Psychic vs Tarot Reader vs Medium: Which Reading to Book
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Should you book a tarot reader, a psychic or a medium? They are related, but they are not the same. At Namaste Bookshop, 2 West 14th Street near Union Square, you choose a named practitioner and a session length. Readings typically start at $35 for 15 minutes. This guide explains the difference so you can book the right kind of session.
Book a reading · Meet the readers · Psychic readings · Tarot readings
Tarot reading
A tarot reading uses a deck of cards as the focus of the session. You can arrive with a question — work, love, a decision — or ask the reader to start with a general spread. Namaste has many tarot readers, and they do not all use the same decks or styles. Tyler T-Mann, Damon Stang, Anthony Fusco (Voyager Tarot) and Casey Deamoira (Thoth tarot), among others, work with cards. A tarot reading is a good fit if you want a structured conversation you can follow card by card.
See tarot readings in NYC for the current tarot roster.
Psychic or clairvoyant reading
A psychic or clairvoyant reading relies more on the reader’s impressions, which may or may not involve cards. Some Namaste psychics also use tarot; others work without a deck. Rebecca Martinez, Catherine Marks, Brinly Erin and Sophia Strange are among the readers who offer psychic or clairvoyant work. Choose this if you want guidance that is not limited to a spread of cards. Details and usual hours are on each reader’s profile.
Spanish-language sessions are available with Rebecca Martinez and Alexander D. Santiago.
Mediumship
A mediumship session is for people who want to connect with someone who has died. It is a different request than a general tarot or psychic reading. On Namaste’s roster, mediumship is offered by some readers, including High Priestess Judith, Lizanne, Catherine Marks and Sophia Strange, when they are working. If that is what you want, say so when you book or when you check in, and choose a reader whose profile lists mediumship. See mediumship readings in NYC.
Astrology is another option
If you want a birth-chart or astrology session rather than a card reading, Namaste also has astrologers, including Alexander D. Santiago, Priya, Casey Deamoira and Mychal A. Bryan (phone only). Those sessions are booked the same way, from the same starting rate, with times and prices shown for each reader.
How to choose quickly
- One or two practical questions, and you like working with cards: book a tarot reader.
- You want impressions or a broader reading, with or without cards: book a psychic.
- You are hoping to hear from a specific person who has died: book a reader who offers mediumship.
- You want a chart-based session: book an astrologer.
If you are still unsure, call 212-645-0141 and ask the shop to help you match a reader. Walk-ins are welcome when a reader is free. Check in at 2 West 14th Street. Jennifer Shanteau reads in person only; Mychal A. Bryan offers phone readings only; nearly everyone else offers both, and for phone sessions the reader calls you.
New to this? Start with what to expect at a first reading or what to ask in a tarot reading.
More reading guides: How much a tarot reading costs in NYC · Psychic vs tarot reader vs medium · What to ask in a tarot reading · Are phone tarot readings as accurate as in-person? · Tarot readings in Spanish in NYC · Phone psychic and tarot readings (anywhere in the US) · Lectura de tarot en español en NYC