"Hidden" Tarot Students

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 09 Feb 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

FourLeafClover	09 Feb 2004
I feel sort of embarassed to admit this, but on a forum this large I'm sure I can't be the only one... Nobody knows I study Tarot. Well, nobody offline, anyway. I live with my parents (though I am actively seeking a new house), and I KNOW they woudn't think Tarot is compatible with the beliefs they've taught me. And I just don't feel like explaining it to them. So when I leave the house, I make sure that none of my Tarot stuff is anywhere where it could be found. I only come on Aeclectic when I'm alone in the house or when nobody else is awake. I don't even feel like I can tell the people who would have no problem at all with this. I feel like, for the time being at least, this is MY thing. But mostly it's just that I'm embarassed. I'm the sort of person who tries to appear totally pragmatical at all times, maybe because I've been teased so many times about reading fantasy books. One way or the other, I'm feeling totally ambivalent about talking to anyone about this, which is hard because I'm finding it's become a very important part of my life.

ros	09 Feb 2004
"Follow your star for it only shines for you" Walk your walk & talk your talk & just be you. Do it all with white light. If they can't accept this part of you, it's just there misunderstanding of what you are learning. Happy Traveling!

Darla	09 Feb 2004
I didn't tell my family either that I'm studying tarot. It was a bit of embarassment too but mostly I didn't feel like defending or being teased all the time. Then I told my sister and she was a bit interested, looked at various decks but never to the level that she wanted a reading done or something. But telling her was also a necessity because where I live we don't have a huge tarot collection of decks in bookstores so if I wanted to have one of the decks I saw on the internet I had to turn to her since everything has to go over her account or credit card. Because my mother asked what was in the packages I just told her and now she is helping me to make tarot bags! :) She doesn't mind me studying tarot but she also doesn't take it seriously and doesn't believe that it works. But I don't do any readings when someone is at home. It would be awkward and again, I just doesn't feel like defending or explaining and couldn't concentrate anyway when somebody would be at home. My mother and sister know that I have tarot stuff but I don't let it lying around for them to see. That's okay, it's my hobby and my thing. They respect it even when they don't believe in it. So I just do it alone for myself when I have the apartment all for myself. If you want to keep tarot as your thing and don't want to tell anybody that's fine. Are your parents Christians? I can think of a lot of Christians I know who would react like:"That's coming from the devil!" :eek: If your family would believe something like that it would probably be better not to tell them. I know how difficult this can be. But it's up to you. In the end all that matters is that it is important for YOU.

Dark_angel	09 Feb 2004
Only a few members of my family know - my dad and my gran being the only ones I've told. I've read for my gran with playing cards, and my dad with a tarot deck, but he didn't really take it seriously. A lot of my family are very religious though, and if any of them discovered I read cards, they'd probably burn them. So I just don't tell them. I don't hide the fact; if one of them asked, I'd say that I knew how to read cards. But I don't flaunt it either; I'll only take one or two decks home with me, and I won't use them except in private. (By home, I mean my parents' home) I could say "This is me, like it or lump it", but the trauma that would cause would not be worth it, when I can avoid it all by just keeping a private hobby private.

yve	09 Feb 2004
Only my son, my mother, and my fiance know. Many people are uneducated/uninformed about tarot/oracle cards. They associate tarot with blackmagic, witchcraft and evil. They don't understand. I broke my fiance in by introducing the cards not by their true name (tarot or oracle), but simply telling him they are a method of personal exploration/divination. I then did some readings for him. He was so impressed and interested, he wanted to know more about the cards and their purpose. Now he wants me to do a daily reading for him and he really enjoys it and looks forward to it! I will eventually introduce other people close to me about my use of tarot/oracle cards, but initially I will be creative how I introduce them so as not to scare them away and to help dispel any negative perconcieved notions. I think the important thing is not the name of the cards (IE tarot, oracle, divination, fortune telling)...but to introduce the cards as a method of personal/self-exploration to reach our personal potentials, and to help us deal with life's challenges/obstacles. We all have the ability and potential, the card just shows us how to use it/reach it and is a guide...in this way I think they can be more accepted? Opinions?

paradoxx	09 Feb 2004
I had an expierence like this througout 2003, and i did a tarot readingon it, and posted it to this website. http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13126 I understand what the general feelings are although every situation is different, alibet equal. The new age is here, and nothng can stop it from coming forth, aquarian energy delves into the subconcious and brings out old fears that have been dead for a long time, and through that removal of cobwebbed lies and mistruths, the light shines through unobstructed.

