Spiritualism In Toronto Really Needs to Examine its Leaders!

Yep I have been reading discussions at www.beliefnet.com lately... There is a thread in Intuitive Counseling called Job Possibility where a a poster is asking advice on if they should claim potential work income since they are on Social Assistance...

The poster's Plan A is to claim the income and the Plan B is to "get paid off the books". Now as someone who is on Ontario Disability Supports I can understand the draw to the Plan B. What I don't understand is the first reply to that poster that encourages her to go for Plan B! The reason I find this advise reprehensible is because it is given to the said poster on an Intuitive Counseling discussion board where the person is basically asking for a reading! The most unbelievable thing though is the fact that it is a Spiritualist Minister from Toronto who is dispensing that bad advice!

According to this minister:
"

	spiritalk 4/19/2007 10:31 AM	2 out of 9
	Go with plan B. Unfortunately government programs do not come with any wiggle room for aiding the recipient to get on their own feet. There design is to stifle any growth. God bless, J"

That tells me two things... 1. that this so called minster is not above scamming the government in her own financial practices and 2. that she has no clue how irresponsible her off handed advice to that poster really is...

And when called on it this so called spiritual leader tries to excuse the crappy advice by making the following statement which Beliefnet has since removed from the thread: To see the original thread in its entirety at the time this blog was written you can go here

"

	spiritalk 5/18/2007 10:24 AM	8 out of 9
	I councel no one to do anything that is against their very nature. It is funny that cat can talk when she takes from the public coffers and then pays her bills from other sources of income. Pot calling the kettle black? Well.... The fact is that government plans have no wriggle room for the sincere worker. When that worker has come to terms with their own direction and found their feet, they tend to make excellent contributors to all of society. It just seems that the red tape can get in the way of sincere effort. The reason for saying go with plan B was simply to get yourself settled, then pay into the future with your own prosperity. I have seen it work time and again. And it was even reported as a newspaper story in our local paper. Wake up and smell the coffee...to be spiritual does not mean being a doormat for those who are so judgemental as the posters here. God bless, J"

I say balderdash! You are making these posts on an intuitive counseling thread and so you ARE counseling the posters who have asked for advise there! Gotta really wonder what goes through the heads of some people that is for sure...

I mean I guess the message from this so called minister is it is ok to cheat now and pay it back later??? And what happens if this poster falls out of favor with the said minster? How fast would she be the first in line to tell the person how she is lacking integrity and be threatening to report her?

Knowing how some folks can be vipers both on posting boards and off it is not a chance I would be willing to take! I can only hope that the poster has the good sense to ignore this woman's advice!

And for others who may have dealings with her it does put into perspective just how screwed up some so called spiritual leaders are! No wonder people treat spiritualist churches and their ministers as suspect! One thing is for sure she is clueless re her comments about the financial situation I am in and my status with regard to claiming income with the provincial government. But then given her logic she should have no issue if I WERE defrauding the government because she is advising another in writing on a public discussion board to take that action.... Go figure!

Yep I believe the word you are looking for is WTF???

Cosmic Triggers= Spiritualist/New Age Saviors? Avoiding Personal Responsibility?

As I read different posts and blogs in different places there has been much mumbo jumbo about Cosmic Triggers and the unbalancing impact these supposed triggers will have on people. I am not sure I buy this idea. More likely the people who are feeling the negative impact of these so-called cosmic triggers are just reaping the negative that they have put out in the universe in the past and want to find some other event on which to blame their problems and the related dissatisfaction in life that they are experiencing.

One might see how Cosmic Triggers are a crutch for those who do not want to take responsibility for what negativity they have drawn to themselves. I guess some Spiritualists can pontificate about personal responsibility but when it comes to themselves, they look to Cosmic Triggers to explain why their lives are circling the rim of the crapper spiritually, financially and on all other levels. If life were good these folks would not keep posting about Cosmic Triggers as a way to avoid taking personal responsibility for the condition their lives are in.

When Dogmatists Run The Show….

“Of all isms I think dogmatism the worst.”

-- English freethinker George Jacob Holyoake (1817-1906).

The most dogmatic individuals who are all about THEIR rules being the only GOOD Spiritualism constantly show their own inconstancy by trying to make all their students believe that their warped perceptions of Spiritualism are accurate and right while pontificating about the lack of dogma and creed in Spiritualism. While there may be no OFFICIAL dogma and creeds to follow, these leaders are so busy trying to fit everyone into their box that they cannot see how this action is a huge deterrent to building congregations and get mighty nasty when folks reject being boxed in. Hence why there are so many churches and so little true effort to work together and DEMONSTRATE The Brotherhood of Man by example from the leadership in Spiritualism.

While some churches and their leadership do see the badmouthing of other churches as a problem the norm is that “newbies” feed a bunch of negativity and nonsense (by those who profess positive attitudes) about how the other churches are “no good” and how "those people" are running other churches are degrading what they see as “true” Spiritualism. This rubbish comes from insecure folks who are so focused on trying (by any means) to keep people at their churches and lining their pockets.

Another inconsistency seems to be that certain people rail against “psychic parlor tricks” and “low level spiritual work”. They say that psychics are only reading from the physical energy/ aura around people. And yet these people are offering aura readings as a good example of mediumship? If the aura is only a reflection of the sitter’s mental, spiritual and physical state then offering aura reading is little more than a lazy way to read and is no better than the psychics that are supposedly lacking. It seems that the cheap psychic parlor tricks are ok if they draw in the cash though.

And more on burnout… some have the warped notion that to be truly spiritual you have to give till it hurts and that if you don’t then you are not truly a giver. Where is the balance of body, mind and spirit in that kind of thinking and expectation of others? Why then do such demanding leaders/ministers only have one or two workers that they drain to the point of burnout in the first place? Could it be that the more experienced workers see these leaders for the energy suckers they really are and have moved on long a go? Seems very likely and so if you enter a church and it is obviously a one woman/man show then you know that there is something wrong and to take a good look at what is really going on in the organization before you choose to get involved.

Good teachers learn and grow with the questions their students bring to them but too many are too wrapped up in their way being the right way to really consider the view of others who are just as qualified as they are! So the opinions of the “newbies” that have come to them as students will never be heard if truth be known. These so-called “teachers” pontificate about growth and evolution but when truly challenged to do so they balk at the idea and rant about why they must cling to the status quo. They even go so far as to become paranoid about others “taking over” the organization when all that is really offered are ideas to help move the organization in the direction the leader professes that he or she wants it to go. How is being so paranoid about one’s position and status a sign of positive connection to spirit?

