In books, movies, and countless folk tales, fortune tellers have always held an unforgettable place among those with special gifts. Mysterious and all-knowing, they’re often depicted gazing deeply into a crystal ball, offering glimpses into the future that many consider to be sacred—and stunningly accurate.
And still, questions arise. What exactly is a fortune teller? Can they truly predict the future? And how are they different from psychics?
Let’s pull back the curtain on what really happens in a fortune-telling session—and whether those predictions could come true for you.
What’s the Difference Between Psychics and Fortune Tellers?
Sarah found herself in need of spiritual guidance after a tough breakup. She felt lost, uncertain of what would come next, and worried that she might have walked away from her soulmate. She needed to talk to someone who could offer reassurance and affirm her decision, but she wasn’t sure whether to talk to a psychic or a fortune teller.
If you, too, are seeking that kind of personal connection, you might be wondering the same thing. But while both fortune tellers and psychics tap into their innate skills to offer insights, wisdom, and guidance, their methods—and the experiences they provide—can be quite different.
Here are some of the ways fortune tellers and psychics are different.
Fortune Tellers
Fortune tellers typically concentrate on specific events in the future, such as relationships, money, travel, career, and so on.
Considering a fortune teller? Here’s a bit about what you can expect during a fortune-telling session.
- Tools: Along with their unique abilities, fortune tellers often use divination tools to help them interpret the future. This could include tarot cards, tea leaves, runes, and crystal balls.
- Approach: Fortune tellers often focus on the specific question you want answered, such as, "Should I take this job offer?"
- Results: After consulting with their tools, a fortune teller will give you possible outcomes based on the symbols or patterns they observed and interpreted.
A fortune-telling reading tends to be more structured, using divination tools to offer predictions as to what might happen in the future.
Psychics
Psychics might offer insight into your future, but they mostly focus on guiding you through the present, helping you find your spiritual path and align with your highest potential. Psychic Mediums can also help you connect with lost loved ones, for guidance, comfort, and protection.
Curious about psychic readings? Here’s a general idea of what you might experience.
- Tools: Psychics generally rely on their own gifts: clairvoyance, mediumship, incredible sensitivity and intuition, and more. They might use tools such as numerology, tarot cards, and birth charts as part of the process, but their extrasensory perception leads the way.
- Approach: During a psychic reading, you’ll receive more general guidance and insight. Instead of focusing on one specific question, a psychic advisor will offer wisdom and clarity that covers your overall life path. However, if you’re looking for information in a specific area, there are specialty advisors (such as Career Psychics and Love Psychics).
- Results: Based on their client’s energy, messages from spirit guides, and their intuition and perceptive abilities, psychics offer insights into what’s happening in your life. They don’t necessarily predict the future, but they can help you make decisions that affect your life path.
A psychic reading is more intuitive and flowing, relying on intuition and psychic gifts to provide clarity and guidance.
Fortune Telling or Psychic Reading: Which Is Best for You?
Even knowing the difference, you might not be sure which to choose: a fortune teller or a psychic advisor.
Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Do I need answers to a specific question? Psychics offer more generalized insight and wisdom, while fortune-telling sessions tend to revolve around a specific question.
- Do I want to connect with someone who has passed? While some fortune tellers can also connect with the unknown realm, it’s not typically part of your session. Psychic mediums, on the other hand, can offer guidance from a lost loved one, provide closure to grief, or simply share a message from beyond.
- Do I want a reading that uses tools such as astrology, tarot cards, or crystal balls? Both fortune tellers and psychics can use tools during your reading. However, fortune tellers are more likely to include divination tools during a session.
- Do I want a prediction or possibilities? Fortune tellers focus on concrete predictions, offering future insights into what is likely to come next. Psychics provide insight and guidance to help with growth, healing, and connecting with your inner truth.
Using this list, Sarah chose to talk to a psychic for more clarity on her relationship. But she also had a big career decision to make, based on an exciting job opportunity. Here, she turned to a fortune teller for a glimpse of how this move could unfold.
What are your spiritual needs? Are you looking for answers to questions, timelines, and possible outcomes? Would you prefer a reading that relies on tools more than gut instincts and intuition? A fortune teller might be the best fit for you.
Hiring Fortune Tellers for Personal Readings
Are you ready to connect with a fortune teller? Here’s what to know when booking a fortune-telling session.
You can use our Find a Psychic Tool to find a trusted advisor who meets your needs. Let us know which areas in your life you’d like to explore, and which tools you’d like them to use. We’ll share recommendations for psychic fortune tellers who fit your preferences. Or browse through our current psychics, using filters for everything from area of expertise to tools and even reading style.
Once you’ve found an advisor that feels right for you, click on their profile for ratings and to read verified reviews. You can also see their schedule and availability, begin a reading, or book a future appointment.
You can be confident that you’ll receive a high-quality, professional reading! All of our psychic fortune tellers are carefully screened and authentically gifted.