Quick! Hide the Cards!

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 18 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
... what can i say? Family is back from vacation and they still do not know I have acquired my first tarot deck. I'm trying to look for a lock on a wooden box, so they dont go opening it to find the "evil tool of darkness" there... I get worried, when I leave the deck in my room and my door is open, or that any books are laying about... I hide them and I take the deck with me when i go out to work or wherever and keep it wrapped beneath silk... I guess I'm just worried about how they might not understand. Its been drilled into them so long and i was always the one in the family who seemed to look at things in a different light... i am quite certain if my mother found the deck, she'd burn it and leave me with a sermon... >.< Even just leaving this internet explorer window on and in full view when I'm in this forum ....i'm worried about that, so whenever i leave my room i have to put this program off. *sighs* does anyone know or have tips on how to deal with a situation like this? I dont mean, "Sinta, i think you should tell your family about it.." ... not yet. I know I will, but preferably not yet ;) perhaps when i'm in england and they're still in the continent...

DarkElectric	18 Oct 2002
Wow! I'm so sorry you have to be so hidden about this. :( It's probably a good idea to keep your deck with you, at the very least you'll bond with it better! And maybe you can hide the books in between your mattress and box spring on your bed. You probably might have to tell them about some of your alternative interests eventually, but I think it should be your choice as to how, and when. There should be no ugly surprises for you, like coming home one day and finding your deck burned, your books shredded, and your internet service suspended. I'd tell them, (if you have to,) when they are far enough away not to be able to actively interfere. You have a right to your own life.

ChrisTheObscure	18 Oct 2002
Hi Sinta, Unfortunately, there is no easy way to deal with this situation. I don't think there's much you can do, if you don't feel comfortable telling them, other than just wait and be discreet when you do anything with Tarot. :( C.

blue_fusion	18 Oct 2002
erm. i hide mine under the guise of artistic admiration for the artsitry behind the cards. but of course they know that since childhood, i've always had an inclination for the occult.

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by DarkElectric I'd tell them, (if you have to,) when they are far enough away not to be able to actively interfere. You have a right to your own life. That's what I'm planning.. but can i keep it a secret for the next 1 and a half years before I plan to move? Surely sooner or later she will find out. When i was a kid i had one of those superhero decks. Y'know Xmen, Legions, stuff. She found it and ripped them to shreds, saying they are going against the "belief"... ... now compare that to what she might do when she finds something that christianity does have an opinion about -_- Quote: Originally posted by ChrisTheObscure ..be discreet when you do anything with Tarot. I plan to. Though I want to build up a collection. i see a lot of decks that I want.. but the more decks that i buy, the more possibility there is of one left in full view in my room... and being found. I dont know how to do readings anymore.. i usually do it in my room, but when i'm interuppted... i'll have a hard time explaining.. though i plan to lock my door, parents can be insistent for one to open up immediately -_- Quote: Originally posted by blue_fusion i hide mine under the guise of artistic admiration for the artsitry behind the cards That exactly the main cause of my interest in tarot... but will they accept it... *coughs and sighs*

Laurel	18 Oct 2002
Sinta, out of curiousity, what denomination is your mother and how closely does she adhere to it, as opposed to having developed her own religious beliefs and ethics? A little more insight into exactly what your mom thinks and feels overall might be helpful in this situation so we can offer better suggestions on what you can do to be true to yourself while keeping peace and harmony in the household. Laurel

