Hi Bob....I just finished reading the psychic and medium article. I have not been to any of these venues, although the urge is apparent.. Seems as though the success rate is low? Or have I missed something?
Hi Gene, You say you haven't been to any of these venues...so I'm thinking you're referring to what I call the neon-sign psychics? If so, I personally have not been satisfied with these readings. This is not to say that they aren't legitimate in their abilities, as I'm sure many of these practitioners are gifted. That said, I think the ten or fifteen minute reading doesn't set itself up for success. Some excellent psychics can take ten minutes just to warm up and connect with your energy. Even a twenty minute reading isn't ideal. I always recommend one-hour readings, even though I know many people go for thirty minutes to save money.
More importantly, the article I wrote is about getting readings for predictions. I really don't see the point because your free will can alter the prediction the moment you leave the psychic's office or hang up the phone. I've had a LOT of readings, more than most people would ever have the patience to experience, and most of the predictions that were made did not happen.
I must follow-up with this answer for the sake of others reading this (not necessarily for you, Gene) by saying that I do think that getting a reading with a psychic for direction and guidance is valuable and worthwhile. These readings help us to confirm what our own intuition and gut instincts are telling us. It's important to point out that "direction" and "guidance" are not the same as "predictions." These are not statements of what "will" happen. They suggest "this feels good to me" or "this feels bad to me."
For example, a psychic might say, "I think you'll be happy if you take this new job." And, if you were thinking the same thing, your inner wisdom has now been confirmed. If the psychic says, "I'm not getting that you'll be happy in that new job," this is not the same as saying you won't be happy--they are merely saying the energy for that job doesn't feel positive. This allows for you to make your own choice.
Likewise, predications are fairly rare in readings with mediums, and this is not why people go to mediums. These readings are for spirit communication, spirit contact, and they are immensely valuable for comforting grief. I just wanted to be clear about this. I think psychic readings and mediumistic readings are super helpful and worthwhile. I just think predictions are a waste of time and money, and I think that the typical short reading at neon-sign psychic venues aren't real helpful because they don't offer enough time. Thanks for your response, Gene.
Hello Bob, I ordered and read your book. I so enjoyed every story especially your teachings at the end - your perceptions were lovely!! A lesson for every single one of us to take - in compassion, love, caring and purpose!! Many “Thanks” from my ♥️ to your ♥️. Rosanne Taylor
Thank you, Rosanne! This means so much to me. If you ever have the time, I'd love to see your review of the book on Amazon--at this point, it would be the first. If that's not your thing, I fully understand. I'm just so darn grateful that you got the book and sent me your love and feedback here. I'm immensely grateful to you. Thank you, Rosanne Taylor!!! ♥️
Great article. It’s rather a hot button for me. Let me explain. Predictions are something no psychic should offer via Spirit. The term itself is very misleading in regards to what Spirit offers to us in a reading. I’ve had many years of training from good teachers and mentors, and a lot of experience doing readings (psychic or tarot) for others, and I carefully consider the ethics of how a good reading should be structured. In fact, after running into a psychic with absolutely terrible ethics, I wrote my own list of “Psychic Reading Ethics” I live by.
The word Prediction should be forever stricken from our vocabulary. Spirit gives guidance in our life, not predictions. We make choices based on that guidance (or not). No one, not even Spirit can say for certain what will happen, so there is no real way to predict the outcome of any advice given in a reading. That is because of free will, which you mentioned frequently in your article. I agree with the article whole heartedly, but wish the term “prediction” would not be associated with psychics or readings. It’s probably a holdover from a lot of Hollywood characterizations of a Gypsy Lady with a Crystal ball telling us our future.
I like to say before giving a reading: “Life is a series of choices you make, you have free will, nothing is written in stone. We are asking for the highest and best information for (sitter) for a better awareness of his/ her life’s journey, and continued outward expression of him/her, with love and joy. So be it, it is so!” This is something my first mentor taught me. That helps the sitter (getting the reading) understand they are not being told what will happen.
I also had a big lesson after the first reading I received. I was told certain things might come to pass, but I forgot to take action to follow up on those things. I thought things were destined to happen and would fall into my lap. But I neglected to act on any of it. I was very naive at the time! I tell that story also to people I read for, and in fact I have a sheet I give out that is titled. Before and After a Reading. It outlines what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do after information is received in a reading and I urge the client to use their intuition following through on guidance given in the reading. It helps the client to understand what to do (if anything) with the information they received in a reading.
