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Psychic, Card, or Mediumship Reading? Understanding the Difference

  • Writer: Hannah Macintyre
    Hannah Macintyre
  • 12 minutes ago
  • 3 min read

Mediumship Matters Podcast — Season 1, Episode 8

Tarot cards and sage bundle on a wooden table, with an amethyst crystal. Bright colors and mystical symbols convey a spiritual mood.

One of the most common reasons people leave a reading feeling confused or disappointed is simple: they booked the wrong type of reading for what they needed.

In this episode of Mediumship Matters, I explain the difference between psychic readings, card or spirit guide readings, and evidential mediumship with loved ones in spirit. We explore what each type of reading is for, how they work energetically, and why clarity — for both the medium and the sitter — matters so much.

This episode is especially helpful if you’re unsure what kind of reading to book, what to expect from a session, or why some readings feel more useful than others.

Why Not All Readings Do the Same Thing

A key theme in this episode is that not all spiritual readings are designed for the same purpose.

People often book a mediumship reading hoping for guidance, or a psychic reading hoping to hear from loved ones in spirit. When expectations don’t match the type of work being offered, disappointment can follow — even if the reading itself was sound.

Understanding the intention behind each type of reading helps you choose what’s right for you.

What a Psychic Reading Actually Is

In my experience, a psychic reading is an energy reading.

It involves tuning into your energetic state — your thoughts, emotions, patterns, and potential. Psychic readings can offer insight into what’s influencing you right now and what possibilities may be opening, but they are not about fixed futures.

Psychic readings work with potential, not certainty. Free will and choice always matter.

Card and Spirit Guide Readings: Guidance, Not Prediction

Card readings and spirit guide readings are best suited for guidance.

They’re helpful when:

  • you feel stuck

  • you want clarity on next steps

  • you’re navigating change

  • you’re already on a spiritual path and want insight

These readings don’t remove responsibility. Instead, they highlight what you already know and encourage you to act with awareness and intention.

Often, people leave these readings saying, “I knew that — I just needed clarity.”

Evidential Mediumship: Connection With Loved Ones in Spirit

Evidential mediumship is a very specific type of work.

Its purpose is not guidance or advice about life decisions. It is about providing evidence of the continued existence of the human spirit and the presence of loved ones who have passed.

These readings focus on:

  • recognition

  • personality

  • relationship

  • reassurance

They are about who comes through, not what you should do next.

Why Frequency Matters for Mediums

In this episode, I talk about the importance of mediums understanding where they are working.

When a medium moves between psychic, guide, and mediumistic work without clarity, readings can become muddled and unfocused. Clear intention helps spirit communication stay clean, ethical, and meaningful.

This is something I’m very passionate about as both a practitioner and a teacher.

The Role of the Sitter: The Third Point of the Triangle

One of the most important ideas I explore is the triangle of communication:

  • the medium

  • the spirit world

  • the sitter

The energy a sitter brings matters.

Being open doesn’t mean feeding information or abandoning discernment. It means engaging honestly rather than testing, resisting, or demanding proof. The best readings are collaborative experiences, not performances.

About This Episode

In this episode of Mediumship Matters, I explore:

  • The difference between psychic, card, and mediumship readings

  • What each type of reading is actually for

  • Why the future isn’t fixed

  • Guidance vs evidence

  • The importance of energetic “frequency”

  • Why clarity protects both sitters and mediums

  • The sitter’s role in a successful reading

🎧 Listen to the episode here


If You’re Unsure What You Need

If you’re new to readings or spiritual work, you may find it helpful to begin with the Start Here: New to Mediumship guide, or explore posts such as Psychic vs Intuitive vs Mediumship for further clarity.

You’re also welcome to explore The Gateway, my online school for grounded spiritual development, or Spirit Social, where questions like these can be discussed openly and without pressure.

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Hannah Macintyre is an evidential medium, author and spiritual teacher. Explore Mediumship Matters, online courses, readings and Spirit Social.

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