Press articles about Paul Hughes-Barlow

The Cheeky Guide to Brighton is brilliant for visitors and locals alike. I have lived here for years, but I learned tons of things I never knew about the City. Here is what it says about me.

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The Cheeky Guide to Brighton

Paul Hughes-Barlow

The only palmist in Brighton I met whose room was full of interesting books rather than gypsy tat and the usual mystical paraphernalia. Friendly and honest about his profession and with a good knowledge of the occult sciences, I warmed to him and his reassuringly boyish laugh. Probably a good choice if you’re looking for something beyond the usual nonsense.

The next story broke in Liverpool and was picked up by the local newspaper. Apparently the story was a big thing in Liverpool…

The Argus, Friday June 4th 1999

Purse-grab victim’s fate was in the cards

By Jakki Phillips and Phill Mills

Day tripper Gayle Evans took a Brighton fortune-teller’s prediction with a pinch of salt when she was warned of financial difficulties quite soon. But minutes later teacher Gayle, 24, was walking through the Lanes when a sneak thief grabbed her purse – making of with her £85 spending money.

The Liverpool teacher had been looking forward to taking part in some traditional seaside activities during her visit to Brighton. After strolling along the seafront, she couldn’t resist stopping to have her tarot cards under Brighton Pier. Gayle said: “The fortune-teller apologised about the bad news, but I didn’t take much notice. “I don’t really believe in the cards and had them read for a bit of fun. Now I’m not so sure.”

The spirits were spot-on for tarot reader Paul Hughes-Barlow. Huddled over his crystal ball the psychic was not surprised his prediction had come true.

Confident

After more than ten years of tarot readings, palmistry, and astrological consultations, Paul is one hundred per cent confident of his mystical powers. He was upset to heart of Gayle’s loss, but stressed he could only warn about problems and was unable to name a specific time and place when it would happen. He said: “When I issue a warning I am confident it will take place within the next year. But within the same day is very unusual. The message from the cards must have been incredibly strong.”

Paul added: “I use the Thoth Tarot deck for my readings. Thoth was the Egyptian God of learning and knowledge. The messages I get from the cards are very strong and that is why Gayle’s prediction came true.”

Paul works from a tiny office under the Palace Pier which is fully equipped with chakra charts and books on modern magic. He said: “I used the Opening of the Keys card layout for Gayle and three important cards appeared – the five and seven of coins and the Moon card which warn about financial loss, mishaps and deception.”

Gayle reported the theft and CID crime desk assistant Tony Edwards couldn’t resist asking her what the teller had predicted. Tony said: “Neither of us could believe it.

Strange

“I’ve heard some strange stories in my time but never one like this.” Gayle, meanwhile, is hoping another of Paul’s predictions – about her job – comes true. She said: “I’m nearly out of contract and I’m praying it will be renewed. The teller said I should have no problems with that. Time will tell.”

Newspapers are not known for accuracy, but this one is pretty good.

Brighton and Hove Leader, Thursday, July 14th, 1994

A big hand for Paul

By Veronica Clark

When you walk into the seafront palmist parlour of Paul Hughes-Barlow, you get a big of a shock. Instead of being greeted by a middle-aged woman wearing a scarf around her head and big gold earrings, there’s a smart young man in a suit and tie looking more like a bank manager than a clairvoyant.

“You have to admit, I’m not your stereotypical image of a clairvoyant. If you saw me walking down the street it’s the last job you’d think I did,” said paul, 34. It’s true. In fact, apart from the tell-tale posters, tarot cards and statues of Buddha, the ‘parlour’ seems extremely businesslike, but with a caring edge. There’s a desk, two chairs, surprisingly bright lighting, and even a box of tissues for those overwhelmed by any revelations. But Paul, who has run his office on Brighton’s seafront for the last five years, is careful how he translates information to his clients. “It’s all about helping people and giving them advice, not frightening them and telling them exactly what to do. I try to avoid cliches like ‘a tall dark stranger will come into your life’ sort of thing. I’m basically here to comment on people’s lives – I tell them things their best friend probably wouldn’t.”

Paul went on: “I certainly don’t make people cry, but I also don’t lie to them. If people have a terrible life, I’m not going to tell them everything is wonderful. It’s hard to tell people good news if there’s really nothing there.”

Operating from Kings Road Arches almost directly underneath Brigton’s Palace Pier, he says he’s like a doctor in the respect that everything said remains confidential. “Some people unburden themselves by telling me their problems. I try to give people peace of mind.” Paul, who has worked in the both the building and restaurant trade, says he was born with his skills but like any talent had to work hard to develop them. His tools of the trade include tarot cards and a magnificent crystal ball. “It helps me focus. The only way I can really describe it is like having a sterile room, like the operating theatre of a hospital.” But he stressed he’s not out to change people’s religious beliefs in any way. “I believe in God and I read the Bible – in fact I probably know it better than most people who go to church. I’ve also read the Koran. I am very respectful of people’s religions and I certainly don’t tell them what to believe.”

Despite this, he still gets the occasional anonymous ‘Christian’ leaflet shoved under his door, along with the odd comments from people walking by. But he insisted: “I don’t think I am God. I don’t try and control others’ lives. I advise and that’s it really. I certainly don’t pressurise people into having their palms read. I live by what I say to people. At the end of the day, I’ve got to get it right, or people won’t come back or tell their friends to come and see me.”