Visiting an intuitive practitioner or Tarot reader to explore a life situation is something that appeals to many people, especially in uncertain times. Working with someone whose skills, talent, and experience are trustworthy can be a profoundly healing and empowering experience.But unfortunately, like in any profession, we have the mediocre, the greedy, and the unscrupulous, as well as the outright charlatans and frauds. Sometimes it seems to me that Tarot attracts more than our share of this.
After all, some people think you need only purchase a $20 pack of cards and you're ready to set up shop. Whether their intentions are good or not, it could seem like easy money, couldn't it?
We in the Tarot practice often see a spike in these problems when there are troubled economic times. Sadly, I occasionally find myself needing to repair the damage done by dishonest or inept practitioners.
Of course, there are also many genuine, caring, skilled men and women who can provide you with excellent service. How can you know the difference?
In Part One of this two part series, I'll offer you some red flags to be on the lookout for. In Part Two, I'll share some of the signs that your consultant is ethical and excellent.
Beware if the Reader --
• suggests that your situation is fixed or fated. You can always change and no future outcome is inevitable.
• claims 100% accuracy and/or makes absolute guarantees. No one is perfect, and if you think about it, what does "accuracy" really mean? That they can predict a set-in-stone future? Is that what you really seek in a reading?
• doesn't like it or is evasive when you ask questions about their background, credentials or experience. Most readers that I know love to talk about these things and are proud of their background.
• 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 or pressures you that you need to keep coming back for multiple visits, because there are more (usually unhappy) messages that you need to hear.
If pivotal changes are happening in your life, or if you think of new questions you’d like to ask, you can certainly visit your reader as often as you like.
But it should be completely up to YOU how often you want to come, without pressure of any kind; especially the veiled threat that if you don't, there will be dire consequences.
Take your money and leave if the reader --
• tells you there is "darkness" or a curse on you that only they can remove (for an extra charge). Run from this one!
• offers to cast a spell (for extra money) 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, professional service you deserve.
• 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 else 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 price before your session begins. This alleviates the potential for “loading” the bill.
At best, you should come away from a reading feeling grounded, confident, and even inspired to approach your problems and concerns with new vigor. You should never come away feeling intimidated, frightened, or less confident than when you went in.
As unpleasant as these prospects sound, I think they are the exception, rather than the rule. Most readers are sensitive, caring people who wish to be of service.
But how can you be sure you are getting the very best service? Next month, I'll offer some tips for finding a trustworthy, highly skilled and ethical reader.
