I dislike being associated with charlatans

[rei]

As the title says, I dislike being involved in an industry that involves a lot of charlatans. Folks like a certain individual who used to have a tv show where he performed mediumship (I do not feel that was authentic).

It creates this idea that anyone who does this sort of work is just preying on vulnerable people - rather than them being open to using abilities to help those who wish to help themselves. And really, the way I feel called about it, I would not step down from the work, but I still dislike being part of an industry that gets those sort of judgments.

I wonder how those who do this work professionally from a genuine place deal with this association.

[themaster]

Judgment against your fellow beings/humans/energy.. tsk tsk..

Rei, how do you know those "fakes" or not are not helping people?

I wish to say that there is value in anything.. even the experience of dealing with someone who may not have the abilities they claim.. turn that frown, upside down

And once you start playing the judgment game.. it can be turned against you.. how do we know you're not a fake?

I think you should re-read Iamthat's Judgment thread Specifically this..

I am here to save you

I am here to save you

And more to the point.. here is what Iamthat said to me.. by PM

Originally Posted by IAmThat

hey!

i really appreciate your post. it made me feel a lot better. but don't worry - i do not feel like "the victim" anymore. I've already gone through that stage in my "evolution of consciousness". I've been feeling like the victim for a long time in my life though, until i woke up and realized that i was a victim, like, i had been acting out that role, but it wasn't who i am. it was a great feeling!

i wasn't feeling depressed personally, i was just feeling sad because i see how mean these people can be. i can see what they can do to people who cannot handle it as well as i can (although we are all part of the same thing, obviously we are different aspects of that consciousness). I (and I'm using the word "I" very carefully now) can bear that burden. I am not worried about that anymore.

Going through this process helped. I had to see if i could handle it. And I could. And that is a very good thing. Another test has been passed, I believe.

Consciousness, becoming conscious of itself. It's good stuff!

I wish you all the best and I hope you are always well on your journey!

Yours always,
Remy

P.S. I am not crazy.... I know it now! I know that I'm saying the right thing, but it's just difficult for us to transition fully into a new state of consciousness without wanting to not let go of the last one (and the last one was full of fear, judgement, resentment, hell basically :-)) It's like a new born baby that's coming out, that still wants the security and darkness of the womb. It's time to see the light of day!

I hope that helps! You seem very enlightened on your own though! And not much in need of my help. That is a good thing! Good luck to you sir! And if you ever do need my help, please, feel free to ask.

I love you!

(P.P.S. I'm talking to myself)

[rei]

I never said those people are not helping others. I don't know that, and there can be plenty of value in those types of situations (the potentially heart-hardening kind). I'm also not judging them as people. I'm talking about a general dynamic at play, involving no single person. But yes, in my reality the intention matters. If the intention is to pretend you are doing something, I'm less okay with that. You call it morals, I call it ethics. And I've seen how much environmental/vibrational distortion (sense of disconnection and greater sense of separation) was created through pretending, so no, I can't say I'm okay with it - but I'm not on some kind of crusade about it either. I don't expect anyone to change their approach because of my preference. And from another level it's all perfect and I accept it all.

I am not even uncomfortable with the idea of being called fake. It's not a trigger for me But I would not enjoy it if someone thought I was pretending so I could manipulate people out of their money. Even so, it is their choice to think as they wish.

And though I don't think I am judging, you judging me for judging doesn't seem like it moves toward a win/win.

I guess I would like it if being naive and idealistic were actually just having realistic expectations of how folks treat each other.

[shasah]

Originally Posted by rei

As the title says, I dislike being involved in an industry that involves a lot of charlatans. Folks like a certain individual who used to have a tv show where he performed mediumship (I do not feel that was authentic).

It creates this idea that anyone who does this sort of work is just preying on vulnerable people - rather than them being open to using abilities to help those who wish to help themselves. And really, the way I feel called about it, I would not step down from the work, but I still dislike being part of an industry that gets those sort of judgments.

I wonder how those who do this work professionally from a genuine place deal with this association.

