Has anyone on this board ever been to see Karen Baldwin, a psychic who lives in Salt Lake City? I am usually skeptical by nature--I am an agnostic, laugh at Tarot cards and astrology, etc. However, I have met with Karen BAldwin twice in the past few years.With no questioning in advance, both times, she read things very clearly--things I was going through, things that were about to happen and that I needed to prepare for. She meets with her clients one-on-one in her home. My best freind came with me the first time and we sat in on each other's sessions. We cross verified what she said to each of us.

I think people with this skill are very rare and that most are fakes. Karen Baldwin, however, seems like the real thing.

Anyone else have any experience with her?

sounds like a budding patriarch in the making

Very informative.

I have not seen her, but there is another woman who does Tarot readings who some folks I know have gone to and really liked who is in SLC.

I have a partially skeptical and partially open view around things like Tarot and Astrology, but that is a much longer conversation. The short version would be I think there are two elements to consider with folks like that, one is the intuitive level and two is the counseling level.

Years ago I talked to a tarot reader who was VERY accurate in some predictions. I don't know that those predictions necessarily helped me, but one particularly she was very accurate about.

That said, she was advising me in ways that were incompatible with my personality and philosophy and they remain so. People often think that because someone is a good 'psychic' that they are the right person to listen to for advise. Most of them are not trained therapists or counselors. Some of them are better than others at advising, but that is a separate skill/craft.

I have known tarot readers who do readings professionally with less than a few months of experience. Certainly they have to start somewhere, but I get concerned if they are advertising without reference to their training. For example if you see a massage student in training you know they are in training and you pay less. To be fair, the one main one I knew about was not charging as much as some, but her prices were still relatively close to a more experienced pro.

Tarot readers can be really good and intuitive in my experience and observation, but plenty can be less skilled. A good reader often just uses them as a door to their intuition. Also, you can find a poor reader who is a good counselor.

With psychic folks what I often ask is 'why is it useful?' and 'how is it useful?' I had an astrologer who like many a skilled astrologer asked only my bd, time, place, and then began talking for nearly 20-30 minutes without any feedback of note. He was quite skilled.

Mormons are often trained to be rather prejudice against things like Tarot and Astrology. So then my experience of ExMo's is that that prejudice is very often still there and the assumptions are there based on what they were taught. Ironically JS used the 'peep stones'. Clearly on the boards there are plenty atheists and often they assume being an atheist means not believing in intuition, but I see those as separate things.

We all need to form our own perspectives and experiences. Also for me sometimes I consider it irrelevant if someone is truly 'psychic' if what they tell you is somehow useful and inspires you to live a better and more fulfilled life. I have seen folks offer rather non specific information and then discuss it in intelligent ways with a person that gives them a sounding board they may not listen to in another way. Sometimes what we need in life is just a reference point if we think about it vs. just buying it all hook line and sinker.

I personally believe in things like auras and chakras, and not for lack of skepticism or consideration, but my experiences tend to point that direction at times almost in spite of my more logical side. I can be back and forth around it all.

I can't and won't personally endorse a psychic and all the above said I can be jaded. But there have been folks who have been helpful to me including a Numerologist at one point. One thing I have heard from multiple astrologers in various points in my life has been particularly helpful to me. I forget a lot of the rest and it may be wrong, but there are things I couldn't understand about myself, which astrology has had the best answer in a sort of pattern overview way of anything I have encountered.

What I find bothersome sometimes is that people can look at other forms of personality tests and hear what is said, but they feel an automatic need to write it off if it comes from an astrologer without considering what the info actually is.

I like astrology for the reference points and the same for psychics sometimes, sometimes they have good stories and 'myths' and reference points for me to consider. I don't see many of them, it is quite rare at this point, but there was a point I found them helpful in helping me reframe my thought processes.

So my vote if she seems to be helping you and others then keep seeing her and see where it leads and when it stops feeling wise and helpful then find the next thing and do that.

