DID YOU KNOW: PSYCHICS

McClatchy Newspapers

Published Sunday, January 18, 2009

When Mary Hamp decided to meet with a psychic, it was for insight into her impending divorce.

But then she lost her job, and her questions changed.

"I ask her, ‘Do I need to get some more education?’ or ‘Should I look out of state?’ " Hamp said.

It seems even the realm of the supernatural is affected by the crippling economy. Psychics say that the typical questions about love and loss have been replaced by the need for more earthly, fiscal advice.

"We have relationship questions in good economic times," said Ray Fraser, a spiritual medium. "But when people are wondering, ‘Will I have a place to live?’ well, that’s more important."

Reyna Long - a self-described psychic, channel and medium - said the questions really are about more than money.

"When everything is going along well, people fall into their little patterns of comfort, and they don’t want to make change," said Long. "But when things are difficult, it causes them to ask questions."

Business is far from booming, several psychics said, because readings tend to fall into the luxury category. But they said the nature of the business has changed.

David Krueger has gone both the psychic and financial adviser routes. The latter, he said, is only useful when it comes to nuts-and-bolts economics. "If they had any expertise or could actually help, believe me, I’d be all over that."

Krueger has gone to psychic Shala Kilmer for about eight years. He owns several Big Boy restaurants with his family and has sought advice on launching Internet-based businesses as well.

"Most of the time, I already know the answer within myself. Sometimes I just don’t want to admit it," he said.

Long, who also offers readings at www.onevoicepsychicservices.com, said she sees an upside to the trying times. People are more open to change, she said.

"I’m seeing really exciting things with people opening up," she said. "People are starting to see new possibilities for the future."