I've always wanted to get a reading but was skeptical about authenticity so I can see where you're coming from. How can you tell a true practitioner from a shyster? I'm working on my intuition but still have a long way to go. I guess I'm also wary of them, professional or shyster, telling me something that my subconscious would process and not let go.

The other day I had a man approach me asking me for money, instead of beating around the bush or lying, I just said no, sorry. I felt guilty for doing so and as I was walking away, he cursed me to "never return home". My subconscious played with that long and hard through my drive home but a new affirmation helped me to deprogram it as I was driving. Needless to say, I arrived home safely, but the subconscious is not something to play with and hence the further hesitation to get a reading.

I am reading another book, "Biology of Belief" that I believe will help even further in that area and may take that step soon.

[rei]

Originally Posted by shasah

I've always wanted to get a reading but was skeptical about authenticity so I can see where you're coming from. How can you tell a true practitioner from a shyster? I'm working on my intuition but still have a long way to go. I guess I'm also wary of them, professional or shyster, telling me something that my subconscious would process and not let go.

The other day I had a man approach me asking me for money, instead of beating around the bush or lying, I just said no, sorry. I felt guilty for doing so and as I was walking away, he cursed me to "never return home". My subconscious played with that long and hard through my drive home but a new affirmation helped me to deprogram it as I was driving. Needless to say, I arrived home safely, but the subconscious is not something to play with and hence the further hesitation to get a reading.

I am reading another book, "Biology of Belief" that I believe will help even further in that area and may take that step soon.

Ooh, I've heard that's a great book, shasah! Let me know if it's helpful, would you?

I did not even think about the subconscious idea. I would actually imagine the person's spirit guides are there to help prevent that sort of thing (one of my guides is making my head nod as I type this ). At least, it seems like that could apply among those who are working with sincerity.

I guess it just seems like there are some sticky sides to this stuff, and though my cosmic self doesn't bother reflecting on that at all, my human self would appreciate it if I could wave a magic wand and create a world where we all treat each other with honesty, grace, and authenticity. Having no wounds that motivate much of that behavior. Just love and warm-fuzzies... at least, for anyone who would choose such a world.

[Weena]

hi Rei!

did someone actually associated you to charlatans ?

I know what you mean about the "so called" psychics who tell things that are SOOO general that it could apply to really anyone! There was a hilarious episode of South Park about it (not that i like that cartoon but that very episode was really funny). Here where i live there's that guy who has a big, big head since he was labeled "Australian psychic of the year". You should see his website with him on the trashiest shows available on Australian TV. when he gets something right it's like "i see you had back surgery" (i know, i know, you could say he doesn't know it so it shows he gets the right info, however what does it do for the person read? I would never pay huge $$$ for someone to tell me "hey you know what, i get that you suffer migraines", wooh-peeh-dooh).

You know, you should attract people to you that are meant to get something from your interactions. I hope you didn't actually got called charlatan by anyone. And i wish you heaps of good things in your newly started path as an intuitive .

[rei]

Originally Posted by Weena

hi Rei!

did someone actually associated you to charlatans ?

I know what you mean about the "so called" psychics who tell things that are SOOO general that it could apply to really anyone! There was a hilarious episode of South Park about it (not that i like that cartoon but that very episode was really funny). Here where i live there's that guy who has a big, big head since he was labeled "Australian psychic of the year". You should see his website with him on the trashiest shows available on Australian TV. when he gets something right it's like "i see you had back surgery" (i know, i know, you could say he doesn't know it so it shows he gets the right info, however what does it do for the person read? I would never pay huge $$$ for someone to tell me "hey you know what, i get that you suffer migraines", wooh-peeh-dooh).

You know, you should attract people to you that are meant to get something from your interactions. I hope you didn't actually got called charlatan by anyone. And i wish you heaps of good things in your newly started path as an intuitive .

Aw, Weena, what a lovely response No, nobody actually said this about me. (Not to my face anyway ) I'm talking more about the general attitude that can come up about this type of service. It's like I feel the wave of distortion created by both those who initiate this idea of the charlatan by approaching it that way and by those who experience their particular type of work. It is like the heart knows whether there's something to it, and the heart doesn't like finding out it's not a genuine thing. And I somehow feel that now that I'm tuned into this line of work.

