By Marjorie Young

As a psychic/clairvoyant/spiritual counselor, I truly value what I do, and find tremendous joy using my gifts to help others. Yet, it is true that not everyone claiming to be a psychic is one – unfortunately, my profession is a happy hunting ground for dishonest practices that often harm innocent victims.

Over many years giving readings, I have come across a number of horror stories that make my blood boil. One example: a Seattle woman who consulted a Miami ‘phone psychic’. This ‘lady’ informed her client that all her recent troubles were due to a ‘curse’, which could only be lifted if she sent the psychic all her money (in cash) so she could ‘remove the curse’ and then return the money! After several consultations, the client foolishly decided to do so, sending every cent she possessed (about two thousand dollars), after which the ‘psychic’s’ phone was disconnected, and the ‘lady’ disappeared!

This is a horrible story, but clearly the victim did not use judgment or good sense! Still, that was no excuse for stealing all she had. But she was hardly the only one to fall for such a trap. I gave a reading for a California woman who had a degree from an Ivy League University, and ran two very successful companies! Yet she fell for almost the same scam, which ended up costing her five thousand dollars!

Another example: a young man came to my home for a reading. He enjoyed it and at the end complimented me for being ‘so normal’! Explaining, he recounted recently going to a ‘storefront psychic’. After spending five minutes with her, she declared that he suffered from ‘bad karma’, but could sell him a ‘negative karmic disruptor’ for a mere fifteen hundred dollars! Fortunately, this story has a happier ending, for he responded in the best possible way – he stood up and marched out, never to return.

All this leaves the question: how does one find a reputable psychic? If someone you know and trust recommends one, that’s a place to start. However, one piece of advice I always give: Let the psychic do the reading! In other words, provide no information of any kind, at least in the beginning. See how accurately the ‘psychic’ is without being given hints as to your situation. Too many people unwittingly give too much away, making it easy for frauds to glean what they need to appear legitimate. Withholding all information is a fool-proof way of separating the real from the phonies! And always maintain a healthy degree of skepticism until the psychic truly proves reliable.

Another invaluable piece of advice: if someone offers a service (lifting ‘curses,’ making ‘love spells’ etc.) for a large sum of money, end the session at once! It’s a dead giveaway of fraud. So, be certain to keep both your wits and your wallet safe when consulting a psychic!

Please send comments/questions to: ballardpsychic@gmail.com

Marjorie will be on holiday from March 31-April 17th.

Read previous columns, here.