Do a Google search on the words ‘psychic + tarot’ and you’ll come up with 370,000 entries, the majority of which are professional readers advertising their skills. One person offers an “intuitive, psychic tarot reading.” Others list themselves as an “empathic, intuitive, psychic tarot reader,” a “gifted psychic reader,” and a “psychic medium who uses the tarot”. The claims are sometimes outrageous—“99% accurate psychic predictions,” “only the truth,” “world renown,” “specializing in reuniting loved ones,” and “love and money spells” to remove curses—all indicators that you should beware of what you’re getting into. One characteristic of a psychic tarot reading, it seems, is that you won’t find interpretations that come out of a book; instead these are “cosmic insights,” “channeled wisdom,” or clairvoyance. (I bought this statue when Tarot for Your Self first came out—to celebrate the day.)
Search on ‘intuition or intuitive + tarot’ and there are 385,000 entries. There are an additional 216,000 listings for ‘Tarot Reader’ that do not use the terms psychic, intuitive or intuition. And, 225,000 listings for either a ‘tarot consultant or counselor’ with all previous words eliminated. By contrast, a search on Tarot alone results in thirty-two and a half million entries.
Intuitive tarot, when the word ‘psychic’ has been eliminated, emphasizes listings for decks, books, articles and courses, but there are still plenty of ads for readings. These readers are somewhat more likely to advertise themselves as spiritual counselors or consultants (who might also practice Reiki or coaching or “down-to-earth guidance”). But descriptions still feature an aversion to interpretations found in books: “An intuitive approach to tarot reading places the power within,” while a book meaning “denies the power within.” Intuitive tarot involves “that gut feeling or first instinct that comes to you when you look at a card. . . . It is a gut reading more so than regurgitation of memorized definitions.”
Self-styled ‘tarot counselors’ (when eliminating the intuitive and psychic words) seem to have an altogether different vibe. They use tarot “as a therapeutic method and means for self-realization,” “for drawing out information lying deep inside,” and “for helping someone to clearly see a particular present situation.” Sessions are “designed to bring personal fulfillment . . . to assist and guide, to empower and uplift.” Book meanings are sometimes acknowledged as helpful for their depth, wisdom and guidance.
‘Therapeutic tarot’ or ‘tarot therapy’ seems to focus on healing modalities including massage and Reiki in addition to such counseling skills as “assisting you in reaching your goals [and to] gain clarity.” The querent’s projections (ascribing one’s own feelings, thoughts, attitudes or situation to another person or thing) are often described as a major method for determining the significance of the cards.
A search on ‘tarot + projection’ turned up an interesting report from Quirk’s Marketing Research Review called “Heart Maps and Tarot Cards” by Steven Richardson. It describes how tarot cards have been used to help medical doctors talk about the influence of marketing in their disease treatment decision-making processes:
“Tarot cards serve as unique picture-sort stimuli for images and archetypes (but are not used as actual tarot cards for readings, just for the symbolism). In this technique, ask physicians to thumb through the cards quickly and come up with ones that describe or dramatize how they personally feel about being a doctor in the practice of medicine as it relates to a particular disease state. . . . In another study conducted by [Myra] Summers, the tarot card technique was helpful in understanding doctors’ attitudes towards treating terminally ill patients (though Summers also does not use the cards as they are used in tarot readings). The technique revealed meaningful insight into the emotional distress a number of oncologists experience every day.”*
Notice how quick the author is to disassociate this use of cards from tarot readings. Yet, how many tarot readers would claim that such insights are precisely what they turn to the cards for?
I plan on writing much more on this topic, but will leave it for now. I encourage you to write in comments on your own thoughts on this subject.
Mary K. Greer has made tarot her life work. Check here for reports of goings-on in the tarot world, articles on the history and practice of tarot, and reviews.
17 comments
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March 10, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Alison Cross
Hello Mary – I believe that Tarot is reaching a critical tipping point and the day is shortly about to dawn when Therapeutic Tarot counselling is recognised as a legitimate tool that can help clients reframe and heal.
Your book, 21 Ways, really crystalised things for me – instead of the Tarotist doing all the talking and interpreting, the sitter provides their reactions and interps on the images and symbolism (with prods and insight from the Tarotist when required). A fascinating development, and, I’m sure, the next Big Thing in the Tarot publishing world.
I’m writing a freelance article on this same topic, Tarot as Therapy, and will be interested to read from other comments what other people think of the notion of Therapeutic Tarot.
Kind regards
Alison Cross
March 10, 2008 at 5:39 pm
marygreer
Hi Alison – I look forward to reading your article. I’ll be happy to tell people here when it comes out.
