How have tarot readers been received in society?

[MagsStardustBlack]

Just musing to myself as i am trying to become a professional tarot reader, the idea of how tarot readers are received in general society. I know it will be different for everyone living in different cultures and countries. Living in Scotland there is probably a good mix of opinions from 'weirdo' to 'silly' to 'fascinating' to 'interesting' to 'indifferent'. I am considering mainly how being a known tarot reader will effect my children in school. I don't want to do anything that they may get ridiculed for. There is enough teasing in schools without being teased because 'your mum is weird'. Its impossible to know what to expect so i am treading slowly and gently and gaining confidence as i go.

I generally really don't mind what anyone thinks about me or my regarding my hobbies and interests. When i invite a new friend into my home i wonder how they will react to my decks. As an example one friend appears to tolerate my tarot hobby, one friend absolutely loves my tarot hobby and doesn't stop asking me questions about it and one friend hasn't even noticed or appears indifferent.

But these are my friends who care for me and like me as a person. When i go professional and become hopefully known, i know i will be open to the opinion of strangers. And so will my children.

I'm not posting this thread for comments on my own situation, i will figure it out for myself. I am however very interested in how other tarot readers have been received within there society. Especially mums with little children or teens and if tarot has caused any issues there with their children's peers or other parents. And how they have dealt with any judgments they may have experienced.

I'm thinking about societies opinions, judgments and fears. But also about societies being open and accepting. Generally where i live it is very accepting to be going to church on a Sunday, yet to be as open with 'I'm of to my tarot group or sacred circle' might draw some looks and chattering. People however are reserved or polite and mostly aren't outspoken about others views. In saying that i do have a friend who is a witch and she told me that one of her visiting friends is always outspoken about 'the broomstick at the from door' telling my friend to 'get that thing in the loft' Needless to say my friend doesn't listen to her, but is accepting of her judgments by continuing inviting her over. I'm not sure a friend of mine would be invited back if they told me to get rid of my tarot decks.

 

[Luna-Ocean]

This was something that i wanted to know so i went to a public place where people could see me use the Tarot i was expecting a few negative responses and judgments from people reactions, i did think there would be some people having their past and future told as something abit silly or strange but instead people were actually engaging with interest with me reading the cards.

I honestly think people are more accepting by the whole Tarot thing in nowadays it's become more popular in many cultures, i now feel more confident after my experience with using my cards in public which i will now do more often.

 

[MagsStardustBlack]

This was something that i wanted to know so i went to a public place where people could see me use the Tarot i was expecting a few negative responses and judgments from people reactions, i did think there would be some people having their past and future told as something abit silly or strange but instead people were actually engaging with interest with me reading the cards.

I honestly think people are more accepting by the whole Tarot thing in nowadays it's become more popular in many cultures, i now feel more confident after my experience with using my cards in public which i will now do more often.

Oh what a great experience. That must have taken some guts though! Yes i think generally people are more interested in tarot.

Although i have come across people comment 'dangerous' I'm not sure why they thought that.

 

[Wendywu]

I'm not sure people in my area would consider tarot dangerous so much as they would think me some kind of idiot for using it. The people in my office block know I read; it's regarded with an amused tolerance because I am otherwise known as a level headed, sensible businesswoman. In my local area (and all my neighbours know I read) it's just something I do. Again it's met with a sort of resigned tolerance.

I've never had an adverse reaction, or seen the remotest flicker of concern on anyone's face. I've seen them try to stifle laughter though (I usually offer a reading at that point, and sometimes get taken up on it)

 

[RunningWild]

I think among my favorite reactions has been: "Oh! I had a tarot deck once...when I was a TEEN!" (emphasis on "teen")

Or my own mother's reaction: "I should get you a ouija board" My response: "You did that already when I was about thirteen. I gave it to... when I was at university, she had more interest than I did." Her reply: "Oh." End of discussion.

Most have been indifferent and I think they're trying to remember what tarot is. A few have gone the religious route, and one of those kept wanting me to read for her, even though she thought it was wrong somehow.

 

[tarotbear]

'Time', 'Place', 'Situation', and 'Reason for the Reading.'

When I worked for the casino the entire staff knew I read cards (my first book was printed while I was working there) and I was asked to 'bring my cards' whenever there was a staff party - but always at a restaurant or a house - NOT at the casino where the Indians would probably have had a fit. I even gave a copy to the department director.

I read for 3 years at a Mardi Gras in town where nothing was taken seriously - but who gets serious in a party atmosphere - it was a 'curiosity' for fun.

Many people have done the 'pub or coffeehouse' route rather successfully - many people have gotten their 'start' that way. All of these examples were done in non-judgemental venues, and the readings were done as inconspicuously as possible. This is not to say there weren't a few 'incidents with stupidity' along the way. There is a time and a place for everything & anything, and a**holes don't always have signs around their necks (too bad that law never passed!)

 

[Luna-Ocean]

Oh what a great experience. That must have taken some guts though! Yes i think generally people are more interested in tarot.

Although i have come across people comment 'dangerous' I'm not sure why they thought that.

I think there will always be those people who will fear the Tarot i just feel its their own ignorance and misconceptions, i think this is where the problem starts for many readers who may get negative reactions from people saying things like its just nonsense?

 

[tarotbear]

I think there will always be those people who will fear the Tarot i just feel its their own ignorance and misconceptions, i think this is where the problem starts for many readers who may get negative reactions from people saying things like its just nonsense?

'They' probably also told Buddha, Confucius, and Jesus that their beliefs were 'just nonsense', too!

 

[Starshower]

I usually just get the usual: "How on earth can a highly educated, intelligent woman like you believe that superstitious nonsense?!" <shock, gasp ...>
To which I usually reply innocently: "What superstitious nonsense?"
That usually leaves them speechless, since they don't really know why they fear / dislike / ridicule / don't "believe in" it and are not very articulate ... which I am, luckily!

I do the same when anyone's religious / spiritual beliefs are being shredded or sneered at.
I say "I don't believe in the god / goddess / angel you don't believe in, either."

(Or "S/he doesn't believe in the god you don't believe in, either" if helping out someone who is being bullied or jeered at.)

Painting a ridiculous picture to then knock down is called a 'straw man argument' here, and merely serves to show up an ignorant perpetrator who refuses to listen or learn about what they are criticising.

Most arguments about beliefs are matters of definition, anyway. Get the attackers / supercilious sneerers to describe what they 'hate' or find 'stupid' and agree with them. Ditto about tarot. Then smile quietly & mysteriously and softly whisper that they have missed the point. Which they usually have.

 

[Sulis]

I usually just get the usual: "How on earth can a highly educated, intelligent woman like you believe that superstitious nonsense?!" <shock, gasp ...>

This is the reaction I usually get..