Mimers	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by paradoxx I understand what the general feelings are although every situation is different, alibet equal. The new age is here, and nothng can stop it from coming forth, aquarian energy delves into the subconcious and brings out old fears that have been dead for a long time, and through that removal of cobwebbed lies and mistruths, the light shines through unobstructed. I couldn't have said it better myself, Paradoxx. Good luck FourLeafClover. My thoughts are with you. Mimi

Imagemaker	09 Feb 2004
I have a friend who has a masters degree in theology, a masters in comparative religions, and a PhD in something I don't even remember. She is 80 years old and also a Catholic Sister and a tarot fan. She had me laughing so much telling me about going to lunch with a retired US Navy Admiral, whos is a very rigid Catholic and logical male. She started talking to him about Jungian archetypes, their role in psychology, and explained how tarot cards exemplify those archetypes. By the end of the lunch, she had pulled out her cards and he was willingly asking a question for a reading! So it's definitely all in the way it's presented!

Aerten	09 Feb 2004
I don't know anyone offline who uses tarot, either. I'm going to say it without any beating around the bush: It gets boring, and it's probably a lot slower/one sided than having a friend or three to talk to. This isn't to say you can't do it on your own, but lately I've been craving someone to talk to without a keyboard.

Snuggle_69217	09 Feb 2004
i am Not embaressed at all..I tell all my Friends and family what i believe in..And if they do not like it then they arent True Friends..People love you For being you..People arent going to hate you for what u belive in and like i said Above if they Make fun of you then they definatly Should not Be your friend..

Mimers	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Aerten I don't know anyone offline who uses tarot, either. I'm going to say it without any beating around the bush: It gets boring, and it's probably a lot slower/one sided than having a friend or three to talk to. This isn't to say you can't do it on your own, but lately I've been craving someone to talk to without a keyboard. Where in NY are you? Send me a pm. Mimi

lunakasha	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Imagemaker She started talking to him about Jungian archetypes, their role in psychology, and explained how tarot cards exemplify those archetypes. By the end of the lunch, she had pulled out her cards and he was willingly asking a question for a reading! So it's definitely all in the way it's presented! What an amazing story!!! And a great example of how one can be persuasive just by trying a different approach! I can relate to your situation, FourLeafClover. I am also, due to unfortunate circumstances, living with my parents (at the age of 36...ugh) after many years living on my own. For many reasons, this is an uncomfortable situation, but I try to stay positive and make the best of it. After all, if I wasn't living here, I might be living on the streets...so I keep that in mind and remind myself that "this too shall pass..." I am also very reluctant to discuss tarot with my parents, for the same reasons that have been mentioned here: embarassment, fear of judgment, general ignorance about tarot, religious barriers (Catholic) etc. It is not so much that I am embarassed, that's not really it. The issue for me is that I am a serious student of tarot, I am fascinated with it, passionate about it...and I choose not to put myself in a position of having defend myself to people who will not respect my feelings, or the fact that we have a difference of opinion. For that reason, I don't talk to my parents or people in general about tarot...and it sucks, because when you are excited about something, after several years of not being excited at all...you just want to shout it from the rooftops! I am so thankful to be able to come to AT and share my thoughts and enthusiasm with people who truly appreciate where I am coming from! :) PS: I also was fortunate enough to reconnect with my best friend in high school through AT...after 18 years apart!!! But I am saving THAT amazing true story for another thread!!! :D Luna

