How do you tell people?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

LadyofDreams	11 Apr 2005
Does everyone you know (within reason) know that you read tarot? And how did you tell them? My close family know, although my Dad doesnt like it, and he has all but forbidden me to tell my Nanny, on basis that he thinks it will go against her religion (eg, other powers interfering with our lives). My Mum and her partner found out when I bought my first deck, and they accept it and are interested, but have never, and probably will never ask for readings. But, most of my friends dont have a clue. I think I am probably scared of what they would say, as they are all very judgemental, and the ones who would be interested would ask for readings. I would be unable to do readings for them, even though I would like to, because I find it hard to read face-to-face. That is why I only read for myself, and occaisionally by email. Part of the problem is that I am quiet and would end up just telling them what they want to hear (because they are my friends), and they always imagine the "you will meet a tall dark stranger" type of thing, whenever anything to do with fortune-telling etc comes up. I suppose I am also asking whether or not I should tell them, or if I should just leave it until they find out? And how YOU tell people? Always, ~lady~

Fairawen	11 Apr 2005
Well... haha. My family knows by accident, and my boyfriend knows because he always wants to know everybodies secrets, especially mine. I've been in hiding for a little under a year, and have just recently come out a bit about it. My Dad found my deck, got rid of it, and we never once spoke of it. I didn't want it to end that way, so I started a conversation up about tarot. They got extremely hostile (though I must admit I wasn't perfectly calm myself... when somebody refuses to listen it does get rather aggrivating) and said we'd talk about it another day. I'm try to prepare. The way Ipresented the conversation was, I got into the field in which tarot is usually grouped with, then I mentioned how tarot was nothing like it, and continued from there. Funny how little people know, or want to know, about tarot. *sigh* ~Fairawen~

tarotbear	11 Apr 2005
Dear LadyofDreams~ I sympathize! We are happy with what we do, yet we know that other people's perceptions of what we do may not be favorable towards us. A woman that I worked with wanted my email addy once, and when I told her it was 'tarotbear' she actually said "Oh. I could never send you an email because I could never type that word on my computer." She was one of those 'born again and again' types. I pity her. I talk a lot about my book. When someone I don't know appraoches me and asks "You wrote a book? What's it about?" - they are usually expecting me to say 'poetry' or 'math,' or something. I usually size them up before I reply. If I sense they will probably 'freak,' and I'd prefer them to leave me alone besides, I say " I write about The Occult," or "I am an Occult writer." If they don't get eyes as big as saucers, I then say 'I wrote about about reading Tarot Cards.' From that they can infer that I probably read them, too! To most people I say 'I wrote a book on how to read Tarot cards.' My parents don't have a clue as to what or how or why i am involved in it. They didn't even understand when I was trying to get a book published about it; they think there are only 3 or 4 people in the world interested in this 'stuff.' But - they are proud of the fact that I did get published and can call myself an author. Have I ever really gotten a negative reaction from saying I read tarot cards? Probably not.

laura_borealis	11 Apr 2005
I don't go around saying, "Hey, I read tarot!" but if the topic comes up I freely admit to it. People at my last 2 jobs knew and didn't have a problem. Some of my family members know, others probably don't, but I would talk about it if asked. When I'm at my mom's house I don't have the cards out in front of her, because I know it would make her uncomfortable, but otherwise I don't take any special precautions. I read in coffeeshops, the library, the laundromat, restaurants... I've only gotten a negative reaction twice. The first was with my mom, who objected to my first deck and asked me to get rid of them while I was living under her roof. The second was a woman in the laundromat, who was apprehensive but curious. At first she said she thought they were Satanic. It turned out her granddaughter wanted a tarot deck, and she didn't know if she should buy it or not. I think I eased her fears (and I suggested one of the angel decks as something she'd be more comfortable with). ETA: I should add, I *am* careful what deck I have out in public. I wouldn't take the Cosmic Tribe to the library, for instance. :P I had a Celtic deck with Christian symbolism the day at the laundromat, which probably helped a lot with that lady.