I missed that episode of South Park but I bet it is hilarious Thank you for the lovely support

[Andrew Brunelle]

I'm pretty sure Erin knows a lot about what you are talking about, so perhaps she can shed some light on this situation.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Andrew Brunelle

I'm pretty sure Erin knows a lot about what you are talking about, so perhaps she can shed some light on this situation.

Oh, I'd be thrilled if she popped in on this thread and shared how she has handled this sort of thing. Or shared a link to something she may have already written about it.

[shasah]

Originally Posted by rei

Ooh, I've heard that's a great book, shasah! Let me know if it's helpful, would you?

I'm about half way through and have learned a lot already. There's a lot of biology and quantum physics and how the 2 can and should fit together. Just getting to the beliefs part. There was a time when I wanted a scientific explanation and it seems that I am now getting it.

I did not even think about the subconscious idea. I would actually imagine the person's spirit guides are there to help prevent that sort of thing (one of my guides is making my head nod as I type this ). At least, it seems like that could apply among those who are working with sincerity.

You didn't think about it because you are not that type of person. I, on the other hand, am working through some of my suspicious and guarded nature. Not sure how it is that I'm an optimist but still have those guards?? Letting them down one by one though

I guess it just seems like there are some sticky sides to this stuff, and though my cosmic self doesn't bother reflecting on that at all, my human self would appreciate it if I could wave a magic wand and create a world where we all treat each other with honesty, grace, and authenticity. Having no wounds that motivate much of that behavior. Just love and warm-fuzzies... at least, for anyone who would choose such a world.

Yes, it would be nice if all had honesty, grace and authenticity. But I think the work of finding them is part of the journey. Here's hoping that more take that path.

[rei]

Originally Posted by shasah

I'm about half way through and have learned a lot already. There's a lot of biology and quantum physics and how the 2 can and should fit together. Just getting to the beliefs part. There was a time when I wanted a scientific explanation and it seems that I am now getting it.

That's awesome I am familiar with the core idea of that book, I find it exciting! And that is great how you are getting what you were wanting

Originally Posted by shasah

You didn't think about it because you are not that type of person. I, on the other hand, am working through some of my suspicious and guarded nature. Not sure how it is that I'm an optimist but still have those guards?? Letting them down one by one though

Well, it may very well be that I am not that type of person - I do think discernment is valuable though. (Might surprise some folks to hear that but it's true.) Congrats on your continued progress

Originally Posted by shasah

Yes, it would be nice if all had honesty, grace and authenticity. But I think the work of finding them is part of the journey. Here's hoping that more take that path.

I really like the perspective you have on this!

[ssandra]

Just thinking here, but maybe it is just a matter of NOT associating yourself with those people?

I mean, for example, there are sales people who lie and say whatever to get the sale done. Especially in recruitment.
When I was still in sales and recruitment I go that prejudice thrown at me some times.

"All you recruitment consultants are only out for one thing, and that is your own thing, the sale. You don't care about me and my company"

I always told them (and myself), well, that may be true for some people but I do not associate with them. I am not them, I am not like that.

It didn't hit me, or hurt me, and I didn't dislike that there were people that were like that, because I was not like that.

I believe that if you feel uncomfortable about something, it has something to do within yourself. Very rarely does it happen that you feel bad about something or other peoples opinions, if it has nothing to do with you...

So, although you say you don't feel bad about it... maybe it is good to reexamine that? To really dig deeper..? Because, if you truly feel that you are different... why would YOU associate yourself with these type of people? They are after all not psychics, but con artists...

[rei]

Originally Posted by ssandra

Just thinking here, but maybe it is just a matter of NOT associating yourself with those people?

I mean, for example, there are sales people who lie and say whatever to get the sale done. Especially in recruitment.
When I was still in sales and recruitment I go that prejudice thrown at me some times.

"All you recruitment consultants are only out for one thing, and that is your own thing, the sale. You don't care about me and my company"

I always told them (and myself), well, that may be true for some people but I do not associate with them. I am not them, I am not like that.

