Reading for disabled people

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 07 Jul 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Osher	07 Jul 2004
A friend of mine works in a home for adults with physical disabilites. He mentioned to some of his wards that I read for him, and they also wanted reading. I naturally agreed to read for them! However, another friend of my friend is also a Tarot reader. He said to him that reading for disabled people is difficult due to a lot of negativity and ambiguity. Has anyone had experience of reading for physically disabled people? Is my friend's friend correct? Is there anything to look out for?

Kahlie	07 Jul 2004
I never tried it, but it sounds like quite the challenge! Good luck!

SongDeva	07 Jul 2004
Good grief. I wish he/she had elaborated a bit. I'll share an idea I have via p.m.

Osher	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by SongDeva I'll share an idea I have via p.m. Thanks Snogy

Centaur	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Happiness However, another friend of my friend is also a Tarot reader. He said to him that reading for disabled people is difficult due to a lot of negativity and ambiguity. I wonder why your friend thought that? Does he/she think that disabled people are all negative individuals? I think that is a rather narrow-minded attitude. I know many disabled people who are very positive in their approach to life. Disability does not necessarily mean negativity. My mother is disabled and I and others have read for her successfully on many occasions. I also know many disabled people who are a hell of a lot more positive than some able-bodied people that I know of.

Little Baron	07 Jul 2004
Before doing what I do now, I spent many years working with people that had physical disabilities - I can't think of any reason why reading for them would be different than reading for an able-bodied person. Hope that helps. Yaboot

Centaur	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Yaboot001 Before doing what I do now, I spent many years working with people that had physical disabilities - I can't think of any reason why reading for them would be different that reading for an able-bodied person. Agreed. If anything is impacting upon the reading experience in the case of this specific reader, then it is most likely the negative attitude of the reader towards the querent. If the reader approaches all disabled querents with that attitude, then what use is it in the first place?

Little Baron	07 Jul 2004
Absolutely Centaur! Besides, a lot of people do readings for people over the telephone and on line; since working like that, it is not possible to see what kind of disabilities a person may have. The only relevance that I could imagine, is if the cards pinpointed problems that the person may have encounted because of their disability, and in that situation, as readers, we would be inclined to asist the person in the best possible way we can to help them overcome those problems; offering different routes or suggest different paths that they could take themselves on. Something we do regardless of a persons disability, race, gender, sexuality. As I work intuitively with the cards, I communicate what I see withing them, so therefore, any physical impression I get from a querant, has no bearing on the reading; unless, of course, that was the nature of the question they had asked. Yaboot

Kahlie	07 Jul 2004
Oh doh! I read wrong :D Well, Happiness, you can try on me if you want too *grin* I got 4 chronical diseases, 2 which can be fatal... So I guess I fall under physical disabled... :D And nope, I don't think I'm a negative person... So I guess I"ve been doing Readings for a disabled person all the time.... Scratch that me saying I never did it myself.

Centaur	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Yaboot001 Besides, a lot of people do readings for people over the telephone and on line; since working like that, it is not possible to see what kind of disabilities a person may have. The only relevance that I could imagine, is if the cards pinpointed problems that the person may have encounted because of their disability, and in that situation, as readers, we would be inclined to asist the person in the best possible way we can to help them overcome those problems; offering different routes or suggest different paths that they could take themselves on. Something we do regardless of a persons disability, race, gender, sexuality. Yeh, I totally agree with that. I think that you raised an important point that when the reading is conducted via telephone or online, there is no way of determining any disabilities or the extent of disability that a person may have, that is ofcourse unless the cards pinpoint or suggest specific problems, or if the querent informs the reader and wants to know any specific answers to disability related questions. Perhaps a way forward for readers inclined towards negative perceptions of those with disabilities would be to perform all such readings over the telephone or online? LOL. ;)

