Relying on tea leaves, rainbow beads, decks of cards and an assortment of other techniques, more than a dozen psychics gathered at the Bronson Centre this past Saturday afternoon for the semi-seasonal fair.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, plenty of people were eager for advice about love but there was also an abundance of chocolates, SweeTarts, artwork, jewelry, and massage oils available from local vendors (perhaps intended as aids for the skeptics in the room).
A sense of acceptance, optimism, and concern for others was particularly evident among the diverse crowd as curious visitors asked for guidance about their finances, the health of their loved ones, and one person asked whether it’s a good time to sponsor a family member from abroad to Canada.
I had the chance to sit down with a couple of the featured psychics. Below are some highlights of our conversations.
Iskra Rekrut
Iskra Rekrut.
Apt613: As one of the organizers for this event, what was your intent for today?
IR: The intent is to get everybody out of their houses and enjoy a sense of spring and love. You don’t want to be stuck inside. You want to see beautiful things. You want to get your fortune told. You want to meet new people and put love back in your life.
Apt613: With Valentine’s Day one week away, does that make it a good time to see a psychic?
IR: Yep. Because you want to know what’s ahead so you don’t make any mistakes. You will make mistakes though (she laughs). But less mistakes than you would have.
It’s always good to know the path ahead so you can avoid the pitfalls.
Apt613: How would you describe the psychic community in Ottawa?
IR: Very strong. I met all of these people at other festivals or through other intuitive friends. We pull together. We rely on each other and I think this is one of our best events.
Matt Stapley
By mid-festival, a one-hour talk was held by Matt Stapley who offered readings and answered questions.
Apt613: What’s the difference between a psychic and a medium?
MS: There’s always been a division between what is a psychic and what is a medium but I don’t think there’s a difference. I think it all comes from the same place.
Mediums use their psychic abilities to perceive messages from the other world. People who use tarot cards are still inspired by the other world. I don’t feel that there’s that much of a difference other than the semantics we’ve placed on this kind of work.
Apt613: Is there a best time to see a psychic or medium?
MS: I think [the best time is] when there’s a need. I feel that one of the most important things to talk about is to not become dependent on seeing a psychic, and I know that can happen. I’ve been there myself when I was going through hard times.
But I think when people feel drawn, or they feel like maybe there’s a message in their ‘spirit mailbox’ and they’re just not sure what it is — or they need life direction. When people feel drawn to a specific individual they tend to get a really good reading. So I think the best time to see a psychic is when you feel it’s time.
Apt613: Is there a bad time to go see a psychic or medium?
MS: The only time I ever feel like [a visit] would be bad is if you’re wanting a specific outcome and you’re dead set on it.
In the past, clients would come [to see me] and I couldn’t tell them the right thing because it wasn’t what they wanted to hear. What they wanted wasn’t what I was getting. And also, take [the experience] with a grain of salt. No psychic is 100 per cent accurate. Go in with an open mind.
Apt613: You’ve made a professional career by informing others. What’s the best advice someone has given you?
MS: Honestly, to follow my heart.
I feel like people limit themselves, I have in the past, by what society says is right and wrong about what we should do and shouldn’t do.
The best advice I’ve been given is to be yourself. Don’t shrink in the presence of people who don’t see things your way and [remember] to shine. That’s why I got my tattoo [that reads] Shining Against All Odds.