Thirteen	18 Oct 2002
If you're under 18, it's gonna be hard. And, frankly, I wouldn't keep those cards. Parents like yours have too much power over you if your under 18 for you to chance them thinking you're into the occult. The could end up dragging you to a pastor or psychatrist or a different school. If you're over 18, that's a different story. You can get yourself something like a p.o. box or locker to keep the deck in; use it outside the house, as a courtesy to them as much as to yourself. If not in their house, not under their rules. It's also the best way to keep them secret (though if you live in a very small town, then it could be equally sticky). Do not, however, give them to a friend. Never involve anyone else in your secrets. If you must keep them in the house, then what's the situation? Do you have a clean or messy room? How often does your mom come snooping around? What's the closet like? Do you have videos? There are ways to hide the deck, easiest is in plain sight put into box of something that wouldn't interest your mom at all, like a box for a regular deck of playing cards. But here's the thing: always ASSUME that if you keep that deck in the house, it's going to be discoverd. It WILL happen. Your deck has just been found. What are you going to say or do? Will you let your mother bully you again? Interrogate you? Tear them up? That's what you really need to know. How you will deal with the deck being found. The first thing, don't react. Don't scream, don't cry, don't be lured into an argument, don't answer questions. Watch their reaction with objectivity and cool calm. It's ONLY A DECK OF CARDS. If you see it like that, then what they say or do or feel about it will appear as ridiculous as it ought, and you can shrug your shoulders. If your mother were to tear up your cards, you need to be able to shrug your shoulders and say, "Hope that makes you feel better mom. I'm going to go order a new deck now." Ultimately, this isn't about having a deck of tarot cards. It's about control of yourself. Power over your things is not power over you, who you are, what you think, what you believe, what you are. If you know this, if you know you alone control who you are, then no matter the circumstances, no one else has control--that's as true for the parent/child situation as it is for prisioner/jailer. They only have as much power over you as you let them. So, by all means, hide the cards. But come to terms first with this control issue. The sooner, the better.

Keslynn	18 Oct 2002
I completely agree with everything Thirteen has said. It's a tough situation and I'm sorry that you have to be in it. My parents wouldn't approve of my tarot reading so I hade the cards and books when they come visit. However, I am out of the house so even if they did know, they really couldn't do much about it. Nor would they. My parents let me make my own decisions, and they would never destroy any of my property (even if they considered it evil). If you are 18 or over, perhaps it's time to talk to your parents about living your own life. Of course, something like this will also involve a large show of maturity and responsibility on your part. That will help them trust your judgement more. So that was a little of a digression. ;) Best of luck in dealing with this situation. :) Kes

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Laurel Sinta, out of curiousity, what denomination is your mother and how closely does she adhere to it, as opposed to having developed her own religious beliefs and ethics? Technically basis is Christian, though she sways at times. Its really strange... she just believes what has been drilled into her and not through observation... she expects a standard of me to follow... and I do... and yet slowly I have been swaying as well... i now call my belief sea. Based on christianity and everything... but what i believe and nothing else. When I told her that, i had to assure her it was based on christianity.. and it is too... but she already felt uneasy.. To many like to her, she cannot see the cards as just as deck of cards, but a tool of the occult *shrugs* She is scared of any manifestation that it might bring... we have enough curses in the family.

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Thirteen Ultimately, this isn't about having a deck of tarot cards. It's about control of yourself. Power over your things is not power over you, who you are, what you think, what you believe, what you are. If you know this, if you know you alone control who you are, then no matter the circumstances, no one else has control--that's as true for the parent/child situation as it is for prisioner/jailer. They only have as much power over you as you let them. So, by all means, hide the cards. But come to terms first with this control issue. The sooner, the better. Thanks for the advice Thirteen. Yes I am over 18 and yes to me they are just a deck of tarot cards, which helps us understand ourselves through a way of psychology and intuition.. nothing mythic (but then that's my opinion and i respect the opinion of others ^_^ i still cant explain reoccuring cards) I do wish to respect her wishes and i was thinking of keeping my cards somewhere out of the home.. but then at home is where i stay the most. While they were gone i did my readings here... and then i wondered if i should just keep my stuff at my bfs place, but then that's in England (im in Switzerland). So i wont be able to practice as i would want to and study it further. Sooner or later i will have to face up. My father won't really care, and i doubt my brother would either.. my mother is a different story...

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Keslynn ..if you are 18 or over, perhaps it's time to talk to your parents about living your own life. Of course, something like this will also involve a large show of maturity and responsibility on your part. That will help them trust your judgement more. Indeed, i made that quite clear to them a few months past. But i think my mother wouldn't be able to handle it well. I might try to test the waters first, see what she really thinks about it... and then gradually bring up the idea of how i see it... *sighs* i hope it works.. i just have to wait for an oppurtunity to do so... Thanks for the wonderful advice and support from you all ^-^ Hopefully it will turn out well. Sorry about making seperate posts.. i was tempted to ramble so i thought dividing it for each writer would be easier ;)