Good teachers also are able to learn from other teachers and do not try to one up them in front of the students because they feel jealous and insecure. Good teachers make sure to check the content of guest teachers’ teaching materials BEFORE the class and make sure that everyone is on the same page! The sign of a truly inept teacher is one who does not do the prep work and then has so little respect for the other volunteers working for him or her that he or she insists on cornering them publicly in front of the class. Shoddy presentation if that is the way he or she runs the show! Yep natural law works well and negativity might be gauged by student responses to the course material’s lack of substance and negative attitude of the said teacher to the guest teachers who were working for free while the cash flowed into the said teacher’s pocket. Again I ask whose church is dying while other churches are building nicely and teachers have more students that space permits. Seems the said teacher who was belittled in front of a class of less then 5 has 17 of his own students and other home circles need more room to accommodate interested seekers! Where people are NOT going is a sure sign of where negativity exists in full force!

Yes the internet is full of information and yes discrimination and discernment is key but for those who do their church shopping online the ideas I have expressed in the last few blogs do not just apply to the online presence these organizations have but also should help interested seekers ask truly informed questions of those who set themselves up as “teachers” in Spiritualism. The savvy seeker will take what they read online from and about the said church and enter that organization with their eyes open. They will be asking questions about the leadership, the educators and the vitality of the organization which the dogmatists running the show may find difficult to answer! That open challenge by informed seekers is where the evolution lies. Questioning and taking their church membership to places that have reasonable answers to the questions forces dogmatic dinosaurs to be accountable to the public on the public’s terms.

How to find a TRULY HEATHY and THRIVING Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre! #2--Critical Media Literacy and Website Analysis--Spiritualism Content

On reflecting on my last blog entry I realized that I forgot to add a few other details about how a truly healthy and thriving Spiritualist Church promotes itself if it wants continue to attract the increasingly spiritually and internet savvy public.

As well as posting who the regular church workers are on their web site it is customary that the church calendar (if posted online) show which workers are working on what dates few months a head of time so that seekers can check out different workers and plan their busy lives accordingly.

Again, I cannot stress how important the detailed biographies of the Spiritualist Educators selling courses are to prospective students. Given that the bios are often how discerning people judge when choosing their teachers, one cannot blame seekers for wanting to know WHO the instructors are and WHAT qualifies them to teach the courses they are expecting students to shell out serious cash for.

If an instructor is truly up to snuff and current they will have no problem indicating this in a detailed bio online. Of particular interest to experienced seekers is how current the instructor’s education in Spiritualism is and what current research and articles they have written for Spiritualist publications. It is also helpful to know what postsecondary diplomas and degrees these folks have outside of their Spiritualism training as this will give you a good idea just how broad these “teachers’” knowledge base is and if they are able to teach to people who may or may not have more education than they do.

While it is true that there is less dogma and creed in Spiritualism it is NOT dogma free as much as some would like to delude themselves it is. As soon as one sets themselves up as a teacher selling courses in Spiritualism they are saying that "THIS is what Spiritualism IS!" And yet they do not see how they are telling others what spirit is or is not? Where does the personal journey of learning or individual understanding of Spirit (that is to come from within) fit in this case?



It is definitely a matter of personal interpretation and if that is the case why do you need to spend cash and time meeting the standards of one particular Spiritualist Minister or another when all you need to do is move on when you have had your fill? But wait isn't this kind of free thinking and fluid movement that is touted as part of the no creed no dogma kind of Spiritualism actually the same kind of attitude that the New Age is often faulted for by Spiritualist Leaders? Hmmm now I am confused... No dogma so move on when you have had enough but we need standards in education??? Who sets those standards if Spiritualism is supposed to be for free thinkers?

So the rub is this Spiritualism is for free thinkers and is apparently without dogma and creed but if you want to participate in the churches you then are saddled with what their ministers’ vision of what Spiritualism is or should be.

The even sadder truth is that some Spiritualist ministers are so disparate for a congregation and church workers that they will put new students up on the platform well before they are truly ready. For may of these "newbies" the experience of working in the churches starts out as gratifying and after a time will come to be a whole lot of work as they are asked to do more and more without consideration for their need for family/life balance. New church worker burnout is all too common and usually happens in a very short time.

More experienced mediums know to pace themselves and they know how not to get in over their heads. They have learned how to say "No sorry cant do that...." and they also look for Spiritualist Churches and Learning Centres where there is a group of people dividing the church duties so they do not become over whelmed. If you are a new church worker do not let the minister suck you into being at the church more than you are comfortable attending. Go to additional events if you are interested but do not let anyone make you feel obligated.

Organizational problems and politics aside, the history and methods of Spiritualism do need to be taught if Spiritualism is going to truly thrive, but how do leaders accomplish this in a way that allows for reasonable continuity between the churches if none of them is willing to truly work together? It is obvious that the principle of The Brotherhood of Man is pontificated about more than it is exercised in some cases!

Add to the infighting in and among the different organizations the fact that there are different styles/kinds of Spiritualist Churches and you have a combination where there is little hope to reasonably standardize the education offered. This being the case then begs the question, how is the public supposed to judge what is good or bad mediumship let alone what is good education and what is rubbish? Further if this lack of consistency and varying standards of education are the norm how can Spiritualists actually claim that mediums are better than psychics? I don't know but the argument is often made regardless.

The only way to find out what is good and what is not in Spiritualism is to check out the various Spiritualist Churches and Learning Centres and make up your own mind. My intent here is not to tell folks what they should do or think but rather to give useful suggestions based on thorough critical media literacy and web site analysis experience that will help the seeker read and interpret more carefully what they are viewing online so that they can use better discernment. If my experiences help others rethink and question more thoroughly those who set themselves up as "experts" and "educators" in Spiritualism so they can avoid the nonsense and the politics and yet enjoy what the religion, philosophy and science of Spiritualism has to offer then I am pleased to help.

How to find a TRULY HEATHY and THRIVING Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre!

Anyone who has been in Spiritualism any length of time knows that the sign of a healthy, truly thriving Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre is one that can list on an ongoing basis on their website/promotional materials etc. the variety active demonstrators that work for the church. These workers are the ones who make the Sunday services, Public Psychic/Message Nights and other community events happen. In fact these workers usually do most of the work for free as part of their so-called training and education that is supposed to qualify them for working within the said Spiritualist Church/ Learning Centre.

