Psychics, Mediums, and Channelers - What's the Difference? Why Does It Matter?
Ever wondered about psychics, mediums, intuitives, channelers, and all the other spiritual “woo woo” folks out there? And what the heck they’re really doing? Why do they call themselves THAT? What’s the difference between someone who talks to the dead and someone who gets massive bursts of inspiration to create something profound and life-changing?
I wondered the same things when I first started reopening my spiritual door… before I jumped into all of this professionally.
Seriously! If they had a major for this in school, it would’ve saved me so much confusion! But hey, here we are, teaching each other—and isn’t that just the best?
So… if you’re new here, welcome! Let’s dive in and tackle these questions today!
I’m Allie—a clear channel and psychic-medium with nearly 10 years of experience. Yep, you read that right—I talk to the dead… and the dead talk to me! But I don’t just chat with spirits. I also channel higher consciousness, groups of guides, and wisdom from the universe to bring clarity and support to those who are open to it.
Let’s get down to it!
What’s a Channeler or “Channel”?
Think of a channeler as a cosmic conduit: they’re the bridge between you and the universe’s best-kept secrets. Whether it’s your spirit guides, higher wisdom, or creative bursts of inspiration from the Source of all things, a channeler’s job is to tune into the invisible wavelengths and let those messages or ideas flow through.
Channelers are basically a spiritual radio, tuning in to the right frequency and letting the universe speak or work through them.
The thing is, we’re all channeling all the time; the key is - what are we channeling? Are we consciously choosing? Are we open to the highest possible flow of life and creating from calling? Channeling is available to anyone and everyone. The key is choosing to do it.
My life has infinitely improved since I started channeling my guides. The second I began receiving deeper insights, my perspective on myself, the world, and everything around me just… changed.
So, if you’re looking for guidance from the other side, or some fresh ideas that go beyond what you can think of on your own, find a channeler. Or, work on opening your own channel! It’s like downloading wisdom directly from the cosmic cloud… except it comes through your brain and works through your own body.
Note: There are different types of channelers who channel different things.
Some channel in niche subjects for innovation or invention. I will cover this in another blog post. Ex: Einstein (and his wife, Mileva, who is much less mentioned but we now know helped him with much of his work…)
Some are trance channelers and channel spiritual beings of all kinds to bring through supportive messages.
- Ex: Tina Louise Spaulding
Some channel only one or two beings and have specific topics or messages they share. Ex: Esther and Abe Hicks, Lee Carol and Kryon
Some are channelers who only bring through higher consciousness ideas though they never mention talking to another being.
- Ex: Eckhart Tolle, Katie Byron, Gabby Bernstein (though Gabby has mentioned working with Guides many times.)
Some people channel books, music, pieces of art, and concepts, so they are creative channels and tend to be far ahead of their time.
- Ex: Mozart (and his less mentioned sister, Maria Anna, who also had the same ability and was a child prodigy.)
For now, we will focus on different types of psychics, mediums and others! A post on channeling alone will also come out.
What’s a Psychic?
Imagine a psychic as a detective. They’ve read the energy around them which allows them to find pieces of the puzzle that others can’t. They put those missing pieces together, get deeper insights, or “know” more than other people might know because of their super sensitivity to the world around them (and beyond them!) Whether it’s a person, situation, object, or even a place, psychics can tap into the vibe and “read” it like an open book (as long as the subject is open to being read!). Psychics can predict the best approach to a situation or the likely outcome of an event, giving them the ability to course correct or prep for some things out ahead. (Though, I’ve done my fair share of experimenting with trying to change outcomes of things I’ve predicted… I cannot always do so as many things are out of our hands.)
We’re the ones who walk into a room and instantly feel the energy. Or look at a map and know which direction you’re spiritually or emotionally headed in - also what direction should you choose to go in. Need a sneak peek of future events, a read on current energy, or help making a decision? A psychic’s your go-to for cosmic foresight and insight! And yes, we can zoom out to see global shifts or trends happening in the world.
