Why Paranormal Beliefs Surge After Tragedies: From the Civil War to COVID-19

Throughout history, national tragedies and major disasters have had a profound impact on beliefs, especially around the paranormal and the afterlife. In the wake of crises like the Civil War, World Wars, 9/11, and the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a consistent and notable rise in public interest in paranormal beliefs, often manifesting in increased use of psychic mediums, séances, and tools like the Ouija board. This trend is not coincidental; it reflects a deeply human need to seek comfort, meaning, and connection amid overwhelming loss and uncertainty.

The Civil War: Laying the Groundwork for Spiritualism

The Civil War (1861-1865) is often considered the starting point for the formalization of paranormal beliefs and practices in the United States. The massive loss of life, often on unfamiliar battlefields far from home, left families unable to bury or even say proper goodbyes to their loved ones. This left a deep psychological scar and a yearning to connect with the spirits of the deceased. The Spiritualism movement, which had begun over a decade before, gained significant momentum during this time. People found solace in the notion that the spirits of their loved ones could be reached and that the afterlife was not a complete separation. This period saw a surge in the popularity of mediums, séances, and eventually talking boards (which would become commercialized and better known as the Ouija board), which provided a way for families to feel close to their lost loved ones.

Vintage ad for a fortune teller. Source unknown.

World War I and World War II: Heightening Spiritual Curiosity

Following the Civil War, World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945) ushered in new waves of death, displacement, and loss. Particularly in England and the United States, mourning practices took on a more mystical quality, with Spiritualism once again becoming an outlet for grief and closure. Mediums were in high demand, offering to connect bereaved families with soldiers who had died overseas. Harry Houdini, himself a skeptic, became both a critic of Spiritualism and an investigator, seeking out those who offered services to grieving families. The Ouija board, patented in 1891, saw renewed interest during this period as well, as families sought to commune with those lost in the wars.

During World War II, the anxiety and devastation were so widespread that they intensified public engagement with the supernatural. Figures like Helen Duncan, a medium who famously claimed to summon the dead, became icons, and spirit communication thrived. The combination of economic hardship, personal loss, and existential fear brought about a longing to connect with the other side, keeping the idea of a paranormal connection firmly rooted in the public imagination.

9/11 and the Need for Connection

The September 11 attacks in 2001 were a modern-day tragedy that echoed the same human reaction: after the initial shock and grief, people began searching for meaning and connection. Interest in paranormal phenomena, from ghost sightings to spirit communication, surged after 9/11. This disaster differed from past wars in that it wasn’t fought on distant soil but struck directly in the United States, amplifying the trauma and loss experienced by Americans. Psychic mediums gained popularity as people searched for closure and answers, hoping that departed loved ones might still be reachable in some way. Television networks and popular culture also began producing more shows about hauntings and ghost-hunting, as Americans became increasingly curious about the afterlife.

One of many vintage ads cleverly using the Ouija board to boost product appeal. This ad was for Ipana Toothpaste. Credit: Salem Witch Board Museum

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Renewed Surge in Paranormal Curiosity

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about yet another wave of interest in the paranormal. With the global death toll rising into the millions and people facing isolation, fear, and mourning on a mass scale, people began turning to spiritual practices and paranormal tools to find solace. Social media played a significant role, allowing people to share their experiences and interact with paranormal practitioners, further boosting interest in psychics, mediums, and divination tools.

Pandemic-related grief has also revived curiosity in the Ouija board. As people were forced to stay home and avoid public gatherings, some found a sense of community in virtual séances or with “DIY” paranormal exploration at home. Although technology provided many ways to connect with others during the lockdowns, there was also a noticeable uptick in interest in spirit communication methods, as the pandemic sparked reflection on mortality and the unknown. From this, a robust appetite for paranormal content on various social media outlets like TikTok and YouTube manifested.