WooMonkey	07 Jul 2004
I work at a program for learning disabled adults, many of whom also have a physical disability. I find them as open and positive to tarot as the rest of the general population (maybe slightly more positive!). No matter what our differences everyone can still relate to the "big" issues--love, loneliness, money, anxiety, social pressure, etc. The only problem I can see is if you tried to force a reading on someone who didn't want one. And who has time for that?!!! :D

Little Baron	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kahlie So I guess I fall under physical disabled... Another good point! I am sure that there are many disabled readers out there; physical disabilities do not affect the sub-concious, the creative or the spirit of a person. That goes for the person who is having their cards read as well.

etal	07 Jul 2004
I'm grateful for the reminder that I'm loaded with disabilities myself—including a spectacular difficulty in dealing with people who are different from me in terms of physical and mental handicaps, race, cultural and educational background, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, musical preferences, and on and on and on. It's always a challenge. And one great thing about working with the Tarot is that we're required again and again through the process of reading the cards to examine our own prejudices and to relate to the life experiences of others who are reaching out to us for some kind of contact—with who knows what! I'll tell you after I read their cards. etal

HudsonGray	07 Jul 2004
I can see, maybe, if the person was recently disabled & is still dealing with the aftermath of an illness/operation/accident that drastically changed their lives, but outside of that -- or mental disability -- they're regular people. I'd read for them same as any other person.

tmgrl2	07 Jul 2004
Ouch! People have disabilities, but are not necessarily "disabled." I have worked most of my life with people that have illnesses or disabilities. We are all just people. My husband, BTW, acquired blindness at age 70. He is not negative! He had me do a reading for him about how he could "see" better. It was an amazing experience we shared as I read for him.... No more to say, except that there are people with negative attidudes who have no "visible" disability other than, perhaps, the attitude. terri Sorry...I see no difference.

WolfyJames	07 Jul 2004
Like a few here, I'm ill and disabled, and I find that comment offending. And it's strange because the worse, negative, whiny readers I've had were perfectly healthy. If that person thinks reading disabled people because of their so-called negativity is wrong, what about people who just lost their job, or lost a contract, or are getting a divorce, just learned someone close to them is sick, etc. Who doesn't go through tough times in their lives? And it is usually at these moments that people turn to tarot. What? We should only read people who are happy, have no issues, no problem of some sort?

tmgrl2	07 Jul 2004
Just lost my last post. Over the years in my work, we have come to be careful we don't define the person by a disability. So my husband has blindness, but doesn't mean he is a "blind person." That is all-defining, whereas having a disability is just a piece of who someone is. So we say a person with a disability (and the law requires in my work that we use those terms) not a "disabled person." Makes it sound like they can't do ANYTHING. Good to bring this up, though, so information can come forward. terri

lunakasha	07 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WolfyJames Like a few here, I'm ill and disabled, and I find that comment offending. And it's strange because the worse, negative, whiny readers I've had were perfectly healthy. If that person thinks reading disabled people because of their so-called negativity is wrong, what about people who just lost their job, or lost a contract, or are getting a divorce, just learned someone close to them is sick, etc. Who doesn't go through tough times in their lives? And it is usually at these moments that people turn to tarot. What? We should only read people who are happy, have no issues, no problem of some sort? Very well stated, WolfyJames.... Every one of us has issues to deal with....some are more visible to the outside world than others. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of any physical, mental or emotional limitations.... I am frankly disgusted by this person's negative attitude toward people who are different from him...makes me wonder exactly whom he deems worthy of having a reading....none of us are "perfect", nor should we expect to be so... Luna

dolphingirl	08 Jul 2004
I have usually found that people with physical disibilities actually have a lighter outlook on life than many of us able bodied people. If they want readings and you feel up to doing them I would say go for it!

linabeet	08 Jul 2004
It would seem to me, that the 'negativity and ambiguity' lies with those who perceive it.

