A few weeks ago someone told me I’d do well at his company, a psychic hotline. I gave it no thought and actually forgot about it until he e-mailed the next day to recommend I apply. Since it was a simple process I decided to, and after giving a test reading to prove my ability I was promptly hired.
They put me into a system so I could accept calls from home, logging in and out according to my own preference. It originally sounded ideal and exactly suited to my needs: a reliable income independent of my business, and in alignment with the work I feel most called to do.
However, my elation quickly evaporated once I started taking calls. The assumption that psychics are somehow able to provide quick or easy answers to life is apparently wide-spread. My premise that it is intricate and process work was lost in the 10 minute calls from people demanding I tell them if bad things would happen in the next week, when/where they would find true love, and provide medical diagnoses.
When I channel I tend to tap into the energy of a person, providing information that is in alignment with where they are currently on their soul journey. I’ll speak to a sense that someone’s tangled up in their head and need to take steps to come into their body, or hanging on to something that’s ready to be let go. I don’t tell you that you’re going to be rich, famous, and find true love. I offer guidance on the best steps to take in the direction you want to go, speak to how/why you might be getting stuck and ways to transform.
I can’t speak for other psychics here, only for myself. I now know that many psychic hotlines test their readers and are far more legitimate than I originally gave them credit for. Given the kind of calls they receive, it may be other psychics can tell you with absolute certainty the details of what will happen tomorrow or next week. Just not me.
On the third day I quit. I love doing phone readings, I just want the people who call me to know what to expect. Transformation instead of easy answers, and a standard that holds you to your power.
It isn’t just people who call psychic hotlines who want easy answers. In the women’s spirituality work that I do, I encounter the same kind of expectation. I call it “consumerism”, because that what it feels like to me. It shows up as a subtle (or not-so-subtle) form of “gimme-gimme-gimme…what’s the next fix, the next trick, the next thing-you-have-to-sell-me-so-that-I-can-be-enlightened…gimme gimme gimme”. I feel double portions frustrated and sad when I encounter this in other people. Frustrated because I can’t do what they want; sad because both the other person and I are missing a chance to encounter the Divine. Like you, I move on. Transformation, baby, that’s where its at!!! 🙂
Thank you for your comment. It feels like a major portion is missing in the cultural narrative around what serves…there’s a sort of lip service paid to the fact that material wealth isn’t the key to happiness, but we mostly operate as though it were.
Perhaps it’s the consumer culture. I’ll admit if there were an “easy answer” I’d be among the first to sign on. As is, it seems the truth is far more subtle and magical than satisfying our immediate desires can allow for. I also have faith that because of this, everyone eventually is forced to give up the idea that there is a “fix” for their lives, and focus instead on surrendering to what serves. Be it over one or many lifetimes.
I think often people make the mistake of thinking a human psychic is the same as a magic 8 ball toy and that life is truly as simple as an instant yes or no answer. I had a friend once say the future is etched in sand not written in stone – I believe that free will is out there so it’s not always as simple as a yes or no instant answer. I would much rather – use my empathic abilities to work with someone to help them work out what they feel their choices need to be than tell them an instant answer that I see – because honestly which is better? To be given an instant answer or to work on listening to guidance from spirit guides and angels to work on finding your own inner guidance to help you understand what those choices should be? I do still work with a phone hotline but when I get the “fast food” mindset type questions – that is how I try to best explain my answer. I have found that those that call back then are the ones that are interested in the “transformation” rather than the fast food answer. 🙂 When it comes down to it it doesn’t matter as much what you are going to cook for dinner next week as it matters how you feel about where you are on your life’s journey 😉 Love and Light and Blessings – Mandy
Mandy,
Thank you for adding your thoughts. Perhaps if I had stayed I would have developed a clientele of people interested in my form of readings. As is, I’m grateful for all the people I meet on a metaphysical path who understand it’s not about finding easy answers, but understanding oneself better in order to be a positive presence in the world.
Hi Sarah,
I just read your post, thank you for posting it, you sound very much like me, I am currently on my second day at a psychic hotline and already thinking of quitting! My gift is very similar to yours… good luck to you!
Thank you for sharing Mela. I’ve appreciated the number of people who positively identified with my experience of psychic awareness. May your gifts be received where they are most appreciated, and your practice flourish.
Thank you for sharing your expierences and thoughts Sarah! I have been a tarot reader since I was 17. I am 47, so it’s been quite a life path! I am at this time considering reading for a hot-line. Keen.com seems the most reputable. I have concerns as well about the fast food mentality that I have even experienced at fairs and other large public reading ventures. I feel much the way you do about this. I am not here to be an 8 Ball! The trouble is though my readings are quite accurate and I have a great success rate with clients..well my client base is very small! I live in Athens GA, not the best place for such things. I have a presence online, on facebook. I do also have a website but it tends to get lost. So there it is the question at hand to go with a service or not! I suppose I could try advertising somewhere online that promotes well..I’m not sure, don’t know how to go about it really. I appreciate this feedback though! Thank you and many blessings!
You’ll need to follow your heart in terms of what’s right for you, if Keen feels light then it’s a good choice, if not it’s an opportunity to say no. You may be interested in business coaching with Mark Silver, he’s a wonderful resource for spiritually oriented people like us who struggle with the logistics of running a business. You can check him out at http://www.heartofbusiness.com.