The Ouija Board and Psychic Mediums: A Historical Lifeline for the Grieving

The Ouija board, first patented in 1890, has become one of the most iconic symbols of the paranormal. Originally marketed as a parlor game, it quickly became a tool for spirit communication during times of tragedy. Whenever society faced widespread death, people turned to the board in hopes of speaking to those who had passed on. This surge happened during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, again during the World Wars, and has continued into recent times. Psychic mediums, similarly, have served as lifelines for those desperate for communication. In each major disaster, mediums and Ouija boards provided an outlet for grief, offering comfort to people trying to come to terms with their loss.

Ad for ROZA KULESHOVA, Russian psychic, ‘sees’ with her fingers, circa 1963. Credit: Fate Magazine

The Psychology of Grief and the Paranormal

Psychologically, the human response to grief is complex, and for many, spiritual or paranormal beliefs provide a coping mechanism. Tragedy disrupts our lives, forcing us to confront mortality in ways we may not be prepared for. Many people find it comforting to believe that their loved ones are not entirely gone, that they can still be reached through spirit communication or paranormal experiences. This need for closure has led to the paranormal becoming a regular, if temporary, sanctuary in times of distress.

The Role of Media and Technology

As media has evolved, so has our connection to the paranormal. Today, movies, television, and social media heavily influence our beliefs in the supernatural. Ghost-hunting shows and paranormal podcasts have become more popular, and social media has enabled people to share their own ghost stories and encounters in real-time, adding to the cultural acceptance of paranormal experiences. After major tragedies, we often see a resurgence of paranormal-themed media, reflecting and amplifying public interest in the unknown.

Conclusion: Seeking Comfort in the Unseen

Throughout history, times of great loss have spurred the desire to connect with something beyond the physical world. From the Civil War to the COVID-19 pandemic, each tragedy has left an imprint on our beliefs about the supernatural. Psychic mediums, Ouija boards, and other forms of spirit communication serve as mechanisms to process grief, offering comfort in our darkest hours. Whether we seek closure, reassurance, or a sense of connection, these beliefs persist because they resonate with a universal human need: to feel that love and connection endure, even in the face of death.

Leo Frank’s Message to Lucille From Beyond the Grave

I’m trying to find an unmarked grave in a massive cemetery. How am I going to do this? But, this is a very special grave. I have an idea of where it is. And yet, here I am…wandering aimlessly through Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. But…this grave means the world to me. It means so much to me. My previous attempt during a visit to Atlanta over 10 years ago left me unsuccessful.

But on this day, this day was the day I was going to find the grave of Lucille Frank, the wife of Leo Frank. I couldn’t fail again. I pulled out my phone and brought up Google. In my search, I read that Lucille used mediums to try to contact Leo on the other side. Wait, what?

In my attempts of finding Lucille’s unmarked grave, I fell down a rabbit hole.

A Decades-Long Obsession

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a Saturday and I was channel surfing, looking for something to watch. Something made me stop the rapid channel surfing; it was Peter Gallagher in a courtroom. I stopped and watched for the rest of the day. I was riveted, intrigued, and horrified. But I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to know more.

The movie was the miniseries, “The Murder of Mary Phagan”, which originally aired in 1988. One of the networks was clearly doing a rerun since I was in middle school in the mid-to-late 90s. Since it was the 90s, I had to find the miniseries at my local library to watch it again.

Since then, I’ve had this fascination with the Mary Phagan murder and the lynching of Leo Frank. I read as many books as I could about the subject. Being from California, I was fairly sheltered from the idea of Southern Heritage, the Invasion of the North post-Civil War, and finally, the rampant anti-Semitism that was very prominent in the South that sparked around Leo Frank’s trial.

Horrified

My focus is on Lucille Frank. I don’t want to go into a long history lesson, as there is lots of information on the case. While there are tons of websites about the case (many alarmingly anti-Semitic), here is a good place to start. While you’re at it, check out this link too.

I was horrified when I learned of Leo Frank’s lynching on August 17, 1915. I was also horrified that not only was there a large group, but there were photographers. Postcards with photos of Frank’s dead body on the noose sold like hotcakes for 25 cents. I know it was a different time and a different culture…but…geez.