Royal Cat	18 Oct 2002
I'm sorry I don't have any additional advice to offer, but I can say that I have some idea of what you're going through. It's tough when you have people in your life that you just don't feel comfortable explaining your interests to. It's hard enough with strangers, but when it's your own family that just wouldn't understand/accept it's really painful. Just recently I was home alone and in the middle of doing a tarot reading with my cards spread out all over the place - when my mother-in-law shows up unexpectedly. Eeeck! Quick, hide the cards! I ran around furiously trying to stuff the cards behind a chair and hiding everything before greeting her at the door, smiling and saying "Oh, what a surprise!" }) One of these days I'll get up the nerve (and patience) to talk with her about tarot, but for now it's easier to hide the cards. :( Of course, it completely ruined my frame of mind and I had to start the reading over when I had composed myself again! Don't ya just hate when people show up without calling you first? :) Cat

Umbrae	18 Oct 2002
Not everybody in your life needs to ‘know’ about your involvement with Tarot. If you manage to wake yourself up along the way and find that you have developed full-blown clairvoyance, it is no something you want tattooed across your forehead. This is serious stuff. Not everybody takes it the same way. There is no reason to upset apple carts just because you can. After reading for many years, I have learned that it is not something I bring up in casual conversation. I was with my wife for many many years, before she had any idea…then I didn’t just ‘tell’ her…I had to begin to educate her – to teach her that possibilities exist. And that…if you walk away with nothing else – walk away with that. Do not tell folks that you are ‘into’ tarot. Teach them that possibilities exist.

RedWood	18 Oct 2002
Umbrae...How can you go about teaching them??

Sinta	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Royal Cat - when my mother-in-law shows up unexpectedly. Eeeck! Quick, hide the cards! I ran around furiously trying to stuff the cards behind a chair and hiding everything before greeting her at the door, smiling and saying "Oh, what a surprise!" }) One of these days I'll get up the nerve (and patience) to talk with her about tarot, but for now it's easier to hide the cards. At least I do not feel alone ;) Everyone else who does know about my little study/hobby accept it and find it quite interesting. I just wish some people could understand and look at things in a different light...as i did. *sighs* I think its easier to hie the cards as well here... Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Not everybody in your life needs to ‘know’ about your involvement with Tarot......I had to begin to educate her – to teach her that possibilities exist. And that…if you walk away with nothing else – walk away with that. What an interesting bit of advice. Indeed i am cautious to reveal to people that i am into tarot. And i try to leave the possibility in people's mind that i might be. Yet it is hard to keep a parent/family from -not- knowing.... but i will leave that possibility open in their minds... let them play with it for a while. Thanks ;)

Laurel	18 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Sinta Technically basis is Christian, though she sways at times. Its really strange... she just believes what has been drilled into her and not through observation... That's why I was asking about her denomination... because actually the belief structures of different branches of Christianity are very, very different. Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Anglican Unitarian, etc. are examples of Christian denominations and there are subdivisions within them based partially on geography and other factors. I was trying to get a sense of exactly what she believes, what has been drilled into her by looking specifically at what her denomination professes as core beliefs. Christian by itself is actually a little too broad to that.

HudsonGray	18 Oct 2002
I wonder if it would help to tell her that there's a pope (Heirophant) and an angel (Temperence) in it. That may take some of the 'stigma' out of it showing that there's christian influence in the thing to a certain degree. Too bad you didn't get the Angel's Tarot, no problems there.

Demonesse	19 Oct 2002
I am very much in agreement with Royal Cat - it's just not so simple to reconcile different beliefs on neutral ground, especially when they're so deeply ingrained, and sometimes the individual interprets those beliefs in a way that leaves no room for education or compromise, even though what Umbrae has advised is good in itself. Sometimes ignorance is just bliss; it does no harm after all, and won't do your treasured cards harm either. However, doing your readings in your home is a risk I wouldn't take and she might sense so from any evidence that may or may not show up...especially not if Mummy has the key to your room! })

MystiqueMoonlight	19 Oct 2002
Sinta, A misty stream...I hear the water A feather falls....a bird flew by The rustle of the leaves....a breeze has blown Mind thyself the mystique eye. It is your soul on this exploration and you are listening to the call..enjoy it....hold it close to your heart and don't be concerned about sharing it. Keep the Tarot to yourself...if your Mother finds out tell her they are just collectables and nothing more. You are not foresaking the cards, just keeping a diary of your journey.

