valid as in-person sessions, possibly more so. With a distance reading, you know the message is truly intuitive. With email in particular, there is no way for you to give away body language cues or answer leading questions. Distance readings protect you from deceptive ‘cold readings’ and stage mentalism.
Distance readings are my specialty. I’m a writer at heart and I enjoy taking the time to think of the most potent and powerful words for your message without the social obligations of an active conversation. I like to think my style of Tarot is perfect for book lovers and introverts.
Finding a trustworthy psychic online poses the same problems as finding one in-person, multiplied by the sheer number of people available. Trusting your feelings is all the more important when you work online despite the many cost, convenience, and privacy benefits of a distance reading.
In-person or at a distance, there are lots of psychics available but they are sometimes hard to find. It’s worth the effort to find the right price, style, personality, and format for you. You’ll get a better reading and more value for your money in the long run. Following your instincts combined with a little common sense can help you find a trustworthy Tarot reader.
After reading this booklet, I hope your instincts will be to work with me.
Sage Words Tarot 