huredriel	11 Apr 2005
Most of my friends know, my family know and a few people at work. Actually I was talking to someone today about something, and it kind of came out that I am now into Tarot, and I was surprised at my colleague's reaction. She actually warned me about what I was getting into LOL!!! So I tried to explain a few rational points to her, didn't convince her but luckily she's more of a live and let live kind of person, though I doubt she'd ever want a reading done :D

bleuivy	11 Apr 2005
tarotbear wrote: A woman that I worked with wanted my email addy once, and when I told her it was 'tarotbear' she actually said "Oh. I could never send you an email because I could never type that word on my computer." She was one of those 'born again and again' types. I pity her. Wow, tarotbear. That's really extreme. Most of my extended family are born again, and they always scare me with how very narrow they allow their minds to get. Oh well. The majority of my family (except the born again ones, and they're really only extended family) know I read tarot cards. They don't understand, but they accept it as just sort of something silly that I do. They certainly don't understand why I have more than one deck. Although when my Housewives' arrived, my mother kept looking at it longingly. I can tell she'll ask for a reading the next time I'm home. In fact, I really don't keep the fact that I read tarot cards a secret at all. My friends and family just accept my little weirdnesses - being pagan, reading tarot cards, dating girls - as just parts of my personality. My way of thinking is, if they don't like one aspect of me, then why should I trouble them with the rest? I did break it to my family sort of gently. I put a few tarot decks and books on various wish lists I have at online stores, and then suggested they go to the wish lists when the holliday season rolled around. What can I say? I don't like confrontations. Their response was sort of: "Oh, you're into that now. First it was paganism, then lesbianism, and now tarot cards?" So I guess it was the least of their worries. :P Good luck breaking it to people. Some very religious people didn't like it whenI told them, but they've learned to accept it, or they've stopped being friends with me. It's as simple as that.

muteswan	11 Apr 2005
It's never come up. My mom has used oracle cards and my dad is very liberal and open-minded, so it's no issue, but we don't live close so it's never been an issue. As for others, it comes up or it dosen't. Just like sexual orientation, religion, or other things, I don't hide it, but I don't advertise (although I might start, for some supplemental income). I've always been surrounded by liberal people, so I've never had a negative encounter. I'm sure I will eventually.

similia	12 Apr 2005
Well I just say it if it comes up. (shrug) I have a couple friends who gave me a funny look based on their religions, but most don't really think much about it. Its not something I'd put on my resume under hobbies though. I have one very funny friend who has a problem with anything "occult-ish" because of his religion. Meanwhile he is participating very actively in many mortal sins }) All a bit strange to me. I guess I'm in the minority in that my family all know, and many want readings, but I won't give them one. I don't want to open that door to them. I'd rather they ask someone else.

Junia	12 Apr 2005
I think that the worst experience I ever saw any one have was in the office in the 1980's. One of the secretaries brought in her deck and had it out on break and a few folks asked her to read for them. She was called into the manager's office and told not to bring the deck to work again. Funny thing is 1) it was a law office and 2) everyone else brought in their scriptures and read them on break and no one ever said a word about it. The next happened a few weeks ago. We had gone to a popular spot for bagels and were reading our cards. My boyfriend dropped his drink and it rolled to the table next to ours. The guy at the next table (who was probably about late 50's) picked up the drink and said, "See I did a nice thing for you even though you are practicing witchcraft." I said, "Gosh I am surprised to hear people still saying that even when I am reading my Christian-based (Connolly) deck." I am still friends w/the office manager mentioned above, but I still don't discuss Tarot. Once or twice the cards have warned us that some people wouldn't understand and/or agree with our belief system. Funny world people can wear swastikas or any number of really negative (well at least to me--I hope that doesn't offend anyone) emblems and no one says a word. But my card board and highly flammable deck of cards (around a lighted match) really freaks people out. Best of luck on this one. I guess despite our supposedly educated and sophisticated society, we all still have our little bigotries and superstitions (me included unfortunately). But, I am in self-enforced cultural rehab and making progress.

