I WANT to be Psychic TOO

We are in a time where people are awakening left and right. Hence it should not surprise me that whenever I turn around I hear about another medium or healer who is breaking into the business. This can be evidenced by the number of Lily Dale mediums. Right now there are 55!! Whereas back in 2008 there were only 40.
 
It is exciting to realize that so many individuals are coming into their gifts and that consciousness is shifting. That being said, every time I see a new reader, remnants of the old paradigm and my ego rear their ugly heads and causing me to wonder, “What makes them think they are good enough to be a professional medium?”
 
I realize this is motivated COMPLETELY by the fear as the real question that is running through my head is, “Are they going to take my clients?”
 
Trust me, I know that is a foolish thought. I have worked hard over the years to establish myself and have been fortunate to be busier than ever (probably because so many people ARE awakening). And because I whole heartedly believe in the law of attraction, I do believe there is enough abundance to go around to everyone.
 
After rationalizing these fears, I am very quickly able to put them to bed. A concern I have struggled with and don’t quite know what to do about is – What is the quality of the readers hanging up their shingle?
 
As I mentioned, I have worked hard to establish myself. I am also proud of my profession and have high standards for my colleagues. Perhaps it is wrong, but I do believe all mediums need to live by a code (click here to read mine).
 
With this in mind, I often find myself wondering what code do these new mediums live by? How have they been trained? And, what standard of reading do they provide?
 
I am not delusional and am quite aware that there are established mediums that do not live by a code. I am also quite aware that there are mediums who have been doing this a long time that aren’t very good.
 
So my hope is that these new mediums have taken the following into account. And if you are thinking about reading professionally, here is my advice to you…
 
Take Classes
A practice circle with peers is instrumental in continuing to hone you gift. But also be certain to dole out the cash and work with a professional. The professional will be able to mentor and prepare you with skills to be able to sustain the rigors of passing message after message.
 
People are often surprised when I share that I went to “school” to develop my mediumship. They ask, “I thought you were always a medium?” or “I didn’t think you could train for this sort of thing? I thought you were or you weren’t.” My response to these questions is: yes, I always was a medium and while the classes didn’t necessarily help me open up and receive messages they did was help me focus the message as well as ground, center and protect myself. These skills are what enables me to conduct five to seven readings a day on a continual basis.
 
Get Credentialed
Just because my husband knows a little about electrical circuits doesn’t mean he should go about rewiring our house or more to the point offer to rewire someone else’s. That could be dangerous! There is a reason electricians are licensed. Same thing with mediums. Unfortunately, except for organizations like Lily Dale that do register their mediums, there are few places that have a process for certifying individuals. is not a unified process to license mediums. This can and does circle back to my first point however, take classes. These classes ARE what credentials you.
 
Your Motivation
Just because you can do readings doesn’t mean you should. It is important to question what your motivations are for doing the work. Is it because it gives you a rush? Or makes you feel special? Is it because you think you it’s going to make you a lot of money? If any of these are your motivations, you may want to reconsider.
 
Be Professional
Remember mediumship and spiritual advising IS a profession. As such, it’s important to carry yourself in a professional manner. A teacher once told my class, “You need to dress the part.” At the time, I was incredibly offended thinking, “What right does she have to tell me what to wear.” But you know what, she was right. I may not go over the top with the airy fairy or hippie look, but I do dress to project a personality. And that goes beyond just dress, but also carries over into all of my marketing materials.
 
Expectations
You might think you are hot stuff during message circles as your peers sing your praises. A message you pass during a practice circle is VERY different than one you would pass during a professional session. For one, the message will be much longer. In a typical circle you may pass a message that is ten or maybe fifteen minutes in length, whereas during a session it could last up to an hour. Additionally, while a peer may be excited and help you piece together a message with limited details, your clients will expect to you piece it together and provide them with evidence that you are connected. They are the ones paying you, after all, and expect you to do the work.

Know What You Are Getting Yourself Into
Mediumship is more than a full-time job. The more you do, the more both spirit and your clients expect of you. It is not uncommon for a spirit to show up early for a reading. It is also not uncommon for them to "hang out" and talk to me beforehand. I've worked hard to set up my boundaries and ask them to leave. Additionally, you will find that clients want you (and some expect you to be available) at all times. I've had people call me in the middle of the night, frantic to talk RIGHT AWAY. Before I smartened up and got a business line, this was daunting. Learn to set your boundaries.
 
What You Say Matters
Finally, remember that what you say and what you do really does matter. You will likely (and I encourage you to for legal purposes) advertise that all sessions are for entertainment purposes only. Despite this disclaimer, people really do take what you say to heart. As a result, what you say has real impacts on people’s lives.
 
If after considering these things, you are still ready to hang your shingle.  I have one more word of advice.
 
Take Time for You
There was a time when I was first starting out I would take whatever reading I could get. At the time I was working my day job and was squeezing reading in on my clients' schedule. This meant I was working late nights and weekends. I was easily working 80 hours a week. Even after I left my day job and wasn’t working then, when I worked on my clients’ schedules I would have a reading then a few hour break then another then a break. The turning myself on and off become exhausting. Before long I found myself very sick and burnt out. Since then I make sure I take time for myself. I take Wednesdays off and try to take some weekends as well. I’m better for my husband and daughter. I’m better for myself. AND, I’m better for my clients.

With all that said, I am happy to know the troop of light workers is growing. Good luck to each of you on your individual journey, whatever path that may lead you down.

---