By His Side

Leo and Lucille Frank

As you can imagine, between the politcal and racial tensions overlaying the case, plus the horrifying nature of the crime; the people wanted justice. But did they really get it? As you can imagine, it was a circus. It was chaos.

The person who never left his side was Frank’s wife, Lucille. She never remarried. Even though the KKK had resurfaced, and anti-Semitism was stronger than ever, she resolved to not leave Atlanta or the South. Let’s read it in her own words.

I am a Georgia girl, born and reared in this state, and educated in her schools. I am a Jewess; some will throw that in my face, I know, but I have no apologies to make for my religion. I am also a Georgian, and American, and I do not apologize for that, either…I only pray that those who destroyed Leo’s life will realize the truth before they meet their God–they perhaps are not entirely to blame, fed as they were on lies unspeakable, their passion aroused by designing persons. Some of them, I am sure, did not realize the horror of their act. But those who inspired these men to do this unlawful act, what of them? Will not their consciences make for them a hell on Earth, and will not their associates, in their hearts, despise them?

Lucille Frank
“The Historic Oakland Cemetery of Atlanta” by Cathy Kaemmerlen, The History Press, 2007. p. 83

Lucille made this statement six weeks after Frank’s lynching. She was only 27 years old at the time of his death. That’s young. Especially in the early 1900s. The fact she never remarried is also remarkable. Lucille had to see a doctor regularly for chest pains and headaches. Her doctor believed she suffered from depression. Lucille stayed in Atlanta for the rest of her life. Her friends believe that she never stopped mourning her husband. “Leo might have been killed, but she served a life sentence

Mourning for Her Husband

I have always felt a very strong connection to Lucille. During Frank’s trial, sentencing, and all the work she did to prove his innocence, Lucille comforted herself by eating. So often, she wrote letters to Leo about being worried about the cameras getting photos of her because of her weight. This resonates with me so deeply as a woman. I also lost someone I was planning to marry, also due to unexpected and premature death by someone else’s hand. While I wasn’t a wife, I grieved as a wife. I don’t know the depths of Lucille’s pain, but I feel like I can relate to her in those ways.

To lose someone you love so deeply, and to not have a chance to say goodbye and receive closure, it’s no surprise that Lucille turned to spiritual means to contact her husband.

I sent Mr. Murray a message, and he directed me to two books, “And the Dead Shall Rise: The Murder of Mary Phagan and the Lynching of Leo Frank” by Steven Oney, and “An Unspeakable Crime: The Prosecution and Persecution of Leo Frank” by Elaine Marie Alphin. Luckily, I had the former already on my bookshelf. How did I miss this when I was younger?!

In Steven Oney’s book, “And the Dead Shall Rise”, he writes extensively about Lucille’s life before, during, and after her husband’s trial. After her husband’s death, Lucille was in constant pain, plus nausea and headaches. Her friends did their best to counsel her, but Lucille needed something more.

Seeking Closure

Leo Frank, Leo Frank Memorial Plaque, Marietta Georgia
Credit: Alex Matsuo

It didn’t take long going through Oney’s book to find out what I needed. Lucille did indeed use psychic mediums to try to make contact with Leo. One medium from Oklahoma City, who spoke through a “spirit father”, gave Lucille a message from her husband saying, “Get all out of life that you can. I am sorry I had to leave you.”

It’s hard to say whether these messages gave her comfort. I hope they did. The case of Leo Frank spread around the country like wildfire. Keep in mind that when Leo died, this was around the decline of the popularity of Spiritualism. But the mediums were still there, which is how Lucille knew to contact them.

Leo and Lucille Frank…and the Future

It took a few decades, but in 1986, Frank was posthumously pardoned.

When Lucille Frank died on April 23rd, 1957 at the age of 69…42 years after Leo’s death. She was cremated, per her request. Her funeral occurred at Patterson’s Funeral Home in Atlanta. She had wanted her ashes scattered in a public park, but this was forbidden by the city. So, her ashes were stored in the funeral home. Her friends and family were concerned that any public ceremony or mention of her death would reignite the whole situation all over again.

