Melissa Cynova 
- The reader who took one Lenormand class and was billing herself as an expert the next week.
- The reader who guilt/shames folks into becoming “certified” (and happens to sell cert classes)
- The reader who scares his clients and says he can lift the curses on them for a monthly fee.
- The reader who steals web copy from other readers.
- The reader who incessantly talks shit about other readers and then copies their business practices.
These people are fun, aren’t they? In our business, it’s easy to be shady. Historically, we’ve gotten a bad rap because of stereotypical storefront psychics who say they can help your bad luck turn around for a donation of $500 and purchase of a $50 candle. (I met that one. She lives in Chicago. She’s an asshole). The thing that tickles me about these folks is that they think we don’t talk to each other, and that we can’t’ see them. Ummm, hello?
The other huge part of our job is that people trust us. They come to us when they’re feeling small and scared. To take advantage of that, I think, earns you a special, extra-burny place in hell. Or a series of really brief reincarnations as a fly. If people offer you the gift of trust, how can you betray that?
The easiest answer is a lack of ethics. I think that money and fame enhance characteristics that you already have. I think the same is true for readers. If you’re already shady, you’re going to turn any opportunity in your favor without regard for your client or their well being. Pssht. Shame.
There is no way to track the shady readers, unfortunately, so I strongly recommend only going to readers that you’ve heard about from friends. Or if you’ve read their book and they speak to you. Or if your favorite reader recommends them. The first time with a new reader? Do not purchase their most expensive thing. Get the cheapest and see how it works out. Make sure you’re not going back for more readings every few weeks. Be sure that you feel good and strong after a reading – not anxious and weak.
Take good care of yourself.
And for the other readers out there? I’ve written a pledge for us:
I SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO USE MY BOOKS AND TOOLS UNTIL I AM TRULY A COMPETENT READER. I WILL NOT CALL MYSELF AN EXPERT UNTIL I HONESTLY AM.
I SWEAR TO BE HONEST WITH MYSELF AND MY CLIENTS, EVEN WHEN THE TRUTH HURTS US. I WILL NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS BY TELLING THEM WHAT THEY WANT TO HEAR.
I WILL LEARN MY HISTORY, BUT LOOK FORWARD TO THOSE CHANGING THE WAY. I WILL REALIZE THAT WE ALL DO BETTER WHEN WE ALL DO BETTER.
I SWEAR I WILL TREAT MY CARDS AND PERSON WITH RESPECT, SO THAT ALL OF MY READINGS RING WITH INTEGRITY.
I SWEAR I WILL NOT BE A DICK TO OTHER READERS, BECAUSE GOSSIP IS STUPID AND SAYS MORE ABOUT ME THAN IT DOES ABOUT OTHERS.
I SWEAR I WILL CHARGE FOR MY READINGS – EVEN IF IT’S BARTER. EVEN IF IT’S FOR A COKE OR A DINNER, BECAUSE MY TIME IS VALUABLE AND I WILL TREAT IT AS SUCH.
I PROMISE, ON MY CARDS, THAT I WILL DO MY BEST TO HOLD THE METAPHYSICAL FLASHLIGHT HIGH FOR MY CLIENTS AND MYSELF, SO THAT WE MIGHT SEE A LITTLE FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD.
SO MOTE IT BE.
xo Lis
