“The best books... are those that tell you what you know already.”― George Orwell
To me, this quote evokes the electric feeling I’ve sometimes felt reading a passage that suddenly articulates something within myself, something I’ve known deep in my bones, but had yet to discover, or uncover - forgotten memories that have shaped me, desires I’ve been neglecting, how one thing in my life connects to another. It often pops into my head when I think about what makes a “good reading”.
Then, I think of this quote by James Baldwin:
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
This recognition, the reflection of a piece of me through someone else’s writing, has, at times, moved me so deeply that it subtly shifted my movement through the world.
In that vein, the most powerful readings I’ve received are ones that have left me feeling profoundly and lovingly seen, flaws and all. They are the ones that have re-shaped the way I see myself, my circumstances and the world, leading me to be a better, kinder, more active participant in my own life.
As opposed to hearing platitudes about my future that leave me wishful and waiting, good readings have re-oriented me towards intention. It has felt like being given a new light to help me move my way through the dark, whether conditions have been happy or painful.
Through my time in this work, predictions have become confectionary to me. They’re nice - a sweet glimpse into what may come based on either the present energies or the most desirable outcome, the one that energetically grabs the reader’s attention. But I’ve come to deeply understand that what is seen in a reading for the future is just one possibility out of many, and without looking at what might need to change foundationally, or how to prepare for what’s to come, the predictions are mostly useless. Or worse, disempowering, an implication that we hold no responsibility or will in our own lives (which is not to say we have complete control, but to imply the opposite is just as misguided, in my view).
It is through this philosophy that I allow Spirit to work through me and with me.
To me, this quote evokes the electric feeling I’ve sometimes felt reading a passage that suddenly articulates something within myself, something I’ve known deep in my bones, but had yet to discover, or uncover - forgotten memories that have shaped me, desires I’ve been neglecting, how one thing in my life connects to another. It often pops into my head when I think about what makes a “good reading”.
Then, I think of this quote by James Baldwin:
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
This recognition, the reflection of a piece of me through someone else’s writing, has, at times, moved me so deeply that it subtly shifted my movement through the world.
In that vein, the most powerful readings I’ve received are ones that have left me feeling profoundly and lovingly seen, flaws and all. They are the ones that have re-shaped the way I see myself, my circumstances and the world, leading me to be a better, kinder, more active participant in my own life.
As opposed to hearing platitudes about my future that leave me wishful and waiting, good readings have re-oriented me towards intention. It has felt like being given a new light to help me move my way through the dark, whether conditions have been happy or painful.
Through my time in this work, predictions have become confectionary to me. They’re nice - a sweet glimpse into what may come based on either the present energies or the most desirable outcome, the one that energetically grabs the reader’s attention. But I’ve come to deeply understand that what is seen in a reading for the future is just one possibility out of many, and without looking at what might need to change foundationally, or how to prepare for what’s to come, the predictions are mostly useless. Or worse, disempowering, an implication that we hold no responsibility or will in our own lives (which is not to say we have complete control, but to imply the opposite is just as misguided, in my view).
It is through this philosophy that I allow Spirit to work through me and with me.
WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN A READING?
With the help of my Higher Self, spirit guides, and benevolent ancestors, I open and expand my own energy field to meet yours, and the longer I stay with your energy field and your Higher Self, the more the connection can build, and the deeper we can go. I am not in charge of what information comes through, and I’ve come to trust that what comes through the most strongly is what is most present in your life and in your being, whether or not you are aware of it. I am also not in charge of who comes through - whether that’s spirit guides or your loved ones who have crossed over, or nobody. Similarly, I have learned to trust both whether or not we need to connect with your people (if not, it’s usually because your Higher Self wants us to focus on just you), and that who comes through is who really needs to. This can be different from who you want to hear from.
I receive the communication through feeling, seeing, knowing, and occasionally hearing - but it’s much different than using these senses in our physical world. The communication is received through my energy body, which includes my chakras and my auric field, and it’s much, much more subtle. It requires very focused concentration on my end, and the information builds as I go. It’s also filtered through my own brain, my frames of reference and belief systems, which is the main reason why I’ll ask for validation and short feedback as we go.
I always start with picking up on what shows up first because that tells us your need. Each reading is different, but usually at a certain point, we will switch to your questions, or to connecting to someone in spirit if I haven’t naturally picked up on them and if I am able to.