Sillanza	08 Jul 2004
My son is autistic. He was diagnosed at 3-1/2, is 6 now, and I do readings about him all the time. I can't tell you the number of times that the 9 of Cups or 10 of Pentacles has come up in the outcome position when I read about him. I don't kid myself, but I do hope that this simply means that at some point he will be able enough that we won't be constantly worried about him (our "heart's desire"). They often helped me see possibilities where I thought there were none, or to follow my gut instinct and ignore this or that "expert" or embrace this or that "foolish" notion. They also encouraged me to hang in there -- the solutions I was advocating for were coming. Of course, they were right (and I'm a good advocate :)). I don't think I would be making it through this challenge without the tarot to lean on, whine to, and use as a sounding board. A deck of cards is cheaper than therapy, and my son likes the pictures. Fittingly, his favorite cards are the Magician and Strength. :)

Centaur	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by WolfyJames Like a few here, I'm ill and disabled, and I find that comment offending. And it's strange because the worse, negative, whiny readers I've had were perfectly healthy. If that person thinks reading disabled people because of their so-called negativity is wrong, what about people who just lost their job, or lost a contract, or are getting a divorce, just learned someone close to them is sick, etc. Who doesn't go through tough times in their lives? And it is usually at these moments that people turn to tarot. What? We should only read people who are happy, have no issues, no problem of some sort? I totally agree with all of that. We are all faced with negative and positive in our lives, regardless of whether we are disabled, white, black, asian, lesbian, gay, or whatever else. WolfyJames you state, 'what about people who just lost their job, or lost a contract, or are getting a divorce, just learned someone close to them is sick, etc?'. I think that this is a really important point. Basically, all of these situations are situations that may present themselves to the tarot reader at some point or another. All of these situations have at least some negativity inherent in them, yet they gel well with the practise of tarot reading, and both could apply to able-bodied and disabled people. So, the fact that someone is disabled does not qualify them as a more miserable person than someone who is not.

tmgrl2	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Sillanza My son is autistic. He was diagnosed at 3-1/2, is 6 now, and I do readings about him all the time. I can't tell you the number of times that the 9 of Cups or 10 of Pentacles has come up in the outcome position when I read about him. I don't kid myself, but I do hope that this simply means that at some point he will be able enough that we won't be constantly worried about him (our "heart's desire"). They often helped me see possibilities where I thought there were none, or to follow my gut instinct and ignore this or that "expert" or embrace this or that "foolish" notion. They also encouraged me to hang in there -- the solutions I was advocating for were coming. Of course, they were right (and I'm a good advocate :)). I don't think I would be making it through this challenge without the tarot to lean on, whine to, and use as a sounding board. A deck of cards is cheaper than therapy, and my son likes the pictures. Fittingly, his favorite cards are the Magician and Strength. :) Good for you, Silanza! I have 5 children with Autism on my current work caseload, each one lovable and unique covering the entire spectrum ....two with Asperger....Your post and others like it really helps everyone understand better. Bless you! terri

Logiatrix	08 Jul 2004
This subject calls to mind some myths that I confront almost daily. I am physically disabled; I have a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis called "Still's Disease" and I am partially blind due to hydrocephalus. I also work directly with disabled adults--colleagues as well as clients with all manner of challenges. I think of myself, my friends, and the people I assist as "otherly-abled," because we don't surrender and choose not to do, we just do differently...maybe we're slower or we have to work harder, or we need special equipment, but we are still able. That is a considerable myth I overcome every day, every time someone speaks louder to me ("I'm blind, not deaf, you idiot!"), or takes something out of my hands as soon as I struggle, or when they assume I can't when I really can...so that I never get a chance to try at all. I am not ungrateful, when I know people are well-meaning (albeit misguided), but all they really need to do is ask. Another myth is that I am strong and have a good attitude. I am not ("I'm sorry, my amazing super-powers are not working today"). I don't mean that in terms of demeaning myself; I mean that I am no stronger than a so-called "normal" person. I truly believe that any other individual would handle what I handle just as well as I do--you either do or you don't, that's how it goes. If I have a good attitude, it's because you caught me in one my good moods, on one of my good days--just like "normal" people have. The flipside of that stereotype is that I am more negative, as was mentioned in the initial post. The same truth applies: no more than anyone else. Perhaps the lables occur because the disability calls attention to the person's attitude; it would be less perpetuated if the person is seen and recognized before the disability ("Stop looking at my wheelchair, look me in the eye!"). A third myth is that there is such a thing as "normal"! Normal is just a setting on the washing machine, as far as I know. And then there is a tarot myth I run into, or perhaps it is just a natural assumption based on the Wounded Shaman archetype. No, I am not naturally psychic to make up for my broken body. I just read tarot cards, often to other disabled people. As far as I can tell, the cards look the same, no matter who they lay in front of. :)