Hi Patty, another fantastic addition to this article. I'm with you in wishing we could eliminate predictions from readings—for a host of reasons mentioned on this page (mine, yours, and Bruce's)—but thanks to the psychic hotlines of yesterday, too many people think psychic readings and predictions are synonymous. We know this isn't true, but that's why we all need to educate the public about this subject, which is what I've done in this article, others I've written, and a few Afterlife TV videos I've recorded.
You reiterate an excellent point with the big lesson you learned in your first reading. Predictions can give one the impression that what the psychic said is "set in stone," as I mentioned in the article. When people erroneously believe this is true, they fail to recognize the importance of action vs. intention. I'll link to an article I wrote about that below. That failure to act upon our intentions is a free will act in itself, which again can change the prediction in an instant.
I'm thrilled to learn this subject is a hot button for you because it helps me to know I'm not the only person shouting these messages to the world. There is power in coherence, meaning the more of us who help people understand the issues with predictions (or any subject of importance in this field), the more we work together to change the social mindset around these subjects. I, for one, appreciate and applaud your outline of "what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do" before and after a reading. I know other psychics and mediums who do this in their own ways, but it seems like we need more, many more. Thank you for serving as an example in this way.
We also need more people like you teaching the newcomers to this field. I've witnessed many amateur psychics and mediums get swept away by the power they hold over their clients. No doubt, it can be intoxicating, but this is an unethical use of these abilities, which makes me excited about your list of psychic reading ethics to live by. Do share for others if it moves you (either below or share a link). Thanks Patty!
Bob, I was on Substack and re-read your reply to me. I’m sorry this is so late and this is an old document and may have typos or spelling and grammar errors. I created my own personal list of psychic ethics. I made this list up after meeting a psychic with absolutely terrible ethics (a bully) so it was a rather painful experience, but I learned a lot from it. This is something that can be used for any personal with psychic abilities. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with reading for other people. It could just be that as a psychic you shouldn’t just be blurting out information to people unaware. This can be a guideline even between friends that both have good psychic abilities. This list of ethics would be a good starting point for anyone to consider. I am considering publishing articles on Substack and will absolutely share anything like this with you in the future
It is as follows:
* Don't invade someone's psychic space by 'checking in' on their energy, without their permission. Have good boundaries and respect other people’s boundaries.
* Your goal as a healer is to have the person leave feeling improved from when they came to you.
* There is no need to bully someone into accepting information. It is not your job to be in charge of anyone else's growth but yours, so don't push information at them. Instead, help those who come to you seeking aid and let go of the outcome.
* Never deliver information if the person did not ask for information. Unless Spirit is being particularly insistent. Then ask if the person wants a message from Spirit before delivering it. It may not be news they want to hear!
* Before you give out information, ask Spirit if it is for the sitter's highest good to know. Never just blurt out information. That's rude and not your business. Use judgment, be discerning.
* You can draw from personal experiences in order to "filter" messages from Spirit, to deliver the perfect information for the sitter. It might help to first say what Sprit has to say and back that up with your own experiences if that seems fitting. Delivering "unfiltered" messages is not necessarily always the best vehicle for having the recipient understand the message. It is perfectly fine to draw on your own experiences for the purposes of clarity or understanding.
* Unfiltered, spontaneous information may seem rude, and most likely is not from Spirit. This type of information may not be coming from a place of integrity within you. Be judicious in sharing information! Spirit always comes from integrity.
* If it is bad news, say it in a way that is gentle and loving, do no harm. And, before delivering bad news, ask Spirit if it is in the recipient's best interest to tell them. It may not be! And you always want to be in integrity.
* If you get an unexpected "psychic hit" ask if the recipient wants to know what Spirit says...don't just volunteer information freely. It may not be wanted, and it may not resonate with them, and it may not be correct.
* Let the recipient accept or reject this information, and let it go. Since the answers don't come from you, there is no being right or wrong about. There is no need to 'push your point' because you don't have a point. It is Spirit's information, and it comes through you.
* If the recipient rejects the information, and you feel a need to push, that is your ego speaking and it is best to spend time reflecting on why you must 'be right' in the first place. Remember, Spirit always comes from integrity.
* If the recipient is unhappy with information from Spirit, you might ask if they want clarification. If so, go within and ask for clarification. Or ask Spirit for a better way to ask the question.
* If the recipient feels the information does not resonate with them, then ask if they want to continue or move on to something else. Tell them it is perfectly okay to reject any information that does not resonate with them.
* Never tell the recipient they or someone else, is going to die, unless they specifically ask. Instead, you might say that person is going to experience a major life event, or they might want to think over the important things in life, etc. Especially do not share this news unless you were specifically asked. It is in the worst possible form to deliver this type of news unbidden and shows lack of respect for the recipient on your part.