I do most of the talking and the work, but that doesn’t mean you are a spectator. It’s your reading. Please come in open to hearing what comes through, but I will expect you to speak up if you want to know about something different. In order for the session to work to its maximum potential, we both need to show up fully. Please keep in mind that what you put in is what you get out, as with anything else. If you spend an hour testing whether or not I’m really psychic, then you will have an hour's worth of evidence, based on your perception, on whether or not I’m really psychic. That’s your right, but coming in with intention to work together and receive guidance is probably a better use of both of our time.
With the help of my Higher Self, spirit guides, and benevolent ancestors, I open and expand my own energy field to meet yours, and the longer I stay with your energy field and your Higher Self, the more the connection can build, and the deeper we can go. I am not in charge of what information comes through, and I’ve come to trust that what comes through the most strongly is what is most present in your life and in your being, whether or not you are aware of it. I am also not in charge of who comes through - whether that’s spirit guides or your loved ones who have crossed over, or nobody. Similarly, I have learned to trust both whether or not we need to connect with your people (if not, it’s usually because your Higher Self wants us to focus on just you), and that who comes through is who really needs to. This can be different from who you want to hear from.
I receive the communication through feeling, seeing, knowing, and occasionally hearing - but it’s much different than using these senses in our physical world. The communication is received through my energy body, which includes my chakras and my auric field, and it’s much, much more subtle. It requires very focused concentration on my end, and the information builds as I go. It’s also filtered through my own brain, my frames of reference and belief systems, which is the main reason why I’ll ask for validation and short feedback as we go.
I always start with picking up on what shows up first because that tells us your need. Each reading is different, but usually at a certain point, we will switch to your questions, or to connecting to someone in spirit if I haven’t naturally picked up on them and if I am able to.
I do most of the talking and the work, but that doesn’t mean you are a spectator. It’s your reading. Please come in open to hearing what comes through, but I will expect you to speak up if you want to know about something different. In order for the session to work to its maximum potential, we both need to show up fully. Please keep in mind that what you put in is what you get out, as with anything else. If you spend an hour testing whether or not I’m really psychic, then you will have an hour's worth of evidence, based on your perception, on whether or not I’m really psychic. That’s your right, but coming in with intention to work together and receive guidance is probably a better use of both of our time.
IS GETTING A READING RIGHT FOR ME?
I hope you’ll excuse the bluntness of this section. My intention is to truly help you make the best decision for yourself to save us both some awkwardness. I know how vulnerable it can be to make the choice to go to a reader, not to mention expensive, so my aim here is to give you as much information as I can for you to make a decision.
Take a moment to articulate for yourself, right now, what your reasons are for wanting a reading. If your reasons look anything like:
...then please spare both of us and do not book a session with me, at least not at this time. No judgment, we’ve all been there, but you will realize pretty quickly that I will not tell you what to do, I am not interested in proving my “realness” to you or validating your ego, your deceased grandmother will berate you about finding a good husband just like she did in life, and that your future looks exactly the same as the present because you keep making the same choices.
If the person you want to connect with has just recently passed and you desperately want to connect with them even though you’re still in shock, first, I am very sorry for your loss, but I do have to warn you that it’s very likely that they won’t come through in the reading. Hearing from someone too soon can do more harm than good. As hard as it is, it’s important to move through the first stages of grief, at least towards acceptance.
If you recognize yourself anywhere here, it doesn’t mean you should never get a reading. It just means that either I’m not the right reader for you, or that you would likely be better served by a different modality if you’re seeking support. Perhaps that’s Reiki, or talk therapy, or flower essences, or hypnosis. Do you really need insight from a reader, or are you craving a quick fix? Be honest with yourself here.
On the other hand, if you find yourself saying something like:
(maybe you said something different, but you get the idea)....then, welcome aboard! I promise I won’t just hit you over the head with your blind spots the whole time! But, being willing to hear things that may be triggering or difficult is part of the deal.
I hope you’ll excuse the bluntness of this section. My intention is to truly help you make the best decision for yourself to save us both some awkwardness. I know how vulnerable it can be to make the choice to go to a reader, not to mention expensive, so my aim here is to give you as much information as I can for you to make a decision.
Take a moment to articulate for yourself, right now, what your reasons are for wanting a reading. If your reasons look anything like:
- I’m bored with my life and I’m curious what will come through
- My friend had a reading and it changed their life, I would love to experience that too
- I really want proof that there is an afterlife
- I just want to know what my future will be like. Will I get married and have kids? At what age will I find my person?
