The Ethical Psychic: A Beginner’s Guide to Healing with Integrity, Avoiding Unethical Encounters, and Using Your Gifts for Good

Because “psychics have privileged access to knowledge that average humans do not,” they must observe rigorous ethical standards, contends philosopher Vest in her sincere if hazy debut. Drawing on her career as a medium, Vest lays out guidelines for psychics that emphasize “being of service” to others and staying humble. She urges psychics to have the humility to recognize their limitations, and notes, for example, that a psychic who has recently lost someone might have their perceptions clouded by their own grief if they try to help others who are grieving. Maintaining conviction in one’s readings is important, the author suggests, because it ensures the psychic isn’t swayed by what they think the client wants to hear. The author demonstrates a keen sensitivity to the dangers of cultural appropriation and condemns spiritual practitioners who don’t acquaint themselves with the lineage of the tradition they work in (she singles out “white experts” of yoga who obscure its Indian origins). However, not all of Vest’s ethical guidelines are clear, such as when she warns against violating people’s privacy, but reveals that she’ll “access” the information of third parties (e.g., “loved ones, bosses, colleagues”) if clients “have energetic cords linking them” to the party. Still, earnest practical advice makes this a boon for novice psychics. (Oct.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review misidentified the author as a life coach.