I believe in energy and what it tells. Often as a TBM I would sense and see something about a person but would discount it or deny it was possible because according to Mormon theology, it's not possible. But now that I am out, I am tuning in to it and I seem to be right about a person more often than not. I am beginning to see again people's energy fields and sensing what is going on with them ad allowing it to unfold, and it is amazing! I am tuning in because I know it's a gift I have. I can sense emotions almost immediately, I can tune in to energ fields quickly when I focus and I can see auras when I really focus for a few minutes. I think that there are powers that people possess in this world that we can't comprehend, and that religion has been trying to keep down and in the fringes of society (more than just the morg doing this.). If you find a psychic that really does do what the job description says about a psychic, listen to them. I don't claim to be a psychic, but I know I am sensitive to energy and emotions.

There is a term for that: clairsentient.

http://www.wingmakers.co.nz/Clairsentience.html

I have had similar experiences, although I can't see auras. But I can sense the energy coming from a person and often what they are about to say pops into my mind 20 seconds before they say it, no matter how unlikely. For example, I was chatting with an old mission companion about a year ago, that I hadn't seen in years. She told me she was divorced and suddenly the thought popped into my mind that she was a lesbian now. There was absolutely no reason I would think this and then, 20 seconds later, she said the "significant other" she'd just mentioned was a woman. But I knew she was going to say that before she did. Because I could sense the thought coming from her. Stuff like that happens all the time. Especially with my daughter - it drives her crazy. I tell her what she is going to say, even if the subject she is about to bring up is totally out of the blue. I just KNOW.

So I really think there are some people who are just sensitive to the vibes/energy/thoughts of others. It isn't easy, because it's a whole other level of crap coming at you in a world already full of crap on the surface. But like you, I've tried to develop it more since I left Mormonism. It's much more in line with what I think of as spirituality and it's been pretty rewarding. Mostly because I feel like I'm being myself, not because I've gotten any super secret knowledge about myself. I still get gobsmacked about some things, like my nephew's recent death. But as far as what is coming from people I'm around, I'm sensing that energy more and more.

Thank you for that info! It is really cool to see it laid out like that! I really appreciate it. I'm working on developing the sense more and more every day and this helps to understand it better. Thank you thank you thank you.

Her name is "Madam Bonnie." For years I would see her sign outside her little office/house on PCH.

I went to school with a girl named Bonnie. In fact, in the 6th grade we got into a real cat fight after school and when my Aunt was called into school about it, my teacher said to her "I can't believe that little tiny girl beat up someone so big!" I wanted to see if Madam Bonnie was the same girl.

I was this close to making an appointment when I looked online to see if she had a website. Up pops this link to YELP and a bunch of people commented on what a rip-off she was and it cured me of ever wanting to see a Psychic.

You might want to check Yelp before you go.

I KNEW you'd say that!

Just a few clarifications here:

Most pagans consider Tarot an oracle; it's a tool we use to connect with divinity and seek guidance concerning important decisions or situations. We also use it to get a clearer look at factors, both external and internal, that affect those decisions. Other oracles include the I Ching, runes, and various scrying tools. We can use these oracles to gain greater clarity about ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and our abilities, as well.

While a person may become skilled at readings, interpreting the cards or runes for a querent, this skill is not the same thing as psychic ability, although, as Dragwit pointed out, persons who spend time and effort working with energy as part of their spiritual path, often develop gifts of knowledge and intuition that the world at large labels "psychic." Although the two categories may overlap, they're not the same thing.

While it's not a "bad" thing to consult someone who does readings professionally, a seeker would do well to begin working with oracles themselves and connecting with higher selves, intuition, divine wisdom, or whatever you wish to call it. It's not that hard, and a person can gain valuable insights by so doing.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.

Tell me what you need, I'm there for you. Half price.

I have never been to a psychic, but I used to enjoy watching John on TV. Crossing Over

http://johnedward.net/event/376/salt-lake-city-ut

Anyone out there going?

What might John see among the dead in Salt Lake City?

But I can say this much: of course there are frauds out there, and we all know that. But there are also lots of people who have developed these abilities (we all have them) and who can tell you some interesting things. What they tell you may not always be useful, but it's often verifiable (and NOT so vague that it could apply to anyone).

I used to give free Tarot readings from my old website (no longer online), and I've done countless other readings for people involving skills like remote viewing, clairvoyance, and precognition. My readings got rave reviews, and the only times I've ever been "wrong" I was just wrong about timing. For example, I might see something coming in the summer, and assume it's the upcoming summer, and then it turns out to be the summer after that instead. I've had so many spontaneous premonitions that later came true that I've started writing them down so I can prove it.

