Hollywood’s Tarot Cards are Dead, but what took its place?

Remember the old movies where the old gypsy woman with her scarf and beads stared knowingly at the cards in front of her. Then she’d look up at you, her eyes boring holes in your head as she whispered in that warning tone of dread. “Tomorrow afternoon a tall, dark stranger will knock on your door.  Do NOT open that door!” And you gasp and run out of the tent in fear. 

The days of the witchy dark tarot reader are long gone. 

There’s been a rebirth of the cards. They have become the new counseling tool, no fear or evil left inside. 

There are still some cards around with scary pictures, but most decks are donned with pretty pictures. 

No tarot reader that is any good will tell you bad things are about to happen.  The cards do not offer that sort of information. 

Think of the old horoscope found in the weekly newspaper.  You could read any one of those horoscopes and they’d fit you.  They were vague descriptions that would fit anyone.

t’s a bit like that with tarot...sort of. 

And that’s why they make a great counseling tool.

Let me explain. 

First, tarot cards certainly can tell it like it is.  You can gain fantastic insight from a simple reading.  But, there is more to the cards if the reader knows what they’re doing.

I’ll share a story with you that will help explain what I mean.

Gloria walked into the room looking for help. She was visibly worried and her forehead wrinkled in proof.  I noticed the water rimming her eyes as she hesitantly walked over. 

“Hi, are you the one that does the readings?” She asked.

“I do readings and counseling, yes. How can I help you?”

She fumbled with her purse like she didn’t know what to do with her hands or where to start. Finally, she took a deep breath and the words tumbled out in a gush, “I think I’m about to lose my job and I have two small children, and” the tears started to flow, “I think my husband is cheating on me.  I’m so lost.” I handed her a tissue. “I don’t know what to do or where to go.”

“Phew, that’s a ton on your shoulders, isn’t it?” I said gently, almost in a whisper. “Have a seat and let's see what we can do to help you.”

I dealt out 5 cards, “It looks like you have some changes and decisions ahead of you. What’s been going on to make you worried about your job?” This is my offer to let her talk about the real facts about her fears.

“I overheard some girls at work talking about layoffs.  Then my husband has been out late three times this week alone, he keeps saying that he’s working late, but that doesn’t make sense.  Everything is falling apart.  Last month everything was beautiful.  We were closer than ever.  We talked about planning a honeymoon that we were never able to take when we were married.  We were so young.  Now, out of nowhere, he’s coming home tired and hungry and only wants to eat and go to bed. It’s not like him.”

I smiled, “It’s going to be okay.  This next card shows me that you are in a position of power.  You have a bright future.  If you could do anything you wanted in a job, what would it be?”

“Oh, that’s easy.  I’d start my own store.  I certainly know how and I absolutely love what I do. I’d find a store right downtown.  That would be the absolute best!” She smiled despite her earlier fear.

“I wonder what’s stopping you from doing that.  That is certainly a big change and decision.  Why haven’t you ever started your own business?”

“Well, I’m afraid of the risk.  What if it failed?”

“If you got laid off from your job, would it be doable for you?”

Gloria smiled as her face lit up.  “I never really thought about it, but yes, it would be something I could do!” 

“What would your next step be?”

“I’m going to talk to my husband, directly ask him if he’s cheating.  Then I’m going to tell him that I plan on starting my own business.” She stood up.  “I don’t need to finish the reading.  I see things in a whole new way now.  Thank you.”

I smiled, tarot cards are an awesome tool.

I wondered how things would turn out for her and wished her well.

There is an ending to this story, but first, let me tell you a bit more about the cards.

There are two sets of decks within a tarot deck. The major arcana which are made up of archetypes.  We all have some main archetypes and minor archetypes in our personalities.  When those cards come up, they allow us to see our current state from new perspectives. 

Then there are the minor arcana cards.  Those are the daily life events that happen for all of us.  They fill in the missing spaces. 

So, much like the horoscope, they fit all of us.  Still, they do somehow fall into place to fit that individual and give uncanny advice all on their own.  A reader who doesn’t use them as a counseling tool can still be helpful, but not nearly as helpful as a certified reader who has been trained in counseling.

So, anyhow, for the end of the story.

To my surprise, About two months later, Gloria popped in with a new glow about her.  Her eyes sparkled as she walked over to me.  “I just had to stop in to tell you what has happened.”

“It’s good to see you so happy, Gloria.  Please, have a seat. Now, what’s this great news that is beaming off of you?”

“Well, I found a perfect storefront.  I already signed the lease.  The owner is willing to work with me on the first 6 months' rent.  I put in my notice at work.  They were wonderful about it.  Turns out, they were laying off, but I wasn’t going to be one of them.  They said if the store doesn’t work out, I can have my job back!”

“That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.” 

Before I could say more, she went on, “And I asked my husband what was going on.  He’s been working overtime.  It was the only way he could figure out how to save the money for our honeymoon!!! I love him so much.  It’s such a relief.  And, instead of that wonderful honeymoon, we’re using the money to start the store.  We'll save up for that vacation someday.  But right now, we are both excited about this new opportunity.”

I grinned, “That is the best thing I’ve heard all day.  I’m so happy for you.”

She stood, “Anyhow, I won’t take up any more of your time.  I just wanted you to know how things have turned out.  And I wanted to thank you for the guidance.”

“You are certainly welcome.  It's people like you that make me proud to do what I do. I wish you the best.  And I’ll stop by your store once you’re open.”

Tarot has evolved into a wonderful tool. I’m proud to be of service to those looking for guidance. 

If you have questions that you’d like help with, please go to my website, CathyEnergyHealing.com go to Services, and book an appointment.  I would love to work with you.

Cathy is a certified Tarot Counselor and Energy Worker.  She specializes in helping others see things from new perspectives, encouraging growth, and helping others reach their goals.