Now I fully understand the value of voluntarism but some so-called ministers choose to take complete advantage of others for years and then have the nerve to say that such folks are "deadwood" and "negative" when if it were not for the free labour of these people the so-called Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre would not have had the quality mediums, healers and lecturers it once did nor the advertising and web savvy that it currently does.

A truly blossoming Spiritualist Church will have a website or other promotional materials that will provide all the pertinent details for the interested seeker. This means that you can find out who is part of the board, the regular mediums on the roster and the instructors who teach the courses offered as a means to church worker credentials. If the information seems lacking or not freely available or the organization feels like a one woman/man show then the interested attendee should be aware that this is a very bad sign although unfortunately very common in Spiritualism.

If the Spiritualist Church/ Learning Centre is really doing as well as its promotional documents and websites profess then the courses offered should have a wide selection of teachers offering instruction and these folks should have the proper background of knowledge and actual ability to demonstrate (in a practical way) the material covered. Each teacher’s/instructor's bio/resume should be available to prospective students and online if the Spiritualist Church/ Learning Centre is promoting itself online. This information will be readily available to interested seekers if the organization is as up to scratch as it claims to be! If not then you might be better to keep looking elsewhere for real Spiritualism Education and Training.

More importantly though, good courses in Spiritualism should not be run by one person and should encompass more than just the lecture format. Lack of variety in presentation of the content indicates a lack of instructor's ability or lack of team support or both. It is amazing to me how many Spiritualist Ministers are truly not fit to teach and cannot perform to any real consistent standard when they should be able to. Given that much of what is learned in Spiritualism is learned by doing/practicing the methods not just lecturing about the concepts it is important that the instructor have the breadth of knowledge and practical ability and that their knowledge and ability is current! A proper Spiritualist curriculum will be interactive and use a full range of teaching methods and will be provided by an instructor whose knowledge is up-to-date! If the material and the instructor seems one dimensional or lacking in anyway take that as a sign that you should keep seeking to find better learning experiences elsewhere.

If you do not see a variety of workers listed on the events calendar or a clear list of who the teachers are (with detailed, current bios) that are supposed to teach the courses in Spiritualism then you have to ask yourself how viable the organization truly is. Glossy materials and bluster in blogs/websites/and documentation stating viability and a thriving status of the organization does not make it so. Bluster is just that and should be backed up by real substance but usually is not when it comes down to it.

When considering attending a Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre thoroughly check out the blogs of the minister and or the church website also ask for as much documentation on the organization, its leadership and instructors as you can get your hands on. If the documentation is not forthcoming or if you feel like it is a “one dog show” after reading the information they DO provide then likely your impression is right on the mark.

If you do decide to get involved with courses from a said Learning Centre teaching Spiritualism PLEASE take the time to attend other events they offer before you dig deep in your pockets! Take your time getting involved and be careful how much money you put into it. The longer you are around the more likely you will see the true level of viability (or lack there of) as the case may be of the specific organization. If it really is thriving you will know it very shortly.

If there is a lack of attendance or the minister makes negative comments about people who have left even if it is just a subtle derogatory reference to “deadwood” or supposed “negative people” either to you in person or in public writings you need to ask yourself what is really going on with that spiritual leader. Ask yourself why that person is still so focused on the negative people or situations they say are no longer a problem for the said organization? Keep reading what this person writes and keep listening to what he or she says over time. Eventually they will show you where the real problem rests.

Quite simply control freaks in the leadership of Spiritualist Churches and Learning Centres have the habit of driving good mediums/healers and teachers away BECAUSE are unwilling or unable to work with others as part of a team. If you are around these types long enough you will come to recognize them for who they really are as the pattern does repeat itself will become obvious over time!

Whatever Spiritualist Church/Learning Centre you decide to get involved with please take the time to fully examine what is offered and ask Spirit to help you focus your sense of discernment!

Spell Caster Scams Online: Radio Interviews for 1290 CJBK and the CBC

On Halloween day I had a very interesting experience. It was the day for radio interviews. In the morning I was interviewed on The Shauna Rae Show on News Talk 1290 CJBK (London, Ontario) at 11 am. (http://www.cjbk.com/). The topic was Spell Casters Online. Once I got past my nervousness, I enjoyed talking to the host I found her to be friendly, and interested in the topic. The whole interview maybe lasted about 5-7 minutes but it was a great experience!

It was excellent practice for later that afternoon when I was asked to talk to different hosts cross Canada for CBC Radio via Nationally Syndicated Interviews. (http://www.cbc.ca/) Over about 2 and half hours, I spoke to 10 different hosts from St. John’s to Winnipeg about the subject of “Spell Casting Scams”. This experience was fascinating because I was in a studio booth for the most part by myself waiting for each of the hosts to call in. Although I was unnerved the studio people were great! They made sure I knew what to do and prepared me for each host.

Each host approached the topic in a slightly different way and my feeling is that the women were more openly interested in the topic then the men. I wonder if this is because women are more likely to consider checking out Spell Casters on the internet when their relationships are in trouble. My sense from the men is that they could not believe that Spell Casters on line is a thriving business. In spite of the male hosts’ disbelief the figures quoted in the Globe and Mail article on the same topic that appeared in the Saturday paper under the title “Love Spell $99.99” says that “more than four million sites pop up”. Anyway, once getting past the shock it was easy to tell the hosts both male and female how the scams work and how the exchange of money for spells in illegal in Ontario.

Basically when the seeker goes to the spell caster they are told that the spell is going to cost X amount of dollars. Sounds straight forward right? Well no… then they are told that there is more to the spell casting procedure and that it is going to take several more sessions for the spell to be ready to use. Of course this means more visits to the spell caster and more money spent. So that love spell for $99.99 will actually cost the seeker will into several thousands of dollars by the time they realize that they have been taken to the cleaners.

Another common spell casting scam happens when the seeker goes to a psychic or palm reader and is told that they have an evil spell on them that only the said psychic/ palm reader can remove for a cost of course. Now for a reader to do this to the public is manipulation and extortion through the use of scare tactics. They make the seeker think that they are cursed and convince them to spend their hard earned cash to have the spell removed. This is illegal in Ontario. It is illegal because the reader uses fear and threats to get money out of the seeker who is coming to the reader for a promised service and is persuaded under false pretenses to spend more money than they were prepared to because they are now under pressure.

When a seeker comes for a reading they should know the total cost of the reading, the length of the reading and they should have the choice to stop the reading at any time before the end of the session and not have to pay for it if they are not comfortable. There should be no extra pressure to spend more money or to continue with a session with witch the seeker is not comfortable.

