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Divination & Tarot:
The Illuminated Journey:
Tarot Readings:
The Good, The Bad,
and the Ugly
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by Beth Owl's Daughter |
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While I realize I am running the risk of “preaching to the choir” here at The Meta Arts Magazine, I am occasionally disappointed to discover that many otherwise enlightened souls have a dim view of the Tarot. Perhaps they remember all too well (as I do!) the dreadful Miss Cleo phone banks, or maybe they have had unpleasant encounters with less than impeccable readers. Yes, I am the first to admit, there are, sadly, more than a few out there.
So if you are already an enthusiastic Tarot booster, or even a reader yourself, I hope you will bear with me this month, as I spend a little time attempting to clear up some of the doubts some of our more dubious friends may have about the Illuminated Journey. Perhaps this article will even come in handy if anyone in your own circle of acquaintances has a less than enthusiastic response to your affection for the Tarot.
The big problem, in my view, is that the accessibility and clarity of the Tarot are both its great gifts, but also offer its great temptation for mischief.
After all, to be an astrologer, for example, there is quite a bit to learn and calculate. Even though there are computer programs to help you cast a chart, you still need to have access to a computer, and lots of documentation. That’s a comparatively serious investment.
Because on the other hand, anyone with ten bucks for a deck can, in theory, set up shop and start reading the Tarot. And unfortunately, I am afraid that’s often exactly what happens.
As a result, unsavory Tarot practitioners can run the gamut from predators and con artists to well-meaning but untrained, ignorant users who are eager for what appears to be a quick, easy income. Often, their victims are the most vulnerable people in our society, further casting a cloud over our niche.
But does that invalidate the truth, power, and magic of the Tarot itself? Not at all.
There are many honest, talented, and skilled men and women who offer the Tarot to provide the public with powerful insight, life-enhancing transformation, and wisdom about the important matters in our lives.
As is true in every profession, Tarot has its share of the charlatans and frauds. This simply means that when looking for a reader, you must use discernment. So how can you separate the good from the bad and the ugly?
Beware if the Reader --
• suggests that your future is fixed or fated. You can always change your future. Similarly, they may claim 100% accuracy and/or make absolute guarantees. No one is perfect, and the future can never be guaranteed. If they promise you the moon, check your pocket.
• tells you they can change your future - for extra money. This is a scam. These fraudsters will give you a scary reading full of doom and gloom, then offer to cast a spell to change it. Don’t fall for it. Similarly, be careful if he or she --
• implies that bad things will happen if you don’t keep coming back. If pivotal changes are happening in your life, or if you think of new questions you’d like to ask, you can certainly come back more frequently. Otherwise, many folks don’t need a reading more than once or twice a year. In all cases, it should be completely up to YOU how often you want to come, without pressure of any kind.
• offers to cast a spell (for extra money, of course!) to force someone to love you (or hire you). Even if this was to work, forcing outcomes through magical means is a recipe for unhappiness, because it circumvents free will. Very few readers have any such powers or knowledge, and almost no one who might have them would EVER offer to use them in this destructive, unhealthy way.
• reads from a script or has to look up the meanings of the cards in a book or notes. Some telephone and Internet Tarot operators have a script they are told to read from. This is not the personal, skilled service you deserve. And similarly, an unscrupulous reader --
• controls the conversation and dominates the session, giving you very little opportunity to ask questions or inquire deeper into their pronouncements. They may do this by subtle intimidation, or by appearing to be in such a mystical trance that you must not disturb them.
• offers “free” minutes in telephone readings. Often this is a ploy to get you on the line so that they can keep you there well past the allotted free time. Ethical readers set the times and a price before your session begins. This alleviates the potential for “loading” the bill.
A Good Reader will --
• have an ethical code, in writing, which they are pleased to share with you.
• help you to explore your options. You can always change your path, like changing lanes on a highway. A good reading will help you decide what you can change, if you choose.
• remind you that you are in control of your own life. They may have an emotional bias regarding your situation (we are only human, after all), but they will normally not let this influence the reading. Instead, they encourage you to make your own choices, without judging you in any way.