snowy25	12 Apr 2005
Because I don't keep it a secret. I don't advertice either. When someone comes to my home they can see I collect tarot because I display some of my decks in a small closet that's made out of glass. But people around me know I have 'occult' books since my childhood and don't keep it a secret. If some one realy has a problem with it I just don't explane. They just aren't fit to be a friend of mine because it belongs in my life (not only the tarot). And where I live I hardly have to explane why I have tarot or the books I have. It isn't meanstream here and people have their opinions but out here it's out in the open, sort of. And most of all, even if I didn't have tarot cards I would rather be friends with open minded people any way. A minority of people think it's stupid, supersticiouse or a waist of money. And it's their choice. But it's differend in the places I've worked and still would work wasn't it for my health. I keep it quiet because colegues come and go from all over the country and not every one understands you don't have to be a total nutcase to read the cards. Only a few know at my work and most of them don't judge me about it and some even had a reading and still think I can be seriouse.

gollog	12 Apr 2005
all of my family know, because I asked my sister a deck for my birthday and she got it for me. My father en sister don't 'believe' in the cards, but don't mind me having them at all. My mam has asked me for a reading once, but she is a bit scared of what it might say. I got my first deck while I was studying at university and my friends at that them were just either really interested in 'trying them out' or not interested in them at al, so we talked about other stuff :-). After my study I gained a new friend, when I was helping her move I found a deck of tarot cards, appeared she read as well! And then my boyfriend, he thinks its a load of crap, makes fun of me about it but doesn't mind me having them at all. Although all more or less good reactions, I wouldn't talk about it to collegues or other people unless I got a feeling they are interested in it, and it comes up in a conversation. Once I'm 'good' friends with someone I wouldn't mind telling them, if they make a fuss about it than they are not people I would hang out with anyway. good luck to you!

stars	12 Apr 2005
Hi, I talk to people around me if the Tarot cards come up in conversation, it is generally accepted and quite a few are interested in having readings (so they say). I take note of their enthusiasme but let it go. The majority of people never ask again or ask seriously for a reading. I don't push... or ask when.. Those that are ready to hear and progress with the information given during a reading will soon come forward. My family accept that I read the cards. Just simply say "what do you think about Tarot cards?" Listen to their reply and normally the question comes back to you .."why, what do you think about them?" I help my sisters out with a few questions and they are pleased to have the help. My father thinks I'm bonkers and I read for my mum from time to time. Stay on the journey, things will change with time! Enjoy, stars

Emeraldgirl	12 Apr 2005
I take my cards everywhere and if I reading a book about tarot I read it out in the open so I get a lot if questions from friends & family and I just reply honestly. Yes I read cards. Yes if I have time I'll do a reading for you. No they aren't made by the devil. The only thing I won't do anymore is readings a mental list of people who I know who would end up only making me feel bad with their skeptical sarcasam.

Kiama	12 Apr 2005
I'm like many of the previous posters here - I don't keep it a secret, but I don't shout it from the rooftops. Pretty much the same as I do for everything else about me. I don't keep the fact that I'm female a secret, but I don't need to shout it from the rooftops for people to know. Same is true with Tarot, and with most things in my life. I am what I am, and very rarely (wisely or not) keep it 'in check'. Unless I *know* it would offend people and it wouldn't be worth the trouble, e.g. I wouldn't read cards in a church. When in Rome... I think my boundaries are created by respect. I had a few friends who, on a recent group trip, went into a Christian shop and picked up some of their books and started, very loudly, saying horrible and sarcastic things about the books and Christianity. In the middle of a Christian shop. That is something I wouldn't do - as I said, when in Rome... A lot of what I do in life is centred around Tarot, in that I teach it, give workshops and talks on it, write about it, earn money through readings, and collect decks. Anybody who takes a look at my bookshelves will see the kind of books I like to read }) and they can make of that what they will. I also have no fear of getting out a deck to read in public - though I don't do readings just for myself. Only for others. Everybody I know, knows I read Tarot. But then, everybody I know is very open-minded. They're mostly Pagans, or 'Pagan sympathetic', so they don't get scared by the occult or Tarot. Guess I'm lucky. So, how do I tell people? I don't usually - I just be who I am. I don't hide my Tarot decks and books away from eyesight at home, and I don't decline to read for somebody in public. If somebody asks me what I am doing a talk on I tell them. I haven't had any negative reactions yet. :D Blessings, Kiama