lunakasha	08 Jul 2004
Thank you Logiatrix.... I don't know what to say....everything you say here is true. I think that people should really stop and think about how they treat each other...and never assume that because someone is "different", that they should be treated differently than anyone else.... You make an excellent point: there is no such thing as "normal", it is a completely subjective ideal that no one can truly define or live up to, IMO.... :) Luna

Centaur	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Logiatrix A third myth is that there is such a thing as "normal"! In my opinion, the idea of 'normal' is a whole load of bullshit. As a gay man, in the past I have found that people judge me against some preconceived idea of what is 'normal'. But, normal for who? Who says what is normal and what is abnormal? Thanks for the post Logiatrix. It really raised some excellent points.

linabeet	08 Jul 2004
Quote: [i] [i] Normal is just a setting on the washing machine, as far as I know.] That sums it up great. Can I quote you on that? First laugh of the day.

MeeWah	08 Jul 2004
I have read in person for people who have a physical disability. The level of physical restrictions do not necessarily hinder nor influence a reading (though depending on the circumstances, the physical comfort may need consideration which may include me going to them to give the reading). Most have a far better attitude than some able-bodied folks. One of my clients is the mother of a young man who has been wheelchair-bound his entire life. He is unable to speak & needs to be tended to for the simple functions of daily living most of us take for granted. Despite those conditions, he communicates in other ways. His mother notes his reactions to people or specific individuals by his level of calm or agitation; also from his vocalizations. He usually prefers to remain in his room when non-family members are present, but he apparently recognizes or knows me from seeing me & hearing my name over the years. The last time I went to their home to give her a reading, his mother told me he wanted to be in the livingroom & also wanted a reading. He was wheeled into the livingroom & placed within viewing distance of his mother's reading. For his reading, he was wheeled to the opposite side of the coffee table whilst I kneeled on the floor to facilitate eye contact as he is unable to hold up his head without support. As I went through his reading, I addressed my comments to him & held up each card for him to see it.

Logiatrix	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by linabeet First laugh of the day. :D I'm glad you laughed, linabeet! That reminds me of something that was alluded to by WolfyJames and Centaur; that is, the help that a tarot reading can offer. A reading can be a wonderfully healing gift to give another person who may be facing life's challenges. And we are all facing life's challenges, aren't we? More specifically, a physically or emotionally challenged individual may very likely be experiencing pain--pain that can be alleviated by a healing card reading. I am not saying that readers are to replace good medical care or professional help, but I do believe that the tarot is a fantastic tool for guidance and support. Even a so-called "negative" person, who is such for whatever reason, can have that negativity lifted (or at least reduced) by the insight a tarotist can offer. I have never found that my disability is my greatest challenge, but rather, my attitude is what potentially cripples me in life. The tarot is one of best means I know for overcoming the challenge of a crippling attitude. :)

MeeWah	08 Jul 2004
Happiness: Your friend may have been concerned about the level or quality of communciation possible, which differs according to the individual querent &/or circumstances.