These abilities are real. We're starting to see some promising research, but it's difficult because we're trying to study something without a solid understanding of the basic principles involved. It's hard to design a study that will yield useful results when it's not even clear what the variables are, because you could unwittingly create laboratory conditions that actually suppress the phenomenon you're trying to document.

Your best bet is probably to develop your own psychic abilities instead of searching for someone you can have confidence in. Tarot is a great tool because it helps you draw out knowledge that already exists in your unconscious mind. You already know what is coming; you just don't have access to the information in ordinary, everyday consciousness.

Karen Baldwin spoke at an exmo group meeting years ago in the Clearfield area. I had never met her or spoke to her. She went down the line being pretty crisp with people, I thought. She asked what one woman did for a living and she said, "Get into another field, you are not right for that type of work." Another one said she was a midlife student and she told her to stay away from a career which relied on math, said she didn't have the IQ for it (!)

When it was my turn, she said I would be successful no matter what I chose to do, if I applied myself (big if there!) I asked her if she could be more specific and I'll never forget what she said, "You have no limitations."

That phrase came back to me time and time again, even recently, although that meeting was many years ago. She's the real deal in my opinion and if you have the opportunity to see her, I think you will not be disappointed.

Anagrammy

I bet the one dumb at math may beg to differ. :)

I'm longing for my adversary Kolobian.

I don't know of Karen Baldwin, and for the most part, don't believe in this... BUT... in 1987, I was 30 and living in Park City. My good friend worked at a hotel there and we decided to go to the hotel's "psychic fair" on a lark. At that time I was applying for jobs in other areas. I wanted to hear what a card reader/psychic would tell me about where I'd end up. After the reading, I wrote what she had told me down in a notebook and kind of forgot about it.

After reading my notes a few years later, it was unreal. She had really nailed it. She only knew the first letter of the city I'd end up in, it was B, and it ended up being correct. I got an excellent job offer in "B" and still live here. She said "wow", you have an amazing... very good things ahead, and went on to tell me of how I would meet my husband shortly after arriving in B.

I had dated without finding anybody for 15 dismal years, and met him 2 weeks after moving (married 23 years now). She nailed other details that I didn't remember until I re-read the notebook years later. The number of children was correct (even though our last child was a big surprise). My husband's unusual hair colr was also nailed. Creepy. Amazing. I've never gone back to a psychic. I've had a very good life since 1987, and don't want to hear any more. I don't remember the psychic's name.

I was very skeptical, the first time a friend dragged me to see Karen Baldwin. But Karen took my hand and said to me, "Hon, you are too young to feel this old." I knew she was the real deal at that point, because I looked about 10 years younger than I am. Since then, every time I go see her, she tells me something she could never have known. I've been three times and even giving chance it's due, she couldn't be right that often.

There is always an element of faith to these things. All you can do is try it and judge for yourself.

You have seen too much to be so gullible.

(How did I know that?!?!?)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/05/2013 07:04PM by bc.

My wife went to one named "Taco" in Salt Lake. Told wife we'd be separating within the year. Told wife other things about the kids. All but 1 minor thing came to pass. After we went our separate ways, I decided to pay Miss "Taco" a visit, only to expose her as a fraud. 80% was dead on. Closer to actual predictions than my Patriarchal Blessing. (only about 20%) Go figure, priesthood, vs. crystal ball.

I saw Taco once. She was fun. I don't remember what she said. I think I was at a workshop for psychics.

As far as SLC...

It may be worth checking out the shop "Dancing Crane" in SLC (they have people there who do readings. I have heard one is good and met her, but never had a reading from her).

Another place is "Crone's Hollow" which has some interesting readers and just an interesting ambiance. Very earthy. Nice place to visit for coffee/tea/etc... They have some folks who come to town who people enjoy.

I had a friend who would go to Golden Braid which is downtownish. He got readings from someone there which he liked.

There are a lot of people around doing readings and some are better than others certainly and just have different things to offer.

So tell us...are you sucessful? I would say that your an old soul, that your hear to help others. How is that? And I am just a stupid engineer at Intel Corp. living in Oregon...I have no Psychic ability :)

Ugh..(SP)* You Are here....sorry been a long day!

