Passing by Jewel-Osco on Sycamore Road, you might not notice the tiny, white house on the corner, but your presence is felt.

Mary Can, a spiritual psychic, has made a special offer for curious college students to see, first hand, what she is all about. She is offering palm readings to NIU students for $25.

“I recommend palm readings for teens,” Can said. “It is a character reading and is most accurate when you are younger.”

Mary also does hand writing analysis, which she feels are “top of the line,” astrology charts and tarot card readings. She doesn’t always recommend the tarot cards though, because “they are not as accurate and are too expensive.”

“A real psychic needs nothing,” Can explained. “I can look at you and read your aura.”

A lot of psychics are for entertainment only and Can warned against psychic phone lines that are advertised on TV.

“Some people only want the entertainment, but many take it seriously,” Can said. “You shouldn’t call in if you need somebody to talk to.”

Can will answer some questions over the phone, but she prefers to conduct readings on a one-on-one basis.

Her business, which is located at 1303 Sycamore Road, has been at the location for about three years, but she always has been a psychic.

“It comes naturally,” Can said. “My mom did it, her mom did it and my daughter will, too someday. It just follows the line.

“Our psychic ability is only for others,” Can said. “A psychic cannot get a psychic reading and I believe there is a reason for this, otherwise a psychic would focus on their own life and not care about the outside world.”

Every year Can attends psychic conventions where psychics get together to generate new ideas and develop new types of things to do. Even with professional backing, many people are skeptical about their abilities.

“It is a cheap, easy way to make money,” said Phil Knuckey, senior mechanical engineering major. “The only thing they’re good for is to give people false hope.”

Sophomore political science major Kristi White agrees.

“They are pretty cooky,” she said.

Can is optimistic, though, and claims that she never had a customer leave dissatisfied with her services.

“I would like more honesty to make sure that clients are satisfied when they leave,” Can said. “There should not be such a rush or a time limit on one’s life. When someone walks through the door, they need somebody to talk to.”

Can does not charge by the minute and there is no time limit for her clients. She will answer every question.

She is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins also are accepted. To schedule an appointment or call for one free question, call 756-3217.