Ahria	12 Apr 2005
I am very careful about telling people and only my closest friends know, some of my family know but I dont do it in front of my mom, dad or grandmother, as they dont like it. The dont forbit me to do it, its out of respect I dont do it around them. Tarot is very personal to me so its something I only share with people I trust.

jmd	12 Apr 2005
Most of the adults I know tend to know of my interest and engagement with Tarot... ...but how do I tell people? Not sure - I suppose in my case if it comes up in conversation, I mention it. Of course, if anyone comes over our home, it's a little difficult to assume I'm not involved, given the books, at least one deck out (usually more), and the Newsletters. If anyone walks into the study, it's even more obvious, with 2m high banners hanging in preparation for the Conference :)

Gryphflame	12 Apr 2005
My mum knows- I told her when I bought my first real deck about a week ago, and she knew when I bought my Lord of the Rings tarot a few years ago. She's a bit disapproving, but accepts that I use them as an advice and writing tool. She's never going to ask for a reading or anything, but I keep it to myself and she doesn't really care- we're essentially aethiestic, so it's not as if she worries about me being posessed by the devil, I think she's just a little concerned I'll get dupped by some miss Cleo wannabes. I don't know if my dad knows- he wasn't at home when I mentioned it to my mum, but his reaction would probably about the same. If anyone gives you any real trouble, you could always use the cop-out that you collect them for the artwork. I used that a bit with my mum, and she admitted that they were really pretty cards ;) You can also use a tarot deck, minus the majors and one set of royals, as a pack of normal playing cards, and there are few spreads under the tarot spread forum designed for brainstorming writing ideas. There are lots of reasons to own a tarot deck that have nothing to do with the occult :D

MercyMe	12 Apr 2005
Most of my friends and family know about my tarot reading. I have friends that feel it is contrary to their religion and so judge the practice based on that and believe I am dabbling in witchcraft or opening doors to evil. One friend tried to understand how it could be redeemable, but she couldn't go there, so I don't discuss it with her. She was great about it, though. She totally took the onus on herself by saying, "I know it's probably my problem, not yours, but I just can't go there with you." I respect that. I've found the only people who truly have a problem with it are those whose belief systems forbid it and they aren't the type to question things like that. But I simply shrug and say, "You don't know what you're missing!" Ha! :) ~Mercy

Gwynne	12 Apr 2005
My family doesn't know, but then again, I rarely speak to them anyway. I've been reading for years, but my mother discovered a deck of mine when I was living with her (I was 21 at the time). I'd had to leave in a hurry, my son had a high fever, and I left the cards out on the table and came home to the smell of burning cardboard. We never spoke of it again and I was very careful never to leave the cards out again. I don't live with her anymore (thank gods!!) so now I've got books and decks EVERYWHERE!!! If a person gets past the front door (with the dragon door-knocker on it...) and actually makes it pas the living room (with the cauldron on a shelf, the black cat in the chair and the wall of dragons and swords of my husbands...) and then actually make it to my office, without my having to explain everything... then I know they're ok with Tarot. My ex's parents won't set foot in my house, fine by me. My family hasn't actually set foot in my house either. I'm too wierd for them. I was reading at the shop last night and the clerk asked if my family knew at all. I laughed because my youngest sister works at the mall too, in the store right next door to the shop where I do readings, and she doesn't have a clue. And honestly, she'll never come in there because it's my family are the sort who will walk out of their way to avoid it! I don't hid it, if someone asks I tell them, but I've got this "don't ask, don't tell" thing with my family. Now me in public? Hah... that's a WHOLE other story! I have a Tarot purse! It's got Giant Rider Waite cards on it! Knight of Swords, Nine of Pentacles, Four of Cups, Three of Wands, Magician, Seven of Wands, Knight of Pentacles and *shock* the Devil right on it. It's VERY obvious. I get reactions ranging from "Oh that is so cool! Do you read?" (which then prompts me to hand them a business card) to the worst reaction I've ever had... I was in a cute little gift shop buying some candles and some figurines for a friend. Put everything on the counter, and opened my purse up to get my wallet out when the cashier *freaked* "Get that tool of Satan off my counter!!" she screamed at me. There were other customers in the store, one of whom had just gotten my business card (and has since come for a reading) and I could tell they were mortified by the cashier's outburst. I just sighed and left. Didn't buy what I wanted, if people react like that I'm more likely to just walk away.... Since getting that purse, it's definitely been a great way to start a conversation :lol: In fact we've got a discount bookstore nearby that I absolutely love. They've got a LOT of great titles for half price or more so I'm in there every week checking out anything new. The manager was in the last time I was there and she fell in love with my purse, asked if I read and then offered to let me put a pile of flyers or brochures on the table where they sell the Occult/Pagan/Tarot books! All in all, it's worth the extra exposure and new clients to put up with a few close minded idiots.