Sinta	19 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Laurel Christian by itself is actually a little too broad to that. Okay if i do look over it... she does seem to be a very -very- liberal Christian with many allowances. Though anything at all that reminds her of witchcraft or anything pagan, I'm sure she'll go through the roof -_- We have a bad history of witchcraft and pagan occult in our family's ancestors and I'm talking about not the good kind. It has left us with a good few curses even until this day. So I can kinda understand how she might not like it... but I want to show her that it is a tool that has no connection to any belief, except the belief you use with it. Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray I wonder if it would help to tell her that there's a pope (Heirophant) and an angel (Temperence) in it. That may take some of the 'stigma' out of it showing that there's christian influence in the thing to a certain degree. To tell the truth, I dont think that would matter. I know when I look at my rider waite deck, its actually the story of christianity/judaism that i see. And I find that not all bad. And the devil is not the manifestation of the so called "Satan" but the symbol for sin. >.< But will she even listen? Quote: Originally posted by Demonesse especially not if Mummy has the key to your room! . Well I'm quite happy to say that's one thing she doesn't have ^_^ Though again, I might forget to lock it when I go out. I do want to tell her and share my insight into it someday. I want to make her understand and accept it. I would actually like want to show her and explain how it works... It's a wonderful tool and nothing to fear really... Quote: Originally posted by MystiqueMoonlight Keep the Tarot to yourself...if your Mother finds out tell her they are just collectables and nothing more. You are not foresaking the cards, just keeping a diary of your journey. What a wonderful little poem ;) Had a strange feeling come over me when i was reading it. Thank you for sharing it ^-^ . I wish i could tell her that. That's also big part of my hobby in tarot. The imagery. Its interesting and i feel drawn to it ;) s'why i plan to start a collection... but again, will she just see it that way?

Sinta	19 Oct 2002
Ick >.< Talk about testing the water. I just did.... very very bad response to even the word... *sighs* I think I'll be keeping my books and cards in a bag for now and hide it in my closet... sadly I best lessen my readings per week... loss of practîce but *sighs*

Jeanette	19 Oct 2002
Speaking as a parent, if my child made it a point to lock the door to his room every time he left, I would think the absolute worst was behind the door. I would probably have a huge fit about it. If things are that intolerable at home, then do something about it and move out. I did when I was 19, it wasn't easy, but it was worth any sacrifices I made. If you are that unhappy about your current situation, do something about it. Also speaking as a parent, I would hope I would be able to support my child in any interest he had (that wasn't actually hurting him in some way). Knowledge is power, and as far as I'm concerned, I want my child armed with as much knowledge as he can absorb. I would be very disappointed if I found out after the fact that there was deceit and sneaking going on behind my back, and that alone would probably anger me. Then I would feel sad that my son thought so little of me, that he couldn't confide an interest to me and get support for it. Maybe I'm more liberal than your mom, Sinta, and I hope you can work things out with a happy resolution for everyone. Best wishes, take care!

RedWood	19 Oct 2002
If you could talk to your mom about it..that would be great..Coming from someone who lives with their mom because they can not move otu yet..As much as I want to!!!!!!!!!! It is your parents house..and I think you have to respect their feelings...you may bring up to your mom sometime..That maybe you can compromise..Like you dont take it out of your room or talk about it with family something of that nature..She may agree..ya never know...You could talk to your dad first...You said he wouldnt care...then show him how it works etc..maybe that will help with your mom..

Demonesse	19 Oct 2002
As a long-term practical solution I think you should attempt to talk to her (don't count on success) - BUT give someone else (eg your lover) the cards for safekeeping if possible just in case. I think you should go slow, very carefully and respectfully as a member of a younger generation and yet be firm enough to get your point across. If all else fails, just follow your heart but keep in mind the realities of life as well, especially if you don't want a deck with which you have formed a 'bond' ripped up..

Umbrae	19 Oct 2002
Sinta...let me try this again. Do not dig a ground-wasps nest, just to see how big it is. There are roads that must not be followed, armies that must be not attacked, and towns that must not be besieged. If you dance with the devil, you shall be burned. Let it rest.