lunakasha	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Imagemaker She started talking to him about Jungian archetypes, their role in psychology, and explained how tarot cards exemplify those archetypes. By the end of the lunch, she had pulled out her cards and he was willingly asking a question for a reading! So it's definitely all in the way it's presented! OK...just typed in a looooong post and somehow didn't go thru...so I am starting over, please bear with me Thank you Imagemaker...what an amazing story, and a perfect example of how we can make an impact on others simply by changing our approach...bravo! I can relate to FourLeafClover and others here who have to hide your love of the tarot...what a shame! I also live with my parents, at the age of 36 :( and after many years of living on my own...believe me, it ain't easy. One of the hardest things for me is having to give up so much of my privacy, which is so important to me. I choose not to discuss tarot with my parents, or with people in general, because I know there is so much ignorance out there about tarot, and I have a hard time feeling the need to defend something that I feel so passionately about. I am a conflict-avoidant person, for starters. But mainly I have a problem with trying to have an intelligent, possibly controversial discussion with people who I know to be closed-minded, judgmental and disrespectful...I refuse to waste my energy arguing with people who refuse to respect my right to have my own opinions. For this reason, I am so thankful to be able to come to AT and discuss tarot with others who can appreciate and share my enthusiasm...it beats the hell out of arguing any day! :) Luna

Imagemaker	09 Feb 2004
I suspect there are many hidden tarot fans who would speak out if they only knew the rest of us were around. I've mentioned it lightly to people (do you know anything about tarot cards?), just to see, and sometimes get "oh, yes, I used to have readings!" or mostly, "that stuff's weird!" Any opening is an opening though. You don't have to proclaim your enthusiasm until you test the waters. Open the topic slowly (with anyone) and see what response you get.

Rusty Neon	09 Feb 2004
If you don't have a tarot club in your area, check out the astrology clubs. You get to listen to and discuss something esoteric at least, and as well, it ties in nicely with tarot. At the Christmas meetings, the astrology club even has one of its members who reads tarot give quick 3 card readings to each member, with everyone able to hear each reading. Later in the meeting, they do astro-dice readings. What introduced me to the club was an advertisement one month for the meeting topic which was tarot and astrology.

TemperanceAngel	09 Feb 2004
I never used to tell anyone, but it is a bit hard to hide these days, seeing as it's my job :laugh: I just wanted to be normal (whatever that is) when I was younger, but I cannot escape the Tarot and believe me I have tried :D XTAX

c0de	09 Feb 2004
I am still kinda secret about it, but I have recently told my mom and she is starting to understand. Just gather your spirit and courage and tell them :)

lunakasha	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel I never used to tell anyone, but it is a bit hard to hide these days, seeing as it's my job :laugh: I just wanted to be normal (whatever that is) when I was younger, but I cannot escape the Tarot and believe me I have tried :D XTAX Hey TemperanceAngel...just curious: what do you mean when you say it's your job? If you don't mind my asking? The reason I ask is because, well, it sounds like something I might like to do! Thanks! :) Luna

TemperanceAngel	09 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha Hey TemperanceAngel...just curious: what do you mean when you say it's your job? If you don't mind my asking? The reason I ask is because, well, it sounds like something I might like to do! Thanks! :) Luna Hey Luna, I read and teach the Tarot for a living :) www.spellbox.com.au XTAX P.S. I love your name, I wish I had been so clever when I thought of mine....

lunakasha	09 Feb 2004
Hi TemperanceAngel! Thanks for the compliment :D I love your website....is that you in the picture? I definitely plan to spend some time checking it out some more. I think it is GREAT that you are teaching tarot and doing something that you love while helping others...which is my goal in life if I can just figure out *how* to do it ;) Thanks for sharing...blessings to you! :) Luna