- Something devastating just happened and I’m anxious to know that everything will be okay
- Things have been kind of bad and I just want some hope
- Someone I love just died and I’m desperate to connect with them
- I want messages from my ancestors
- I want validation that I’m meant to be a healer
...then please spare both of us and do not book a session with me, at least not at this time. No judgment, we’ve all been there, but you will realize pretty quickly that I will not tell you what to do, I am not interested in proving my “realness” to you or validating your ego, your deceased grandmother will berate you about finding a good husband just like she did in life, and that your future looks exactly the same as the present because you keep making the same choices.
If the person you want to connect with has just recently passed and you desperately want to connect with them even though you’re still in shock, first, I am very sorry for your loss, but I do have to warn you that it’s very likely that they won’t come through in the reading. Hearing from someone too soon can do more harm than good. As hard as it is, it’s important to move through the first stages of grief, at least towards acceptance.
If you recognize yourself anywhere here, it doesn’t mean you should never get a reading. It just means that either I’m not the right reader for you, or that you would likely be better served by a different modality if you’re seeking support. Perhaps that’s Reiki, or talk therapy, or flower essences, or hypnosis. Do you really need insight from a reader, or are you craving a quick fix? Be honest with yourself here.
On the other hand, if you find yourself saying something like:
- I’m at a crossroads - I might not even be sure why or how, maybe I know what my choices are, or maybe I’m not sure, but I feel I could use some guidance and perspective
- I’m going through what feels like a spiritual awakening and it’s confusing
- I believe I have some psychic abilities myself, but I could use help
- I would love to reconnect with my loved ones who have passed. I’ve mostly accepted the passing, but there was so much unsaid and it feels like the right time to connect (even if what they want to talk about is different from what I expect)
- Things aren’t working. I’ve tried a lot on my own already, I’m active in my own life, but maybe there’s something I’m not seeing? I’m willing to take accountability and face my blind spots so I can make changes.
(maybe you said something different, but you get the idea)....then, welcome aboard! I promise I won’t just hit you over the head with your blind spots the whole time! But, being willing to hear things that may be triggering or difficult is part of the deal.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR A READING?
Think about your intent and what you would like to get out of the reading. There's no need to share your intent with me, but I believe putting out a thought about who you would like to connect to in Spirit or what kind of guidance you seek is helpful. That doesn't necessarily mean that what comes up first for me when I connect with you will match up perfectly with what you expect - often, what we need to hear is different from what we want to hear, and as a reader I ask you to stay open to what may come up in session. But, stating or writing down some questions and intentions makes you an active participant in the session, both energetically and practically, which helps both of us.
In a practical sense, this is going to differ from person to person depending on what resonates for you, but here are a couple of things you can do:
Think about your intent and what you would like to get out of the reading. There's no need to share your intent with me, but I believe putting out a thought about who you would like to connect to in Spirit or what kind of guidance you seek is helpful. That doesn't necessarily mean that what comes up first for me when I connect with you will match up perfectly with what you expect - often, what we need to hear is different from what we want to hear, and as a reader I ask you to stay open to what may come up in session. But, stating or writing down some questions and intentions makes you an active participant in the session, both energetically and practically, which helps both of us.
In a practical sense, this is going to differ from person to person depending on what resonates for you, but here are a couple of things you can do:
- Write down a few questions and bring them with you. You might end up never even looking at it when we're together, or maybe it'll help you remember what you wanted if you get overwhelmed in the session. You won't really know until we meet!
- Talk to specific loved ones in Spirit and ask them to come through. Nothing fancy! Just saying out loud or in your head, "dad, I wanna have a word! Come talk to Nelly when I go talk to Nelly!" is great.
CAN I RECORD OUR SESSION?
Sure! This can be a great idea. There is only so much information that can be fully taken in in a single session, and you might find something new in the second listen, especially after some time has gone by.
To record, make sure you are using a computer rather than a mobile device or tablet, and make sure you have Zoom downloaded before the session. I do ask that you only keep the recording for yourself without sharing it with others.
Sure! This can be a great idea. There is only so much information that can be fully taken in in a single session, and you might find something new in the second listen, especially after some time has gone by.
To record, make sure you are using a computer rather than a mobile device or tablet, and make sure you have Zoom downloaded before the session. I do ask that you only keep the recording for yourself without sharing it with others.
CAN I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME?
At this time, a private reading is for one person only. I believe people can get the most out of a reading when we are able to have the space to dive deep and explore what needs to come up.
At this time, a private reading is for one person only. I believe people can get the most out of a reading when we are able to have the space to dive deep and explore what needs to come up.