12 Reasons to Try Tarot!

Bucket lists. Most of us have one. Skydiving. African Safari. Bull riding (well, maybe not bull riding). Getting a Tarot reading. As your friendly Tarot professional, I’m going to suggest you strike the last one. Why? Well, in my humble opinion, it’s not as wild and crazy as you might think and therefore, not really “bucket” worthy. Not to burst your bubble, but it doesn’t even qualify as “weird.” In fact, getting a Tarot reading can be considered a normal activity. In my own practice in Sturgis, South Dakota, folks from all walks of life—office workers, nurses, lawyers, flight attendants, drug reps, cowboys (yes, cowboys), and teachers—schedule sessions to shine light on lofty goals, lend strength to overcome painful losses or offer wise counsel to encourage a more dignified lifestyle. Although sometimes pegged as “New Age,” divination arts are really nothing new. Rune throwing, for example—which involves the Norwegian alphabet sketched into small rocks—dates back thousands of years. The messages of each letter, many of them identical to the ones we use today, spell out life’s trials and triumphs in predictable patterns that still hold true in our modern world. The cards of the Tarot, which originated in 15th century Europe, are much younger than the Rune stones, yet express the same sage advice. Why? Because ancient wisdom operates off two obvious premises: 1) It’s really old and therefore stands the test of time. 2) It’s, well, WISE and chock-full of great ideas. Everything that can and WILL happen to you in life is foretold in the 24 letters of the Elder FUThARK of the Norwegian alphabet and the 78 cards of the Tarot. While I could offer you countless reasons to try Tarot—this blog lists 12—I can give you ZERO reasons against it. Not a single one. During my long career, I’ve successfully wrestled with every imaginable objection. Here are just a few (along with my answers to those objections): No. I’m not a witch. Nor am I practicing the craft. I’m a recovering engineer who fled Corporate America in the year 2000 with my hair on fire. While it is true that witches sometimes consult with Tarot, they also light candles, enjoy the company of cats, brew tea and are partial to brooms. None of those activities are considered occult practices. No. Reading Tarot is not devil worshipping. I don’t even know what that is. No. A Tarot card isn’t evil. It’s a cardstock paper product. Yes. Somehow, someway, we always seem to draw the right cards. No, I don’t know how it works, but I don’t know how my cell phone works, either and I still manage to make calls, text friends and cruise Facebook. Yes. You can still be Christian/Catholic/Methodist/Unchurched/whatever and benefit from the Tarot. The powerful messages glorify a Higher Power and only reinforce, never hinder, belief systems. No. Tarot cards aren’t exotic. Whether you realize it or not, you probably already have a relationship with 52 of them as these became today’s playing decks. What did you think the Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades were all about? Your passion, wealth, energy and mind, of course. Yes, what I’m suggesting is this: If you’ve ever played Go Fish, Gin Rummy or Old Maid, you’ve handled and worked with the Tarot. One last thing…NO, the Tarot does NOT predict the future. It’s a tool of self-discovery that helps you create the future. If that’s not enough justification to try Tarot, here are my top 12 reasons to give it a whirl: It’s a NEW ADVENTURE! Brave something new! Surely there’s an area of your life that feels like a dead end. Resistance to change only leads to stagnation. The Tarot operates as a wonderful flashlight, exposing roadblocks and uncovering opportunities. Empowerment, clarity and self-worth await! Most readers offer $20 mini-sessions. In other words, for the price of a few fancy coffees you could experience something that could really give you a jolt! After all, a fresh perspective could be just what you need to rouse your revolutionary spirit. 2. It’s FUN! The Tarot will ALWAYS deliver reasons to celebrate! Joy and laughter are important outcomes of readings. Your session will lift your spirits and leave you feeling light-hearted. Yes, the Tarot loves to party! And after a good reading, you will, too. 3. You’ll feel RICHER! Your Tarot reader will help you count your blessings. And when you do, you’ll agree with ancient wisdom: We all must practice excellent stewardship. This means we only hold on to possessions that we need, use or love. Clutter, junk, duplicate items all need to be donated or disposed. The cash in our wallets and money in our banks must be treated with respect. After your session, you’ll feel inspired to practice discipline and gratitude. Good habits will lead to a state of resourceful stability. You will feel wealthy, regardless of the amount of greens in your wallet or bucks in the bank. 4. To live your VIRTUE Living in virtue requires that what you say, think and do are in alignment. In order to reach this lofty standard of living, you must discover and recover your authentic self. Sometimes, that’s not so easy. Social pressures and unholy measurements of success can divert us from our true nature. Fear of abandonment, worrying about not fitting in, feeling like a failure can intrude into our psyche and rob us of our joy. The Tarot offers remedies, of course, and can get us back on a more sacred and sustainable track. You might as well just let go of what others might think and just be yourself. After all…everyone else is taken! HA! Your Tarot reader will help you find (and burn) false fronts. Wouldn’t it be a better idea to address your insecurities than walk around in heavy armor to protect them? I think so, too. The wisdom of the Tarot helps us appreciate and nurture our true selves. 5. To gain CLARITY A keen, sharp mind is a marvelous