Violinagin	12 Apr 2005
Well, my dad knows I have them, but he's only seen me and my cousin, boyfriend, and friends playing card games with them... so he doesn't know I read. I'm not going to tell him either. At least, not for awhile. We've just now reached a stable plataue, and I like being on speaking terms with him. Most of my friends think it's really cool, even if they don't really buy into it. I'll read for them (they are usually very understanding when I have to look up a meaning or something) and don't do the whole "skeptic" thing. Most of the time I'm in public with my friends, they want to play cards, but they don't have a deck, so I let them borrow one of my smaller and older ones. So people come by, and ask questions about the deck and all. If I have another deck I'll read for them, but I always let them know I'm new at it and that I don't really think the cards will predict the future. We're usually at the college, and people here tend to be a bit more accepting of 'odd' things outside of their norm. But we are in the Bible belt, so I have been met with some cold looks and comments people make to others. I've never had anyone speak directly to me, which I'm happy about.

rainwolf	12 Apr 2005
My family knows about it because i didnt think anything of them as bad when i first bought them, except my aunt. I dont really feel a need to tell other people "just because". I came to school with them and asked friends if i could read for them (i guess i was uninhibited), and people just knew. I also have a ton of books laying around so people see them. Ladyofdreams: if you only read for yourself, why do you need to tell others? For conversation about it?

MercyMe	13 Apr 2005
Ok, I want to know where Gwynne got her purse. :::::tapping foot impatiently::::::: ~Mercy

Gwynne	13 Apr 2005
MercyMe wrote: Ok, I want to know where Gwynne got her purse. :::::tapping foot impatiently::::::: ~Mercy Ebay. It's one of a kind, literally. But I think I might start making them myself as I've had a LOT of people interested and I can put things on consignment to sell in the shop I read at. I was going to take pictures and post it, but my digital camera needs new batteries... I'm going shopping shortly and I'll get some, then I'll post pictures so all can see! It is VERY attention grabbing, which is good for business quite often. More and more people are open to Tarot, although I do on occasion get shock and dismay, more often than not it's "Oh, that is so cool!"

LadyofDreams	13 Apr 2005
rainwolf wrote: Ladyofdreams: if you only read for yourself, why do you need to tell others? For conversation about it? Its not that I NEED to tell people, more that I want those people to know, because I have known them for years. If they asked for a reading then i would try, just because it is them. If you get my meaning :s Lol, I dont want to tell every person that I meet - "hi, i read tarot cards, whats your name" :D That would get me even more weird looks! :P always, ~lady~

Junia	14 Apr 2005
Quoted Gwynne "to the worst reaction I've ever had... I was in a cute little gift shop buying some candles and some figurines for a friend. Put everything on the counter, and opened my purse up to get my wallet out when the cashier *freaked* "Get that tool of Satan off my counter!!" she screamed at me." Your mom burned your Tarot? I really feel lucky now! This one absolutely wins! It takes the cake and the pie both. LOL. I will now swallow that fly that has entered into my gaping mouth and is choking me! There is a woman here in town who owns a little metaphysical shop (that sells Tarot cards) who told us a fun story. One day a young man (adolescent) strolled into the store. He looked at everything for about 15 to 20 min. During which time, he never uttered a word. But, as he was leaving, he said in a very disappointed voice, "There is really nothing scary in here at all." She was so shocked that all that she could say back was, "Thank you." Oh Tarot, how we suffer for thee ;-).

