Intuition
Tell-Tale Signs You Are Being Gaslighted
You’re crazy, that never happened. Don’t be so sensitive. I’ve never had this problem with anyone else but you. It was never my idea, it was yours! Come on, you’re imagining things. Everyone else agrees, except you. You’re just making things up.
These are just some of the things you might hear when someone is gaslighting you. It usually happens whenever you confront them about their bad behavior, only to have your reality twisted in return…in ways that can really make your head spin!
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that most often shows up in toxic romantic relationships, but it can also manifest in dynamics with friends, coworkers, employers, family members, and even neighbors and landlords.
At its core, gaslighting is the manipulation of your sense of reality, leaving you confused, anxious, and doubting yourself and your own perceptions. Sometimes it’s very obvious and unmistakable. Other times, it happens so subtly you may not even realize you’re being manipulated.
The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 stage play Gas Light, which was later made into the 1944 film of the same name.
In the story, a husband tricks his wealthy wife into thinking she’s going crazy by making small changes to their surroundings, like dimming the gas lights, and then denying that anything has changed. His goal is to make her doubt her own sanity, so he could have her committed to a mental institution and gain control of her inheritance.
How To Choose Your First Tarot Deck
Buying your first deck of tarot cards can be daunting, especially for beginners. However, when approached the right way, it can be a magical and enjoyable experience.
I remember when I decided to buy my first deck years ago. I received a flood of recommendations from well-meaning friends and seasoned readers, all eager to point me toward their personal favorites.
True to my rebellious nature, though, I ignored it all. Instead, I followed my intuition.
I visited a cozy metaphysical shop downtown and wandered to the back, where the tarot decks were displayed on a few revolving racks.
One particular deck instantly captivated me. It had an angelic theme, and even though the imagery and Roman numerals weren’t exactly beginner-friendly, I didn’t care. I knew instantly that it was mine.
Even though I was new to Tarot, I had immersed myself in as much knowledge as I could find before purchasing my first deck. I read every book I could get my hands on and spent hours combing through spiritual forums and metaphysical blogs.
The advice I received from seasoned readers, though sometimes conflicting, gave me a broad foundation of ritual practices and deck care.
I was especially drawn to the idea of treating the cards as sacred tools, rather than just objects. So, by the time I brought my new deck home, I already had a sense of how I needed to honor it and energetically align with it.
You Too Were Born With Psychic Senses
In media interviews, one of the first questions that celebrity psychics and mediums are often asked is, “At what age did you realize you had this gift?”
However, I don’t believe this ability is exclusive to a select few. We are all born with psychic senses. Most people simply need to learn how to tune into and trust themselves enough to use all their senses with confidence.
For example, imagine someone walking through the woods suddenly feeling the hair on the back of their neck stand up, or a prickling sensation down their spine, when a wild animal is nearby. This alert system kicks in without explanation. People rarely question how it works. They just accept it as natural instinct.
Psychic sensing is no different, but it requires taking the time to understand how your intuitive senses work allows you to use them more consciously and effectively.
It’s like learning to sing. Some people are born with a natural gift. Others need guidance and training to develop their voice. Psychic ability works the same way.
One of the most common questions I hear is, “Why can’t I see, hear, or just know things like you do?” The answer is simple: you can. You just need to relax, trust yourself, and perhaps take a few classes to discover your personal “shorthand.”
Your Spirit Guides Will Never Lead You Astray
“My guides must hate me! Why else would they lead me to things that cause me so much pain?” someone once said during a reading. “And where is my guardian angel when I need him?”
It was not the first time I’ve heard such sentiments from a distressed client. This kind of disappointment and frustration is not uncommon because it cuts to the heart of spiritual seeking.
It is certainly a valid concern. If angels, guides, and ancestors are meant to guide, support, and protect us, then why do they sometimes lead us to pain, heartache, and even trauma? Do they really have our backs, or are they inflicting suffering upon us for some strange reason?
I confess that there was a time in my own life when I also asked these kinds of questions.
But after years of working as a professional psychic and energy healer, as well as through my own spiritual growth journey, I’ve since come to a comforting conclusion. Our spirit helpers always operate from a place of divine wisdom, unconditional love and compassionate support.
Then why, you may ask, do bad things sometimes happen to good people? It’s simple, really. Any detour from our highest good does not occur because spirit somehow miscalculated, neglected, or misrepresented anything.
When we encounter trouble, it is usually our own doing, or something we co-created with others. Whatever the reason or cause, we alone are always the common denominator.
Below are a few examples of such self-inflicted calamities that I have repeatedly come across in my work, as well as how they differ from actual spirit guidance and divine intervention.
Tuning In To The Psychic Wisdom Of Animals
Animals are remarkably attuned to our moods. They can sense the vibrations of our thoughts and emotions before we even speak. Their psychic sensitivity defies logic and reaches into the realm of the mystical.
I’ve always been aware that animals can see into our hearts and minds in ways we humans have long forgotten. There’s a quiet, knowing wisdom in their eyes. They show a depth of understanding that suggests they perceive far more than we realize.
People across many cultures and spiritual paths believe that animals come into our lives to teach, guide, and inspire us. They reflect our energy, test our patience, demonstrate unconditional love, and remind us to stay present.
When viewed this way, our connection with animals feels like a sacred soul agreement where both parties grow and learn together.
This concept is also found in spirit animal or totem traditions, which are part of many Indigenous and shamanic teachings.
In these practices, each animal represents a specific type of wisdom or lesson that aligns with something we need to learn. Observing how animals behave or taking note of which ones appear in our dreams can reveal messages intended just for us. These connections help us discover who we really are and remind us that we’re all connected.
In Buddhism, especially the Mahayana tradition, there is a belief that all living beings, including animals, are caught in the cycle of rebirth. This belief fosters deep compassion because any animal could have once been a loved one from a past life. Witnessing animal suffering can open our hearts even more. Animals also teach us how to be mindful. They live in the present moment without attachment or worry. By caring for them with kindness, we grow spiritually and let go of some of our ego.