It didn't hit me, or hurt me, and I didn't dislike that there were people that were like that, because I was not like that.

I believe that if you feel uncomfortable about something, it has something to do within yourself. Very rarely does it happen that you feel bad about something or other peoples opinions, if it has nothing to do with you...

So, although you say you don't feel bad about it... maybe it is good to reexamine that? To really dig deeper..? Because, if you truly feel that you are different... why would YOU associate yourself with these type of people? They are after all not psychics, but con artists...

This is an awesome response. I definitely don't associate with those folks, I do not see us as the same. I meant more in the sense that the general population lumps it all together. You obviously have the awareness to see there is a difference, but in other situations folks don't seem to realize that.

But maybe I'm hiding from a breakthrough by saying that, I'm not sure. I mean yeah, this means I value others' opinions in some sense and would like to feel like my work is respectable - and it is - but perhaps less so among those who lump it all together. I would probably not cross paths with them anyway. I am not sure why I care then. I will give it some more thought at another point... right now I have a couple readings to do

[Anna Conlan]

Hi rei,

I think it's all part and parcel of being an intuitive. People will have preconceived notions about what it is that you do. And sometimes they will not trust you because of it.

All you can do is just be yourself - be human, be real, relate to their skepticism. Caring about people and showing you do, goes a long way to stop people being so skeptical and cautious about what you do.

I used to hate it when people didn't trust me because all my life I wanted people to like me. About two years ago I even got called a scam artist by one guy I read for because he said his life still hadn't changed one year after the reading, and that really hurt at the time. But you know what, I think that is part of the reason why I went into this field. It has been a huge learning curve for me, that has resulted in me truly not caring these days whether someone likes me or not. Very nice (and freeing) place to be in.

At the moment I am living with my mum and her husband. My mum is open to what I do but her husband subscribes to New Zealand skeptic magazine. He thinks I'm a very good mentalist, even when I manage to connect with dead relatives and give very specific info like names. He thinks it's all coincidence. I get on very well with him but I've learned to accept that some people just don't (and will never) believe in what I do and think I'm a well-meaning fake.

I bet you're learning something too from being in a field that is famous for being full of fakes, and having people be wary of your intuitive abilities from time to time.

[danas]

I think it's a bit problematic business in the sense that even if you are very intuitive and a medium, you can be completely wrong sometimes.
After all, you are a human being living in this world and its not like I say ok heres some $$ please tell me about so and so, and then you say fine, and take out the "book about me" and read it to me.

I've been to a few phsycics in my life, I dont think any of them were purposely charlatans, they all had good vibes, some were very experienced (and expensive) who had plenty of great testimonials up, but still, they did not make acurate predictions about me, and even gave me what I later learned was very bad advice (to do with investments), luckily I acted on my own intuition last minute, and saved myself.
And I have no one to blame really because phsycics or intuitives arent God, they are people just like me. I have very strong intuition too. The other day I dreamt that someone who never contacted me before, and who I hardly know (or wanted to know), would write to me, and in the morning she did. This kind of stuff happens to me very often, but still I know that sometimes my intuition is off.

So, thats why I also think its problematic to charge hundreds of dollars for this service, because we are all only human, and whatever info you get is not concrete facts. Unless of course the service includes coaching, but thats something else.
Not that I wouldnt consult an intuitive again, just I know now
a) Not to take it like its concrete facts
b)never will I pay over a certain amount for this service, because the higher one pays, the higher the expectations

[rei]

Originally Posted by Anna Conlan

Hi rei,

I think it's all part and parcel of being an intuitive. People will have preconceived notions about what it is that you do. And sometimes they will not trust you because of it.

All you can do is just be yourself - be human, be real, relate to their skepticism. Caring about people and showing you do, goes a long way to stop people being so skeptical and cautious about what you do.

I used to hate it when people didn't trust me because all my life I wanted people to like me. About two years ago I even got called a scam artist by one guy I read for because he said his life still hadn't changed one year after the reading, and that really hurt at the time. But you know what, I think that is part of the reason why I went into this field. It has been a huge learning curve for me, that has resulted in me truly not caring these days whether someone likes me or not. Very nice (and freeing) place to be in.