Gwynne	14 Apr 2005
Junia wrote: Quoted Gwynne "to the worst reaction I've ever had... I was in a cute little gift shop buying some candles and some figurines for a friend. Put everything on the counter, and opened my purse up to get my wallet out when the cashier *freaked* "Get that tool of Satan off my counter!!" she screamed at me." Your mom burned your Tarot? I really feel lucky now! This one absolutely wins! It takes the cake and the pie both. LOL. I will now swallow that fly that has entered into my gaping mouth and is choking me! There is a woman here in town who owns a little metaphysical shop (that sells Tarot cards) who told us a fun story. One day a young man (adolescent) strolled into the store. He looked at everything for about 15 to 20 min. During which time, he never uttered a word. But, as he was leaving, he said in a very disappointed voice, "There is really nothing scary in here at all." She was so shocked that all that she could say back was, "Thank you." Oh Tarot, how we suffer for thee ;-). I do readings in a pagan shop and it gets very interesting sometimes. It's slow right now, we're in the mall, but with the weather starting to get nice, everyone is out enjoying it. I've had three interesting ones this week alone! A woman and man came in the store and were looking at some of the clothes. We've got some gorgeous dresses, handsown, designer sort of things that run in the $150 to $200 range... She was looking at them, walking progressively further and further into the store. Then she got to the display of skulls. And freaked. "Oh my Lord... Oh my Lord... this store is demonic.... this store is voodoo... I have to leave..." She turned around and left.... Then the next day this group of teenagers came in. I was back at my table reading a book, waiting for anyone to come in... They're walking through the store and suddenly noticed the titles of the books on the shelf "This is witchcraft stuff, this is black magic, we better be careful, those chicks'll put a curse on us...." Then the headed back to my table. I tried desperately not to cringe.... One of the guys was talking about getting a reading and they were asking me questions. Finally he decided not to get one and they left. I was SO glad... I pulled one quick card to see what reading him would have been like.... Tarot of Northern Shadows, Destruction (The Tower) Oh how icky that could have been.... By the time they left the store, the girl was starting to show some real interest in the subject of Wicca (I'm Wiccan, the cashier working that day is non-religious, but very defensive of all religions) but the guys dragged her out. And then, what I think is the funniest, and strangest, of all. I was standing in the store shuffling my cards. I often walk through the store with a deck in hand shuffling it, I just love the feel of cards in my hand. And if I've got a new deck I like to shuffle the crap out of it to get that new feeling out of it. This woman who was very obviously pregnant and had just come out of the maternity store across the hall came in and asked if I did readings. "Yes," I said. She asked where and I pointed to my table and she said she'd like one. We started walking toward the back of the store when we reached the display of Pentagrams and the Barbie altar (I love the Barbie altar... three Barbies dressed in Witchy garb with a miniature altar all decked out with incense, Athame, Pentagram, Wand, crystal ball, etc... It's so... fluffy, but fun anyway!!!) She stopped and whispered "This stuff is witchcraft isn't it?" I responded "That's one of the uses for it." And she left!!!! She was coming to get a Tarot reading but freaked at the thought of witchcraft!!! Wierdness!!! Yeah, my mom burned my cards. And I was in my twenties when she did it....

carly	14 Apr 2005
I told my mum in the car, and she freaked out so much I thought we would crash :-). But eventually i kept nagging for her to listen, and she eventually bought my first deck and has asked for reading for herself and her friend! I told one of my closest friends and she started doing tarot too, and since we talk about it to eachother openly all of our other friends know. Recently they've been interested and asking questions, but none of them freak out. I have gave a reading for one over the internet, and we are going to do a face-to-face one on monday :-). I like people knowing because it's a talking subject and I love reading for other people. I was apprehensive at first, but now don't worry about it. If people listen usually they understand it, and if they dont...pfff Carly