DarkElectric	19 Oct 2002
Hi Sinta :) In view of all this, you might want to consider keeping your deck and books in a bag alright...but leave them in your desk at work, or stow them at a friend's house. If your family has had that much trouble with curses, nobody is going to change their attitude about Tarot or other things anytime soon, if ever. And you don't want to bring trouble onto yourself, or have big quarrels with your family. If they are adamant about their belief, there is nothing you can tell them that will change their opinion. Fear does this to people. And you have to live there for a while. Good luck!

cricket	19 Oct 2002
You have to make a decision about this. You are an adult, and capable of it. Not only that, you're the only one that really knows the situation, the people involved, and their probable reactions. Either tell or hide it. If you tell, you might want to be prepared for an unexpected move out of the house (if your mother is as fanatical as it sounds). This includes a job, or an additional job, a place to live, etc. If you don't tell, find a good place to hide your things. Preferably not in the house. All of the people that have been replying here have made good suggestions, though it seems you've more or less already made your mind up about it. You don't have to have anybody else's approval - just go for it! :)

Zhritza	19 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Sinta sadly I best lessen my readings per week... loss of practîce but *sighs* In the event that you stay living "at home" for any length of time, is there somewhere else where you can keep reading as often as you have been, even if it's somewhere public where your family won't go? This is going to be hard enough on you; it will protect your resolve and self-esteem (not that you seem to have any particular trouble in that area :) ) if you are not forced to reduce your time spent with tarot, which is obviously very meaningful to you. If there is a way to take care of yourself by continuing your tarot studies at full pace, I strongly suggest you do it.

Violet Gargoyle	19 Oct 2002
If they happen to find the cards, you could tell them you have them to prove to yourself that they have no power over you, and that it works rather the other way around... You could also look up folks that are respected Christians that also use Tarot cards. Think of all the Christian based decks that are available. Otherwise, let them know that the cards have not changed you or what you believe, nor are you making light of their beliefs, which is the two things usually what parents worry about the most. Aside from all this, I do have to say that this is one of those things that 9/10 times eventually happens with most parent/child relationships: When get to a point to agree to disagree about a fundamental principle that is strongly held. Sometimes that acceptance can be really rocky, sometimes its a smooth transitions- but it happens. The issue of having Tarot cards could really just be a minor catalyst for the inevitable anyway. Parents can either disagree about your choice in life partners, your child rearing, your religious path, or something else that you will go in the opposite opinion on. This is rather normal, though I am sorry to say that it would be no less stressful or easy. Not everyone can thoughtfully debate and try to see the opposite opinions of the matter, even if you do. I guess what I am saying is that this is one of those things that will show you where you are in life, and how important other people close to you's opinions are in determining your choices.

Moongold	19 Oct 2002
I was going to say that sometimes we underestimate the capacity of our families and friends to understand difference. It often depends on how and why you tell people too. However, this is always a personal call. Often people have prejudices until they actually meet someone who is involved with the thing they fear and then they realise that their fear may have been unnecessary. However, it is your parents' house and I would respect their feelings if it seemed absolutely impossible to tell them. There are plenty of other places you can practice your Tarot or you can always move out! It is always difficult to maintain a deception, although there is nothing wrong with Tarot. Practicing Tarot under their roof if they are unhappy about it is going to put you under incredible stress and who needs that? Blessings

Teranar	19 Oct 2002
I strongly suggest leaving NOTHING in your room for this reason: A friend of mine bacame disillusioned with christianaty, mostly the attitudes of many on anything that could be percieved as 'satanic', and she believed the bible's writers embellished everything and made poor humble Jesus look bigger than he was. Anyway, she converted to Wicca, and so did her closest friend. She kept a diary of everything, and then she became interested in tarot. Then she asked me where tarot would lead her, then I pulled out my tarot cards, and did a reading, which basically said terrible things would happen, get out of sight, and she took this to mean hide all things her father would not approve of, which is anything that could be slightly interpreted as occult. She had gotten into the habit of locking her door, like Sinta has, so her father had the key duplicated. Then her father on easter sunday, went into her room, went through all her things, read her diarys, and burned all her books. She had started hiding her books and her tarot deck with friends, but alsmost all of them got burnt. Then her father, after screaming at her for hours, said if he found any cards he'd make her eat them. Then he took all her rights away, including her right to a door to her room. I've had 2 other friends whose parents went ballistic in similar ways and fortunately mine, who discovered it gradually and accidently (I wasn't hiding anything) were very understanding, but most parents are not. I suggest hiding everything from them and do it discreetly and quickly, because we do not all have parents like Jeanette and my parents.

