Psyched Out: A Review of the 50th Annual Kansas City Psychic Fair

When I saw the 50th Annual Kansas City Psychic Fair advertised on a billboard driving down I-35 for Oct. 15-17, I immediately jotted it down on my calendar. I’ve gone through spiritual phases in my life — stops at crystal shops, a pack of tarot cards for Christmas, looking into scheduling a psychic appointment here and there — but I’ve always wanted to fully immerse myself in spirituality. 

The crystals collecting dust on my windowsill and tarot cards tossed on a shelf with my candles were a sign that I needed to go beyond the “aesthetic” that comes with spirituality. As I’ve recently been craving insight and guidance as to where I am in my life from a legitimate psychic, the Psychic Fair sounded like exactly what I needed. 

With my wallet clutched and ready to spend an unnecessary amount on vendors selling rocks, crystals, artwork, jewelry, aura photographs, candles, tarot cards, numerology charts and more, plus healers offering reiki, chakra alignment and guided meditations, I was off for my spiritual awakening. 

The vibe already felt off stepping into the old Abdullah Shriners building, smelling like a stuffy nursing home. The actual fair was held in what looked like a middle school gym with a few meager chandeliers slapped onto the ceiling. After paying an entrance fee of $7 and being handed a guide to all of the vendors, I was off to wander. 

It was certainly a lot to take in — stacks of books on spirits, table after table of crystals in every color, a woman serving hot dogs and chili through a small window, a mannequin with purple hair being pushed in a wheelchair — which, according to the owner, a spirit had manifested itself into the form of a mannequin — acupuncturists, herbalists, jewelry-makers and scattered throughout were plenty of eclectic-looking psychics clutching hands and closing eyes with their current client.

I tried my best to make decisions based on how drawn I was to the different vendors and readers. After reading the extensive bios of each medium, I decided on “Indigo Moon.” Though $30 for a 15-minute reading felt a little steep, she was surprisingly one of the cheapest there, except for “Vic,” who charged $20 for “however long it takes,” but I didn’t want to risk a 5-minute sleazy chat session. “Indigo Moon’s” sign-up sheet was already booked an hour ahead, so I put my name down on the list and spent my hour to spare picking up crystals and trying on each ring that caught my eye. 

I ended up with a pouch full of seven new stones, about a dollar or two each and a gorgeous, uniquely-shaped ruby ring — a little pricier at $45. To be fair, I don’t venture beyond the cheap rings from Target and Urban Outfitters, so it felt fitting to splurge a little more on the sweet, old hippy couple that handcrafts each stunning ring. 

I also had plenty of time to people-watch — probably the most bizarre part of it all. It was interesting to see how much of an older crowd the fair drew in, and even more surprising how they felt so protected by their spirit guides to not need a mask. In total, I counted about 11 other people wearing masks, including me out of the 150 people there. 

It was finally time to have my fortune read, or at least some sort of enlightenment. “Indigo Moon’s” method was me drawing out six drawstring pouches, each with an individual crystal inside revealing something about me. 

The first crystal drawn was moonstone, prompting her to ask if I’m on TikTok and have had any viral videos. My answer was no, I only spend too many hours a day scrolling through video after video, but don’t really make much of my own. She recommended I start making them because she foresees TikTok fame in my future. Interesting. She went on to say that whichever path or career I choose to take, I’ll be well-known for it. 

The rest of the reading felt like a cliche advice session with a therapist: speak up for yourself, choose what you want to do and not want your parents want, don’t put too much pressure on yourself — the usual. She also encouraged me to travel to Europe to discover my passions, but what teenager doesn’t have “backpacking through Europe” on their bucket list? 

She then told me that soon after winter break I should expect a military boy to come into my life for a “serious relationship.” I was also informed that in my past life I was a male aristocrat in Ancient Rome as well as an Egyptian slave. How this new information will help me, I have no idea. 

I could’ve believed her had she picked up on specifics in my life to add some validity, but after asking me if I’m an only child (I’m not) and some very generalized assumptions about the person I am, it was hard to trust the rest of her so-called “visions.” 

Maybe I would’ve been better choosing “Vic” or “Good Juju with Jojo,” the Tarot card reader, but it’s hard to tell who’s legit and who’s not.

Whether a scam or a success, the psychic fair was most certainly memorable. And hey, maybe I’m just steps away from becoming the next Charli D’Amelio on TikTok.