I read about others in the privacy of my tiny studio, in private, for myself,
out of crass curiosity or even a fleeting whim all the time.
I don't see where ethics enter into that. I'm not wiretapping, I'm not
opening their mail or peeping into their homes with a telescope, similies
notwithstanding.
I'm not sharing anyone's secrets with other people after
having promised them not to do so. (I'm never sure about ethics, but I do
know, in general, what is not nice to do to other people).
If my mom thought the cards were evil, but she fell ill and went to the hospital,
I goddam well would read cards about her, for myself, if I wanted to.
(Does finagling the question to 'how I could help her', rather than 'what
is the problem' make it different (i.e. 'better') or more justifiable or just
easier on our conscience for looking in the first place? )
"Is there really a difference between somebody asking you to do a
reading on a person or situation as opposed to doing it on your own?"
in practical terms, and as sucky as I am with ethical questions in general
(and I have inconsistent morals), I would *guess* the answer to that
question is no.
edit typo