At the moment I am living with my mum and her husband. My mum is open to what I do but her husband subscribes to New Zealand skeptic magazine. He thinks I'm a very good mentalist, even when I manage to connect with dead relatives and give very specific info like names. He thinks it's all coincidence. I get on very well with him but I've learned to accept that some people just don't (and will never) believe in what I do and think I'm a well-meaning fake.

I bet you're learning something too from being in a field that is famous for being full of fakes, and having people be wary of your intuitive abilities from time to time.

Thank you very much for offering this, and yes I kind of thought it might just come with the territory.

Funny enough, I tend to feel okay about skepticism. My partner is a skeptic. It is the idea that I'm intentionally deceiving people (or working in a field where that happens) that I don't like. But then, I know intellectually it is their right to have that opinion and it is not a reflection on me.

But you're right, I can definitely see the power of this work in dissolving any need to be liked. I have zero control over the expectations (and would not want that control), and have no control over how folks respond to the message either. If I'm honest, part of me would currently appreciate the chance to manufacture a smooth response to the work, but I hope that shifts as I gain more experience. And of course, I know I can't manufacture that and I don't even try. (I do think a client thanked me in dreamtime recently.)

Maybe I can focus on getting back into just myself as I think it is complicated by still being in sensitive mode if there is feedback so of course it stings that much more.

We're all human, though. I hope I can get to the place you've gotten to when it comes to the way others respond to this stuff. You do seem quite balanced about it Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

[elucidate]

This is a really important point you've made here Danas.

It's the persons own expectations and tendency to put intuitives on a pedestal and be unrealistic about them to start with that can cause all the strife later on.

People don't understand that intuitives can be wrong at times. They can be totally off the mark...it's hit or miss at times with psychic stuff. Making allowances for this can help both parties get along.

Maybe it is something that intuitives need to make clear from the start, that what the outcome is may not always be 100% accurate, and to leave it up to the client to think for themselves and take what sounds right and leave the rest. Once they understand this a bit more, I see no reason why things need to turn sour.

Originally Posted by danas

I think it's a bit problematic business in the sense that even if you are very intuitive and a medium, you can be completely wrong sometimes.
After all, you are a human being living in this world and its not like I say ok heres some $$ please tell me about so and so, and then you say fine, and take out the "book about me" and read it to me.

I've been to a few phsycics in my life, I dont think any of them were purposely charlatans, they all had good vibes, some were very experienced (and expensive) who had plenty of great testimonials up, but still, they did not make acurate predictions about me, and even gave me what I later learned was very bad advice (to do with investments), luckily I acted on my own intuition last minute, and saved myself.
And I have no one to blame really because phsycics or intuitives arent God, they are people just like me. I have very strong intuition too. The other day I dreamt that someone who never contacted me before, and who I hardly know (or wanted to know), would write to me, and in the morning she did. This kind of stuff happens to me very often, but still I know that sometimes my intuition is off.

So, thats why I also think its problematic to charge hundreds of dollars for this service, because we are all only human, and whatever info you get is not concrete facts. Unless of course the service includes coaching, but thats something else.
Not that I wouldnt consult an intuitive again, just I know now
a) Not to take it like its concrete facts
b)never will I pay over a certain amount for this service, because the higher one pays, the higher the expectations

[Anna Conlan]

Yes, in my experience no matter how long you’ve been doing this work, it always stings when you come across someone who thinks you’re a bad or dishonest person.

I don’t know whether the people you’ve come across who think that psychics are charlatans are clients, readers, friends, family, acquaintances or just society in general.

I have found the best way to deal with it, whoever it is, is to minimize contact with those people, or just not talk about it.

I don’t have time for anyone who thinks I personally am dishonest, if I come into contact with them, they can just take their opinions elsewhere about all psychics being charlatans.

