Psychic Reading or Mediumship Reading? Key Differences Explained

Learn the difference between psychic and mediumship readings, how each works, and which is right for you. Clear, practical guidance for first-time clients.

Many people ask, what’s the difference between a psychic and a medium?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Both offer insight and guidance—but they connect to different sources of information.

Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right type of reading for your needs.

What Is a Psychic Reading?

A psychic reading focuses on earth-bound energy—the energy connected to your life, your experiences, and your personal journey.

This includes:

• Your soul energy

• Your auric field

• Emotional patterns and memories

• Life path and potential future directions

Many spiritual traditions teach that we arrive on Earth with intentions—lessons to learn and experiences to live through. Our soul understands this purpose, even when our conscious mind does not.

A psychic reading works by tuning into this energetic information to provide guidance, clarity, and direction. People often seek psychic readings when they feel uncertain, stuck, or disconnected from their path.

Psychic Readings and Free Will

A psychic reading does not predict a fixed future. Instead, it reflects:

• Current energy patterns

• Likely outcomes based on present choices

• Possible future pathways

Because we all have free will, our decisions can change what unfolds. Psychic guidance offers insight—not certainty.

Sources of Psychic Information

Psychic insight may come through different energetic channels, such as:

Soul readings
Information connected to your life purpose, growth, and personal evolution.

Aura readings
Energy surrounding your body that reflects emotional, mental, and spiritual states.

Tarot and oracle cards
Tools that help focus intuitive perception and highlight themes requiring attention.

Some psychics work with spiritual guidance, but a reading only becomes mediumship when communication with those who have passed occurs.

What Is the Purpose of a Psychic Reading?

Psychic readings are designed to help you:

• Gain clarity about life decisions

• Understand emotional challenges

• Reconnect with your direction

• See possibilities ahead

• Make empowered choices

A good psychic reading should support your independence—not create fear or dependency.

Always remember: you remain in control of your life path.

What Is a Mediumship Reading?

A mediumship reading is different because it involves communication with those who are no longer living physically.

Where psychic readings connect with the energy of the living, mediumship connects with the spirit world—what many call discarnate consciousness.

The primary purpose of mediumship is evidential spirit communication.

Evidence in Mediumship Readings

A genuine mediumship reading provides recognisable, specific details that confirm the identity of the person in spirit.

This is often called evidence of survival—proof that consciousness continues beyond physical death.

Evidence may include:

• Physical description

• Personality traits

• Memories or shared experiences

• Cause or circumstances of passing

• Hobbies or interests

• Favourite foods or habits

• Family relationships

• Personal messages

These specific details are often deeply meaningful and unmistakable to the recipient.

Why People Seek Mediumship Readings

Mediumship readings often provide:

• Comfort after loss

• Emotional healing

• Messages of reassurance

• A sense of continued connection

• Closure when goodbye wasn’t possible

Many people experience profound emotional relief from knowing their loved ones continue to exist and remain connected through love.

Psychic vs Medium—The Key Difference

Here is the simplest way to understand it:

Psychic reading
→ Information about your life, energy, and path

Mediumship reading
→ Communication with those who have passed into spirit

Both can offer guidance—but they come from different sources.

Can Someone Be Both Psychic and a Medium?

Yes. Many mediums are also psychic. This is often why you hear the term psychic medium.

Some readings may include both:

• Life guidance through psychic perception

• Spirit communication through mediumship

Many clients request “a bit of both.”

Choosing a Reputable Psychic or Medium

Because this field is unregulated, it is important to choose carefully.

Helpful guidelines:

• Check reviews and recommendations

• Avoid pressure- or fear-based messages

• Be cautious about large fees

• Do not become dependent on frequent readings

A responsible reader should aim to uplift, empower, and support emotional well-being.

Psychic and Mediumship in Public Demonstrations

In formal spiritualist settings, such as services or demonstrations, mediums are typically expected to provide evidential spirit communication rather than general psychic guidance.

Many practitioners train within organisations such as the Spiritualists’ National Union, which operates from Arthur Findlay College—an internationally recognised centre for spiritualist education.

Final Thoughts

Both psychic and mediumship readings can provide insight, comfort, and guidance—but they serve different purposes.

• Psychic readings explore your life energy and personal path

• Mediumship readings connect with loved ones in spirit

Understanding the difference helps you choose the experience that best supports your needs.

As with all spiritual perspectives, interpretations may vary. This explanation reflects one practical and grounded understanding of how these two forms of reading differ.

Was This Helpful?

If you found this guide useful, feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.

Hopefully, the above will help you to make better judgments on how the person on stage in a church, hall, or pub is working.  To be clear, mediums are not allowed to work on the psychic level in Spiritualist Churches, especially if affiliated with a governing body like SNU (Spiritualist National Union). This operates out of Stanstead Hall and is known as the Arthur Findlay College. Here is a link to their website if you would like to learn more about the center: https://www.arthurfindlaycollege.org/

Namaste

Alexandra x