The building at 212 N. Genesee Street, Morrison, IL, is being transformed into a new business which will serve the curious. Psychic Readings by Maria opened its door on Monday, January 13, 2014. The easy-to-find corner space, across from Exner’s Sportsmans Paradise on Genesee Street, also fronts E. Lincolnway. Locals will remember this as the former Bears & More and then Lincoln Highway Gifts.
Walk-ins are welcome, or clients can make an appointment by calling 815-772-9082, stated new owner, Maria. She prefers to simply use a single name. Psychic Readings by Maria is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for now. She may adjust the closing if people request later times after work.
Maria plans to create a relaxing, attractive environment for her clients. She wants them to feel comfortable in her space. She mentioned artwork, candles, and flowers to set a mood.
“There will be lots of privacy in the Waiting Room [off the spacious entry] and the [adjacent] Reading Room. All readings are private and confidential,” she stressed.
Specials will be offered, and people can design a unique reading by combining types.
The length of the reading does not determine the fee. “The reading [depends] on the type of reading and the questions the person asks. [People with] longer life experiences may lead to longer readings. It [depends] on the person,” she explained.
She mentioned five main types of readings. There are several others she can share. The intensity or energy level she feels increases with each type of reading, as does the price. She explained:
- Palm readings are fun, and teens like them.
- Psychic readings deal with a person’s past, present, and future. People are more comfortable with this, and it is her favorite reading type.
- Tarot card readings also deal with a person’s past, present, and future, but extend to matters of love and finances. People ask questions in this type of reading, which is more detailed.
- Chakra readings are another favorite. “I can really feel the stronger energy!”
- Crystal readings.
Maria’s mother, Mary, “has had ‘the gift’ for 44 years, since age nine.” She has an office in Clinton, IA. When Maria “was around ten, I just was giving readings for fun. I just experienced it. When I was 15, I started helping my mom, giving my own readings.”
“It takes time. [At first] I was shocked; [then] I was happy to have ‘the gift.’ It was a relief to me that I got it.”
“You are not just reading. You have to know how you do it, how you feel the energy. You have to understand yourself.”
What if she senses bad news during a reading? “I don’t hold back bad news.” She simply tells what she sees.
How does she handle clients with negative energies? “It [depends] on how they use their negative energy. I read it off them. I can see if their aura is bright or dark.”
All living things are surrounded by an aura, which is a colorful, multilayered, oval energy field. Each of the aura colors represent a person’s mood or physical health and reflect the condition of the chakras [internal and external energy fields.]
Below, the glass-topped table in the Reading Room displays an array of 78 artistic, colorful tarot cards. The 22 Major Arcana cards “depict issues you might encounter on your path throughout life.” The 56 Minor Arcana cards “explain life situations and people you might meet during your day-to-day life.” The latter are divided into four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.
A tarot card reading will be unique each time. Certain cards are associated with your birth and earth signs and carry personality “characteristics.” However, meanings are further interpreted by
- the spread used
- the card placement
- how cards are oriented when dealt (upright or reverse)
- card proximity to the positions of other cards
- the deck preferences of the psychic reader.
Click here to see a set of tarot cards and their meanings. Find your suit.
Maria sees a Facebook page in her future. She is available to “talk about your past, consult about your present, and guide you about your future.”
How a session concludes also depends upon the individual. Some ask questions. The important thing to know, Maria added, is at the end of a session “They walk out with a smile.”