The Hit List - This is not the time

Right now, Los Angeles is burning. Folks are losing their homes, businesses, and lives. The air is unsafe. Unhoused and other vulnerable members of the population are facing an even grimmer outlook. Watching the videos is like looking at an apocalyptic nightmare. It’s hard to imagine the extent of the damage. We may not know until every last flame is out. I’ve spent many wonderful days in this magical city, so my heart hurts right alongside the residents who live there. I cannot even begin to imagine what this must be like for them.

When tragedy strikes, it brings out the best and worst in humans. Donations pour in, homes and businesses open the doors, and good people like the World Central Kitchen set up shop to feed hungry, displaced folks. Those of us in spiritual work look for ways to contribute, too. That might mean sharing information, raising money, or consoling those who suffered great losses.

However, some take a different route.

I don’t know if they are well-intentioned or operating with a desire to capitalize on a tragedy. These are the ones who show up not to offer comfort but to brag about how “they saw this coming.” Their prediction came true, and now is the moment when they want the world to know. While it’s exciting when your predictions unfold as you saw them, this is not the time to crow.

People are still fleeing their homes. They’ve lost everything. No matter how accurate you may be, folks are hurting. Bragging rights have no place in situations like this.

Others use tragedies as a marketing tool. It hurts my heart to say this, but fear sells. Vulnerable people want a guarantee and irresponsible or shady readers are quick to put their hand up and say, “Come here, I have all the answers.” Even if you need to make a living, this is not the time. Your marketing can wait.

People are dying. The last thing they need is fear-based marketing (I’m sorry, but social “trigger” type marketing has always made me sick).

There are are also a few out there claiming that the victims “manifested” this outcome through “negative thinking” or “sinful living.” I’ve seen claims the wildfires were “necessary purification” or a “recalibration.” Still, others are out there doing the old spiritual bypass shuffle. “Everything will be okay!” This is not the time for any of this.

If you want to help without causing harm, it’s wise to take a moment to reflect first. Instead of boasting about your accuracy, marketing yourself as the antidote, or engaging in spiritual shaming or blaming, there are better ways to do real good.

:: Donate.

:: Encourage others to donate.

:: Check-in on folks.

:: Open up your home to friends, family, and pets who may be displaced.

:: Share information on food, housing, and mutual aid.

:: Pray, love, petition the universe, do magic, be kind.

Look, there is nothing wrong with being excited when you get it right. It’s also tempting to continue to push predictions during ongoing tragedies. And platitudes can feel like you’re doing something. There will be plenty of time to do those things. But all of that needs to be put on hold. This is not the time.

Theresa

This book should be required reading for mystical pros: The Ethical Psychic: A Beginner’s Guide to Healing with Integrity, Avoiding Unethical Encounters, and Using Your Gifts for Good by Jennifer Lisa Vest PhD.

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