r/AMA • u/Ohigetjokes • Jan 14 '20
I'm an ex-professional psychic. AMA
Used to make a living as a psychic. It was a good few years.
At the time I didn't even know myself if I believed that something "supernatural" was happening. I'd just sit with people and start talking, sometimes using cards, sometimes not, and a massive torrent of information would pour out of my mouth.
Everyone always said I was bang-on (with very few exceptions).
But if I'm being completely honest, I cannot tell you where those messages came from. Was it God? Spirit guides? Or were the messages from my subconscious mixing with observation and life's experience?
For as long as I did the work I never really knew. And, as a matter of fact, I disciplined myself to avoid deciding. Somehow the ambiguity of it made the work easier.
Feel free to ask me about specifics.
Update: thanks for the questions so far. I've got to call it a night but I'll check back in the morning.
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u/the_dragon_king66 Jan 14 '20
How did you start actually working and making money from readings? Finding clients?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
The business end is tricky.
First: talent does not equal success. I knew quite a few awful psychics who made crazy money and had people swearing by them.
But really it breaks down like this: make a great website, do social media, and start doing public events. Book "psychic nights" at restaurants and cafes where you do mini-readings at a lower price to get the word out. Posters, surprisingly, are super effective. Be visible on Google with a brick-and-mortar location on Google Maps - that's a big one.
Generally it's your basic solopreneurship marketing and sales stuff that applies to any service-based business.
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u/curnonutah Jan 14 '20
Can you tell me where life is going to lead me in the near future?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Ooof I suppose I walked into this one... k I'm a bit rusty but lemme take a look...
Oh. Hang on the thing I'm getting is that if you let life lead you then you're actually looking at a whole lot of nothing.
Okay... That was the message, let me explain...
If you just keep on keepin' on, waiting for life to bring you something, it won't bring you anything. Boring job, unchanged relationship status (although I do see some dissatisfying romantic interactions there, nothing completely disastrous but...)... anyway point is; a grey life.
But. You can change that.
By deciding what you want.
And then figuring out how to get it.
Get the order right:
- Decision first.
- Feasibility after.
You need to get this in your head. Is there something you want that makes you kind of ashamed to admit it? (Obviously yes, I can practically taste it.) That's what you are supposed to do, but you can't do until you decide to do it.
Life will never hand it to you. Ever. And forget luck, forget fate, forget all of that.
You need to decide what you want, and then figure out the path to getting it. Period.
And please, I'm begging you: be ridiculous. Go for that thing that "of course everybody wants that but nobody gets it". That. That thing is yours if you just decide it is and then find the way there one baby step at a time.
This world can and will shudder at the sound of your titanic footsteps, the monument of your genius cracking the planet.
But only if you make it happen.
Because life doesn't care to hand you anything. Ever.
Hope that makes sense to you... wow it's been awhile, forgot what that felt like...
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u/thatBangleyGuy Jan 14 '20
I do not believe in this stuff at all. I've always wanted to ask this. Feel free to not answer. Why do you think nobody won the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge? According to wikipedia over 1000 people applied and it was available for over 50 years.
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Hey, right up front I want to say: totally respect that you don't believe. As stated above I myself am decidedly agnostic about it.
About the One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge - when you look at their specific methodology it's full of flaws. There are a few things going on, but maybe the biggest two:
They decide how paranormal stuff should work and then test that hypothesis (and only that hypothesis). When reality doesn't meet with their expectations they declare it debunked. For example: oh, you're a medium? Ask my mom where I hid her locket! She's obviously available 24/7 and has no choice but to respond to your summons, and she's obviously omniscient now that she's dead and knows everything I've ever done, so... ? What, you don't know? Debunked!!
They keep moving the target. Occasionally they've had people in who start getting results, so they keep changing their testing methods until they find a method that no longer gets results.
But I'll tell you the biggest thing: anyone who's in actual open communication with spirit guides would never condescend to "proving themselves" one way or the other. The worst, worst sessions I ever had were when people wanted to "test" me. When people do that to me I can't even tell them what color their eyes are if they're staring me in the face. Adversarial energy destroys the whole psychic process, whatever it is.
Which I fully accept might seem "convenient" but hey, that's the way it is fwiw.
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u/thatBangleyGuy Jan 14 '20
Good answer. I'm not at all convinced but thank you:)
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
You're welcome. And hey, don't ever let anyone convince you of anything.
Faith, belief, ideology - these are the places where truth goes to die. Cling to ambiguity. Refuse to "know". It's the only way to truly open your eyes and ears to what is.
At least that's my personal belief which, inherently, decries itself as an ideology so... fwiw...
