Sylvia Brown is probably one of the most well known psychics in America. While she has many followers, she also has many critics. Sylvia Brown was born Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker in 1936 in Missouri. She has her own radio show and has appeared as a regular guest on the Montel Williams show and Larry King Live.
Sylvia claims she first began having visions when she was five years old and that her grandmother was also psychic. She later on in 1974 started giving psychic readings and attracted attention. Currently her psychic readings for a 30 minute session cost $850.In one of her many books she claims to know what the environment in heaven is and describes it in specific detail.
In 1986 she formed a church in California named the Society of Novus Spiritus. This church refers to itself as a Gnostic Christian church and follows the traditions of Christianity. It's interesting to note that satellite churches have been created and these smaller churches receive no financial support from Novus. They are also required to send money to the headquarters and purchase all of their religious/spiritual books and materials from Novus.
Another cause for concern over the integrity of Sylvia Browne, is the fact she has been indicted on charges of fraud and theft in California.
Critics of Sylvia Browne note that her predictions or claims are founded on classic psychic reading techniques that anyone can learn. Furthermore, on numerous occasions Browne has made predictions in public that were later found to be incorrect. Sylvia Browne has some strong critics, Robert Lancaster is one skeptic who created the website stopsylviabrowne.com to challenge her claims. You can visit his site for more details and criticism.
Even with all the critisism, Sylvia Browne continues to release new books. She still has a large fan base of supporters willing to give her money or buy her next book. In the end whether or not Sylvia Browne has psychic powers or not, one thing is certain, she knows how tell a good story that captures people's attention and (maybe wallets).
