Bad economy means great business for Asheville fortune-teller

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Raleigh News & Observer story here:

Cheryl Anne McGill is an association member (American Association of Psychics)  who fields calls from around the globe at her home base near Asheville and hosts a radio show.

McGill said some of her regular customers have cut back on their readings as finances get tight — hourlong readings reduced to half-hour ones. Some who started with shorter sessions have dropped out entirely. But the downturn has also brought in a steady flow of new customers which has been in part to the boost in the popularity of Psychic Readings.

Patrons fear the future

She does the reading before they ask any questions and often finds financial issues troubling them.

“About once a day I am reading for people who just lost their job or will be losing their job shortly,” said McGill, who noted the trend started just before the November elections. “They are very fearful of what the future will bring for them.”

The woes span the globe and cross class lines.

“I read for very wealthy individuals who have lost a lot of money in the stock market and for people who have circled around their whole lives waiting for their next paycheck,” she said.

McGill said her callers rarely ask for specific advice on money. McArthur gets more detailed questions but said she tries to keep her guidance general when it comes to a client’s economic choices. She’s also doing her part to boost consumer confidence by trying to free her clients from the gloom of economic news.

“I always tell people don’t buy into the negativity,” she said. “By thinking positive, you draw abundance to you.”