While I generally prefer to read “therapeutically” I don’t discount that my intuition plays a big role in what I do, and I’m continually awed by moments of purely psychic insight that breaks through on occasion. To me it’s amazing that tarot facilitates all of these. The biggest problem with psychic readings is that true psychic material doesn’t always come through ‘on demand.’
I’m so glad my book, 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card, provided an impetus to your work. My hope was, that among other things, it could provide a fresh stimulus and inspiration to those, like you, who’ve been doing tarot for years.
Mary
March 10, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Alison Cross
Mary – your Google research suggests that we Tarotists feel we must disown that intuition in order to be taken ’seriously’, isn’t that sad? I totally agree with you that the intuitive flash has *huge* importance in the success of Tarot consultations.
What I hope we will see more of is the client being able to provide us with their own intuitive flash as they talk their way through the cards; that they find their own truth in the symbolism and spark an ‘ah-ha’ moment for themselves.
Personally speaking, when I have an ‘ah-ha’ moment of insight, I experience a more profound energetic shift that is more likely to stay with me. When I have thrashed something out and reached a conclusion logically, it very often eludes me at a later date because I was doing something deliberate and cerebral to try to force the shift.
A sudden dawning is more lasting, for me at any rate. So hopefully for clients too!
An absolutely fascinating subject, thank you.
And yes, I will keep you informed as to the publication of the article.
AX
March 11, 2008 at 10:53 am
Alison Cross
….and another thing that I forgot to mention. The powerpoint presentation that you refer to in your blog does have some interesting results, but, perhaps more interesting than the results themselves is the idea that DOCTORS actually took part in a project that involved Tarot cards!
Progress!
AX
March 12, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Barbara
I’ve been reading for myself for years and have only had a few rare tarot readings by others, mostly as exchanges online. I paid for one reading, years ago, before I owned a Tarot deck.
I think if I were shopping for a reader, I’d be most leery of those that call themselves “psychic” readers, even though I think we’re all psychic. When someone bills themselves as “psychic” I get the feeling that they don’t think we’re all psychic, that they’re labeling themselves as unique in that regard. Who knows, maybe they are exceptionally psychic, and maybe I’m wrong about them, but that’s my reaction. I feel almost the same way about “counselor” and “spiritual”. With “counselor” I would want them to have credentials to back that label up, such as a psychology or sociology degree, and I know that’s prejudiced on my part. I don’t even have a degree, and I think I’m capable of giving a good reading. It’s just that the use of the word “counselor” seems to imply more than a normal Tarot reading. The word “spiritual” might turn me off because even though I’m a spiritual person, I don’t want anyone else imposing their own beliefs onto my Tarot reading (that I’m paying for). Perhaps if I knew more about their form of spirituality and knew that it was in line with mine I’d be more comfortable with that label.
On the other hand, when someone labels their readings as intuitive, I get the impression they realize intuition is something many of us consider common. I’d probably prefer to go with someone who says either that they’re an intuitive reader or just a Tarot reader.
So I suppose that if I offer readings, I’m also more inclined to call them intuitive, or just plain Tarot readings. I lean toward just plain Tarot.
This was fascinating to think about, and I find that my reactions to these labels is more a result of usage in our culture than anything else. So maybe it’s all false assumption and unfair judgment on my part, based on my experience of language. I honestly wouldn’t know where to find a professional reader, except to get word of mouth advice from someone I trusted, if possible.
March 12, 2008 at 11:54 pm
marygreer
Alison & Barbara -
I think most people benefit greatest when they have their own insights during a reading. To me, a psychic reading implies that I’ll be getting information that I’d never have access to myself – as if they have some kind of special phone line to Spirit. I shy away from making claims. In California it is illegal to call yourself a counselor or therapist without the appropriate degrees or licensing. Tarot readers should always check local laws before advertising.
As with all advertising, word choice is aimed at targeting a particular clientele. It would be interesting to consider what kind of people would be attracted to each claim.
Mary
March 13, 2008 at 2:28 am
Foucault
Don’t you think the key to all this is in fact pretty mundane and materialistic? “Psychic” sells.
When the (very general) general public are at a point in their life when they are seeking help from a tarot reader, I think most of them will turn to someone who bills themselves as psychic.
Haven’t we all, at one point or another, had a querent who has tried to “trick” us?: “I’m not going to tell you – you should know – you’re the psychic!”
Let’s face it, what is going to impress the average Joe more?: 1)Someone who claims to be psychic, who promises to see specifics about your future; 2)Someone who looks at the cards and relies on intuition (Isn’t my next-door neighbor intuitive?); 3) Someone who looks at the cards and tells you about yourself (Gee-whizz!).
