Virgins, Unicorns and Fortune Tellers

Gary Larson - Cartoonist

No, I'm not a virgin, not a unicorn, and not a fortune teller!

The point I'm making is, I don't want to represent myself as being something I'm not. The reason this is so important to me being a Tarot reader, is because there is so much misunderstanding and misrepresentation of Tarot and just what it means. I feel very strongly that I have a clear responsibility to those who might be considering having a reading done, clearly understanding what Tarot is, and what it is not. What Tarot IS NOT is fortune telling or being a fortune teller. I loathe this description of Tarot reading and readers. And whenever I hear some refer to Tarot in this way I quickly clarify it for them.

I've also had people relay their own personal experiences with these so called fortune tellers who told them some very negative, disturbing and destructive information. First and foremost the priority of a reader should be to do no harm. So when I hear of people being warned about impending future happenings and the like, I know they've not only been duped and harmed, but need to be told this isn't what Tarot is about.


Discernment is absolutely paramount when deciding to have a reading and you need to feel that you can have confidence in a trustworthy reader. Would you trust any old mechanic to fix your car? I think not. You ask around for an opinion.

So it's important that you do your home work and some investigative research. Find out what other people's experience has been with a Tarot reader, if you can. Do a little home work yourself about Tarot. There are some reputable online experts on the subject. Trust your intuition.

The Way Tarot Works

“ The way Tarot ' works ' in a predictive sense is as a kind of mirror of the psyche. The archetypal nature of the images strikes hidden, unconscious chords in the card reader, and reflects unknown knowledge or insight in relation to the client's situation-thus apparently revealing things which could not possibly, in any rational way, be discoverable. This is why ' clairvoyant ' or psychic ' powers are not a prerequisite for a sensitive reader, but rather, an awareness of the archetypal patterns or currents at work in life reflected by the images on the cards.
 
Tarot can reveal exactly where you are right now, how you got there and where to best focus your energy. We'll explore opportunities for clearing obstacles on your path by focusing on and activating your natural abilities and capacities. "

The Mythic Tarot is based on archetypes. Carl Jung defines an archetype as being, " An inherited pattern of thought or symbolic imagery defined from the past collective experience" (i.e. Artist, Visionary, Goddess, Healer, Lover, Mentor, Rebel and Warrior)

These archetypes reflect a narrative story and mystery that informs our world and nourishes the soul, something that all human beings long for, and gives meaning to our lives.


The Celtic Cross layout is what I use for my readings. It's one the oldest, most popular and effective spreads, covering up to a six month period of time for the questioner. It can be used to answer specific questions or for general advice about the querent's current life path.

There are many things I love about Tarot and being a reader. But mostly it's being able to work with people and experiencing the reward I feel after having the privilege of doing a reading for someone who is genuinely grateful for having gained more insight and clarity into their particular situation and life journey.  

And if you’re so inclined, I invite you to get yourself a reading.

B. "Hap" Kliban - Cartoonist

Five of Wands - I'm Not Wonder Woman?

Here we see Jason taking on the dragon who protects the Golden Fleece. Medea his lover and helper is close by his side to help him, with her three flaming wands. In life we all have our own personal dragons to slay. I call them shit sandwiches. Not one likes them, we hate them, unless you're addicted to a constant state of hyper-vigilance, which many people are, having grown up in chaotic and dysfunctional families, never knowing what's going to happen next.

Often the concealed lesson that lies within these dragons and sandwiches, is a revelation of exactly what we are made of when we find out our depth of character. But there's nothing easy about it.

The outcome isn't always positive, if we realize that we might be emotionally and/or morally bankrupt, collapsing under all the pressure, and we are paralyzed with a regressive inertia or fear of failure. We might even want or act on feelings of revenge or blame ourselves for having a meltdown that leaves us feeling like a very weak person.

This state I describe as being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have to let go and turn it over to the universe of the God of my understanding, and ask for help. Sometimes we simply need to get a backbone and be our own heroine or hero and fight. It's a remarkable thing what having a little faith can do, one step at a time. I don't have to solve everything immediately, and I don't have to do it alone. I do have to decide to make some kind of compromise.

When I think I can solve these kinds of battles and struggles on my own, this is when it gets me into real trouble. I'll cut my nose off to spite my face, deluding myself into thinking I'm Wonder Woman! I accepted a while ago that I'm not Wonder Women, but I still have to remind myself of this fact now and again.

This doesn't do anything to change the fact that we'll still have dragons to slay, and shit sandwiches to eat, but if so, find someone to help you slaughter that savage beast, and get yourself an olive. It just might help the sandwich go down a little easier.

12 Things I Love About Being a Tarot Reader

I unintentionally wrote this blog post differently today. I first completed the post and then drew my Tarot card. It's always the other way round, but I was wanting to get my thoughts down quickly before they completely left me, because I was feeling so great about a Tarot reading experience I had most recently.

The Three of Wands I have only drawn once from my daily card, other than today, and I must say it's the perfect card for my post. It's about laying a good foundation, having come to the initial completion of a creative project, with enthusiasm accompanied by feelings of satisfaction and optimism about the future potential of the project. There's more work ahead, new plans to come, that need to be actualized for the fulfillment of goals and dreams.

If someone had told me only just a few years back, that I would become a Tarot reader, I'd never believed them. We can make our plans but sometimes life has something different in store, that comes as a complete surprise. Whether it be positive or negative, I believe we have to turn the negative into positive, the dark into the light. If we want the positive to happen in our lives, following a passion is essential, and we need to have the commitment to follow our vision, our dreams and goals, come what may, including the dark night of the soul.

 I did a reading for an special individual over the past two days. I felt so good afterwards, that I got thinking about how learning, studying, and finally actively doing Tarot readings, and how it's enriched and changed my life so much over the short period of the past seven years. I thought I'd attempt to get it down in writing in the form of a list, and share this in my blog post.

Regardless of our vocation, I think it's beneficial to sit down and get it into the written word, why you do what you do. It helps me clarify my vision, and to deepen my connection with why I continue as an Tarot reader and as a creative person.

I think vocations mostly choose us, because they come from following a passion. A vocation brings a deep satisfaction and happiness, in being of service to your fellow human beings.  A vocation is not simply work, or a job, it's a higher purpose, a calling if you like.

Here's my list of 12 things I love about being a Tarot reader.

1. I always feel better after doing a reading, often I feel on top of the world, happy and energized.

2. I feel a bond and a connection with the person for whom I'm doing the reading.

3. Like Forrest Gump said about life in the movie, it's the same as Tarot, each reading's ' like a box o' chocolates, you never know what you're goin' get.'

4. I always find that the exchange between myself, and my client is mutually beneficial.We both learn.

5. The level of personal exchange and communication may vary with each client, but I feel very privileged and honoured when  I am asked and trusted to do a reading, as it is opens a shared window into our humanity, and provides a kind of intimate and sacred insight into our life's journey.

6. Becoming a Tarot reader has given be a great sense of purpose to help others, and it is a humbling experience.

7. Tarot reading has become my vocation.

8. Providing Tarot readings enables me to be more empathetic, and compassionate toward others.

9. Studying and reading the Tarot has helped me to understand my relationship with myself, with others, and   with the God of my understanding.

10. Tarot has deepened my faith and clarified my spiritual beliefs.

11. Tarot has helped me to be a better human being.

12. Tarot has enabled me to be more confident, to honour my creativity, intuition, and to believe in myself.

I meant to ask this question to my fellow Tarot  readers and forgot so I am adding this question.

What is it you love about being a Tarot reader? Do you have a list of 12 things you love about being a Tarot reader?