How existing fortune-telling laws may affect you…
Why are there fortune-telling laws? To all of those Metaphysical Professionals out there that are charging to remove negative entities from a home you may want to rethink your business. At least in New York state. I see and hear many things at psychic fairs and at various gatherings of Metaphysical people and I want to cringe. Firstly because I feel it is wrong, secondly I know the law.
Recently I had someone ask at a gathering who to go to for help removing a negative entity from a home. There were several people there, I handed over a business card of a friend and said call him, he can help you. Two other practitioners chastised me because I took money out of their hands. That they charge upwards of $300 to do this service. I was flabbergasted — really you charge???!!!!
To Charge or to Not Charge
I personally feel that removing a negative entity or blessing a home is a gift and a responsibility and that charging for such services is wrong. My belief system is that if someone is in need of help you help them. Or at the very least connect them with someone that can help them. When I can’t help some one with a negative entity (which is way beyond my abilities), I give them the information they need to someone who can help. Someone that I know will not take advantage of someone in need. As for blessing a home — I do it as a gift to the homeowner. If they insist I ask that they give to a local homeless shelter. Blessing a home is deeply personal and loving gift in my eyes. Therefore, I don’t do them all that often.
Read Also: When is Fortune-telling a crime
It started yet another uncomfortable conversation that needs to be had… Technically what we do is against the law in New York state. It has been around since 1967 and is rarely enforced; but, it is still on the books. In New York State it is a Class B misdemeanor punishable with 90 days in jail or a $500 fine – No.165.35 and reads as follows:
A person is guilty of fortune telling when, for a fee or compensation which he directly or indirectly solicits or receives, he claims or pretends to tell fortunes, or holds himself out as being able, by claimed or pretended use of occult powers, to answer questions or give advice on personal matters or to exorcise, influence or affect evil spirits or curses; except that this section does not apply to a who engages in the afore described conduct as part of a show or exhibition solely for the purpose of entertainment or amusement.
Keeping out of Trouble
This is an interesting problem. It boils down to fraud. This law could be removed and if there is any abuse it would be covered by other laws regarding fraudulent practices. As a practicing Medium here are ways to keep yourself out of trouble with the law.
- Know the local laws that may affect you and work within the law
- Don’t charge for removing negative entities, blessing homes or other such services
- Don’t charge excessive fees for work you do
- Include a disclaimer that your services are offered for “entertainment purposes only.”
- This may feel wrong for most serious psychics, but lawmakers leave metaphysical professionals no choice in this matter.
- Never promise results, remind the sitter that they have free will
- Avoid talking about your accuracy
- Do not encourage Clients to come back. If you feel someone is becoming dependent upon your guidance direct them to more conventional help.
- When doing readings at psychic fairs and visits to other states; read up on the local laws.
We all have free will to do what is right and we cannot control what other people do. I am just really tired of hearing about Metaphysical professionals (or those claiming to be so) do things that are even questionable. But then again, that is their Karma not mine.