Reputable readers well:

1. Take the time to answer your questions before you book the appointment.

2. Advise you of the cost of their services and what these services include before you book or as you begin the session.

3. Allow you to ask questions as you go along.

4. Allow you to direct the reading with your questions or the area of focus you would like to have the reading take.

5. Record the sessions for you or allow you to take notes

6. Allow you to stop the session and cancel payment if you are not happy with the session as long as you let them know before the end of the session. Most honest readers know when a reading is not going well for some reason and will usually stop the reading themselves and advise the seeker to find another reader and offer to assist them in some other way if possible. If you stop the session the reader keeps their tape and you keep your money and that is that.

Whenever you are going for a psychic reading you have the right to be comfortable. You also owe it to yourself not to leave you common sense behind. Go with your gut! If something feels wrong it usually is!

Another 15 minutes of Fame it seems….

To my surprise I actually was interviewed and quoted in this article below for the Globe and Mail! Quite frankly I thought that the interview was a ruse on the part of the reporter to get a free reading. I get many folks calling and saying that they work in the media and that if I do a reading for them that they will promote my site for me.

As the interview continued I realized that Rebecca Eckler was a serious reporter and enjoyed the interview with her. For your convenience I have included the complete text of the article below:

Love Potion $99.99

REBECCA ECKLER

From Saturday's Globe and Mail

Are you unlucky at love? Desperate to get your man back? Or do you just want to see the jerk squirm? For some broken-hearted women, the dark arts promise more consolation than a trip to the spa. And there are plenty of practitioners out there offering vengeance — for a price.

Just Google “spell casters” and more than four million sites pop up. It seems the best revenge is not living well, but a well-cast spell.

Internet spell casters offer a range of services from “Return my Lover” and “Break Them Up” to “Stop a Divorce” and “Revenge Spells.”

I decided to go spell shopping on behalf of a friend, whose five-year, on-again, off-again romantic obsession had ended in disaster. But most of those I contacted seemed more interested in my credit-card number than my friend's love life. Sister Zhana at lovemiracles.net spent two seconds on the phone explaining she specializes in “love, career, family and enemies,” before cutting short the call.

One of the more intriguing services is offered by Spell Master Tony, at extremespells.com. During October, his “custom revenge spell” was on sale for only $99.99, down from $329. For that, Tony will not only see that your ex is fired from his job, he'll ensure that his dog runs away too. (If he could just make all his hair fall out, I might be sold.)

Catherine MacDonald, a psychic reader outside Toronto, says most Internet spell casters “are rip-off artists. There is no such thing as spells or quick fixes. The Internet has spawned a whole generation of people who believe in spells. I get about one call a week asking if I do spells. I don't. They all know about them from the Internet.”

According to MacDonald, the women seeking these services are not nut cases. Often they're professionals who should know better.

“They prey on people who they know are desperate. They are making a ton of money and it pisses me off. A fool and his money are easily parted, as the saying goes. I've seen sites that cost up to $1,200 to cast spells. It amazes me people just aren't good at using common sense.”

MacDonald says she counsels women to consider why they would want someone who came back just because of a spell. Sensible advice, yes, but for many women in a state of romantic desperation, it doesn't really matter why their lover comes back — as long as he does.

These are the women that Internet spell casters are after.

Angel Carra at supernaturalservices.com offers a “Stop a Divorce” spell for $59.90. However, as she writes on her site, her “top love spell” is the “Super Love Spell,” which costs $99.90.

“If your main goal is to get your lover to return fast, with new feelings for you and to keep you together in love for ever, this is for you,” she writes.

All her spells are guaranteed to work or your money back — “100-per-cent guaranteed.” If you read the fine print, however, you get your refund back only after nine months.

The appeal of surfing the Net fantasizing about revenge or getting him back is understandable. It can also be addictive, and most sites are skilled at convincing you they really work, with client testimonials like this one from spellsthatwork.com: “I wanted to let you know I am seeing great results as from your previous work. Frank is admitting and calling and coming around to see that he misses me tremendously and needs to be with me.”

At www.worldsmostpowerfulspells.com, High Priestess Katherine Uhls warns that she is so busy she may “stop taking clients at any time. . . . If you are serious about ordering, don't delay.”

Emagickspells.com offers a “bad luck spell,” which will “target one person's life and make it a living misery of the most terrible misfortune possible.”

MacDonald thinks this is bad karma. “If you put negativity out there, it will come back to you. That's the basic principle I follow. Basically, if you are seeking revenge or trying to mend a broken heart, you must trust that it will happen on its own.”

Which, of course, is not as much fun as searching for spell casters.

As for my friend, I'm taking her to the Stillwater Spa. At least I know their facials work.

Special to The Globe and Mail

Source: LINK

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/

If you enjoy discussion you can go to the Globe and Mail website and join the discussion attached to the article.

From this article I was also asked to do several other interviews!

A Radio Interview on the subject of "Spell Casters Online" for The Shauna Rae Show on News Talk 1290 CJBK (London, Ontario) on October 31, 2006—11 am. http://www.cjbk.com/

I also have an interview with CBC for a number of shows from 3-6 pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2006.

And as I mentioned in an earlier blog, I did an interview about “Spiritualism" on the Rogers Cable cast show 3 D Dialogue. Show aired October 23, 26, and 28, 2006. LINK

I am so thankful for all these opportunities to share my experience of the psychic aspect and psychic industry with the public.

Spiritualist Churches Cults or not? How to find out...

W5 http://www.ctv.ca/wfive did a frightening story this week about the power of a cult in Hamilton Ontario. This story called "Pied Piper of Hamilton" made me think. It is a story that was aired on W5 this weekend that discusses a Christian cult in Hamilton Ontario. To read the story go to this LINK

While cults are more common that we would like to think, and are usually associated with Christian and Muslim splinter groups, no spiritual/religious path is safe. The dynamics that turn a well meaning church group into a potential cult have to do with the human greed and desire for power over others. I found this W5 report fascinating and frightening.

Looking at the program and the sites listed on this blog what did I learn? Well quite simply that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" as the saying goes. With this in mind, I have begun to understand why some folks look at Spiritualism and define it as a cult. I beg to differ. It is not the philosophical, scientific and religious ideas that Spiritualism is grounded on that make it seem like a cult, rather it is the ministers in power who lose themselves to their desire for money, power and position who can turn what can a healthy meeting place and spiritual lifestyle into a cult.

What are the signs that you or someone you care about is in a cult?