I also don’t take clients who aren’t sure about whether they believe in psychic abilities and are taking a chance with a reading because they really want to see change in their lives. I wrote on my readings page that people have to trust me enough to tell me which questions/life areas they want to cover in the session (I gather info 10 mins before I speak to the client). I don’t play psychic guessing games with clients so they can get proof of my abilities before I tune in. I don’t read for skeptics who are looking for proof of psychic abilities and try to trip me up. And I am really clear about that, it’s all written on my readings page. As a result, the clients I get these days are wonderful. They believe in psychic abilities (have had experiences themselves) and I don’t get anyone calling me a scam artist. If someone does, I would fire them as a client.

My second strategy is to demystify the whole process and remind people that psychics aren’t special and it’s nothing spooky. Psychic ability is natural and everyone has some.

[rei]

Originally Posted by danas

I think it's a bit problematic business in the sense that even if you are very intuitive and a medium, you can be completely wrong sometimes.
After all, you are a human being living in this world and its not like I say ok heres some $$ please tell me about so and so, and then you say fine, and take out the "book about me" and read it to me.

I've been to a few phsycics in my life, I dont think any of them were purposely charlatans, they all had good vibes, some were very experienced (and expensive) who had plenty of great testimonials up, but still, they did not make acurate predictions about me, and even gave me what I later learned was very bad advice (to do with investments), luckily I acted on my own intuition last minute, and saved myself.
And I have no one to blame really because phsycics or intuitives arent God, they are people just like me. I have very strong intuition too. The other day I dreamt that someone who never contacted me before, and who I hardly know (or wanted to know), would write to me, and in the morning she did. This kind of stuff happens to me very often, but still I know that sometimes my intuition is off.

So, thats why I also think its problematic to charge hundreds of dollars for this service, because we are all only human, and whatever info you get is not concrete facts. Unless of course the service includes coaching, but thats something else.
Not that I wouldnt consult an intuitive again, just I know now
a) Not to take it like its concrete facts
b)never will I pay over a certain amount for this service, because the higher one pays, the higher the expectations

Oh, well, it is definitely an art, not a science. Even if it is about the future, things can shift in so many ways before you reach that moment. I do think folks tend to also feel the work is supposed to be perfect, when that is unrealistic. But those of us who aren't out to deceive are certainly doing our best!

I would think if you understand it is art, not science, it seems you could have realistic expectations. But if your cutoff price works for you, then it works for you.

Originally Posted by elucidate

This is a really important point you've made here Danas.

It's the persons own expectations and tendency to put intuitives on a pedestal and be unrealistic about them to start with that can cause all the strife later on.

People don't understand that intuitives can be wrong at times. They can be totally off the mark...it's hit or miss at times with psychic stuff. Making allowances for this can help both parties get along.

Maybe it is something that intuitives need to make clear from the start, that what the outcome is may not always be 100% accurate, and to leave it up to the client to think for themselves and take what sounds right and leave the rest. Once they understand this a bit more, I see no reason why things need to turn sour.

It does seem to flow better for everyone if there is understanding that it may not be 100% perfect. On the one hand, I am a little surprised folks expect that, but on the other hand I suppose I'm not really.

[elucidate]

Hi Danas,

Just letting you know you have posted this twice now? Not sure if you are aware of it?

[elucidate]

Most people have preconceptions about everything...and with psychics, if they aren't totally skeptical to begin with, but are more on the gullible side, they may put them in the "God" category...which some charlatans enjoy and feed on I think.
That's why it's so easy for them to get away with it...because they know that there are suckers everywhere too willing to see their word as gospel and pay for it! I can see how some of them get totally corrupted by this and just love their ability to manipulate people.

It's the same as with Gurus. The followers give this power over to the guru, and it goes straight to his head, and he starts acting without ethics, because they have basically given him permission to do whatever he wants and cross whatever boundary he can.

Originally Posted by rei

Oh, well, it is definitely an art, not a science. Even if it is about the future, things can shift in so many ways before you reach that moment. I do think folks tend to also feel the work is supposed to be perfect, when that is unrealistic. But those of us who aren't out to deceive are certainly doing our best!

I would think if you understand it is art, not science, it seems you could have realistic expectations. But if your cutoff price works for you, then it works for you.

It does seem to flow better for everyone if there is understanding that it may not be 100% perfect. On the one hand, I am a little surprised folks expect that, but on the other hand I suppose I'm not really.