I consider myself a skeptic without debunking the possibility of real paranormal experience.

I had a sudden premonition of my son's death which was particularly startling because it was not the son which was always trying to commit suicide. It was in full color with smells and all senses and it interrupted what I would call a garden-variety dream in black and white. Furthermore, the casket I saw in my dream and the suit they bought for him were all the exact same as my dream, even though I never told them the details.

I suspect she has intuitive gifts and a talent for using them to put on a show for a group. She can't tell everybody something positive, she frames her comments. What she said about being unlimited started me thinking what my life might be like if I really believed this. It started a ball rolling that resulted in me going to college even though I still had five children at home. I thought I was limited because it was hard enough on the children to get a divorce and leave the church. How could I add another stressor by going to college and following my own dreams?

It is not really unusual for a person to say something about you that moves your life in a different direction. You read a book, you learn some new ideas, it happens all the time. It's not paranormal.

No, I'm not "successful" in worldly terms if you mean am I rich. And I don't believe I'm an old soul or have any intuitive gifts other than struggling daily to manage my own mental state skillfully and to "see" reality.

If I were so smart, I would have never bought the MOrmon flattery and offer of fake friendship.

I believe every person has information which is not gained from senses. Not from "Masters" in the universe, or extra-terrestrials, or gods, but from our connectivity to the larger universe.

I believe I am successful because I took my own mind back and have the opportunity to help my own children and others here on the board.

I consider psychics to be entertainment. For example, one time at a fair a lady spread out Taro cards and went through her bit, pointing to a card and telling me several generic things, one being, "You will have trouble with a teenager." Well, guess what? She was right!

Would I pay money to have my cards read again--absolutely. I would visit Karen Baldwin in a heartbeat (if I could afford it). I'm open to hearing whatever people have to offer without "buying" it. It's all entertainment to me and I like learning about the differences in how people find the power within.

I don't have a message or anything to sell. I have experienced the best result in terms of personal happiness and joy with the tools I've learned through Buddhism. These same tools are taught elsewhere as well and finding the effective form and words for leaving our illusions behind and finding meaningful personal expression is part of the process of self-discovery. It's part of what makes the journey interesting--it's personal to you.

BishopRick - Of course you are right being I'm a recovering narcissist. It's like alcoholism, a lifelong disease.


Anagrammy

I went to lunch about five years ago with her and a friend of mine who was a client of Karen Baldwin's. I'm personally skeptical of those who claim psychic abilities and for much of the lunch found myself remaining quite skeptical until she said my dead brother has a message for me. My dead brother was unknown to my friend and to most but all of the closest people in my life as he died 22 years ago. That 100% freaked me out beyond belief. I still don't know what to make of it and the fact that she knew about him. He died when I was a child. He was an adult at his death- he was the oldest, I was the second youngest in our family. Much of what she said didn't really mean much to me then or now- she said I was alive when the Romans were persecuting Christians???? Stuff like doesn't really resonate with me as I have never believed in reincarnation. But the brother part? Whoa.

I called to make an appointment. She asked when I was available. I hung up.

funny

I know Karen personally and she is the real deal....very loving and spiritual....I and my daughter have been to see her. She has been right on every time. If you have doubts...you should read her book....just go to her website.

How come psychics don't win the lottery each week?

After the magical thinking, hoaxes, baffle-em-with-BS tactics of the LDS church, you can't see through this stuff? It's just another flavor of cultishness, an industry of cons and hoaxers. I am not going to be politically correct about this: these people--psychics--are at best delusion and at worst criminal. Please do not leave the insane parallel universe of Mormonism to fall into another one with New Age branding. You deserve better than that.

+infinity

You guys realize that it's almost a science on how to deceive people with this crap, right?

Since apparently a large number of you don't, read this: http://www.skepdic.com/coldread.html

Anagrammy, I love your posts on here, but don't you think that if a supposed "psychic" came up to you and said "You have no limitations" they could have just as easily said that to anyone on the planet?

I'm totally psychic. RAG, you can do anything you set your mind to... if you apply yourself (and pay 10% tithing). Oh wait, now I'm just a Mormon Patriarch.