According to Rick Ross, Expert Consultant and Intervention Specialist:

"TEN WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
7. There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
8. Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
9. The group/leader is always right.
10. The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

TEN WARNING SIGNS REGARDING PEOPLE INVOLVED IN/WITH A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. Extreme obsessiveness [sic] regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.
2. Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.
3. Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".
4. Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.
5. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
6. Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede [sic] any personal goals or individual interests.
7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.
8. Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.
9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.
10. Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.

TEN SIGNS OF A SAFE GROUP/LEADER.

1. A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.
2. A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.
3. A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.
4. A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.
5. A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.
6. A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.
7. A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.
8. A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.
9. A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.
10. A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

Don't be naïve, develop a good BS Detector.

You can protect yourself from unsafe groups and leaders by developing a good BS detector. Check things out, know the facts and examine the evidence. A safe group will be patient with your decision making process. If a group or leader grows angry and anxious just because you want to make an informed and careful decision before joining; beware." http://www.rickross.com/warningsigns.html

Now while a few of the organizations I was involved with over the years do not fit all the above listed items on the list of unsafe leader/group there are some factors that are red flags to me now. The big one I would say is about the money! "SHOW ME THE MONEY!"

LEARNING FROM MY EXPERIENCE AND SHARING IT-SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Where's it going and who is benefiting from the funds generated from the church? Ask questions and if you think the answers you are getting are fishy then find out why that is. If the church is paying money to members for work or for building rental find out if these folks are claiming the earnings as they should or if they are using the front of "church" status to launder funds. Sounds nuts but does happen so better to find out for sure what is what.

1. Are there proper checks and balances re the bank accounts and is the church having to answer to the proper professionals: Provincial Government, Revenue Canada, External Auditors and Accountants?

If not then the chance of the organization being a cult is very likely. If you are on the board and especially if you have signing authority make sure you know exactly what is getting paid and when with the cheques you sign! NEVER sign over blank cheque no matter how much you trust the leader of the group or the other signing authorities involved. Remember you are financially responsible if something goes wrong and ignorance of what is going on will not be good protection of you if you do end up sued and in court for misappropriation of the church funds! Find out what your responsibilities and rights are do not take the leader's word for it. Ask your lawyer and an accountant and check in with the government too if need be.

2. How is the church registered as a business with the Government? Is it truly a charity or a not for profit organization or is it a business that is making money and not paying its taxes to the appropriate government agencies.

You can call The Companies Branch of your Provincial or Federal Government and ask for details about the specific church you are thinking of attending. This is the branch of the government that is responsible for business registry in your particular province or territory or county depending on what level the business is at. They will be glad to tell you the business status and incorporation date of the organization and any other information they have concerning the said organization. I am sure this also includes any legal and financial problems connected to the organization that have been reported and investigated. By the same token you can call this branch of government and find out how to report any organization that seems suspect. I am sure they will be able to advise you as to what the procedures are for forwarding a formal complaint if you should need to.

3. Is the church attached to a proper Governing/Religious Umbrella Organization like the National Spiritualist Association of Spiritualist Churches in the US or the Spiritualist National Union in the UK?

If the church is "independent" and they have no one to answer to then it leaves the group vulnerable to an egocentric charismatic leader who may or may not have a legitimate agenda for the organization. NEVER get involved with any group that does not have a proper connection to the appropriate religious governing body! There is safety in numbers, solid organizational structure and regulated standards that have to be met.

Not all Spiritualist Churches are alike but the best adage is "buyer beware", and "don't leave your common sense at the door" if you do choose to become involved. Do you your own research. Ask questions and make sure the answers you are given make sense and indicate a solid integrity of the organization.

And if my experience is common within Spiritualist circles, then education (or the lack of it) makes little difference. Controlling, charismatic Ministers and the groups they try to build for their own egocentric purposes are successful because they play their psychological head games out over time! Being psychically sensitive can help you navigate these kinds of situations, but true mediums/psychics do not read for friends, family or themselves because they are often too close to the situation. Get an external perspective be you psychic or not! Ross is right you really do have to be a good BS detector and make sure you check things out for yourself as you go along! Find out the right questions to ask and make sure you get answers. If the answers you do get set off red flags and things seem fishy they likely are and the only way you can know for sure is to check things out for yourself or get the right people in to do so. Most of all follow your gut/intuition in these situations if something does not sit right with you it likely isn't right. I followed my feelings and got out in good time and now know that if I ever go back to a Spiritualist church I will be asking the right questions to the right people and if I don't like what I hear I will not ignore my feelings. I will just not get involved and will report suspect organizations if I have enough evidence to do so.

So You are in Canada and you Want Credentials in Spiritualism eh?

Why is it the spiritual leaders that accuse others of going in ever decreasing circles up their own _ _ _ s are the worst offenders of the vary thing of which they accuse others? They gripe there is no progress but they are the first to put road blocks in the way of the so called desired progress they proclaim to be working towards. Seems to me that these folks are stuck in a rut! In fact they are so much going in circles that they keep pontificating about the same philosophy and yet cannot, do, not or choose not to practice it themselves. In fact some are in such a rut that if you read their blogs long enough you will find all they are doing is copying and posting snippets from the so-called “courses” for which they expect folks to shell out their hard earned money.

I don’t know about other Spiritualists, but why in hell would anyone pay $80 bucks for a course that has done nothing but degrade in 10 years as the so-called teacher has become more and more closed minded? More important if you look the content that the so-called “Reverend”/ “teacher” is trying to sell to the public can be easily found in the monotonous discussion posts on the said church web site and on the blogs of the supposed Reverend. This pathetic display from a spiritual leader who professes to be evolving and growing and yet has only used the internet to perpetuate the same old problems that have always been the curse of Spiritualism makes me wonder why folks should waste their time, money and effort.

If you are seriously thinking of paying for courses in Spiritualism and have found a church to do that first check on the web and see what the so-called “Reverend”/ “teacher” is regurgitating in discussion forums and in blogs online. Unless the individual is truly an innovative thinker, chances are you will read every thought he or she has ever had re the subject of Spiritualism and not have to shell out the cash in the long run. That is the situation where I am from anyway, and if you want real Spiritualist education do a background check on the one who is setting themselves up as teacher first! Google them by NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS, and CHRURCH ADDRESS (if you have that information) and take a thorough look! You will be amazed how much you can find for free! After doing that, if you still are seeking credentials then here are some hard learned lessons from my 12 years experience in several different churches in various communities.

As a Spiritualist I am often asked by people: “Where do I go for training in Spiritualism?” That is not an easy question to answer. The main problem in Canada is that there is no truly reputable official organization to offer courses. The Spiritualist Church of Canada is in transition with their course material and it is very expensive for what you get. All other training comes from the individual churches and therefore is only recognized within their particular church organization.