[rei]

Originally Posted by Anna Conlan

Yes, in my experience no matter how long you’ve been doing this work, it always stings when you come across someone who thinks you’re a bad or dishonest person.

I don’t know whether the people you’ve come across who think that psychics are charlatans are clients, readers, friends, family, acquaintances or just society in general.

I have found the best way to deal with it, whoever it is, is to minimize contact with those people, or just not talk about it.

I don’t have time for anyone who thinks I personally am dishonest, if I come into contact with them, they can just take their opinions elsewhere about all psychics being charlatans.

I also don’t take clients who aren’t sure about whether they believe in psychic abilities and are taking a chance with a reading because they really want to see change in their lives. I wrote on my readings page that people have to trust me enough to tell me which questions/life areas they want to cover in the session (I gather info 10 mins before I speak to the client). I don’t play psychic guessing games with clients so they can get proof of my abilities before I tune in. I don’t read for skeptics who are looking for proof of psychic abilities and try to trip me up. And I am really clear about that, it’s all written on my readings page. As a result, the clients I get these days are wonderful. They believe in psychic abilities (have had experiences themselves) and I don’t get anyone calling me a scam artist. If someone does, I would fire them as a client.

My second strategy is to demystify the whole process and remind people that psychics aren’t special and it’s nothing spooky. Psychic ability is natural and everyone has some.

That all sounds really helpful. No one who knows me personally has said they think I am doing this with dishonesty, which is wonderful. I would not expect anyone doing this from a sincere place to respond to that well.

I understand your standards related to clients as well. I do feel like the reading flows a bit better if the client has communicated openness or belief in these things. (A skeptic would claim something about that, but it is my opinion that there is a greater sense of connection which supports the work.) I've had a few potentials curious about it, and I explain the process as clearly as I can.

At this point I have not had to deal with the type of clients you've described. But I would not enjoy that either. Clear intentions for the reading just work better And, I do not feel at all the so-called burden of proof

Perhaps I will get to a place of being specific about the readings. For now, I am trusting that the etheric level sets it up as it needs to be. But then I am still so new at this

I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts about it.
(Oh, wanted to add, you mentioned your mum's husband. My partner has asked for a reading (more like challenged me to give one ) and I said no. For one thing, I do not feel like he really wants to hear the things I know that he hasn't openly discussed. And I just don't like the weirdness that typically comes after I read a skeptic. Maybe one day, but for now, no, especially not when there is a sense of hostility about it. Seems better in some ways not to do it as much FOR those we are close to, at least for me, as sometimes I'm given stuff that folks feel funny about. And I might try to censor it in that situation, which may or may not be the best course of action.)

[themaster]

Originally Posted by danas

I think it's a bit problematic business in the sense that even if you are very intuitive and a medium, you can be completely wrong sometimes.

Your actually wrong about this.. there never wrong!

Everything a psychic predicts for someone's reality does come true every time.. under the multiple words theory or perhaps fact

If the person changed their reality it's actually thanks to the psychic sometimes giving them conscious information

I still say quite clearly.. there are no charlatans every single one of their bad predictions also comes true!

So you're not associated with charlatans.. your choosing to see and judge others who made predictions as "charlatans"

You know rei I did not judge you.. I only offered a reflection/different perspective of what you stated.. that's a observation when it's neutrally charged.. that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

This is like most posts just the judgment game in a different vise.. good and bad are a illusion.. there is no bad in our creations

(you know even though I just crafted this one without using my teachers.. I just remembered my teacher "Jim Self" said much the same thing lately )

[rei]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Most people have preconceptions about everything...and with psychics, if they aren't totally skeptical to begin with, but are more on the gullible side, they may put them in the "God" category...which some charlatans enjoy and feed on I think.
That's why it's so easy for them to get away with it...because they know that there are suckers everywhere too willing to see their word as gospel and pay for it! I can see how some of them get totally corrupted by this and just love their ability to manipulate people.

It's the same as with Gurus. The followers give this power over to the guru, and it goes straight to his head, and he starts acting without ethics, because they have basically given him permission to do whatever he wants and cross whatever boundary he can.