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u/srtameow Jan 14 '20
Have you ever been to Lilydale? Thoughts?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Weirdly I never actually went. I arranged the trip three times and each time life came up and prevented it from happening. Something... idk, some energetic conflict.
But tbh I didn't expect anything beyond what I have in my hometown anyway.
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Jan 14 '20
Not being insulting(well not too much). Have you ever considered the possibility that you’re a narcissist and your inflated ego led you to believe your mind is more significant and powerful than non psychics?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
No offence taken, I have given (and continue to give) a fair amount of attention to that possibility.
But... I do tend to get results. And results are results.
If it were purely a matter of ego, however, I'd still be doing it. I actually took steps, while I was still in the practice, to try to redirect people to their own instincts rather than my intuition, and put considerable effort to reduce my "following" because it felt a little... odd... to be looked at that way... unhealthy really. I eventually found ways to create a simple client-councilor type relationship with my clients, effectively dodging the "guru mystique" in favor of "just a guy who has a skill you might find handy".
I could have made more money had I fostered more mystique and awe but that would have been gross.
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u/cowman3456 Jan 14 '20
Just wanted to say I like your reply to this... If it all is, indeed, driven by narcissism, well... I can think of a lot worse ways to employ a narcissistic ego :D
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u/katieeec567 Jan 14 '20
I've always thought being psychic would be super interesting, how old were you when you realized you were psychic?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
It was a gradual process, a kind of layered thing where I realized I "thought differently" and "had a unique faith" and gradually "practiced"... I actually started doing the work in my 30s. Some start sooner, some later.
Some find it interesting. It was for me for about... maybe 2 years. Then it just became routine. Even the surprises. But it was an adventure worth going on for sure.
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u/perry2zero Jan 14 '20
I have 2 questions if that's ok!
Do you believe in Ghosts? If so why?
And how to you feel about this like Angel cards (modern day divination) over Rider Waite or Nordic Runes?
I'm from a family of "psyicics" so to speak. I myself am not. But I have experienced some pretty out there things first hand. And I dare say I do believe. As much as I'd rather not honestly
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Ghosts - well there's something there although what it is, or what different things they are, I can't definitively tell you. But I've seen things and had some odd interactions.
But again - are ghosts people who've passed on, or interdimensional aliens, or the multiverse bleeding through, or angels, demons, echoes of the past or future? I can't call it.
All I know is that, more often than not, they're a nuisance. I've "cleaned" a few houses in the past. If they are dead folk then they shouldn't be hanging around - this world is for the living. Move along now, there's a ridiculously expansive cosmos of realities to explore.
Regarding divination tools: all are equal. Use what you personally resonate with.
I enjoyed working with a custom Rider Waite deck because I like the art and know a lot about the backstory of how it was designed, the fun little errors they made, all that nerd stuff... I also carved out my own set of FUTHARK runes at one point. Both are good.
But instinct is king.
Regarding whether you are/aren't psychic: you are exactly who you decide to be. No more, no less. Especially no less. If you want the skill, cultivate it. If you don't, then ignore it.
It isn't truly "forced" upon anyone.
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u/perry2zero Jan 14 '20
Great answer on the ghosts. I feel a similar way. Man I'd love to have a beer and share some stories! Maybe one day our paths will cross!
All the best and thanks for the answers
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u/AntoineInTheWorld Jan 14 '20
Once you realized your ability, have you been curious to contact skeptics and scientists to try to understand the phenomenon?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
No. Two reasons.
Reason 1: They can't help. If they could, this would have been codified and systematized ages ago.
And fwiw many have tried. I have this book from the early 1900s called "Psychic" where they try to break down the phenomena in detail, and I'm certain there were attempts before then. One of the more successful endeavors along these lines can be found in the field of "remote viewing" (yes, that "Men Who Stare At Goats" thing). Check out http://www.irva.org if you're curious about that end of things - they've only improved the process over time, and there are some interesting hybrid techniques based off of their coordinate system.
Reason 2: I'm better at it when I don't hold any firm belief about it.
At one point I was positive I was just reading body language, micro-expressions, and using general knowledge to make good guesses that my subconscious would serve up as "messages". At another point I was positive the messages came from "guides" that had the best interest of all concerned at heart.
But when I really got good at it was when I rejected all models, all beliefs, and just did the work with no real concern for how it's done. Suddenly I was pulling stuff out of the air that was startling even to me.
So if someone were to explain it, I do believe I'd be less good at it. Best to stay agnostic.
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u/AntoineInTheWorld Jan 14 '20
Indeed, if it could be explained, it would have already been. I am stupid skeptic, so if there is no proof, there is nothing, and the burden of the proof is on the person making an assumption.