Personally, I’ve predicted some more significant things, like knowing my son needed surgery even though his doctors didn’t think so. Turns out, he definitely did need it, and I’m very grateful that I trusted my intuition to push for the surgery. I’ve also predicted global events, weddings, breakups, job changes, and major life turnarounds for people. But also? I pick up on the little things, like the next song on the radio, which way to go to avoid traffic, or where to find the best sale on my favorite jeans. You know, those small moments that make life so much more fun and fulfilling!
But here’s the thing. I don’t know everything. Honestly, who could? If I did, my head would probably explode. And… where’s the fun in knowing everything? Life’s surprises and delights would be totally ruined. No thanks!
Note: Some psychics only read on certain topics. Or they may have specific areas where their spidey senses go on HIGH, and other areas in which they don’t pick up as much. They may have certain areas they are comfortable with, and others they aren’t willing to read on. Ex: I don’t do readings without permission, and I don’t read on health or legal matters. No matter what, psychics are tuned in to the energy of the person, situation, or flow of things and can be super helpful if they keep their own problems and biases out of it!
I’ll talk more about being an ethical psychic and medium in another post. There is also a fantastic channeler on tiktok and youtube named Jennifer who goes by The Ethical Medium, and she is fantastic. She also has a book called The Ethical Psychic that you can find online or at Barnes and Noble. While I haven’t read all of it, what I did read aligned SO MUCH with what I believe myself, that I had to recommend her work.
What is a Medium?
Mediums are fascinating creatures. Want to connect with someone who’s passed? A medium can make that happen, using their extrasensory abilities to relay messages. Whether it’s a full-on conversation, a vivid image, a feeling, a smell, or even a song from beyond, mediums are the spiritual “postmen,” delivering messages from loved ones or guides on the other side.
The key difference, is that a Medium connects directly to beings on the other side. A psychic or intuitive is moreso a reader of the energy of a situation, person, place or thing.
Yep, I see dead people. No, it’s not scary. I promise—there’s more love on the other side than you could ever imagine. We just have to be open to it!
I even go beyond that. I have full-blown chats with spirits on the other side during my readings, as long as they’re able to come through and have a good ol’ chit-chat!
How Do I Receive Messages?
Want to know more? Check out this episode of my podcast to get the inside scoop on how I work and what it’s like to be a medium!
When I connect with your guides and loved ones, I “step aside” mentally so they can share exactly what you need to hear. No filters, no editing, just the real deal. I receive messages through all of my senses - intuition (aka “just knowing”), sight, sound, and I’m also pretty good at telepathy, smells, tastes, and physical sensations.
Sometimes I hear them, see them, or even smell them - depending on the spirit’s ability to connect. Other times, I just know what they’re saying. Some spirits prefer communicating through songs, intuitive knowings, or telepathy. Some come through loud and clear, and I can even see them in the room, feel their energy, or pick up on the smell of their favorite cologne. It really depends on the spirit and their vibe.
Sometimes they give me broad strokes or larger themes (check the FAQ for more on that). Other times, they’ll give me specific details, clues, and guidance.
Honestly, it’s one of the most exciting parts of this work. I never know how the messages will come through, but I’m always here for the ride!
I do whatever is needed in a reading as long as it feels ethical and doesn’t cross out of my boundaries. Sometimes less is more. Sometimes people are ready for a wide range of messages, skills, and approaches. It truly depends on the client and situation, and I always listen to what their spiritual guides say. Those guides are all-loving, endlessly supportive, benevolent beings, and they never steer ya wrong.
So, I’ve told you about me. Now, if you want to unlock your own spiritual abilities, connect with a loved one on the other side, or get insights from your guides and higher wisdom, where do you start?
Ask: Who are you?
The key to reopening this connection and strengthening those innate “spidey senses” is to remember who (and what) you really are.
Remember who you are.
You’re a soul having a human experience. A spiritual being in a physical body for a short time. Start tuning into the greater wisdom, love, and yes - even the laughs - that the universe, your guides, and teachers can offer. You’ll start to feel more at home with yourself than ever before.
Tell me about you in the comments! Or better yet! Join the conversation, share your stories, and channel your own wisdom in our membership group over on Patreon!
P.S. Listen to my podcast, GETTING GHOSTED: An Intuitive Soul Collective Podcast, out now! Links below!