Hi Patty, the timing of things is always perfect. I have too much to say, so I'll simply cheer and applaud. I could tell you a story about nearly every item on your list. Thank you for sharing. This is valuable information to present to the world. 👏
Bob, this is a great article of how our choices (aka free will) is firmly what controls outcomes.
My experience as a reader is I do get a number of clients who want to 'know the future' (sometimes generally, sometimes specifically about a situation or question). When I do such a reading (especially with Tarot), I strive to point out the same concept that you shared - at THIS moment, this is the likely outcome, but not 'this will happen' firmness. I would also dig into 'what will help drive this outcome' or 'what can you do to change this' (if not pleasant/desired outcome). With Tarot, it was often interesting to also pull a final card to see if they indeed listened carefully about what they can do if they change direction based on the reading (usually they do, but sadly, some weren't going to).
What I often also counseled folks on, and shared the idea of, is people are habitual (and in some instances, stubborn). The patterns of behavior you have today, you likely will have a month, or six months from today, unless you make it a point to change. So, predictions are seeing a likely outcome *because* of what your patterns of choosing are already. This ideally helps them in some way recognize that what they experience is directly related to their choices and habits, and so changing those changes the future experience, which is your point, exactly.
I really also like the subtle criteria you laid out for checking and understanding predictions - your example that the truck needed repair, but then followed the additional clues that led to understanding it did need work and getting it done. That is an important, often missed, consideration when following spirit or intuitive guidance.
Bruce, this is a wonderful addition to what I wrote. Thank you. Melissa and I are watching a series of videos offered by Dr. Joe Dispenza where he beautifully illustrates this idea that if we keep following the same patterns, doing the same things day after day, we are creating a future that looks just like our past. He encourages us to visualize a new future during meditation, and then to be cognizant that our actions (after meditation and visualization) are aligned with the future we want versus the past we are trying to change.
The fact is that anyone could predict our future if they observe our daily patterns because it's likely to look like our current life. Not until we make new choices, take new actions, and think differently--which all go against what our ego wants (more of the same)--are we likely to break free of what you called "habitual" and "stubborn" patterns of behavior to create a new future that is aligned with our highest intentions. I find this subject fascinating and hopeful, and I appreciate your insightful input and how you integrate this in your readings.
Hi Bob....I just finished reading the psychic and medium article. I have not been to any of these venues, although the urge is apparent.. Seems as though the success rate is low? Or have I missed something?
Hi Gene, You say you haven't been to any of these venues...so I'm thinking you're referring to what I call the neon-sign psychics? If so, I personally have not been satisfied with these readings. This is not to say that they aren't legitimate in their abilities, as I'm sure many of these practitioners are gifted. That said, I think the ten or fifteen minute reading doesn't set itself up for success. Some excellent psychics can take ten minutes just to warm up and connect with your energy. Even a twenty minute reading isn't ideal. I always recommend one-hour readings, even though I know many people go for thirty minutes to save money.
More importantly, the article I wrote is about getting readings for predictions. I really don't see the point because your free will can alter the prediction the moment you leave the psychic's office or hang up the phone. I've had a LOT of readings, more than most people would ever have the patience to experience, and most of the predictions that were made did not happen.
I must follow-up with this answer for the sake of others reading this (not necessarily for you, Gene) by saying that I do think that getting a reading with a psychic for direction and guidance is valuable and worthwhile. These readings help us to confirm what our own intuition and gut instincts are telling us. It's important to point out that "direction" and "guidance" are not the same as "predictions." These are not statements of what "will" happen. They suggest "this feels good to me" or "this feels bad to me."
For example, a psychic might say, "I think you'll be happy if you take this new job." And, if you were thinking the same thing, your inner wisdom has now been confirmed. If the psychic says, "I'm not getting that you'll be happy in that new job," this is not the same as saying you won't be happy--they are merely saying the energy for that job doesn't feel positive. This allows for you to make your own choice.
Likewise, predications are fairly rare in readings with mediums, and this is not why people go to mediums. These readings are for spirit communication, spirit contact, and they are immensely valuable for comforting grief. I just wanted to be clear about this. I think psychic readings and mediumistic readings are super helpful and worthwhile. I just think predictions are a waste of time and money, and I think that the typical short reading at neon-sign psychic venues aren't real helpful because they don't offer enough time. Thanks for your response, Gene.