Little Baron	08 Jul 2004
Hi everyone This has become an interesting thread and I am pleased to see from the passionate responses that not everyone in the world are as ignorant as some. When I used to support clients through work, one guy I helped was blind and deaf and needed the use of a wheelchair. I was constantly shocked and appauled by peoples ignorance and insensitivity. When we would go shopping, members of the general public would stop me, give a sympathetic (or patronising) "ahhhh", and ask me all manners of questions relating to subjects as how he uses the bathroom. Obviously, I declined answering their questions and politely (we are not all ignorant) told them that I am sure my friend would probably prefer to spend his money somewhere else. Quote: Originally posted by Logiatrix "otherly-abled," :) I felt a little uneasy using the term 'physically disabled' earlier in the thread, but used it as I couldn't think of a better one. I like this suggestion though. In that sense, we are all otherly-abled in one way or another. Your post summed a lot up Logiatrix. Best wishes to you all. Yaboot

Osher	08 Jul 2004
Thanks to everyone for the answers. I was going to read anyway for the disabled people (despite my friend's friend), but naturally wanted to see if there was anything to what he said. I am glad to see that there is not, except to be aware of the disability. Thanks again to everyone. Hap.

tmgrl2	08 Jul 2004
I am loving this thread more and more. See what we all have to share! MeeWah, great story...You, too, Wolfy. I've spent my last thirty years working with infants, children, teenager, and adults with all kinds of disabilitities. My husband is in same profession. We never really think of anybody we with work with as being different. We all share our humanity and that means we are all the same under the veneer of the material realm. t2

Rhiannon	08 Jul 2004
When I first read this post I thought of the place I used to work. I can't post the name of the institution because of right to privacy issues, but I can tell you what the place was: it was a sheltered workshop for disabled people. We call them "consumers". Let me clarify that these people are wonderful and happy human beings most of the time, but they face many challenges. These are not people whom we would consider to be "higher functioning". For instance these are not people who could find work helping out at McDonald's or places like that. These are people with severe mental, emotional and physical disabilities. THOSE are the people I consider to be disabled. Maybe it is just because I've gotten so used to seeing people in wheelchairs or with guide dogs, etc. But I almost don't consider them to be disabled anymore, just different. :) So, my definition of "disabled" is probably different from what most people replying to this thread though of. In this instance, I would not read for any of those whom I used to work with and for. Not because I think they are not worthy, but because I would be afraid that they would take my words too literally. As a group I found them to be very impressionable. I would not want a stray comment to be misunderstood and taken as literal fact. None of the consumers I worked with knew of my religion or about me being a tarot reader. I took great care not to let them know. I don't see this as discrimination, I see this as caution. The consumers I worked with were the type of people that need a constant level of "normalcy" and they did not react well to change. They would easily fixate on something and then could not be deterred from that fixation (if you said you liked thier red shirt, they would wear it for weeks on end, it was very endearing and special to know that your comment was so precious to them! :D). I think each circumstance must be thought out on it's individual merits. I would read for the parent, guardian, etc. about the disabled person in question, but unless I had some sort of indication from that parent, guardian, etc. I would not want the consumer to be present or aware of that reading. (The obvious exception is something like MeeWah's story (((((MeeWah))))) .) I suppose it would be like reading for someone's child. R :)

tmgrl2	08 Jul 2004
Totally agree, Rhiannon. I, too, have some very cognitively challenged young adults on my caseload. First of all, I would never read for anyone I work with anyhow, or families. And that is where I see most of the people with disabilities on a regular basis. I believe Happy was asking that originally. I would never even consider bringing anyone in to read. That would be innappropriate and unethical, not to mention, in some cases illegal for me to do so. Good thing you got back to his original question. No, Hap. I wouldn't go and read in that siutation. If I met someone on an individual basis, apart from any work or group living setting, that might be different. I don't even like it that some of our young teachers tutor students in our own district. They get a good amount of money and I feel it is not ethical. We counsel them to that end, but they do it anyhow. terri

Osher	08 Jul 2004
Hmmm, so you're saying that disabled people, even physically disabled people, who are living in a home, would be vulnerable, and are likely to place more emphasis on my words. In which case, the power I hold could be too much for me? Hence, better not to read, incase a foolish word leads to problems? (I'm just trying to clarify what is being said, and apolgies in advance if I misunderstood)

MeeWah	08 Jul 2004
Rhiannon: I fully agree with your stance as it falls under responsible reading. In general, wise to be aware of the capabilities & understanding of a prospective querent & the appropriateness of reading for the person. As some have seen, even the apparently "well-adjusted" or the relatively "able-bodied/minded" do not to a reading take.