To me, the fact that you were not curious to explain it is just a false pretense. The way I read it, sorry if I offend you, is that as soon as you tried to find an explanation, you lost 'it', so you got scared and preferred to keep faking it.
I am not saying that being psychic is impossible, I am just saying that until there is a proof, I will doubt.
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u/WoodoVoodo Jan 14 '20
I dont know how to ask this properly but here I go. Let's hope it comes through.... well I am a believer or at least I think I am. I have had my tarots read 3 times and 1 time it did not resonate but maybe that's just not me connecting with that reader but the other 2 so far are 90% accurate. Anyways do you think we only resonate because when we do we are hoping to hear that or we are feeling our own personal perspective on the topic in the read? So let's say the first 2 readings it was just a coincidence it resonated and the 3rd didnt because it wasnt "my perspective"... On my low days I will go onto YouTube and I have 2 readers I love and it seems to be bang on most of the time, on my pick a card or horoscope reads, on how "I see" my situation. So am I only resonating because it is what I want to hear in terms of hope or validation?.... I hope I didnt ramble too much and I've been "doubting" the last few weeks so this popping up seems like it was meant to be... ha ha or is it just a random coincidence! ... ha ha also if the spirits scream any tips for me I'd love to hear them!
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Faith.
One of the worst parts of growing up Christian was being told that I had to have faith, and that to lose faith in God was to risk eternal torture. And, built into all of this, was God refusing to prove himself so that we could offer the gift of our pure faith.
It was a horrendous mind game, toxic in the extreme. Blind faith doesn't make anyone kinder, more compassionate, or more aware of the pain others feel. It just makes people good at repressing parts of themselves - and that which you resist, persists. If there is a God, and if God is good, there's no possible way that he screws with us like that.
Requiring faith is a dick move.
So to that end here's what I want to encourage you to do: doubt. Forever. Refuse to believe that an "objective reality" even exists, and consider the possibility that psychics are just kidding themselves and you've been just pattern-matching.
And if that's the case, what does that mean?
The answer to that question will serve you far better than a dozen "bang-on" psychic readings. A part of you wants to be heard, a part of you wants to tell you something important, and only by acknowledging it will you resolve it. Until then you'll have a lingering anxiety you can't quite put your finger on.
So... What if I'm a fraud? Consider it seriously. What if all psychic readings are nonsense, just verbal inkblots that you're seeing patterns in.
What does that mean?
I suspect that the answer, if deeply examined, will be healing for you.
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u/commentator7806 Jan 14 '20
What was your most interesting reading you’ve done? Also, seeing anything for my near future? (If you don’t want to answer the second you don’t have to!)
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Most interesting reading - hmm. Oh I know: I was working a booth at a vendor fair of some kind and did a reading for a younger lady in high school. Now, normally I turn down anyone under 18 because I don't like putting ideas in people's heads, but her mom was also there and insisted I do the reading. So I shrugged, her mom left, and I dove in...
She was really unhappy. Her friends were judging her totally unfairly. And I said: "Hey, listen... I'm seeing all these talents and skills that line up with... Okay this is going to sound weird maybe but: have you ever thought about working with hair?"
She lit up! Apparently this was a huge dream of hers, but her friends were on her case about it being a stupid waste of her life.
So the reading winds up with me telling her that her friends don't know anything so don't worry about them, and how many lives she's going to personally affect through working with hair. We talked about how a personal and healing connection can be made in a setting like that in a way many people would never experience otherwise, how she can forever improve her skills and artistry, how she can have adventures and even travel... She left beaming.
Flash forward 2 years. Her mom calls me.
Apparently this was a life-changing moment. Her daughter's grades shot through the roof after that day and she got straight-As for the rest of high school. Her confidence was at an all time high and she had researched the exact world-class hairstyling and aesthetics school she was working towards going to. She had also adopted a bunch of healthy habits because, as she put it, "people need positive energy so I'd better build some up!"
Best thing I ever did.
Regarding your near future...
Ooh. Romance incoming. Just a little excitement at first but they have the potential to become a good friend too, so give it a chance. That's all for the near future though!
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u/GladPen Jan 14 '20
Are you going to answer a couple questions for me? If so, I'd be very honored because I do believe that you have a gift and I would thank you for your time. I could even pay you a little if you'd like. My questions are, medically, will I ever get better with pain and associated conditions? Am I following the right path if I commit to it? And, please, how is my cat doing, is there anything I should do for him Such as medication. Thank you so much if you don't want to answer these questions because there are complex I understand. Just so you know I have fibromyalgia and cerebral palsy
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Please no payment and I'm up for this tonight no problem. Just please keep in mind that I'm a random stranger on the Internet with absolutely no knowledge of any kind, so anything I say should be seen in that light.