Milfoil	14 Apr 2005
Like most others, I'll tell people who ask but I don't go out of my way to advertise my love of the Tarot. I don't hide them when people come around but I don't offer readings either. If someone is interested they will ask. My parents are pretty easy going and knew of my interest very early on (we are talking 25+ years ago here) but they never bothered me one way or the other about it, unfortunately the church I attended back then made sure I didn't continue my interest for many years. A few years ago my Mum asked me about them and I gave her a deck but I don't think she's done anything with them. I've had varying comments from "oh no, they're evil arn't they?" type stuff through the "HA you don't honestly believe in all that c*** do you?" to the "Oooh how interesting, will you read for me" comments so I guess you just have to take the rough with the smooth. Sometimes its the ones you least expect who are the most interested though. Last week I had James Van Praagh's book Heaven & Earth on my desk (face down) when one of our engineers came into my office and was talking to me, he picked up the book and I was expecting the usual hoot of laughter and comments like "what a load of old twaddle" etc but to my surprise he was very interested, knew more than I did about the author and we must have chatted for over 30 minutes about related things. You never can tell. . . .

Elektra	14 Apr 2005
I don't tell people. I don't see any reason to. I only read for myself anyway (I've only been reading since Christmas, so I'm really new). My mom and one of my brothers know, because they saw my cards when I was home from law school over Christmas. I explained it to my mom (lapsed Catholic) as something that helps you to work through issues, like a therapist. She seemed to be cool with it. My brother (atheist, like me) thinks it's crap and always says "Are you still reading that Tarot junk?" but doesn't seem to be particularly upset about it.

mike gorth	14 Apr 2005
Let's see. about 2 years ago, I was researching occult stuff(which i'm no longer involved in) and came across tarot and it reminded me of Miss Cleo who was a total fraud and so I took a look into it. I didn't tell my parents until one year ago. I finally asked to go to a local book store that carried some tarot decks and I secretly ordered for one to be waiting at the counter. When I came out with the universal waite deck and the pictorial key to the tarot, I got into the car and my mom took the bag and looked in it and pulled it out. I was soooo scared. She said, "oh honey, you should have told me, I think I have a deck at home." Apparently she had recieved some from a friend but never used them. My dad thinks that it doesn't work but now he wants a divorce so I don't care what he thinks a single bit. When I started to buy a couple more decks about 2-4 months ago, my mom said when we were at her message therapists office, "Tell her what you got" I said tarot and apparently she does too and now she's teaching me a bunch of stuff and I'm soo excited. She is now my teacher and mentor. She is also a great friend that I have known since I was born. I've told some of my friends but a lot don't know what it is and the ones who do don't care. Although my one friend, his mom doesn't want him to read tarot but I'll try to do something.

Tabby	14 Apr 2005
Most of the people in my life don't know I read tarot. Even though, at this point in time, I consider myself an novice and I read for myself mainly. My neighbor knows and my boyfriend knows kinda I have an interest in them. But, my family really doesn't know. My grandma and dad is a little bit old fashion and conservative. So, I'm not sure how their reaction will be. But, mom is more liberal in her views so if she knew I think she would be more understanding about it.

Hazel	14 Apr 2005
I live in bible belt USA so I usually don't reveal my interest in tarot. But occasionally I've been bold enough or stupid enough. For example.... I was a waitress and another waitress who I didn't know well was at my house. I told her I read tarot, and she seemed a little nervous but was curious enough to accept a reading. After she shuffled the cards, I said cheerfully "and now I just say a little prayer to Satan..." I was of course just trying to be funny. But it freaked her out and I was never able to fully convince her that I was just kidding. Now I don't subject people I don't know well to my interest in tarot or to my sense of humor.