That is precisely the attitude I was referring to in this thread.
Not every intuitive or psychic gets on a power trip. And things can fall to the middle between those extremes too. I would imagine most clients are neither totally skeptical nor deifying the psychic.

[elucidate]

Oh I know not every intuitive goes on a power trip...but many do. Maybe they weren't really psychic to begin with, but just knew how to manipulate people and tell them what they want to hear? It's an unfortunate thing, as it breeds skepticism. But yes, there are many many open-minded people who do fall somewhere in between, which is good.

I hope you weren't offended by what I said, I was only saying why I think so many people put psychics on an unrealistic pedestal.

Originally Posted by rei

That is precisely the attitude I was referring to in this thread.
Not every intuitive or psychic gets on a power trip. And things can fall to the middle between those extremes too. I would imagine most clients are neither totally skeptical nor deifying the psychic.

[elucidate]

I understand what you mean though...it's the reason I haven't put myself out there! Maybe that's cowardly of me? I just prefer to read for friends and the occasional market stall
It hurts me too much when I feel that I am being mistrusted.

[rei]

Originally Posted by elucidate

Oh I know not every intuitive goes on a power trip...but many do. Maybe they weren't really psychic to begin with, but just knew how to manipulate people and tell them what they want to hear? It's an unfortuante thing, as it breeds skepticism.

I hope you weren't offended by what I said, I was only saying why I think so many people put psychics on an unrealistic pedestal.

Well, I did find it unpleasant to be seeing the exact line of thinking that prompted this thread. But I know you did not intend to say it about me.

You're right, it breeds skepticism and mistrust when that happens. And since I am more connected that disconnection (mistrust vibes) is rather painful for me. I know I'll still end up working with whomever the universe brings. Really, it may not even be about my own intentions being seen as much as seeing how the work to create more connection is also tagged with that disconnection. I do think that's at least part of it.

[elucidate]

Oh not at all. There are definately some real ones...and you are definately one of them
It's a real shame that the others create such mistrust for the rest of us

Originally Posted by rei

Well, I did find it unpleasant to be seeing the exact line of thinking that prompted this thread. But I know you did not intend to say it about me.

You're right, it breeds skepticism and mistrust when that happens. And since I am more connected that disconnection (mistrust vibes) is rather painful for me. I know I'll still end up working with whomever the universe brings. Really, it may not even be about my own intentions being seen as much as seeing how the work to create more connection is also tagged with that disconnection. I do think that's at least part of it.

[rei]

Originally Posted by themaster

You know rei I did not judge you.. I only offered a reflection/different perspective of what you stated.. that's a observation when it's neutrally charged.. that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

You offered an opinion, which involved seeing judgment that wasn't really there from my perspective. And you're getting into semantics. It certainly sounded like you were judging someone for what you see as judgment. Which means I was a blank mirror for you to recognize your own judgmentalness. The implication of your statement was that it is somehow [insert your word for wrong] to judge. You're framing judgment as something undesirable, you're judging judging. I'm not interested in that game. You keep your reality and your ideas from your teachers, and I'll keep mine.

Forget the right/wrong labels, it's about whether the intention is to move toward truth/love/connection or away from it.

[rei]

Originally Posted by elucidate

I understand what you mean though...it's the reason I haven't put myself out there! Maybe that's cowardly of me? I just prefer to read for friends and the occasional market stall
It hurts me too much when I feel that I am being mistrusted.

I understand that. I've been told I demand too much trust when really I would just appreciate it if the person is feeling more neutral than suspicious about it. I don't expect total trust, though.

(Oh, and if I pick up the 'mistrust' energy because the person is uncomfortable with the idea of being seen past the mask, I don't feel so hurt by that since it seems totally understandable to me. It's more when they think I'm being deceitful, though I don't know why someone would want to pay for the service if they felt that way.)

Originally Posted by elucidate

Oh not at all. There are definately some real ones...and you are definately one of them
It's a real shame that the others create such mistrust for the rest of us

Thank you

I don't want to be mistrusted, but I don't want to be deified either. It's a partnership. I've learned something from every client so far. I'm really grateful to them for that.