As a reader, I don’t claim to be psychic. I mostly fall into the therapeutic arena, with occasional flashes of inspiration that I currently insist has nothing to do with any psychic power. Is that hurting my business? Yes. But on the other hand, it is not my main source of income, nor do I think it will ever be – I’m more concerned about helping people and if that means I give people free or cheap readings, so be it. I currently operate using a “pay what you will” model, and I am comfortable with that, hoping that even though I don’t claim to be able to predict the winning lottery numbers, I’ll still attract the occasional “average Joe (or Jane)” and be able to convince them that there is much to gain from my kind of reading.
Great topic, Mary – much respect!
March 13, 2008 at 3:05 am
marygreer
Foucault – I agree, “psychic” sells, despite it being such a taboo subject to research scientists. What little research there is indicates that psi abilities do exist. Unfortunately, very few of us can be truly psychic “on demand.” It tends to be stronger at certain times than others. Psychic readers have to appear as if they’re “on” all the time, which leads to a lot of abuse of the credulity of the public – such as using suggestive generalities and other tricks in place of real insights – sometimes without even realizing what they are doing. Thank you for some wonderful comments.
Mary
March 14, 2008 at 11:25 am
Freesparrow
The number of readers advertising on the Internet is growing. It would be interesting to research how many are financially successful. I suspect that not many are. I have nothing to back that up apart from the fact that I know an excellent reader in my own country who finds it hard to make a decent living although she has a long established business and a good reputation. Are tarot readers more likely to be successful in the United States than in the UK or Australia?
I’ve had two major readings from professionals in the last two years. Neither of them advertised in any of the categories you mention, Mary. One of them spoke about tarot images representing archetypes and the cycles of life. Her approach was thoughtful and she had much experience which was detailed on her site. The other gave similar information about her style and background.
Both readers had published and both had professional backgrounds but not in tarot reading or counselling. The first reading was by distance and the second face-to-face. Both readings were excellent in their own way. The face-to-face one encouraged interaction which was not possible in the email reading but I appreciated having a hard copy of the email reading. It meant I could reflect on the reading and the images at leisure.
I would only choose a tarot reader by reputation and/or a more detailed approach than is often outlined on many web sites. ‘Intuitive approach’ does not really mean that much to many people, and the word ‘psychic’ makes me immediately sceptic. How does one know? These words tend to mystify and obscure the advertisers fundamental skills and experience in my opinion.
Personally I would love to see tarot or like images used in counselling. In the hands of skilled people they provide both entry and trigger to people who may have lost the capacity to speak or to see outside their current dilemmas.
March 14, 2008 at 7:27 pm
marygreer
Freesparrow – You say you had readings from two people who didn’t use any of the categories I mentioned. What was the tip off that they were offering professional tarot services if they didn’t refer to readings, consultations or counseling—or did you just mean the words in my title?
Being able to go back over a reading is invaluable. You’ll hear so many things you didn’t get the first time. I try to always tape my readings—although not everyone has an audio tape player anymore. Now, I guess you can record it electronically and either save it to a disk or mail it as an mp3 file—yuk, extra work!
That’s good advice about selecting a tarot reader.
Mary
March 15, 2008 at 12:55 am
Foucault
I’d be interested to know whether Freesparrow is a tarot reader. I suspect so. That would explain his/her enlightened point of view. It certainly speaks to your questions about the type of client that different advertising approaches attract.
I was interested also in talk about “a more detailed approach than is often outlined on many web sites.” I do have an page on my own website that describes how I do what I do, but I see little evidence that many people actually look at that page. I certainly wouldn’t want to go into too many details right up-front – I think that would only confuse and turn-off a potential client.
Reading by e-mail certainly gives the querent a valuable record of the reading. Another advantage are the elements of confidentiality (who wants to be seen walking into “Madame Maria’s” shop in the seedy side of town?) and the fact that we all have such busy lives, it’s often difficult to find a time when a reader and querent can both be in the same place at the same time.
The disadvantage of a reading by e-mail is the absence of immediate reactions. I do, however, encourage people to respond to my e-mailed reading, with any comments or questions, and I’m happy to clarify, elaborate, or explore any new questions that come up.
OK, this is starting to sound like an advertisement, but I do have strong opinions on this subject. Thanks again, Mary for humoring me!
March 15, 2008 at 2:53 am
marygreer
Foucault – You talk about describing how we do what we do. I’m not sure about the “how” part, but I think it’s very important to craft a sentence or two about what a reader offers. For me it had to be short and precise enough to communicate to someone at a fair or over the phone exactly what I do. I revised my statement until everyone seemed to get what I meant. I then ask the potential client if they agree to this and we have an informal contract. This is especially important when you don’t do readings the way the general public expects.