Junia	15 Apr 2005
Gwynne, Hazel and others, Should we do a documentary for Sundance? These stories are a scream (literally, sometimes huh Gwynne). Great idea for a thread. What a complete hoot. Love and XIX The Sun, Junia

Tarot Boy	15 Apr 2005
The only people that know I do Tarot are: My mom My aunt My best friend My ex Four people... not very much. I see it as something like, if they ask, I will admit, but if not, I won't just come out and say it. I've offered readings to my aunt and my best friend, AND my ex. So I've beens tudying my cards diligently all week.

tarotbear	15 Apr 2005
Hazel wrote: After she shuffled the cards, I said cheerfully "and now I just say a little prayer to Satan..." I was of course just trying to be funny. But it freaked her out and I was never able to fully convince her that I was just kidding. Now I don't subject people I don't know well to my interest in tarot or to my sense of humor. Well, this is exactly the type of thing everyone sits and complains about, that there are fakes and chalatans and Satanists out there, so you just did your best to fulfill the stereotype. Not a good move. She probably told everyone in her church that you pray to Satan.

rainwolf	15 Apr 2005
Hazel wrote: After she shuffled the cards, I said cheerfully "and now I just say a little prayer to Satan..." I was of course just trying to be funny. But it freaked her out and I was never able to fully convince her that I was just kidding. Now I don't subject people I don't know well to my interest in tarot or to my sense of humor. Thats increadibly funny but she took it the wrong way sadly. Guess it still isnt accepted.

Gwynne	15 Apr 2005
Junia wrote: Gwynne, Hazel and others, Should we do a documentary for Sundance? These stories are a scream (literally, sometimes huh Gwynne). Great idea for a thread. What a complete hoot. Love and XIX The Sun, Junia Definitely! LOL Working as a reader in the mall, I'm sure I'll get more and more of these too... People are so funny sometimes....

bibi	15 Apr 2005
I guess you could open the subject by asking the person you really want to reveal it to, whether they believe in fate.. Sometimes if they're very religious they have a problem with tarot, but the 3 wise men found Jesus using astrology and if revelation is true then there's a future prediction. In which case why should they rule out that there's a spiritual channel to access it? Perhaps it should be integrated into the national curriculum. lol But until then only tell those who you trust. Or people will use this information 'against' you to gossip with other narrow-minded people. Bibi x

Deana	15 Apr 2005
My first exposure to Tarot was in high school, more years ago than I like to remember. A girl gave a reading and the Death card came up and she told the guy he'd die driving home from school that day. I was so freaked when I got home that I told my mom about it and she asked what the reading was about. He'd been asking about a relationship and my mom said it probably didn't mean he'd die but that he and his girlfriend would break up (which is what happened). My mom has never read Tarot, but she's an astrologer and she studies Feng Shui and whatever else she can get her hands on. My dad is Pentecostal and they have a policy of not discussing stuff like that. I didn't get interested in Tarot for about six or seven years after the high school experience. Honestly, I've done so many bizarre, stupid, different, and just weird things that telling people I do Tarot is more likely to make them glad I'm not doing something worse. I went through a really bizarre time in my life, and "just" reading Tarot is mature and settled by comparison.

MercyMe	15 Apr 2005
Deana wrote: Honestly, I've done so many bizarre, stupid, different, and just weird things that telling people I do Tarot is more likely to make them glad I'm not doing something worse. I went through a really bizarre time in my life, and "just" reading Tarot is mature and settled by comparison. :D Yeah, I can relate. Most of my family just roll their eyes and say, "Oh, she's doing THAT now...whatever!" LOL ~Mercy

mike gorth	15 Apr 2005
That was really funny about the a little prayer to satan. Oh that was hilarious. I'm even laughing right now.

Gwynne	16 Apr 2005
mike gorth wrote: That was really funny about the a little prayer to satan. Oh that was hilarious. I'm even laughing right now. I actually thought it was funny... Different people would take it differently though, so I don't think I'd ever say that to a client... Especially since the shop I work in has enough problems with people coming in and freaking out...

The How do you tell people? thread was originally posted on 11 Apr 2005 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.