Beware of the Tarot Scamsters

Over the past few years Tarot has grown tremendously in India as an alternative tool of divination. Tarot decks which were unheard of earlier are now available in leading bookstores across the city for enthusiasts. As with any wave, there’s always a group of people who view the deck of cards as a get rich quick scheme taking advantage of people in trouble. Sad but true, over the past few months I have heard of a number of cases of scamsters all across India who’ve not only fleeced a number of people but also scared and upset them needlessly.

As a word of advice to all those who seek tarot readings here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Check the Tarot reader’s credentials, experience, reputation before you make an appointment. If not sure ask him or her about how they read the cards. That should give you a clear idea if they know what they’re talking about.
2. Find out the cost of a reading beforehand. A professional tarot reader should have a one time fee for a fixed time or a session. Ask if there are any extra charges. Recently I heard about a reader who charged a nominal amount for a Tarot reading but charged exorbitant amounts for remedies, prayers and solutions that were mandatory with her readings.
3. Beware the reader who sells you a secret Mantra. Gone are the days when mantras were exclusively known to the priests. Mantras are powerful chants that can help alleviate a situation to some degree but are never sold at a price. Buy a book of mantras or better still seek a second opinion.
4. The Death and the Devil card in any Tarot deck are not spooky cards. They do not mean literal death and they do not mean the presence of evil spirits. Any school of Tarot will tell you their correct meanings and if the reader tries to scare you about impending doom and gloom, walk away. Remember death is not in our hands and it is not for any mortal reader to predict. Avoid asking such questions and be wary of what follows. I heard of a Tarot reader who took the Devil card quite literally and convinced a young man that he was possessed and insisted he pay her Rs 50,000 to remove the curse. Listen to your better judgement.
5. The Tarot believes the future is not carved in stone. Energies can change and so can the outcome. Be wary of the Tarot reader who insists he or she is always correct and all knowing about the future.
6. Tarot readers are not qualified medical professionals and cannot and should not make diagnoses for any ailment beyond general insights. A young woman came to me weeping because some reader told her she would never have babies as she was barren! Apart from being absolutely insensitive, this reader ought to have stayed away from such a dire prediction which would be best dealt with by a Fertility expert/Gynaecologist.
7. Many of the crystals and gemstones stocked by a reader or astrologer are available with jewelers. Avoid getting pressured into buying a gemstone or crystal unless you are absolutely sure of the reader’s reputation. Remember buying a healing crystal or gem is an option with the reader, and you are under no obligation to pay up then.
8. Check the market rates of Tarot workshops and always please check the credentials of the teacher.
9. Finally we all have psychic abilities to varying degrees. If the reading feels right to your gut then go with it, if it doesn’t you have the right to ignore any card. Exercise your free will if the reading doesn’t feel right somewhere.

Mita Bhan