Unfortunately, although John Edwards puts on a good show he is using an age old technique called "Cold Reading". It has been used since the heyday of mediums back in the latter 19th century.

Someone I met through a friend had been in the audience of a J.E. show for SciFi channel. He said the hour show was edited down from 2.5 hours of J.E. getting lots of misses and very few hits.

That being said, I have met people who had something going on in the way of a special ability. Definitely way beyond what J.E. puts out.

If you can find it, watch the first episode of Penn & Teller B----S--- (fill in the appropriate letters). It covers the subject, although it is too one sided towards skeptics, but it is good to see how to filter through the scam artists to find the real deal.

I have to agree with Hojo about "cold readings". But, I have never been in the presence of John Edwards. So, I dont know. I HAVE seen people with real powers. Browne simply annoys me

Sylvia Browne is a business woman. It is a business for her. I get angry every time I hear her "cigarette rasped" voice.

This ability is REAL! But, it is difficult to separate the "business people" from the REAL DEAL.

I have done readings for years. But, I do not "sugar coat" or ask pointed questions. I made sure I would NEVER be dependent on income from this for sustenance. I have clients who go back years. But, my work is not done for entertainment or profit.

Hojo,

That is disappointing for me to hear. But, I am not surprised. Yet another "entertainer/businessperson".

No wonder there are so many "die hard" skeptics.

Marys,

I have had some extremely accurate, nail on the head readings. But, these were from people who were NOT professionals or making any "profit".

Any time you are "selling" something,

there is always going to be (at the very least) some "gilding of the Lily". I have known personally many "professional psychics". I have listened to them "read" for people and either "ask questions" to "hit or miss" and get closer to figuring out something that will make the person being read go "Oh Yeah". I have also heard them tell those they are reading what they want to hear to make them feel better.

I have ALSO seen readers who ask what "question" they have in their life or maybe their date of birth and repeatedly come up with 75-95% accurate information. I have seen miraculous healings and synchronicities. I have also seen people be ripped off for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Books like "Out on a Limb" do not bear close examination. Sometimes "fictional" books from a collection of personal experiences from the author will give you more inner wisdom than any psychic.

Although I am a practicing Shaman which includes divination and healing, I have to be very strict with myself. I do not try to dig out information with questions nor do I try to "figure out" what the person wants to hear. I have my "hits and misses". When the right energy is flowing, it even blows my own mind sometimes. When it is not, I will try to access a few times. If I get nothing, I send the person on their way.

My practice is strictly word of mouth from a few long term clients. There must be an "issue" or health problem the person is trying to resolve or there is NO reason to see them. I do NOT do "general" readings. I do my best to help people find their way through some very dark times. Am I always right? NO!

Do I "reach" for information if it does not flow, NO! If I can not help someone, they can go to someone else who WILL take their money. Like I said in an earlier post. I am very disappointed to hear about John Edwards. But, I am not surprised. People really want to believe there is a continuance after death. This makes them susceptible to suggestion and being "pumped" for info. The reality is there is not yet any tangible proof one way or the other.

Greetings White Manitou,

I'm sorry I'm late to this discussion, but I just want to introduce the concept that there is a real difference between psychics and readers.

I am a reader, but not a psychic. I make the distinction when people come to me for a reading. I think psychics pick our random information or guess accurately. Maybe they "sense" things, Where as spiritualist "knows" things.

I use the information from the person and my own spiritual court. I don't ask many questions, I provide answers. If the information is wrong, the client will tell me. Sometimes, the client doesn't want to acknowledge the information and their guides are forced to reveal more information.

John Edwards has turned his abilities into a profitable enterprise, but I am skeptical of the fact that he never allows the querent the benefit of how to continue the relationship with their loved one.

BDD

John Edwards I can take. Sandra Brown I cannot. John Edwards says, "No that is not it." She always gives immediatly an answer. I just think that it is never that easy. If they could reach through us that easily, they would. I have only have had a few readings. Both of the ones that I had were wonderful experiences that made a ton of sense about relatives from very little information. One did not and I felt it at the time.

Have you ever been to Cassadaga Florida?

It is full of mediums... a very cool place.

I can't stand to even "hear" SYLVIA Browne's raspy cigarette voice! But, she MAKES a lot of money with her hype.