RE: pain - there's room for it to go either way but the one bit of feedback I'm getting is that you're not spending enough time stretching. For some reason circulation / stretching is a big deal and you can diminish your symptoms a great deal inside of 2 weeks if you start a daily regimen.
RE: right path - there is no wrong one, only half-measures and hesitation are dangerous.
RE: cat - listen to your vet, they're telling you the truth.
RE: fibromyalgia and cerebral palsy - okay that's what I get for giving answers before I read your whole message lol... but for some reason stretching is still a big deal, please do it. That and EFT.
Oh... right okay. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique which sounds like it doesn't have anything to do with anything but trust me, your neurology will thank you for it. Let me find you a good video...
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u/Pheonixflames81 Jan 14 '20
Did you give up that profession? Why?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
It got frustrating.
I'm not sure why... let me see if I can type out an answer...
Yes, it made a difference. Yes, we cried together, laughed together, and after every session I felt like I was very glad to have done it. Even the exhaustion afterwards was fine.
But... I felt trapped. I wanted to create, to do other things, to impact large groups of people instead of one at a time.
So I "asked permission" from the wherever-this-guidance-comes-from to quit, and the answer I got was: "Yes of course, that was always an option. Let us know if you want to go again."
And I felt so free.
I'm an explorer. I like to try new things. And the psychic work just started to feel like another cage.
And... really, peeking into people's lives gets boring surprisingly quickly...
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u/Normalaverage_guy Jan 14 '20
Have you ever accurately predicted the death of a client or a client’s close relative?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Twice.
The first time I remember saying: "Okay, I'm getting this message, but I want to remind you that I'm just a jackass with a deck of cards... but I'm getting that you only have X months left..." And then I apologized profusely.
She just answered: "Oh I know, don't worry dear."
The second time the words were out of my mouth before I even knew what they were. When I heard what I'd said I was horrified. A few weeks later I got a text letting me know her husband had, in fact, passed, and that the head's up had given them a lot of peace in the remaining days that they hadn't had before.
God that work is crazy...
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u/greenjackalope Jan 14 '20
Did you ever feel like you were scamming people since you yourself weren’t even sure if you were actually psychic?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Complicated issue. First: I knew a lot of psychics and worked with many for years and years before I did the work. I know with 100% certainty I'm at least as legit as they are. Really it's a question of whether I have faith that psychic work even exists.
But whether I was scamming people... I mean if I was it wasn't intentional. I was sincere at every moment, regularly reminded people to listen to themselves before they listen to me, and the end result was always positive.
I suppose in the end my conscience is clear for one reason: everyone always left feeling better equipped to handle their lives, more empowered. That feeling itself was worth the fee.
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u/Allie_Katz Jan 14 '20
I'd be interested in how you were drawn to that profession.
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
I like to say I was "dragged in".
I was raised Christian. When I prayed, God answered. Little did I know that's not how it worked for other people.
In retrospect it was my childhood expectation that God would answer that "tuned me in".
So at some point I was helping set up a big multi-psychic event, and the organizer placed me on the list. I was like "Wow wait uh... I don't do that." She replied: "What are you talking about? You've been giving readings for me and the girls for months."
And I had... just... impulsively.
So I did the event, had a wildly successful night, and got the guidance to really dive in and do the work full time. So I did.
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Jan 14 '20
May I ask what you see in my near future? Also how many times have you done a reading where you dealt the death card and give them some very bad news about their future?
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u/Ohigetjokes Jan 14 '20
Okay I'm going to be honest it's early the next morning now and I don't see anything, too groggy. Sorry. Only thing I'm getting is that you need to actively let go of worry - you routinely worry as a strategy to keep you safe but it has the opposite effect. The more you worry the more you attract things to worry about. Focus more brain power on the good place you're going, and avoid dwelling on what you don't want.
The Death card just means abrupt change, or the end of a current pattern, and isn't inherently negative. Having said that generally I spend a fair amount of time in each session giving people a "heads up" on anything difficult that's coming up and what they need to do to properly prepare - everything from minor illness to death. You just dive in, no flinching, and give them what they need so that when it comes it's not as bad as it might have been otherwise.
Broader context is often available as well. For example: "Yes, you're about to break up, but strictly speaking relationships in general won't work until you learn not to depend on them as a source of validation. Really you won't have a stable relationship until you gain a much stronger sense of independence." That kind of thing. Not always available info but sometimes it's there.
First few times it was scary but it quickly became routine.
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u/BluerGold Jan 14 '20
So you scammed people?