Starting in 1958, anti-Semitic tensions were rampant. The local temple was badly damaged by a bombing. Pattersons contacted Lucille’s family and told them to deal with the matter. Alan Marcus, Lucille’s nephew, picked up the ashes, and placed them in the front trunk of his red Corvette and drove around with them for six months.

Lucille’s family, once again, was concerned that a public funeral and ceremony would reignite not only the case but this time, racial and anti-Semitic tensions. Her funeral and laying to rest were once again, delayed.

It was revealed in 2002 that Alan and his brother drove to Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta and buried Lucille’s ashes between her parents’ headstones in 1964. Her grave is unmarked, but she is no longer alone.

Meeting Lucille Face-to-Face

Lucille Frank's grave 2020, lucille frank, buried, unmarked grave
Credit: Alex Matsuo

Let’s return to Atlanta, and my frustrating search for Lucille’s unmarked grave.

As I wandered around Oakland Cemetery, I had to find Jewish Hill. From the front entrance, I went down the first hill, and up the second hill. I did this a few times, going back and forth. Eventually, I pulled out my phone to look at her parents’ grave to see what was around it.

I managed to look at the surroundings, and I walked. And then, there it was. I saw the headstones and started running. I ran in flip-flops and over uneven brick, and finally reached the headstones.

There it was. There she was. I saw the little stone angel marker between her parents’ grave. Before I knew it, I was standing before the remains of Lucille Frank, and start crying from happiness. This decades-long obsession I’ve had since middle school all brought me to this place.

After I did a quick video and took photos. I turned on the voice recorder on my phone and set it down. As I stood there, I talked to Lucille. I told her about how much she inspired me, and tearfully expressed condolences for her pain and suffering during Leo’s trial and his lynching. I acknowledged her strength and resilience during her life and said I’m sure Leo was proud of her and hoped they were reunited on the other side.

Then, I walked back to my car and cried. Even as I write this, I have tears in my eyes. I never realize how much this woman meant to me until that moment. This isn’t my only visit to her grave. I’m going to visit her again and will continue to do so until my time has come.

Paying Respects to Leo and Mary

Mary Phagan grave, Marietta City Cemetery
This was the closest I could get to Mary Phagan’s grave since Marietta City Cemetery was closed. Credit: Alex Matsuo

After finding Lucille’s grave, I drove to Marietta and visited the memorial plaque for Leo Frank. It sits nearby the spot of his lynching. If you want to find it, it’s next to the parking lot for El Huarache Veloz at 1157 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062. I parked in the restaurant’s parking lot and just walked a few feet over.

The next day, it was time to head home. But I wanted to check out Mary Phagan’s grave and pay my respects before leaving. As I arrived, I was disappointed to see that Marietta City Cemetery padlocked their gates. And I was there around 11am on a Tuesday. Sadly, I could only look through the gate off of Cemetery Street. Look for the black pole with the memorial plaque. From a distance, I paid my respects through the gates. When I finished, I got in my car and headed back to Raleigh.

Sources

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/weblogs/out-and-about/2012/apr/26/lucilles-ashes/

https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/leo-frank-case

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6896060/lucille-frank

http://www.the-temple-exhibit.com/exhibits/show/history-makers/temple-members/leo-frank-and-lucille-frank

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/10/silencing-the-dead-the-decline-of-spiritualism/264005/

https://www.atlantamagazine.com/news-culture-articles/did-leo-frank-kill-mary-phagan-106-years-later-we-might-finally-find-out-for-sure/

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2020/02/20/alonzo-mann-says-jim-conley-murdered-mary-phagan/4819312002/

https://atlantajewishtimes.timesofisrael.com/struggling-with-leo-franks-lynching-a-century-later/

8 Psychic Tips from Someone Who Isn’t Psychic

So, I’m not psychic. I’m about as psychic as a wet towel.

But, I’ve worked with a LOT of psychics over the 10+ years I’ve been investigating the paranormal. Throughout this time, I’ve gotten pretty familiar with working with psychics, how to find a good one, and when I know I’m being taken for a ride. I’m often questioned about this since sometimes people are scammed by self-proclaimed psychics more often these days. Luckily, I’ve managed to find a few good psychics that I think are legit, and I’m here to tell you how you can do that as well.