If you are looking for a stable organization to train you in Spiritualism and as a Minister the best thing you can do is contact the NSAC (National Spiritualist Association of Churches of America). Yes they are a US organization but their name is respected in Spiritualist circles and they with the Morris Pratt Institute have been providing reputable Spiritualist education from the early days. You could also contact the SNU (Spiritualist National Union) in the UK but the cost of doing their courses via correspondence and the cost of postage may be prohibitive for some folks.

If you are in the Toronto area there are several churches that have development circles and it is up to you to find the one that works for you. My personal picks would be Britten Memorial Church and Church of Universal Love The others are either mixed up with Christian Spiritualism and not training people in the psychic aspect or they are consumed with politics and have no real power to offer credentials no matter how much they would like to make you think they do.

The adage “buyer be ware” fits here… You really have to look at where the so-called “courses” and any promised “credentials” offered by the said church are going to take you into the future.

The ongoing problem here is that none of the churches work together and each is competing for a very small number of clientele. For example the total number of folks who identify as Spiritualists in Canada according to the 2001 Census is 3,295 of that 1,060 are male and 2,235 are female. In Ontario these numbers are 1,410 total Spiritualists and of those 490 are male and 915 are female. Now looking at the Toronto figures this number gets even smaller. The total Spiritualists for Toronto are 385 and of that number 115 are male and 270 are female. With this small number, why is it there are 5 different spiritualist churches in Toronto? Never mind those outside the city and within the GTA? The simple answer is personality clashes, politics and power struggles.

So what does this mean to you as a seeker? Well to put it quite simply most of these organizations do not have a stable congregation. Most Spiritualists who have been around for a long time make the circuit and attend more than one church. Now the argument may be made that there are many others who attend that do not call themselves Spiritualists but the problem with that argument is that those who do not buy into Spiritualism as dictated by the said Reverend of a given church may find that they may not be truly welcome to learn more about it or offer their experiences to it. It seems to be that folks are expected to buy the whole “Spiritualism” bag (as understood by the particular Reverend of course) first and ask questions later. This being the general atmosphere of many of the Spiritualist churches no wonder they have difficulty drawing new people in to form a congregation let alone a stable board of directors. But let’s look at the other folks who might wish to attend a Spiritualist church.

The next large group that tends to cross over into Spiritualism is the New Age lot. Now these folks tend to have a broad range of beliefs and not many would commit to Spiritualism in a concrete way because they usually find it confining. That said let’s look at the numbers for Canada, Ontario and Toronto as we did for the self-identified Spiritualists: Again according to the Census for 2001 it is obvious that these numbers are even smaller that the Spiritualists listed above. According to the figures, the number of New Age folks in Canada total 1,525 and of that 545 are male and 985 are female. This number gets even smaller when you look at the provincial and local level but let’s do it for argument sake anyway. So in Ontario the total number of self identified New Age believers is 380 and of that 105 are male and 170 are female. Now for Toronto that number decreases again to a total of New Age folks being 210 and of that very small number 55 are male and 150 are female.

Now I could continue this for those who practice Native and Shamanistic traditions but to be frankly honest in my experience most of these folks have strong connections to their own traditions and would not find themselves or their spiritual ideas truly welcome within most of the Spiritualist Churches. While some ministers pontificate about being in touch with Native Spirit Guides many of them are absolutely ignorant as to the true strength of these age old traditions and are usually too narrow minded to even really make the effort to try to learn what these spiritual paths have to offer and how they might complement Spiritualism. My 12 years of experience showed me that most Spiritualist leaders are too busy trying to tell others that their understanding of Spiritualism is the only way it can be and they go out of their way to shut out those with new, different or other spiritual concepts because they want to be “the teacher” and “control” how others walk their walk with Spirit. Now this is not to say this is the case in all the churches but it has been what I have seen in several of them so needless to say Spiritualism does not usually draw many people from the Native or Eastern traditions and if it does they usually get the impression that they are truly not welcome and move on anyway. So what you end up with is a bunch of old white folks in the leadership who have serious hang ups and fears pontificating about how to be spiritual when they prove to be the least able or willing to practice what they preach!

Post Script: The above comments in this blog are in no way a condemnation of all of Spiritualism or Spiritualist Educators across the board but does target those so called "teachers" in Spiritualism who do not know what they are doing because they lack the proper education/skills, and who run their churches like cults where they are the chief potentate. So as the old adage goes: When seeking Spiritualist Education in Canada "Buyer be ware" is the best way for newbie seekers to protect their interests.

Cosmic Trigger: Junk Chain Email or Not?

If you have been reading emails and web site discussion threads lately you will be seeing a lot of posts and emails about a cosmic trigger that is to have taken place for a span of 17 hours on October 17, 2006. I received the email several times from different sources in the days preceding the crucial date. The gist of this email is that thought vibrations good or bad will be magnified as dictated by our own individual thinking and what we choose to focus on. The reason for the trigger is supposed to have something to do with UV rays from higher dimensions crossing paths with the physical dimension that we are living in as people on Earth. Now while it is an interesting idea to ponder, I have some quandaries as to which time zone it will start in. If this cosmic trigger is to happen over all time zones for the 17 hour period of time then it will take several days to happen from start to finish.

For your perusal I am including the body of the email received excluding email address information and name of the sender.

“Hope this gets to you all in time; it's worth a go I think! A cosmic trigger event is occurring on the 17th of October 2006. This is the beginning, one of many trigger events to come between now and 2013.

An ultraviolet (UV) pulse beam radiating from higher dimensions in universe-2 will cross paths with the Earth on this day. Earth will remain approximately within this UV beam for 17 hours of your time. This is a call for Mission 1017 members now....Mission 1017 is a beam that resonates with the heart chakra, it is radiant fluorescent in nature, blue/magenta in colour. Although it resonates this frequency band, it is above the colour frequency spectrum of your universe- 1 which you, Earth articulate in. However due to the nature of your soul and soul groups operating from Universe- 2 frequency bands it will have an effect. The effect is every thought and emotion will be amplified intensely one million-fold. Yes, we will repeat, all will be amplified one millions time and more.

Every thought, every emotion, every intent, every will, no matter if it is good, bad, ill, positive, negative, will be amplified one million times in strength. What does this mean? Since all matter manifests is due to your thoughts, i.e. what you focus on, this beam will accelerate these thoughts and solidify them at an accelerated rate making them manifest a million times faster than they normally would. For those that do not comprehend. Your thoughts, what you focus on create your reality.

