pick your soothsayer

As in the world of religion, the room for charlatanism is ENORMOUS in the land of the psychic.

On the one hand, there are tricksters and scam artists. On the other hand, there is palpable good that can be found. Trying to quantify and codify which is which is like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. Does the good outweigh the bad? Does the bad outweigh the good? Any answer will excite support. Any answer will inspire vociferous dissent. 

Authorities say they aim to distinguish between catering to people's interest in the supernatural and conning them. Still, some psychics feel anti-fortunetelling laws are unfair to them and to people who believe seers have something to offer.

My own experience leads me to neither dismiss nor rely on religions or psychics. Yes, there are nifty claims and, yes, there are horror stories galore. It's not entirely clear to me why authorities might use a gimlet eye on the psychics but not the religions ... but taste is taste. Some soothsayers have better connections than others. A narrow mind is dangerous ... just like a wide one.

I guess everyone picks his or her soothsayers and then, assuming there are two brain cells to rub together, investigates the matter right down to the ground. Assuming contentment or peace is the goal, what other option is open?