Don’t get me wrong: I love Halloween. But sugar highs just aren’t going to cut it this year. I need something stronger. Something mysterious. Something … paranormal.
With an open mind (and an open wallet), I hit the streets to check out my options, from palm readings to pet readings. In return, I got a bundle of insights and predictions—ranging in accuracy, detail and tone—that I will interpret for you, dear reader, for just $3 per sentence. (And, yes, I accept PayPal).
Carolyn Miller, astrologist and psychic
Readings in person at Astrology Boutique
A neon sign reading “astrology” marks Carolyn Miller’s Wicker Park storefront, where I dropped in unannounced one recent weekday afternoon. To my delight, she was not the Miss Cleo prototype I feared, but a petite, friendly woman who ushered me into an artfully decorated living room.
Carolyn, a New York City native, has been a professional psychic in Chicago for 22 years and opened this Astrology Boutique outpost a year ago. (Her original location is at 157 E. Ohio St. in River North.) Carolyn’s advice for first timers? Be open and bring a positive attitude. “The more open you are, the more perceptive I am,” she says.
The vibe: Good all around
I tried: Palm reading ($20 for 8-10 minutes)
The experience: I was a little nervous about a palm reading (um, do I really want to know the length of my lifeline?) until Carolyn told me that palm readings are more general than Tarot card readings.
Accuracy: Specifics about my personality and relationship patterns surprised me, but if you’re looking for grand-slam predictions, try something else.
Also offers: Tarot card readings ($40 for about 25 minutes), psychic readings ($75 for about 45-60 minutes). First time? Ask Carolyn two questions for $5. She also reads tea leaves and provides dream analysis, healing meditation and relationship help, and will recommend oils, salts and other tools for spiritual use.
Our prediction: Her $5, two-question deal is a good intro—and you might just come back for more.
Amy Myan Binder, clairvoyant, healer and animal communicator
Readings in person or over the phone: 773-727-2664
Chicago native Myan (My-AHN) is not psychic, meaning she won't predict your future. Instead, she sees pictures based on your energy—or your pet’s energy—that reveal your current situation and past influences. Her advice to newbies? Ask clairvoyants what they offer before you see them, because their service may not suit your needs. She also suggests keeping an open mind and listening, rather than talking through the experience. “I’m not a therapist,” she says.
The vibe: A purr-fect mix of pet owners and communicators at a backyard psychic fair at the Harmony House for Cats.
I tried: 20-minute clairvoyant reading ($20) about my relationship with my cat (I brought a photo)
The experience: The tone was friendly, light and a little bit wacky. Among the topics discussed: the past life I shared with my cat, lessons my cat is trying to teach me, the places we go together in our dreams (Douglas Adams’ novel “The Restaurant at the Edge of the Universe” came up several times) and my cat’s field of expertise (religion, duh!).
Accuracy: It’s hard to verify whether my cat last lived in the 1800s, as Myan claimed … though that might explain her disdain for modern-day conveniences like the litter box.
Also offers: $75 private readings for individuals and small groups (animals and people)
Our prediction: Fluffy wants clairvoyant love too. Try a mini-reading for $15-$20 at a public event (Myan does these about once a month; call for details).
Patrick O’Brien, psychic
Readings done in person or over the phone: 312-715-0379
Twice a month, Patrick stops by RoSal’s for private readings in the upstairs dining room. You can also find him on Thursday evenings at Tony Rocco’s River North and Tuesday nights at Mrs. P and Me Restaurant. His wise words for wisdom-seekers? Avoid storefronts, neon signs and people who ask for extra money at the end of the reading. “They’re not psychics,” he says.
The vibe: RoSal’s was crowded and buzzing. Is this psychic energy?
I tried: 15-minute psychic reading ($25)
The experience: Patrick is the only psychic I visited who named a recent tragedy in my life. Other random details that surfaced (a new car, a secret desire) were only slightly less impressive by comparison.
Accuracy: Uncanny
Also offers: Private readings by phone or in person ($40 for about 30 minutes)
Our prediction: The experience will stick with you. Make reservations now for Patrick’s next appearance at RoSal’s on Oct. 22.
Remote control
Some online psychics offer $10 or $15 deals. Here’s how it works: e-mail three questions and they’ll give you a reading. The catch? You have to cross your fingers and hand over your credit card info and personals (name, date of birth, etc.).
I tried: $15 for three questions using a Chicago-based site
The results: Still waiting for a reading a week later after several follow-up emails. (Good news: I haven’t yet been charged.)
Bottom line: Skip it
[ Rebecca Palmore is the Metromix events producer. ]
rkpalmore@tribune.com