This UV beam thus can be a dangerous tool. For if you are focused on thoughts which are negative to your liking they will manifest into your reality almost instantly. Then again this UV beam can be a gift if you choose it to be. Mission-1017 requires approximately one million people to focus on positive, benign, good willed thoughts for themselves and the Earth and Humanity on this day. Your thoughts can be of any nature of your choosing, but remember whatever you focus on will be made manifest in a relatively faster than anticipated time frame. To some the occurrences may almost be bordering on the miracle. All we ask is positive thoughts of love, prosperity, healing, wealth, kindness, gratitude are focused on.

This UV beam comes into full affect for 17hrs on the 17th of October 2006. No matter what time zone you are in the hours are approximately 10:17am on the 17th of October to 1:17am on the 18th October. The peak time will be 17:10 (5:10pm) on the 17th October. You do need to be in a meditative state through out this time, though would be beneficial. The main key time no matter what time zone you are in will be the peak time of 17:10 (5:10 pm). Perhaps at this time if you can find a peaceful spot or location to focus. The optimum is out in the vicinity of grounded nature, likened to that of a large tree or next to the ocean waves. Focus on whatever it is you desire. What that is required for the benefit of all Earth and Humanity is positive thoughts of loving nature. We call this UV beam trigger event, "818" gateway. Please forward this message to as many people as you know who will use this cosmic trigger event to focus positive, good willed thoughts. We require approximately 1-million people across globe to actively participate in this event. Please use whatever communication mediums you have at your disposal.

Reach out to as many people as possible. We require 1-million plus people at the least to trigger a shift for humanity from separation and fragmentation to one of unification and oneness. This is your opportunity to take back what is rightfully yours i.e. Peace and Prosperity for all Earth and Mankind. This is a gift, a life line from your universe so to speak, an answer to your prayers. What you do with it and whether or not you choose to participate is your choice. Details to the Mission-1017 site and forum and how to stay updated are below. Mission1017 Source Raphiem/Blue”

Now considering how we use our thought energy is always a good thing as it is how we connect to God, Spirit, each other and the world we live in. My issue is as follows: We should be mindful of how we think and conduct ourselves every day not only when there is some fear of some supposed cosmic trigger. Why is it folks must take a simple spiritual principle of the Law of Compensation and Retribution, The Golden Rule or What Goes Around Comes Around and make it into some New Age weird and wonderful concept? Do people really need flakey mysticism to motivate them to do what they should be doing on a daily basis anyway? Why is it that people have to complicate something so simple? Regardless if you believe in one lifetime or many the situation is the same.

A. Thoughts are concrete things and how we think does manifest in our surroundings be it positive or negative and;

B. It is our PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY to be accountable for the thought energy we put out there EVERY DAY as our words and actions will fall in line with our ideas and attitudes.

If the notion of some other worldly dimensional UV Ray blasting the physical realm and magnifying thought vibrations either positive or negative is what folks need to get them to take personal responsibility for their thoughts words and deeds than so be it! On the other hand, it just seems to complicate the obvious. As a friend once said KISS- KEEP IT SPIRITUALLY SIMPLE. You don’t have to make some fantastical reason to do the right thing you just have to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do! Holy NEW AGE NONSENSE! Good grief! It is time folks got a grip! There’s enough junk email without adding this to the mix!

Personal Responsibility Requires More than Lip Service

It is interesting to note how those who manipulate and take advantage of others cry foul and say it is “abusive” when called on their actions. They claim to be spiritual and focused but in actual fact they are aging, grasping at old dreams, unfocused and jealous of younger folks who have their whole lives ahead of them.

The computer can be a useful tool and were it not of the more talented who are assumed to have so much time on their hands the one crying foul would not be as computer savvy and able to post her gripe as she has done these past days. Why is it that some folks insist on dishing out negativity but cannot understand when it is returned to them?

Law of attraction dictates as we put out there so we get back. Should the manipulator be surprised when their behaviour comes back to roost? Not particularly. They keep whining about the anonymity of being behind the computer screen but did they deal with issues as they came up or did they let them build and explode unreasonably when they could not get their own way? I do not consider rude, unfounded accusations to be a spiritual way to deal with problems. Perhaps I am missing something here?

What can be learned is that those who need title and feel this gives them power over others are shocked and angered when they discover that the title and the organization they have fritted their life away on is really of very little value to anyone other than themselves and their fragile egos. They accuse those who want to address real problems of organized religion and the position of minister of putting in bad words about them. Perhaps more accurately they have been shown an accurate mirror and they do not like the image they see from the life they have created for themselves? If that is so then it behooves them to take personal responsibility make changes and stop trying to place the blame for their short comings and discontent about their situation onto others who have better things to do with their energy, education and time. They advise others to be responsible for actions and yet are unable or unwilling to do so themselves. What a sad statement for a person in a position where they looked upon for guidance and with respect.

Free Like a Hawk

Those who take advantage of others time and effort and just assume that they can orchestrate how the people will give up time in their lives just because they are a member of a volunteer organization do not like it when the people whom they try to control and yet dump all the work on while they expect to take all the credit are usually dismayed when the underlings finally see the light and put a stop to the invasion into their lives. Standing up for me and talking about the things that have happened to me in the guise of church and spirituality and Spiritualism is the most healing.

To be obligated several nights a week and to be expected to give up weekends with friends and family for the sake of Church obligations planned without my input and with no respect for my personal life is such physical and emotional drain. Like a hooded hawk stuck waiting to be released.

To finally have the strength to break free of the constant demand and expectation of tasks to be done with little to no appreciation shown for work done is most healing. Now I can go anywhere I want and just be a member of a church. I do not have to put up with being told how I should think, what I should say, how I should act and how often I shall serve. So much to look forward to! As I rediscover again what it is like to live my own life on my terms unshackled!

The hawk has flown off the dark arm and is now truly free…

Love Potion #9 another Popular Scam!

Source: https://insmkt.securesites.com/vday.htm

It never ceases to amaze me the extent some psychics will go to when trying to make money. Now I do know that there are material needs to be met and like everyone else I have money constraints as well but that is no reason to gouge the seeker and fill their minds full of nonsense just to keep them on the line or to keep them coming back for the next reading. Yes we enjoy and appreciate regular customers but the focus should be to help folks to sort out their lives and to find their own strengths. The focus is not to create reading junkies.