If you possess psychic and mediumship abilities, this is also for you. If you’re wondering what goes through a client’s heading during a reading, and you’re looking to improve your skills, then these tips and pet peeves will be very helpful to you on your journey.

What I’m going to do is share the pet peeve, and then share the tip to help resolve the pet peeve. Think of it as a problem-solution model for this blog. This is not only for psychics but for anyone who is interested in working with psychics and are wondering how to approach this. Stick around through the end, and I’ll tell you what the good psychics do!

If you want to watch the video version of this blog where you hear the tips directly from me with other commentaries, click here or see below.

Pet Peeve #1: Being Too General

If you’re not familiar with the concept of cold reading, this is definitely something to look into before your next session with a psychic. Basically, it means that the psychic will ask an incredible general question that could apply to anyone.

For example, the psychic may ask or say to me, “I sense an older woman in your life.”

That’s pretty general. Given that majority of the world’s population has an older woman in their life, whether it’s a mother, grandmother, etc., this can easily be picked up. Another one would be, “I’m sensing someone with the letter A in their name.” Again, this is a vowel, and that’s fairly common in most names.

If this is a group setting in where you are receiving your reading with multiple people, then it’s even more likely that the general statements will apply to a person. Usually, in the cold reading pattern, once a person verifies that they have a grandmother with the letter A in their name, the psychic will then read the body language and verbal/non-verbal cues from the client to pursue further.

Another general statement that I’ve heard numerous times from people with abilities is, “This is very old land.”

Okay, so…I’m pretty sure most land is old. Unless you live near a volcano with running lava that is constantly making new land.

Tip for the Psychic: Be Specific

I appreciate specificity more so than generality, even if you’re wrong. If you’re sensing a woman with dark hair and her name is Agatha…say it. I know sometimes psychics may feel a bit self-conscious about the validity of their readings, so they may go for something more general. I also know there are people that don’t like silence, and so they will say things to fill in the gaps while they’re still processing information. Embrace the silence and be as specific as you can.

Tip for the Client: Stay Neutral

It can be tempting to verify and validate a psychic as they go with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” or try to fill in the blanks. Here’s a tip: don’t. Try to stay neutral as much as possible and don’t give away information.

Pet Peeve #2: Reading the Room

This means that the psychic is looking at elements in your home, your clothing choices, what kind of shoes you’re wearing, the type of purse you have, etc. They are basically reading you as a person. If they’re in your home, they’re looking for clues like if you have kids, if you live under powerlines, how close your house is with your neighbor’s, etc.

One experience I had was in a haunted location where I accompanied the psychic during their walkthrough. They walked into the husband’s study and immediately said, “This is a man’s room. I’m sensing male energy.” Given the decoration included leather furniture and a set of antlers on the wall with military maps and such…this wasn’t coming from any metaphysical gifts.

Tip for the Psychic: Go in Blindfolded

If you’re feeling really edgy and brave and you don’t want to be tainted by the aesthetic in the room, close your eyes or use a blindfold. I’ve seen multiple psychics do this, and it seems to be effective. But removing a blatant bias in the room (ie photos, decor, etc.), they ended up depending on a different part of their abilities to read the room.

Tip for the Client: Call it Out

You don’t have to be rude about it. Using the “man’s room” example, I would say something to the effect of, “Oh yeah, the antlers REALLY give it away.” I would say this very lightheartedly because the psychic may not know that their bias is at play here. When you point this out, it will make the psychic become self-aware.

Pet Peeve #3: Not Asking for Consent

This one drives me batty. This is something I will call out in a public forum if I see it. Even if you’re going with a group for a reading, you don’t have to participate if you’re not comfortable. I tend to see this trend on social media as well as in haunted locations where spooky stuff is already on everyone’s mind. The psychic will approach someone and start spouting off a reading right off the bat before the person has a chance to really grasp what is happening. More often than not, this happens publicly and exposes sensitive information in front of strangers.

