Consumer Guide to Psychics and Oracles

It isn't unusual to want to seek answers from others when life seems uncertain or when you are facing a difficult decision. Turning to a trusted parent, teacher, friend, or personal adviser is not always possible. However, there are professional psychics (intuitive counselors) who are very adept at helping their clients sort through their confusions.

Before you pick up the phone and dial 1-900-XXX-XXXX for a phone reading, prepay for a Skype session, or book an in-person consultation, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Know beforehand what to expect during your reading.
• Be selective. Choose from among psychics with special talents the one that best meets your needs.
• Learn how to phrase your questions carefully.
• Avoid charletons who only want to separate you from your money.

Do Your Homework

Not all psychics are alike. How they run their businesses will vary. It is up to you as the consumer to find out what to expect before booking a session. If a psychic has a Web site, take some time to explore it. Review the psychic's resume. Also look for a description or informational text explaining what a session costs, what you get in exchange for your payment, etc. If not, look for an email or contact form for inquiries. Reading client referrals or testimonials are also helpful. Just know that you are not going to see any negative reviews posted on the psychic's Web site... Google or Bing the psychic's name to see if there are any negative, neutral, or rave reviews written elsewhere.

Psychics, Intuitives, Empaths, Spirit Communicators

Talents and interests vary among intuitive consultants. Everyone has psychic abilities but individuals who use these talents in a professional capacity they will often choose not to call themselves psychics. Some do, but others use other terms or labels that better describe the work they do such as empathic healers, intuitive life coaches, animal communicators, clairvoyants, spirit channelers, etc.

• Psychic VS Intuitive Counselor
  Brief explanation why some empathic healers and intuitive counselors prefer not to be called psychic.
• Psychic Practitioners and Their Specialties
  Specialized areas where some psychics or intuitive counselors focus their talents.

Taking Control of Your Own Fate and Fortune

• Tarot Cards Cannot Rule Our Lives
  The knowledge a tarot reader, numerologist, astrologer or psychic can offer is only half the story, the other, more vital half resides in all of us as human beings on this planet.
• Beware the Scam Artists and Charletons
  There are the "bad eggs" in the psychic community you'll what to steer away from.
• A Psychic Tells You That You Are Cursed?
  Insightful article on how to handle scary advice you receive from psychics.

Using Oracles - Being Your Own Psychic

There are many different oracles and divination tools you can use to explore your own intuitive nature. Which oracle works best at awakening your intuitions may take a bit of experimentation. Here are a few articles that will help you get started.

• How to Use a Pendulum
• How to Read Tea Leaves
• Tutorial for Reading Tarot Cards
• Basics of Palmistry
• More Divination Practices

Psychic Consultation Stories

• Psychic Consultation Experiences
• Professional Tarot Card Reading Stories
• Medical Intuitive Readings
• Animal Communicator Consultation Stories
• Astrology Consultation Stories
• Angel Intuitive Readings
• Past Life Readings
• Life Coaching Experiences

_{Michael Shay / Getty Images}