You may wonder . . .

Why get a Tarot reading?
How does the Tarot work?
Can the cards predict the future?
Tarot scares me. Is there good reason to fear it?
Is Paul psychic?
May I ask questions about other people?
May a friend observe my Tarot consultation?
Are Tarot consultations effective over the phone?
Can I get a follow-up Tarot consultation?
Can I learn to do Tarot readings for myself?
How does Tarot differ from today’s popular “oracle decks”?
Doesn’t the Bible condemn forms of divination such as Tarot?
What are the origins of the Tarot?

Statement of Ethics.

Why get a Tarot reading?
Tarot readings are helpful when you’re feeling stuck and confused (or simply curious about your life) and wanting clarity from both a practical and spiritual perspective in the areas of relationships, work, family and self. Sample questions:
Where shall I apply my energies at this point in my life?
Which options that I’m considering have the greatest potential?
How can I be more effective in this relationship or situation? What is it trying to teach me?
What is holding me back … and what will help me move forward?

How does the Tarot work?
Cards randomly pulled from the deck have a wondrous way of relating directly to the question asked when there is a sincere intent for insight. Whatever you call the source — unconscious wisdom, angels, spirit guides, the Universe — the Tarot responds with images that capture the essence of our challenges and opportunities.

Can the cards predict the future?
Sometimes. But that doesn’t always mean the outcome is inevitable. When predictive cards appear we can explore how you may be creating that future right now through your beliefs, emotions and behaviors – and then explore alternatives, if you choose. My readings are for self-knowledge, well-being, and empowerment, not fortune-telling. Read my article Tarot: Prediction or Empowerment?

Tarot scares me. Is there good reason to fear it?
No. What’s scary is the fact that the Left Behind series has sold more than 60 million copies, or that over 46 million Americans have no health insurance. The Tarot is “scary” only if we’re afraid to look more deeply into ourselves. Certainly, Hollywood horror movies, conservative churches, and extortion scams by unscrupulous card readers have all contributed to its shadowy reputation.  The Death and Devil cards in particular have given the Tarot its undeservedly wicked mystique, though their true meanings have little to do with physical death or the biblical Satan.

Is Paul psychic?
I describe myself as clairsentient, meaning that I feel the message (in this case, the message in the cards), and share those impressions with you. I may also receive impressions about you or your situation that are not prompted by the cards, but will make that distinction clear when it happens.

May I ask questions about other people?
When clients ask me about the motivations, feelings or needs of people other than themselves, for reasons of both privacy and empowerment I prefer to redirect the question. For example, “What does my boss really think of me?” becomes, “What will help me work better with my boss?”

May a friend observe my Tarot consultation?
Except for classroom settings, Tarot readings are private. This helps reduce distractions for both of us and ensure confidentiality.

Are Tarot consultations effective over the phone?
Although face-to-face Tarot readings offer you the benefit of seeing the cards, the effectiveness of a reading is not dependent on our being in the same location.

Can I get a follow-up Tarot consultation?
Yes, but, depending on the issues affecting you I may recommend resources such as life coaches or psychotherapists.

Can I learn to do Tarot readings for myself?
Yes. Read Tarot for Life: Reading the Cards for Everyday Guidance and Growth. If you live in the Chicago area, consider taking my Tarot class. That said, I do not universally recommend that everyone read the cards for themselves. Tapping into the unconscious or psychic dimensions unguided can create difficulties for those suffering from low self esteem, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse.

How does Tarot differ from today’s popular “oracle decks”?
The Tarot is a symbol-rich deck of 78 cards, each of which offers a wide range of interpretive possibilities. Typically, oracle decks have fewer cards and feature a singular message on each such as a wise saying, spiritual quality, or piece of advice.

Doesn’t the Bible condemn forms of divination such as Tarot?
The bible condemns many things, from eating shellfish to wearing garments made of different threads. “Divination” refers to the process of discerning messages from the Divine. Though there are several biblical injunctions against divination, it’s interesting to note that the Scriptures make no judgment against Joseph, who gained insights by peering into his silver cup (Genesis 44:5); the priests of the temple in ancient Israel who consulted the Urim and Thummim (Numbers 27:21); or the prophet Daniel, chief of the astrologers, magicians and occultists. Many conservative Christians use a form of divination called bibliomancy, which is asking a question and randomly opening the bible to find an answer in whichever passage one’s finger lands upon.

What are the origins of the Tarot?
For a comprehensive look at Tarot history I highly recommend Robert M. Place’s book, The Tarot: History, Symbolism, and Divination. Also take a look at www.tarothistory.com and http://www.tarothermit.com/infosheet.htm

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