What is the Difference Between a Psychic and Astrologer?

In the 30+ years I’ve been working as a psychic and astrologer, I’ve come to realize that there are clients who might not know the difference between the two, and who could benefit from gaining a better understanding of what those differences are.

Over the years, I’ve delved into a variety of different esoteric studies, but these days I work primarily using a combination of astrology and the tarot.

What I’ve found is that clients sometimes assume that these are interchangeable and thus capable of providing the exact same information. But nothing could be further from the truth.

It’s been said that many spokes lead to the same hub, and this is true in so many ways. It’s also been said that we’re all born psychic, and while this may also be true, most professional psychics have worked to develop their abilities over time, ultimately choosing to specialize in one or two areas -- much the way other professionals do.

The word “psychic” comes from the Greek work psychikos and means “of the psyche.” It doesn’t refer to mind-reading; it refers to the ability to access the deepest most mysterious regions on the psyche, which is one reason you want to be open to the messages you receive.



But there are many different areas of practice, which may be confusing to those whose expectations have been shaped or distorted by media portrayals.

While some readers use tools and others don’t, this is often a matter of specialization and shouldn’t be seen as a barometer for accuracy. A psychic who works with the tarot for example is not “just reading cards;” he or she is acting as a psychic conduit between the client and the collective unconscious (where psychic answers reside). As long as the client allows this connection, incredible information can come through. This is what we mean when we talk about getting on the same wavelength. And it’s also why it’s so important for clients to let their guard down and remain open to messages they receive.

You want to think of tools in the same way you might think of a treasure map. You know there's treasure about, but you don't know quite what and you don't know quite where. The right tools can pinpoint both of those things with uncanny accuracy and precision.

There are different kinds of tools as well. There are divination tools, such as tarot cards, runes, pendulums, scrying, the i-ching, etc. They work because the unconscious mind speaks in symbols, which the reader interprets psychically. It’s not as simple as picking up a deck of cards and reading the accompanying book. The reader who works with these kinds of tools develops a synchronistic relationship with them that is intricately informed.

Some tools are more scientific, such as astrology, numerology, palmistry, iridology, etc. These work because the reader is interpreting measurable, tangible elements -- such as a birth chart, a palm print or a numerological table, etc.

With respect to this article, we’re looking at mainly the differences between psychics and astrologers, although there are absolutely times when these overlap: such as when a reader develops proficiency in more than one area. But the main difference between the two is how the information is obtained. Psychics are primarily right brained, meaning that rely on insight and intuition, while astrologers are more left-brained, meaning that they gravitate toward facts, figures, logic, etc.

But this isn’t the only difference. Astrologers are generally more reliable with timing, but they can’t give you names or tell you what someone looks like, the way psychics often can. They can give you very clear insight into important life areas, such as relationships, children, health, finances and career, but they can’t tell you what someone is thinking or feeling.

By the same token, psychics are often very good at providing visual information or relaying word-for-word conversations. But they can’t see your relationship partner’s unique relationship paradigm or their specific karmic ties to you. They don’t have access to celestial timers that can help you to take advantage of opportunities or plan specific events. But they’re often great in seeing how the story unfolds once that event has been set in motion.

Psychics access information from a variety of different sources and pass that along to you (the client). Astrologers rely primarily on the information obtained in your natal – or birth -- chart, as well as the current planetary transits and trends.

Each of these is much more involved than we were able to get into here. But as you can see they are vastly different practices that can provide infinite layers of insight into whatever questions you might have.

Fortunately, you really don’t need to go to dozens of different psychics to get answers to life’s most pressing questions. In fact, it’s generally best to find one or two you relate to and develop relationships with them. But having an understanding of the different areas of study – as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each – can go a long way toward getting the most out of your experience.