This is gross. This is violating. Don’t do it.

Tip for the Psychic: Ask for Permission

If you’re really itching to talk to someone about what you’re picking up, pull them aside and ask for permission. If this is happening on social media, ask if you can send a personal message to that person. Then, ask for permission. Never do this in a public forum, especially without permission. Doing it without consent, and in front of a crowd makes it look like you’re trying to put on a show and impress people at another’s expense.

Tip for the Client: You Are in Control

If you’re approached by a psychic because they have a message to give you, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s also okay to say no. But if the psychic seems genuine, and you feel comfortable, then go for it. Also, be on the lookout for the psychic trying to charge you for their services after the fact. Or, they leave you on a cliffhanger and say, “For $50 I can find out more.” Walk away. It’s a scam. If the psychic then claims you have a family curse and it will cost $XXXX to remove it, walk away. Call the cops.

Pet Peeve #4: Giving Medical Advice

This is one of those legal points that we often don’t think about in the paranormal. Even if you’re a doctor, you should never…NEVER…give medical advice as a psychic reader. For real. I’ve seen psychics tell their clients they can stop taking their anti-psychotics. The result? The client will no longer listen to their doctor. Needless to say, it has ended up badly. Not just for the client, but a few times, the psychic will be taken to court. I’ve seen psychics sued for pain and suffering, amongst other issues.

There is a difference between a psychic telling you to get a part of your body checked out versus telling you how to treat the condition. If the psychic tells you something concerning your health and body, definitely follow up with your doctor.

Tips for the Psychic: Don’t Treat the Condition

If you are using your client’s spirit guides, and they are alerting you to the ailment at hand, then passing on the message is important. Of course, this can be terrifying to your client, so approach this with as much empathy as possible. Also, be sure to tell your client that you’re not a medical expert and encourage them to follow up with their doctor. Never give advice on how to treat the condition even if you know what you’re doing. You don’t want to open yourself up to legal trouble.

Tip for the Client: Follow Up with Your Doctor

Just to be safe, don’t take any medical advice from a psychic. If they suggest that something is wrong, follow up with your doctor. If any psychic is trying to give you advice on your current treatment, suggest that you change meds, etc. don’t do it until you’ve spoken with your doctor. For some, this could mean the difference between life and death. At the very least, making sure you maintain a good quality of life.

Pet Peeve #5: Refusing to Be Wrong

This one bothers me, especially when it’s highly likely that a psychic is wrong. I know that this will offend people, but it has to be said. I’ve found myself sometimes redirecting psychics if they’re going down the wrong rabbit hole, meaning they’re trusting the wrong vibe. I once had a psychic tell me that she knew I had a living child and I said no. I had lost a few pregnancies, and I initially thought that maybe she was picking up on them. No. She insisted I had a child that was alive and she thought I was lying to her. I even told her my history, and she never budged. I never used her again.

Tip for the Psychic: It’s Okay to Be Wrong

I’m much more willing to work with a psychic who is open to being wrong, than a psychic who is over-confident to the point where they’re never wrong. Being wrong opens yourself up to a wealth of learning opportunities that will only improve your abilities once you embrace them.

Tip for the Client: Be Gentle

As I mentioned to the psychic, it’s okay if they’re wrong. It may mean that they’re not the right psychic for you, their gifts are different from what you need, or something is amiss. If the psychic ends up being wrong, be gentle and honest with them, and possibly redirect them. Sometimes a nudge in the right direction is all they need and then they’re spot on.

Pet Peeve #6: Reading a Famous Location Like It’s a New Place

If I take a psychic to Gettysburg, and the first thing they tell me is, “I get the feeling a massive battle happened here”, my reply is going to be, “No sh*t, Sherlock.” True story. This happened. When it comes to reading famous places, I’ll be honest and say that I take what the psychic says with a grain of salt. This is because I don’t know if they’ve researched the area ahead of time.