• be proud of their customers’ testimonials, and eager to share them with you. However, bear in mind that they offer a confidential service, so they may not offer their complete name. Pay attention to how they talk about their clients – if their stories are vague, seem exaggerated, or the people they describe don’t seem believable, you’re probably right.
• accentuate the positive, not the negative. Good readers won’t sugar coat your session, or make wild claims about a miraculous future, but neither will they ever attempt to scare or bully you. Instead, they will have an upbeat approach that will illuminate your choices and challenges in ways that are proactive and hopeful.
• often belong to a professional organization and have verifiable credentials. For instance, while “Tarot Master” is an impressive sounding title, it may or may not be backed up by any actual accreditation. You can and should ask about their memberships and what they did to earn their title.
Where Do You Find a Good Tarot Reader?
• Personal referrals! Personal recommendations are the best, especially if they’re from people whose judgment you trust.
• Your local metaphysical store. Often the staff members at the local New Age stores personally know many of the local practitioners, especially the ones who are serious professionals. Often, they may be readers themselves. Ask who they like to go to (yes, just like physicians don’t practice on themselves, most readers go to other readers for issues beyond their expertise).
• Visit your local psychic fairs. This can be a good place to sample the local talent, without investing a lot of time or money. Be more circumspect about those bigger national psychic expos. They may cost more and most of the readers will be gone when the event is over, making it harder for them to be accountable to you afterwards.
• Check out their literature. Any serious consultant will have business cards and brochures that explain their services as well as their beliefs and style of readings. You don’t want to hire a hobbyist or amateur. What do their materials say about their commitment to their work?
• Website – do they have one? Is it updated regularly? Do they respond to email inquiries made through their website?
• Do they have a newsletter or discussion group? If so, subscribe to it, so that you can get a feel for the person you may be doing business with.
• Are their fees reasonable for your area? Think about other service-oriented businesses in your area. For example, what are the going rates in your area for skilled occupational services like coaching, copy writing, auto repair, or massage therapy? Of course, some readers will be more educated, specialized, or experienced in their field than others, and, like any professional, would expect appropriate compensation.
Remember --
A good reading should be fun, enlightening and affirming. Don’t settle for anything less!
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Beth Owl's Daughter,
Internationally recognized author, teacher and leader in the Tarot community.
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For nearly four decades, Beth Owl's Daughter has been a practicing seer and guide in the non-ordinary realms. After being fascinated by the I Ching and astrology (calculating charts by hand, mind you, and with a life-long aversion to math!), one day in 1972, Beth stumbled upon the first Tarot deck she had ever seen: the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot.
It was love at first sight, and evidently the feeling was mutual, because ever since, the Tarot has been a profound, lifelong friend and guide for her and for those with whom she shares her gifts.
Beth Owl's Daughter [http://www.
owlsdaughter.com]
* is a member of the American Tarot Association, Tarot Professionals and the Tarot Association of the British Isles.
* is an internationally recognized author, teacher and leader in the Tarot community. She has published many articles, reviews and columns about the Tarot, served as ethics columnist for the debut issue of Tarot World Magazine, and has been featured in many radio interviews and podcasts.
* serves on the Board of Directors for Cherry Hill Seminary, the world’s first and only graduate-level education for Pagan ministry.
* is founder and organizer of one of the world’s oldest and largest Tarot social groups.
Beth is a trained, full-time intuitive, an Usui Reiki practitioner, and an eclectic Witch practicing in the Reclaiming and Faerie traditions of the Craft. She is also an award-winning blogger: http://www.owlsdaughter.
com/owls-wings .
She has extensive "real world" business experience, having worked for many years in management, career development, information technology, and as a professional writer. For this reason, she is passionate about teaching people to use the tools of ancient wisdom for practical, modern applications.
She offers readings readings and workshops for motivated, creative people who are reaching for high standards of personal excellence and who understand that to live deeply, joyfully and in balance is a form of spiritual service.
Beth Owl's Daughter will spark your sacred wisdom and connect you to your heart-centered power and vision.
Awaken your dreams, focus your creativity, and manifest your vision.
Web:
www.owlsdaughter.com
Email: beth@owlsdaughter.com
Blog:
www.owlsdaughter.com/
owls-wings
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