Hello Bob, I ordered and read your book. I so enjoyed every story especially your teachings at the end - your perceptions were lovely!! A lesson for every single one of us to take - in compassion, love, caring and purpose!! Many “Thanks” from my ♥️ to your ♥️. Rosanne Taylor
Thank you, Rosanne! This means so much to me. If you ever have the time, I'd love to see your review of the book on Amazon--at this point, it would be the first. If that's not your thing, I fully understand. I'm just so darn grateful that you got the book and sent me your love and feedback here. I'm immensely grateful to you. Thank you, Rosanne Taylor!!! ♥️
Bob,
Great article. It’s rather a hot button for me. Let me explain. Predictions are something no psychic should offer via Spirit. The term itself is very misleading in regards to what Spirit offers to us in a reading. I’ve had many years of training from good teachers and mentors, and a lot of experience doing readings (psychic or tarot) for others, and I carefully consider the ethics of how a good reading should be structured. In fact, after running into a psychic with absolutely terrible ethics, I wrote my own list of “Psychic Reading Ethics” I live by.
The word Prediction should be forever stricken from our vocabulary. Spirit gives guidance in our life, not predictions. We make choices based on that guidance (or not). No one, not even Spirit can say for certain what will happen, so there is no real way to predict the outcome of any advice given in a reading. That is because of free will, which you mentioned frequently in your article. I agree with the article whole heartedly, but wish the term “prediction” would not be associated with psychics or readings. It’s probably a holdover from a lot of Hollywood characterizations of a Gypsy Lady with a Crystal ball telling us our future.
I like to say before giving a reading: “Life is a series of choices you make, you have free will, nothing is written in stone. We are asking for the highest and best information for (sitter) for a better awareness of his/ her life’s journey, and continued outward expression of him/her, with love and joy. So be it, it is so!” This is something my first mentor taught me. That helps the sitter (getting the reading) understand they are not being told what will happen.
I also had a big lesson after the first reading I received. I was told certain things might come to pass, but I forgot to take action to follow up on those things. I thought things were destined to happen and would fall into my lap. But I neglected to act on any of it. I was very naive at the time! I tell that story also to people I read for, and in fact I have a sheet I give out that is titled. Before and After a Reading. It outlines what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do after information is received in a reading and I urge the client to use their intuition following through on guidance given in the reading. It helps the client to understand what to do (if anything) with the information they received in a reading.
Thanks again for a great article!
Hi Patty, another fantastic addition to this article. I'm with you in wishing we could eliminate predictions from readings—for a host of reasons mentioned on this page (mine, yours, and Bruce's)—but thanks to the psychic hotlines of yesterday, too many people think psychic readings and predictions are synonymous. We know this isn't true, but that's why we all need to educate the public about this subject, which is what I've done in this article, others I've written, and a few Afterlife TV videos I've recorded.
You reiterate an excellent point with the big lesson you learned in your first reading. Predictions can give one the impression that what the psychic said is "set in stone," as I mentioned in the article. When people erroneously believe this is true, they fail to recognize the importance of action vs. intention. I'll link to an article I wrote about that below. That failure to act upon our intentions is a free will act in itself, which again can change the prediction in an instant.
I'm thrilled to learn this subject is a hot button for you because it helps me to know I'm not the only person shouting these messages to the world. There is power in coherence, meaning the more of us who help people understand the issues with predictions (or any subject of importance in this field), the more we work together to change the social mindset around these subjects. I, for one, appreciate and applaud your outline of "what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do" before and after a reading. I know other psychics and mediums who do this in their own ways, but it seems like we need more, many more. Thank you for serving as an example in this way.
We also need more people like you teaching the newcomers to this field. I've witnessed many amateur psychics and mediums get swept away by the power they hold over their clients. No doubt, it can be intoxicating, but this is an unethical use of these abilities, which makes me excited about your list of psychic reading ethics to live by. Do share for others if it moves you (either below or share a link). Thanks Patty!
The link to my article on action and intention is here: https://bobolsonconnect.com/p/beyond-the-secret-the-missing-piece-f54
Bob, I was on Substack and re-read your reply to me. I’m sorry this is so late and this is an old document and may have typos or spelling and grammar errors. I created my own personal list of psychic ethics. I made this list up after meeting a psychic with absolutely terrible ethics (a bully) so it was a rather painful experience, but I learned a lot from it. This is something that can be used for any personal with psychic abilities. It doesn’t necessarily have to do with reading for other people. It could just be that as a psychic you shouldn’t just be blurting out information to people unaware. This can be a guideline even between friends that both have good psychic abilities. This list of ethics would be a good starting point for anyone to consider. I am considering publishing articles on Substack and will absolutely share anything like this with you in the future
It is as follows:
* Don't invade someone's psychic space by 'checking in' on their energy, without their permission. Have good boundaries and respect other people’s boundaries.
* Your goal as a healer is to have the person leave feeling improved from when they came to you.