Jeanette	08 Jul 2004
Well, this thread is taking an interesting turn. I agree that as a reader, we need to consider the appropriateness of who we read for; i.e., someone with mental problems may be impressionable, or whatever ~ HOWEVER, how are we to know this? Not everybody who deals with those types of problems goes around advertising that fact! I'm sure I run into countless people during the course of my day that could be classified as dealing with mental problems, could be under a doctor's care, taking medication for those problems, etc., and may appear "normal" on the surface, while internally they may be battling demons galore! Physical handicaps/disabilities sometimes are visible, while often times mental handicaps/disabilities are not so apparent. And some physical disabilities cause a person to appear as if they are dealing with mental disabilities as well (maybe slurred speech, spastic movements, difficulties that make the person seem as if they aren't functioning "normally"). This has been a difficult post, and I am so sorry if any of my terms offend anybody (I certainly don't want to do that). But this is a good topic to discuss, not just as a tarot reader, but as a human who interacts with other humans of all shapes/sizes/abilities.

Logiatrix	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Happiness Hmmm, so you're saying that disabled people, even physically disabled people, who are living in a home, would be vulnerable, and are likely to place more emphasis on my words. In which case, the power I hold could be too much for me? Hence, better not to read, incase a foolish word leads to problems? (I'm just trying to clarify what is being said, and apolgies in advance if I misunderstood) Terri and Rhiannon make some good points about that, Happy. When it comes to residents in facilities, there are many more considerations to make than those you would apply on a personal level. Facilities have rules, and most all residents have family members, case workers, or advocates who speak for them. You would definitely have more to answer to in those circumstances. I agree with Rhiannon's consideration of the more challenged, more impressionable individuals one may encounter, a group I hadn't previously consider in the discussion of disability. Where I work, all of the clients are college-level students who are autonomous, for the most part. However, there still some individuals I will not read for; one such person is a volunteer in my office, a lady my same age who is mentally challenged and still dependent on her parents. When she asked for a reading, I strongly suggested to her that she check with her parents first; she complied without question, and has not brought it up again--I'm sure her parents said "no." I have also read for a young woman who was schizophrenic, and I suspect negligent with her medication. I read the "Healing with the Angels" cards for her, and she enjoyed the reading just fine...she did ask if I used "real" tarot cards, and I lied and said "no, not right now." I felt, as I interacted with her, that the symbols of the tarot were not images she could wrap her brain around, no matter how well I could explain them; it is as Rhiannon said, a case of one who would take it all too literally or get an irrevocable impression. I made an on-the-spot decision for that situation, and I think that is the case most of the time, just as Jeanette profoundly stated: "...as a human who interacts with other humans of all shapes/sizes/abilities." Perhaps then, there is no general rule, only individuals with individual needs? :) EDITED to comment: For Jeanette..."This has been a difficult post, and I am so sorry if any of my terms offend anybody (I certainly don't want to do that)." Your terms seemed appropriate to me, none offensive at all. More importantly, your insight has been most worthy. ;)

tmgrl2	08 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Happiness Hmmm, so you're saying that disabled people, even physically disabled people, who are living in a home, would be vulnerable, and are likely to place more emphasis on my words. In which case, the power I hold could be too much for me? Hence, better not to read, incase a foolish word leads to problems? (I'm just trying to clarify what is being said, and apolgies in advance if I misunderstood) I don't think I would go into their territory with Tarot. It would seem that you were coming in with a form of guidance that might be questioned by the powers that be. Just like I wouldn't bring it to my school (although I read for colleagues on our own time at lunch, occasionally) but I wouldn't bring it to a "setting" like a group home. I think it's a matter of ethics. We, as Tarot Readers are not offering a "licensed" service. Homes are governed by certain standards and rules about what goes on under "the roof." I wouldn't go into any place like that, e.g. a nursing home, a school. If i'm sitting at a cafe and offering readings and someone comes in, that's different. Someone help me out here. terri