What do I mean by reading junkies? Well these are those clients who are constantly emailing, calling or meeting with you for readings and for whom it does not matter what you say because they are not hearing you anyway. These are the folks who are so psychically addicted that they cannot make their minds up without consulting their advisor or advisors as the case may be. Now not all the blame can be placed on these confused and needy folks. In fact if truth be known the blame should be placed squarely in the shoulders of the psychic industry that is so motivated by money.

The worst part of the industry is the psychics who promise magic cures and potions that will fix people’s lives. This is common in the area of romance and relationships. While it is tempting to think it would be great to have a wonder drug that makes life work as we want the reality of something like that happening is doubtful at best. I have one friend when he and his partner broke up who was directed to a psychic who told him that he could give my friend a magic potion that would make his wife come back. While my friend was momentarily tempted he had the good sense to question the ethics of using such a method to fix his broken relationship. He asked himself “Why would I want to force someone to come back via a potion if they chose to leave in the first place?” He figured that he would always wonder if he did use such means if she came back and really did love him or only came back because of the potion that was used.

Now it worked out right for my friend who was sensible even when he was devastated, but let’s examine at what happens if the seeker is desperate enough to give the potion scam a try. If they do fall for it this then tells the unscrupulous psychic that they have a ready and willing sucker whom he or she can bleed dry financially. I mean not only can you convince these folks they need the potion but you can convince them that they need to keep buying it to keep the so called magic spell on the desired loved one working as it should. Now chances are that even with the potion the partner who has left the relationship will not return regardless of the potion used and the seeker soon finds out that they were ripped off.

It is important that folks understand that the idea of a psychic reading is simply a snapshot of the seeker’s situation and concerns at the time of the appointment. We all have Spirit influences around us and different guides, guardians and teachers come forward at different times to assist with various aspects in our lives. That in mind then it is important to know that a reading is not cast in stone and that the future is changeable. The spirit guidance that comes forth are meant as guide posts and not as cast in stone details that are guaranteed to be laid out for us the way we want. While we do get glimpses into the situations of our clients no psychic can or should guarantee 100% accuracy. Anyone who dares to do so is either delusional or scamming the public.

What a reputable psychic will offer you are some explanation of his or her experiences and possibly some references who can attest to their work as a psychic. Now bear in mind no one is ever going to choose dissatisfied clients to give references for them, but from the references you will get a sense of how that psychic conducts themselves ethically and professionally when they are doing readings. The psychic should be willing to address informational questions about his or her work, the workings of a reading and methods of payment and meeting for an appointment. It is not fair to expect the psychic to give you a freebee reading to prove his or her talent. While you will find that most will attune and demonstrate to show they are connected to you as a potential client, usually the psychic knows when a caller is looking for freebees and has no intent to book them and will not continue. I mean it is only fair that the psychic does not want to spend hours of time talking to folks who have no intention of booking a reading.

In my case I do try to treat people with respect and try to spend some time helping folks decide what it is they really need. Sometimes they call wanting a reading but this may not truly be what they are seeking at all. While I am in the business to do readings I also try to help folks find what they are looking for even if that means I do not book them for a reading. Chances are by taking the time to talk to them I will eventually end up doing a reading for them at some future point in time.

Now as much as I try to take time with folks there are times when I am tired and can be human and just want to make a quick booking and not have to get into a detailed discussion with folks. There are times when dealing with folks on the phone, online, in email and in person can be taxing. For example today I took 3 calls for folks just information seeking within a 45 minute time period and by the last call I just wanted to say did you read the details on the web site?? Did you even bother to check out what was there or did you just see my ad and dial the number?? Now I know I should be grateful that folks are calling and I am actually, but sometimes it would be encouraging if I felt like folks did read the information on the website before calling as most of the basic questions are answered.

That said the way that a seeker can be a good client and also protect themselves from the scammers is to do their homework. Find out all you can about the reader you are considering hiring and that includes reading any information he or she provides on his or her website. If after that the seeker still has questions then it is only fair that he or she contact the reader and find out the answers.

Also ask the reader some simple questions. How do you work? What kinds of readings do you do? What can I expect to get out of the reading? What kind of reading would be best for me? Given the answers that come from the discussion you will then know if you really want/ need a reading and if this reader is the right one for you. I say finding a good psychic is like finding a good hair dresser. They are rare but when you find one you know it!

Removal of Spells and other Scams!

The other night I was woken by a phone call at 1 am in the morning. Jumping out of bed, I picked up the phone to discover that it was a potential client who was seeking a reading. Now because I list my professional work address on my web sites folks just assume that they are calling the church when they call but to make things easier I have the calls come to my home so I can book appointments.

Anyway like I said I was woken by a long distance ring on the telephone. After my initial panic I decided to pick up the phone and have to say that it was one of the most interesting conversations I have had with a complete stranger in a long time! Now that does not mean that I want to encourage late night phone calls… not at all, but something important did come from the questions the caller had which motivates me even more to keep this blog up to date.

As I said before, I want to use this blog to help seekers find the right psychic for them and allow others to learn from my 12 years of experience working in the psychic industry.

Now back to the call that came in on Thursday night. The caller was asking me it if were possible for a psychic to remove evil spells from a person. Being in a half dead sleep I thought she was kidding until I realized that she was telling me that another psychic told the caller that she had an evil spell on her and that it would cost her $600.00USD to have it removed by the psychic! Now this kind of nonsense on the behalf of psychic workers is a big problem in the industry. Some folks think that it is ok and their right to fleece an uneducated and trusting public but that is not the case! This kind of gouging just makes all psychics look bad as the public gets wind of these horrible stories of such practices and then thinks that all folks who work as psychics are con artists. That said I am glad that the caller asked the question!

What to do if the same thing happens to you:

If any one working as a psychic tells you they can remove evil spells for a cost get away from them as fast as you can what they are doing is illegal and can get them put out of business if reported.

Now dealing with online readers it is hard to know who they really are but there are ways to find out. If you have an email address for them you can report them to their internet service provider. Fraud is fraud and most ISPs will discontinue the fraudster’s Internet service. If the psychic in question works for a particular psychic reading website you can report them to the operators of the site. Also you may want to report the incident to the internet fraud department of your local police force.

In the case of the situation where one is going to a face to face reading appointment be aware of your location and keep the contact information and report any questionable episodes to the local police. The chances that a psychic you are dealing with in an in person appointment would try such tactics is somewhat less because most psychics who work in the community face to face with clients do know the laws of their province/state and city. Most do not want to risk their reputations and legal problems but all the same you the buyer needs to be aware and proactive.