In This World

In this world, no-one can be different or strange or damaged, or they lock you up.

--John River

Psychic Does Not Mean Omniscient

Copyright: schmetfad / 123RF Stock Photo

Once many years ago, I was given an opportunity to do Tarot readings at a nightclub. For the most part, the people who approached me were polite, and I have fond memories of one young fellow. He asked what he should do about a critical issue in his life, saying that he'd been pondering what action to take for a long time. 

I don't remember the exact cards I drew, but I immediately realized that he was considering coming out. The cards advised that there would be some strife regarding his decision, but in the long run it was the right decision and would bring him long term happiness, whereas if he kept the truth to himself, he would struggle more in the long term.

The young fellow was very happy with my advice. He squeezed my shoulder and thanked me with a big smile on his face. I will always remember this moment.

There was a young woman on that same night who came up to me and asked me where the bathroom was. I told her I didn't know.

"Well, how can you call yourself a psychic if you don't even know where the bathroom is?" she sneered.

"The cards don't tell me where the bathroom is. Such things are a waste of the spirits' time," I responded.

The lady for whom I was about to do a reading said "she's scared," as the young woman huffed off.

"I know," I replied. "A lot of people are. I wish they wouldn't be. I only want to help people."

I tell this story to illustrate an example of the way that many people think about those who identify as psychic. They erroneously believe that being psychic means being omniscient. It doesn't, any more than being a doctor or scientist means being infallible in your given field; or that a musician, artist or actor lacks talent because ze occasionally creates work that is not up to par. 

Sometimes even a psychic with a good track record is off the mark. Situations change dramatically not long after the reading, or they were simply having an off moment due to personal extenuating circumstances.

Sometimes a psychic is adept in one area but not so much in another area. For instance, I am good at reading Tarot cards, but I lack aptitude at scrying (i.e. using a crystal ball.) 

I am clairvoyant, but my clairvoyant abilities are better expressed when aided by a tool such as Tarot cards. 

I am clairsentient (otherwise known as empathic). I have the ability to sense the emotions of both incarnate and discarnate people. I am not always accurate where factual information about a person is concerned, as I tend to let my emotions and my imagination interfere, which is why I would never advertise my services as a spirit medium. 

I also want to believe the best about people in spite of the fact that I have been fucked over six ways to Sunday more times than I care to admit because of my unfortunate tendency to ignore red flags and to believe that someone taking offense at my perceived standoffishness is more important than protecting myself. My low self esteem is my downfall on many levels.

I say this as much for my own benefit as for anyone else's. When you are off the mark with regards to your psychic abilities, assess the situation. In what way were you off the mark? What else was going on at the time? Learn from the situation rather than beating yourself up or believing those folks who feel that if you can't guide them to the nearest toilet on demand, you're obviously not psychic.

~Cie~