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The Crystal Ball by J.W. Waterhouse

What Is a Reading?

A reading occurs when a medium, with your permission, “touches in” on your energy or vibration for the purpose of receiving information to assist you in your spiritual growth as you travel your life’s path. The medium may use a particular tool – such as tarot cards, a crystal ball, or an object with your energy on it – to help focus the energy and information he or she is receiving, or they may simply work with the sound of your voice.

You are as much a part of the process as the medium, who is merely a channel sensitive to the forces and vibrations around and within you. Do not construe these experiences as “fortune telling” for while they may touch upon future events, their true value lies in the counseling and guidance they afford, and the insight they provide to help you to see the pattern and potentials of your being.

At Blue Lotus, we take mediumship very seriously; no “fortune telling” here. The mediums who are invited to read at our store are professionally trained and have devoted many years to the development of their gift. They use their ability in the service of others and seek to provide their clients with personal, insightful information to help them work through the many challenges they may be facing. As such, they are considered to be some of the best sensitives in the DC area.

What Is a Medium?

Believe it or not, we are all psychic to some degree. Have you ever gotten a “gut” feeling or a tingle on the back of your neck when something doesn't seem quite right? This is evidence of your psychic “sense.”

A medium, or sensitive, is an individual who may possess this ability to a greater degree and who has worked to develop it, through professional training and practice, in order to use their gift to help others. Through a unique sensitivity, this individual may enter into the conscious and unconscious vibration of another for the purpose of serving the higher needs of that person.


Are There Different Types of Readings?

While the nature of a reading primarily depends on the approach and tools used by the medium to touch in on your energy; the purpose is the same - to provide the client with useful and insightful information. These are the types available at Blue Lotus:

  • Blind Billet: The client is provided with a blank card and asked to write down 2 or 3 questions they would like addressed during their reading. The questions can be as general or as specific as the individual wants to make them. The client finishes by signing their full name on the card and folding it so it cannot be read. The card is now infused with the intent and energy of the client and can be used by the medium as a bridge to the information available for the individual. Note that at no time will the medium read the card, hence the name “blind billet” reading.

  • Tarot: A Tarot deck generally consists of seventy-eight cards: twenty-two in the Major Arcana and fifty-six in the Minor Arcana consisting of four suits - wands, swords, cups, and pentacles, or some variation thereof. Cards are drawn from the deck and laid in a pattern called a “spread.” There is nothing mystical, magical, or evil about a tarot deck. It is simply a tool used by the medium to provide an energetic bridge between the client and the medium that allows the medium to access the information available for the client.

  • Psychic Artistry: This is a more unusual form of mediumship in which the medium combines their artistic skill with their psychic ability to create an original drawing or painting containing a personalized message for the client. While working with the client, the medium creates a rendering of the image they are receiving for the individual. Once completed, the medium explains the message contained in the image and how it pertains to the individual's current situation.

  • Sacred Symbol Sessions: This is another form of psychic artistry that was developed by Takoma Park Artist, Timothy Flatt. Timothy begins by working with the client for approximately 20 minutes during which time he asks certain key questions to deepen his understanding of where the client is in their life. By being present and listening in a mindful way, he intuitively follows a path that begins to lead in a certain direction, while remaining open to receive a visual image that is specifically intended for that client.

    Once he has the image, Timothy captures it on paper and paints it in color pencils. He brings the client back in to present them with their personal sacred symbol and to answer any questions they might have. Sacred symbols vary greatly from client to client: some have very specific symbols, while some are more abstract; some have a lot of detail; some are very simple and focus on a precise aspect.

    The purpose of the symbol is to support the individual in what is happening in their lives right now. It is as if their Soul were speaking to them in symbolic form. It affirms their authentic self and validates the direction in which they are growing. The client can take some moments each day to contemplate the image and thus be supported to stay in tuned and on track.

Do I Need To Do Anything During My Reading?

As you take a seat, it is important that you relax—take in a nice deep breath and let it out slowly. Sit straight but comfortably in your chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands resting gently in your lap. Keep in mind that if you cross your legs or arms, you will block your flow of energy and greatly reduce the information available to the medium.

As your reading proceeds, your voice vibration is essential. Respond in a clear conversational voice: “Yes,” “No,” “I agree,” “I disagree.” Feel free to disagree, even though the medium may be adamant. The medium must present to you exactly what they are receiving. Part of this may be in symbolic terms and, while the medium will do their best to interpret, your assistance in understanding the meaning is important. The message, after all, is for you! Be open-minded and trust your impressions as well.

Should a question arise in the course of the interview, or if you would like clarification of a particular point, ask at that time. You will not disturb the flow of the reading, and your input will further enhance the receptivity of the communication. However, keep in mind that the reading is for you. Therefore, do not ask the medium to provide information for someone else, such as a family member or significant other, as this is considered an invasion of privacy.

When your reading is over, be gracious and considerate of the medium. A quick farewell is most appreciated, as the medium requires a bit of time to “breathe their own air” and mentally prepare for the next appointment.


What About Privacy?

A reading is a joint venture in which you and the medium embark upon a cooperative effort for your benefit. Be assured that whatever is discussed will be held in strictest confidence. The medium has no interest in your personal affairs save that of helping you make the most of your life. In fact, the medium will have very little conscious recollection of their perceptions even as they speak to you and has been trained to let go of the information once it has been delivered.

Thus, it is hoped you will feel secure in discussing all matters of concern by taking advantage of the medium’s altered state of awareness and by your openness and cooperation. Apprehension and nervousness will act as a block; so relax, breathe easily, and enjoy the experience.


Expectations

As with any human endeavor, what you put into something is the ultimate measure of what you get back. This is especially true in a counseling session of this nature. Be sincere, receptive and honest, and remember these two old, but important adages:

  • Test and you shall be tested.
  • Enter with a lie on your lips and depart with a lie on your ears.
The medium is not out to impress you — only to help you. The decisions of your life always rest solely in your hands. Look upon a psychic reading as getting advice for your journey ahead. You will still need to travel the path by yourself and will need to confront the bumps in the road that life presents, but at least you will have some sense that you’re heading in the right direction.


Scheduling a Reading

In general, readings are available in 15 minute sessions and range from $25 to $35 per session, depending on the medium and the type of reading. It may be possible to schedule a longer reading, depending on the policy of the medium. Readings must be paid for in advance and will last the length of time paid for. A reading can be extended only after the additional session(s) has been paid for.

Guests are encouraged to book their readings in advance by calling Blue Lotus Treasures at (202)291-3003 to guarantee their appointment time; however, walk-ins are always welcome and are scheduled on a first-come-first-served basis. Scheduled appointments will only be held for 5 minutes beyond the scheduled time; therefore, we encourage you to plan for adequate travel time. Please note that readings booked in advance exceeding 30 minutes require a 25% non-refundable deposit.