Wouldn’t it be nice if you had some insights into the future? Whether it’s a certain relationship, a career, or your finances, knowing what’s coming down the road can be hugely helpful. But before you go see a psychic, make sure you know how to separate the good ones from the scam artists.
4 Ways to Spot a Good Fortune Teller
Psychics, fortune tellers, clairvoyants – whatever you want to call them – are more accessible in 2019 than ever before. Not only can you find them in shops and stores, but many are in the business of offering their services online.
On the one hand, this has made the marketplace more competitive. On the other, it’s made it more challenging for people to separate the good from the bad. But with a few simple suggestions, you can improve your chances of identifying the good ones.
1. Consider Their Method
“Fortune tellers use different methods to find answers about your future. Some will read your future in the lines on your hand (these are palm-readers or users of palmistry). Others use tarot cards, crystals, numerology, or the patterns in tea leaves,” Top10.com explains. “The method used is simply a tool to shut out external distractions and concentrate on channeling your future. By tapping into this information, clairvoyants can give revealing answers about your life.”
Just like every massage therapist has a different specialty or technique, every fortune teller uses specific methods. Be wary of using someone who offers every single method. This generally indicates that they’re a jack of all trades but a master of none. (Even worse, it could be a sign that they’re doing anything they can to make a quick buck.)
2. Observe the Tactics
If you’ve never been to a fortune teller or had a psychic reading, you’re in for an experience. The key is to differentiate between the normal aspects of a reading and the superfluous tactics that scammy clairvoyants use.
“Anyone who’s been to a reading knows that it’s quite a powerful experience. A psychic has the upper hand right from the start. You’re entering their world, using their language, following their rules,” says Ray Hyman, professor of psychology at the University of Oregon.
An honest fortune teller will sit down and get started with the reading. A dishonest psychic will spend a long time setting the table, so to speak. They’ll ask a ton of questions to get answers they can use later in your reading. Their conversation will move in circles – saying things that are borderline insane and waiting until you respond in a certain way. These tactics do nothing more than buy time and give them information they can use to make it seem like they’re giving you a credible reading.
3. Inquire About Pricing
Pricing should be up front and honest. Are you paying a flat fee for a reading? Or does the psychic charge by the hour? If pricing isn’t clear and obvious, you’re in the wrong place.
4. Be Wary of Fear Tactics
An honest fortune teller is only interested in giving you a reading that you can use to better your life or gain perspective. A bad fortune teller will use fear tactics to keep you paying. The “family curse” is a favorite strategy.
With this method, the psychic claims that there’s a black cloud over you and your family. Then, they’ll prod you for information. This information will be used to string you along so that you keep coming back. Each time they promise to remove the black cloud/curse, but there always seems to be something standing in the way. You typically have to pay more money to continue getting assistance.
Use Your Discretion
The psychic industry is sort of like the wild, wild west. There aren’t many rules, regulations, or standards to keep people in line. This means you have to use your best judgment, trust your instincts, and maintain a healthy skepticism. In doing so, you can ensure you get the results you’re looking for without being put in a vulnerable situation.
If you ever feel like a fortune teller is just telling you what you want to hear – or that they’re stringing you along in an effort to make more money – move on. There are plenty of honest and transparent psychics who you can use to get a glimpse into the future. Discretion is integral to the process, so use it to get the results you desire.