Mary
March 15, 2008 at 4:04 am
Foucault
Now you’re making me think, Mary! This short, precise message is definitely missing from my profile, and I shall work on doing something about that. I agree that it’s vital that potential client and reader are “on the same page” before you proceed.
March 15, 2008 at 8:09 am
Freesparrow
Foucault, I do know a little about Tarot but don’t use it so much these days.
Mary, I was referring to your terms: Intuitive, Psychic and Therapeutic.
I expect that good tarot readers use their intuition and ‘psychic’ skills at different levels during readings but I wanted some practical advice in working through a life situation and got that from both readers.
But concrete statement about what approach readers take and what that means would be essential for me as querent. Both readers I used provided that.
If I was to get another face-to-face reading I’d probably take my own voice recorder! I think it adds to the value of a reading to have a recording of it and technologically it’s not so hard to do that these days. My own reader used a run down old machine which crackled the recoding to uselessness!
March 20, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Freesparrow
Mary, I have been following with interest the thread on Therapeutic Tarot at Aeclectic and I want to draw on a statement I made about the use of Tarot images in counselling which I made earlier on this blog.
I think the use of Tarot in therapeutic counselling is most effective when the sitter or client is fully informed and consciously aware about what is happening and it is a mutual process between Tarot reader and client. It can be so meaningful and enriching. You have said this yourself at Aeclectic.
Two years ago I was fortunate to see a presentation by Dr. Irena Semetsky about her practical research in the use of Tarot in relationship counselling. My one doubt at the time was that not all the parties in the examples she gave were fully aware of the depths to which they were revealing themselves because of their lack of knowledge of Tarot and symbolism. At the same time, I acknowledge that people would not be in therapy if they had full self-awareness and the ability to act on it.
A similar lack of client awareness can be seen with the use of other psychological assessment tools, however. In Dr. Semetsky’s presentation, all the clients had given consent but I regret now not having probed a little more about what this actually meant. Nevertheless, it was an excellent presentation.
I see Tarot simply as one form of symbolic language. It is rich in potential meanings and could be of great value in things like narrative therapy, no matter if the cards are chosen deliberately or by chance (as in a throw).
The use of images in therapy is not at all new, and maybe Tarot could add to the repertoire of projective and reflective tools already available. In some ways Tarot’s association with the occult could be seen as a disadvantage, however. Tarot has it’s own two edged sword.
Tarot’s association with the occult enhances its value for me. I use the term ‘occult’ in its best spiritual sense. We understand ourselves through iconic symbols and spirit often speaks in a symbolic language.
An honest and simple explanation of what Tarot is would be a good beginning in any therapeutic relationship. The same would apply in any ordinary Tarot reading as well. I know I am distinguishing between ordinary, practical readings and therapeutic readings, but I think there is a difference.
I would be very careful in seeking an appropriate reader if I wanted this kind of reading, however.
March 21, 2008 at 12:32 am
marygreer
Freesparrow – you cover a lot of ground here. First, Aeclectic Tarot has a great forum for discussing all aspects of Tarot and divination. Second, Dr. Inna Semetsky is one of the few who’s written much on the practical side of Tarot as therapy.
We both agree that it’s important for a tarot reader to state their approach precisely and get an agreement to do this from the potential querent. And, sure, people often reveal more then they are prepared to reveal. But, is it better when a tarot reader reveals these things or when the querent does? (There’s no absolute right or wrong answer as it depends greatly on the circumstances.)
I think it’s also important to distinguish clearly between a Therapist who uses tarot in some form of psychological therapy, and a tarot reader who uses a therapeutic-style reading that may involve interactive communication, projective techniques and bringing some unconscious material to conscious awareness. The tarot reader should have clear boundaries about what can be accomplished in a single, short reading and reach a satisfactory and hopefully up-beat completion to the reading.
I think initial and continuing education to improve skills is vital for any professional.
Mary
March 22, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Freesparrow
Mary, thank you for your response
. I’m not an Aeclectic member so can’t join the discussion there and will leave you after this post.
I believe that people can use Tarot in any way they wish to. That is one of its attractions. It’s a tool which can be used by anyone, whether they be lay or professional.
If people wish to call their use of Tarot ‘therapeutic’ I see no difficulty with that.
The client, too, has a responsibility to make an informed choice in his or her selection of a tarot reader, to use discernment and this applies to any service they purchase or use.
As indicated above, I choose Tarot readers and, indeed, any professional I use very carefully. This is something which life teaches you to do. It takes a while for some people to learn this but it is ultimately to our benefit.
Just one last word, I admire your work and wish you light and blessings!