Every year millions of hours are spent in private psychic consultations. People choose their clairvoyant, make an appointment or speak on-line immediately, and all this is done often and without much thought.
Why do users turn to clairvoyants? The list of reasons is long and wide. Some seek solace in times of grief; others are looking for excitement and fun. While the motivation for the consultation is rarely discussed, it is the outcome of the transaction (for that is what it is) that interests me more. Clients are unlikely to prepare themselves for their sessions by asking such questions as "what do I hope to get out of this?" or "how will I get value for money?" but these are just the questions, I suggest that should be asked.
Who owns the psychic realms? Who are the gatekeepers and are they charging a fair price for access? Generally, the supernatural planes are not discussed in such terms and yet I think it is for this very reason that so many charlatans are allowed to flourish. The question of whether all psychics are equal is a question for another time. that’s a different issue. What I’m calling for is more accountability and guarantees regarding quality of service.
Is it too much to ask? With the advent of on-line psychic websites it is now possible to choose from a smorgasbord or talent. Photos, audios, bios and even testimonies are the order of the day. But have you ever looked behind these sites, at the small print? It makes for interesting reading, or not, depending on whether you are a user or non-user, skeptic or believer.
Some disclaimer statements refer to on-selling personal information (I wonder what that means, given we are talking about oftentimes very personal information, not only about the client but also those who are drawn into the session, from the metaphysical spheres?) There is even the legal requirement in some countries for psychic sessions to be classified as being for entertainment purposes only. This is a whole issue in itself and one that has been hotly debated in the last year or so in the UK especially. This use of language certainly doesn't help the the grieving widow or the distressed parent. I doubt if they’ve signed up for a round of diversion and amusement and hopefully they are able to look past the wording to the service they require. Such people are oftentimes vulnerable and lacking in objective judgment. Is this a case for more openness in the industry? Websites can reserve the right to edit or omit any feedback items which they consider inappropriate, whatever that means. Seemingly this allows them to control the image which they project. Not very reassuring I would suggest.
I’m not talking about content here. Where are the regulations and consumer protection? There is always the old dictum ‘buyer beware’ but that is not enough. The psychic industry is huge. It involves numerous people - on both sides of the transaction - and yet it’s almost impossible to get any data on the industry. How much money is ‘invested’ in this type of ‘entertainment’? How many individuals derive their income from this source? How many people use the services of psychics and how often do they outlay their cash? And just as importantly, are the end users satisfied customers? Sure, feedback is subjective. Sure, it is open to misinterpretation but what is the alternative. Silence! It’s been the only option for too long.
I don’t know the answer to these questions but I’m going to try and find out. Someone has to. |
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