Tip for the Psychic: Be Specific

This goes back to my tip about specificity. While you may not be able to read a location on a large scale, you can downsize and tune into one smaller thing. It could be that you click with a spirit that haunts the location. If you’re on a ghost hunt, you might be able to help guide the investigation (don’t take it over) so that the conversation is productive.

Tip for the Client: Call it Out & Ask for Specifics

Going back to the Gettysburg example, I called it out almost immediately. We all know a great battle happened there. When a psychic gets too general, I try to ask specific questions. I may say something like, “Is there anything here in this spot that you might be feeling?” I may even point out a toy, an area, a building, etc. and ask them what they pick up on. Unless they did thorough research on every little thing about a location, this simple redirection can help them without making them feel bad.

Pet Peeve #7: Taking Over & Tainting a Ghost Hunt

This one is HARD to manage. As the director of a team where the psychics used to outnumber the muggles, this one is like herding cats. An example of this situation is that one psychic speaks up (I call this person the alpha-psychic), and then the other psychics in the room start supporting what the alpha-psychic said. It turns into a situation where the psychics in the room are already tainted and may struggle to share any information that is different. It then turns into a mess where two or more psychics are bouncing ideas off each other that could very well be wrong. They’re more interested in validating each other than reading the room.

Tip for the Psychic: Take Precise Notes

You want to create a paper trail that is timestamped and dated as much as possible. If you’re picking up on something ahead of time before your investigation or reading, send an email to your friend, spouse, yourself…just something that shows the time and date. During your walkthrough and investigation, take notes on what you’re picking up. If you have to share it with someone, share it with the leader of the group and go with their guidance on how much to share.

Tip for the Client: Record Everything

The solution to this is setting aside time so that each psychic can do a walkthrough of the property. Have a regular, non-psychic person record the walkthrough on video so that the initial findings are recorded. That way, if there is a hit, we can reference back to the video. If there are common reports about certain areas during the reading, it’s documented. I can’t take credit for this one. My amazing lead psychic, Katlyn, came up with this.

Pet Peeve #8: Caving In Too Easily with Other Psychics

This pet peeve is the complete opposite of number seven. If you’re picking up something, and you share it with the leader of the ghost hunt, be confident in what you’re picking up. I’ve witnessed many psychics tell me one thing, but when another psychic says something different, they’ll completely switch gears and jump on board with the alpha. What’s worse is that I’ve seen some pretend that their differing reading never happened (remember, record). This makes me sad when this happens, because whose to say that the alpha is right? Instead of being tainted and unable to do the reading, this psychic will completely change their alignment and cave in when there’s differing opinions.

Tip for the Psychic: Stay Strong

If you are getting something completely different from what the alpha-psychic is saying, stay strong and say something. Just because you’re picking up on something completely different doesn’t mean you’re wrong. I’ve yet to meet two psychics with the exact same gifts. You might pick up on something different because you’re energy is intune with it.

Tip for the Client: Be the Psychic’s Advocate

If you’re leading a ghost hunt, and you see this happen, don’t let the psychic that caved in off the hook. Mention their initial reading with them and ask what changed. I would recommend doing this in private so that the psychic doesn’t feel embarrassed. Remind them that while it’s okay to be wrong, there’s a chance they could be right, and they should stay confident. Also, tell them to not base their reading off of someone else just because they may be more dominant.

At the end of the day, whether you’re a psychic or a consumer of psychic readings, always be sure to be true to yourself, call out discrepancies as you see them, and don’t be shy when uplifting each other. Today’s world is hard to deal with and it’s stressful enough right now.

So, What Do the Good Psychics Do?

They are open to being wrong. The good psychics not only open their minds but their hearts as well. These folks will have confidence in their readings, but their confidence is also flexible. They will go with the flow of the leader of the investigation or their client. The good psychic will not be pushy or impose their beliefs onto their client or their work. They are adaptable and respectful. These folks acknowledge that they are tools in the process and they are the bridge between the physical and spiritual world. They are constantly curious and they will always study their work. The good psychic is always trying to improve.

What tips and tricks do you have for psychics? Share them in the comments!