miss_apples	10 Feb 2004
You know its kind of the same way with my family fourleafclover...only in a different way. I am extremily different from my mom and my brother and stepsiblings. Theyre all hard core partiers and they listen to all the lastest musical acts and try to dance all the funky dance moves and all that stuff (my mom even listens to rap, its hillarious) and me Im a quiet person, only party every once in a blue moon, I like old school British Punk bands and I cant dance to save my life. So naturally Im the black sheep in the family and they all make fun of me and tarot is another reason for them to poke fun at me. Although they all make fun of me for it...a lot of them end up asking me for readings go figure. I have found that I am glad that Im different and the fact that they pick on me and look down on me for the things I do almost gives me a sense of dignity. So I will actually boast about my interest in tarot and divination and my internet friends (they make fun of me for that too) and when they roll their eyes and look at eachother and laugh...it just reminds me who the ignorant ones are. I can understand if youre not telling anyone because its something you feel is special to you and youre not quite ready to share it. But you shouldnt be embarrassed. Even if your parents dont necessarily aprove of tarot, they may roll their eyes and snicker a little bit but if they really love you, and Im sure they do, they will accept it just as they accept you, because youre their daughter :) Good Luck!

TemperanceAngel	10 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by lunakasha is that you in the picture? I definitely plan to spend some time checking it out some more. :) Luna It's not my website, I just work there, it's such a magical place to be blessed with.... I am in one of the pictures :D XTAX

Majecot	10 Feb 2004
TA.. what a cool job, I did not realize you had such talents!! No shadow on your face in this picture ;)

Diana	10 Feb 2004
Either one decides to be oneself, and to hell with what people think. Or one can decide not to throw pearls to swine. It's a choice one has to make with a lot of thought. Both of them have consequences which one needs to be ready to assume.

FourLeafClover	10 Feb 2004
... Wow. *is overwhelmed* You guys are really, really amazing. It helps to know there are people out there who are the same as me, or at least simiarl. Right now, I'm in not-throwing-pearls-before-swine mode. I feel like I spend most of my life trying to be who I am no matter what anyone says, but Tarot is, for the moment, my one precious thing that nobody can mock. *hugs all of Aeclectic for being so wonderful and supportive*

TemperanceAngel	10 Feb 2004
Just do it when you feel you can deal with it ;) Like Diana says, the choice takes a lot of thought :) XTAX

lunakasha	10 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel It's not my website, I just work there, it's such a magical place to be blessed with.... I am in one of the pictures :D XTAX OK, gotcha...I wasn't sure! It looks like it would be a great place to work....thanks for sharing the link with us! :) Luna

cartarum	12 Feb 2004
personally, ive noticed that letting your friends know that you tarot only complicates your "mojo" and leaves you with unneccesary hassle. unless you intend to read for people. so keep it up. if you do intend to read for people, i would wait a year or so, depending on your learning curve. that too, will save you some frustration.

cartarum	12 Feb 2004
keep it that way unless you want to read for others

Thea Lynx	12 Feb 2004
Well, FourLeafClover, I guess there must be a whole bunch of us out there. The only person who really knows about my Tarot study (outside of my Tarot class and the mystical, magickal, metaphysical bookstore that I haunt regularly in quest of new and interesting Tarot decks/book) is my husband - and he thinks I'm wicked weird! (use of "wicked" is a Maine-ism, by the way, and not an indication of evil intent). I plan to break the news to my sister this spring when we take a trip to London (she will not be able to miss the deck I will carry with me at all times) and the people at work already know I'm a little weird - but I'm so good at what I do they will put up with my "idiosyncranisities" (I have no idea if that's spelled correctly) But I am learning to follow my own path - wherever it takes me - the comfort and peace I find by allowing myself to just be what I really am is ever so much better than trying to fit in with everyone else's idea of how one should act!! I only wish I had found the Tarot and this path many, many years ago. Enjoy!! Thea Lynx

lunakasha	12 Feb 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Thea Lynx ...he thinks I'm wicked weird! (use of "wicked" is a Maine-ism, by the way, and not an indication of evil intent). WICKED COOL, TheaLynx!!! I am a Maine-ah too...LOL! Where in Maine are you? You can PM me if you'd like...just wanted to say "hey neighbor"! :) Luna

The "Hidden" Tarot Students thread was originally posted on 09 Feb 2004 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.