* There is no need to bully someone into accepting information. It is not your job to be in charge of anyone else's growth but yours, so don't push information at them. Instead, help those who come to you seeking aid and let go of the outcome.
* Never deliver information if the person did not ask for information. Unless Spirit is being particularly insistent. Then ask if the person wants a message from Spirit before delivering it. It may not be news they want to hear!
* Before you give out information, ask Spirit if it is for the sitter's highest good to know. Never just blurt out information. That's rude and not your business. Use judgment, be discerning.
* You can draw from personal experiences in order to "filter" messages from Spirit, to deliver the perfect information for the sitter. It might help to first say what Sprit has to say and back that up with your own experiences if that seems fitting. Delivering "unfiltered" messages is not necessarily always the best vehicle for having the recipient understand the message. It is perfectly fine to draw on your own experiences for the purposes of clarity or understanding.
* Unfiltered, spontaneous information may seem rude, and most likely is not from Spirit. This type of information may not be coming from a place of integrity within you. Be judicious in sharing information! Spirit always comes from integrity.
* If it is bad news, say it in a way that is gentle and loving, do no harm. And, before delivering bad news, ask Spirit if it is in the recipient's best interest to tell them. It may not be! And you always want to be in integrity.
* If you get an unexpected "psychic hit" ask if the recipient wants to know what Spirit says...don't just volunteer information freely. It may not be wanted, and it may not resonate with them, and it may not be correct.
* Let the recipient accept or reject this information, and let it go. Since the answers don't come from you, there is no being right or wrong about. There is no need to 'push your point' because you don't have a point. It is Spirit's information, and it comes through you.
* If the recipient rejects the information, and you feel a need to push, that is your ego speaking and it is best to spend time reflecting on why you must 'be right' in the first place. Remember, Spirit always comes from integrity.
* If the recipient is unhappy with information from Spirit, you might ask if they want clarification. If so, go within and ask for clarification. Or ask Spirit for a better way to ask the question.
* If the recipient feels the information does not resonate with them, then ask if they want to continue or move on to something else. Tell them it is perfectly okay to reject any information that does not resonate with them.
* Never tell the recipient they or someone else, is going to die, unless they specifically ask. Instead, you might say that person is going to experience a major life event, or they might want to think over the important things in life, etc. Especially do not share this news unless you were specifically asked. It is in the worst possible form to deliver this type of news unbidden and shows lack of respect for the recipient on your part.
Best,
Patty
Hi Patty, the timing of things is always perfect. I have too much to say, so I'll simply cheer and applaud. I could tell you a story about nearly every item on your list. Thank you for sharing. This is valuable information to present to the world. 👏
Bob, this is a great article of how our choices (aka free will) is firmly what controls outcomes.
My experience as a reader is I do get a number of clients who want to 'know the future' (sometimes generally, sometimes specifically about a situation or question). When I do such a reading (especially with Tarot), I strive to point out the same concept that you shared - at THIS moment, this is the likely outcome, but not 'this will happen' firmness. I would also dig into 'what will help drive this outcome' or 'what can you do to change this' (if not pleasant/desired outcome). With Tarot, it was often interesting to also pull a final card to see if they indeed listened carefully about what they can do if they change direction based on the reading (usually they do, but sadly, some weren't going to).
What I often also counseled folks on, and shared the idea of, is people are habitual (and in some instances, stubborn). The patterns of behavior you have today, you likely will have a month, or six months from today, unless you make it a point to change. So, predictions are seeing a likely outcome *because* of what your patterns of choosing are already. This ideally helps them in some way recognize that what they experience is directly related to their choices and habits, and so changing those changes the future experience, which is your point, exactly.
I really also like the subtle criteria you laid out for checking and understanding predictions - your example that the truck needed repair, but then followed the additional clues that led to understanding it did need work and getting it done. That is an important, often missed, consideration when following spirit or intuitive guidance.
Bruce, this is a wonderful addition to what I wrote. Thank you. Melissa and I are watching a series of videos offered by Dr. Joe Dispenza where he beautifully illustrates this idea that if we keep following the same patterns, doing the same things day after day, we are creating a future that looks just like our past. He encourages us to visualize a new future during meditation, and then to be cognizant that our actions (after meditation and visualization) are aligned with the future we want versus the past we are trying to change.
The fact is that anyone could predict our future if they observe our daily patterns because it's likely to look like our current life. Not until we make new choices, take new actions, and think differently--which all go against what our ego wants (more of the same)--are we likely to break free of what you called "habitual" and "stubborn" patterns of behavior to create a new future that is aligned with our highest intentions. I find this subject fascinating and hopeful, and I appreciate your insightful input and how you integrate this in your readings.