Zhritza	20 Oct 2002
teranar, please tell us your friend was able to move out after this... :( how awful. what a stupid thing for her father to do. after something like that, no one in their right mind would maintain trust or a close relationship with their parent. he certainly must have lost her, at least on some level or levels, because of his idiocy.

fairyhedgehog	20 Oct 2002
OK, my (rather disjointed) thoughts on this one. Hiding an interest is not the same as deception - we all have a right to a certain amount of privacy. If my son (who is 18) kept his door locked from me, I would consider that his right. A parent who destroys an adult offspring's property is well out of line, as is one who removes the door from the 'child's' room. But the children have less power in the relationship. I would definitely not disclose that I was using tarot to a religious parent who hated tarot cards unless I was ready, willing and able to move out. And if your Mum is likely to snoop in your room, I would keep your Tarot stuff elsewhere. Oh, Sinta, I really feel for you, it must be dreadful to be in that situation.

Sinta	20 Oct 2002
THANK YOU all for the wonderful advice ;) It gave me pause for though and I looked at it from all your point of views. I have more or less made up my mind in this. No, I wont give up this little hobby of mine Tarot. It is my right indeed.. A quote spoke to me from one of my studies in different religions: "Believe nothing, O Monks, merely because you have been told it...or because it is traditional, or because you yourselves have imagined it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings--that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide." Gautama Budaha That is what I believe, for it fits me. But I will respect the beliefs of my family. To those who suggested I go to my father first, I would.. problem is, he's in Africa and i only see him once in a year.... did i tell you i had a very strange unique family? So no help in that. I plan to hide the cards and books in a bag and bring it to work tomorrow and keep it in drawer. Jobriath (my lover) will be coming over for Christmas and I will give the tools to him to be brought back to his place in England, where they are safe. He can make use of them as well, since he studies Tarot too ;) But til then its a few months time... I will try and practice on a few spreads during those few months, but at the end I best give Tarot a reset til I move in with Job in around a year and half or so. Tis better this way. It seems my life (not only in Tarot, but many other things) will start when I get out of the house. I cannot yet move to England, because I am bound by a oracle programming contract which will carry on til August 2004. So I guess I just have to wait. In the future, I do hope to share my interests with my mother. It was quite funny though when I brought the subject up of Tarot not being all that "evil". She started accusing me of losing my faith... yet my brother was playing with his magic (not as in magician tricks) cards upon the floor beside. Ah well.... maybe she will see it and understand sooner or later. >.< I truly hope so.. i do not like keeping secrets from her and wish she could accept me as i am. There has been enough secrets in the family.... Thank you again to all who made an effort to help me out.. it will work out somehow ;) Though i plan to stay in the forum and learn from what you all have to teach ^-^

Melvis	20 Oct 2002
Sinta, you seem to be handling this situation in such a thoughtful and mature way! It is obvious from the way you speak of her, that even though you hold different spiritual beliefs than your mother you have a great deal of love and respect for her. I think moving your cards and tools out of the house is good first step. But then comes a year and a half wait until you move out...what to do until then? Well, there's always the internet and the Aeclectic Forum to keep up with your Tarot studies, but I think you could also use this time well by spending it building up your relationship with your mother. After all, in a year and a half, her baby leaves her for another country! While every parent wants their child to grow and succeed in life, there's always the thought that, "When they leave home I won't be there to make sure s/he's OK!" When I get stuck in an unchangable situation, I always figure that there must be something I need to learn, some reason why I'm in that situation and can't get out. Maybe you could look at this time as a chance to really get to know your mother, and to let her see what a strong, compassionate person you are. Even if you never get the chance to tell her about Tarot while you are still living at home, you'll end up with a better relationship. I know patience is very hard to come by when you're young and eager to move out into the world, (...and I'm sorry to say this next part 'cause it's such a "mom" thing to say... ;) ) but Tarot will always be there for you for the rest of your life! Good luck! Peace, Melvis :TSTRE

The Quick! Hide the Cards! thread was originally posted on 18 Oct 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.