Centaur	09 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Yaboot001 When I used to support clients through work, one guy I helped was blind and deaf and needed the use of a wheelchair. I was constantly shocked and appauled by peoples ignorance and insensitivity. When we would go shopping, members of the general public would stop me, give a sympathetic (or patronising) "ahhhh", and ask me all manners of questions relating to subjects as how he uses the bathroom. Obviously, I declined answering their questions and politely (we are not all ignorant) told them that I am sure my friend would probably prefer to spend his money somewhere else. Yeh, I find that people tend to make assumptions very quickly based on what they see and hear. On occasion, when I have taken my mother out in her wheelchair, I have had people talk to me INSTEAD of talking to her, as though she is incapable of communication. She suffers from multiple sclerosis, but her communication skills are as good as those of anyone else. It is almost as though the symbol of the wheelchair, for those people, equates with 'otherness', and someone who is incapable of communication. I think that in terms of tarot, this might happen also. It would therefore be advisable for the reader to keep an open mind, and try to learn a little about the condition suffered by the querent before embarking upon any reading for that person. As an aside, my mother has often jokingly expressed a psychotic urge to mow some of these individuals down in her wheelchair.

Kahlie	09 Jul 2004
In General... I think I'd be hesitant to read for people who are easily impressionable (if that is caused by their mental capacities, or by something else) The problem is... often when you hear people ask a question, it's framed as if the cards have the responsibility. (Questions like: "What should I do", "Should I do this") I always talk to Querent about how they are ultimately responsible, and that the cards are only there to give advice, just as a friend would. Whether you do something with that advice... that's your business... But I thought it was about physical disablities, and not mental ones... ? My first thought was that it was about mental disabilities, that's why my first post on this thread was about me never getting into such a situation. Well, I truly hate the word disabilities.... I prefer to think of it as my "spot" (Bad translation here!), nobody is brand clean, everybody has something... This is what I have, you can't see it, but it's there. It defines me, but it is NOT me... Only a small part of me, but if it wasn't there, I'd be somebody different...

Rhiannon	09 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Jeanette HOWEVER, how are we to know this? Not everybody who deals with those types of problems goes around advertising that fact! I'm sure I run into countless people during the course of my day that could be classified as dealing with mental problems, could be under a doctor's care, taking medication for those problems, etc., and may appear "normal" on the surface, while internally they may be battling demons galore! I understand your point, Jeanette. We would not always neccessarily know what our client's mental state might be. This is often the case with everyone. You just can't know how your readings are going to be received by strangers. I think all readings should be taken on a case by case basis. There are some people who are not seen as having any disabilities at all that I just will not read for. :) I guess, if you feel iffy about it, don't do it. R :)

Nycelle	09 Jul 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Kahlie Well, I truly hate the word disabilities.... I prefer to think of it as my "spot" (Bad translation here!), nobody is brand clean, everybody has something... This is what I have, you can't see it, but it's there. It defines me, but it is NOT me... Only a small part of me, but if it wasn't there, I'd be somebody different... I read something similar once, on the subject of whether or not your resumé should disclose details of any disability. The advice was not to. The reason was that people don't submit CVs saying they are lousy at getting up early, or hate working in groups, or have any other attribute that makes the job marginally more difficult and significantly harder to get. As for reading for disabled people - I don't read yet, I still just study. But my best friend is disabled and I don't think twice about any other interactions with her. So why would reading be different?

The Reading for disabled people thread was originally posted on 07 Jul 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.