First Time at the Psychic: "This Consultation Restored My Confidence in My Choices"

More than one in five French people are convinced by the predictions of psychics, according to a study conducted in 2020 by IFOP*. This figure has been steadily increasing over the past 20 years. But what drives women in France to consult a medium for the first time? Cécile, Laura, Olivia, and Fiona share their experiences.

Medium, astrologer, cartomancer, or fortune teller, all have been thriving in recent years. According to an IFOP survey*, nearly 60% of French people believe in a discipline of foresight such as astrology or cartomancy.

A change observed in recent years by Michèle Mazilly, an astrologer for over 20 years. "The time of the big shawl and the black cat is over," jokes the professional. For about a decade, her schedule has been filled, and more and more young people are seeking her talents. "Even if one might be scared the first time, there’s no need to be anxious. An astrology consultation is like seeing a therapist. It’s about feeling good."

"I was afraid to go for a long time," recounts Fiona, 25. "I was afraid of the answers, afraid of not being able to hear what the psychic might have to say. Then, in the midst of a love crisis, I felt the need to consult; I needed clarity." The cartomancer, recommended by a friend, immediately perceives the turmoil the young woman is experiencing and provides the answers she was seeking. "I loved her predictions that, in a way, made me dream a little and also allowed me to create my own life," continues the Parisian. This consultation also helped her dispel the doubts surrounding her relationship. "She guided me on the path to take. I was so happy to hear that I would end my life with the same guy that I thought it was revealing."

Aiding in Decision-Making Fiona is not an isolated case. Questions about her love life also led Laura to consult an astrologer. "At the time, I had desires for a change of life, a change of country, a relationship with a guy that wasn’t progressing, and I wanted to know if everything would settle down. I was probably looking for hope or a reason to stop daydreaming about it with other new information," recounts the 39-year-old woman. "I remember being very excited when I hung up, wanting to quickly share all these revelations with my loved ones because there were obviously many very positive things. And also the very true aspect of my current situation, which was astonishing."

For Rosine Bramly, an astrologer and psychic for 50 years, "knowing that it was written can also help in making a decision; it can validate a choice. However, it’s not a magic wand: we are merely messengers; we cannot move the planets."

It was also because she needed to make choices that Olivia consulted a cartomancer for the first time. "I was at a rather chaotic moment in my life where I was questioning the directions to take both professionally and sentimentally," recounts the 50-year-old woman. "This consultation restored my confidence in my choices, those I felt deep down. It reassured me in the path I was taking." A need for precise answers often drives people to consult a psychic for the first time. "But one must be ready to consult and to hear certain things," emphasizes Rosine Bramly.

Cécile, on the other hand, was curious to experience this. On the advice of a friend, enthusiastic after her consultation with a cartomancer, she embarked on this journey without expectations. "I didn’t have any real questions, so I wasn’t expecting any genuine answers since I was consulting more for discovery. In hindsight, I realize I had some questions about my relationship and my work," confides the 35-year-old woman. "I tried to say as little as possible so as not to guide her in her responses. I opened up to esotericism very recently, and I wanted to verify if what she could tell me was true. She identified my current situation and pinpointed some professional changes. She also described my husband well, simply with his date of birth. Everything she told me seemed very accurate," she adds. And after a first consultation? "I sometimes enjoy rereading my notes and reflecting on what ultimately happened or not; I believe it can give a boost when one is a bit lost," advises Laura. Cécile, for her part, is contemplating whether to consult again: "I don’t know if I will go back; I don’t want to impose my expectations on what the psychic might tell me. I don’t want it to impact my choices; I want to keep the magic of life in its spontaneity. But it’s a choice, and it’s not in response to what I experienced since the experience was astonishing."

Since her consultation, Olivia has been watching for signs and paying attention to what is happening around her. "Several things she predicted have indeed occurred since, even though there were some inaccuracies. For example, she guaranteed that I wouldn’t have any health issues, yet I have my leg in a cast." For Rosine Bramly, "one should especially avoid returning too often: one cannot consult every month or even every week. One must also remember that we have free will. We remain masters of our destiny. Once or twice a year is more than sufficient."

An opinion shared by Michèle Mazilly: "If the consultation didn’t please you, or if you didn’t like certain information, there’s no point in consulting again afterward. Don’t waste your time seeing three other psychics to verify the predictions. You need to digest what was said and let things unfold," concludes the astrologer.

*Survey conducted by IFOP for Femme Actuelle among a sample of 1,007 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over, quota method. Interviews conducted via an online self-administered questionnaire from November 10 to 12, 2020.