Do you remember when you first ‘came out’ and told your parents, your friends, your family, your co-workers, your non-Tarot clients, or complete strangers that you’re a Tarot reader? Or maybe you still haven’t? Maybe you’re still hidden safely in the Tarot closet.
‘Coming out’ to my parents was easy. Mum was the person who gave me the Tarot cards in the first place (despite clearly stating several times she is a ‘non-believer’ in this hocus-pocus). ‘Coming out’ to close friends – no problems there either.
But ‘coming out’ to colleagues and people from my corporate life – eeks! Changing my LinkedIn profile to say “Tarot Professional” – nerve-wracking! And telling strangers that I read Tarot cards for a living… without blushing or trying to quickly cover it up with, “Oh, but I used to work in corporate and I have a Masters degree” – nearly impossible.
Keeping Your Tarot Talents A Secret
We all have our reasons for whether we’re completely open about our Tarot reading talents or whether we keep it a secret.
Perhaps you’re working in a corporate role where you don’t want potential employers to Google you and find out you’re a Tarot reader. Or your professional association rules that you cannot keep your credentials and practice Tarot openly (e.g. hypnotherapy or psychology).
Perhaps you come from a strict religious background where Tarot is ‘evil’ (even though we know the Tarot has a clear historical connection with Christianity) and if anyone ever found out you read the cards, you’d be told you’re going straight to hell.
Or perhaps you’re worried you might be ridiculed or made fun of, even by your friends. “Oh, you don’t seriously believe in that woo-woo stuff, do you?”
So, in an attempt to cover up what we really do, we might use a pseudo-name (I used “My Tarot Club” for almost 15 years), withhold our personal photo (or use a picture of something else instead), hide our Tarot books and decks in a secret place or only tell the people we really trust.
But do we have to remain ‘in the closet’ for the rest of our Tarot lives?! Why not ‘come out’ and be free?!
Why Coming Out as Tarot Reader Can Be Liberating
I have to admit, I really struggled with being open about reading Tarot. I had a very professional, corporate image I had to protect and I didn’t want anything to come in the way of that.
But I came to a point when I had decided I was going to quit my corporate job and become a full-time Tarot professional, and I decided it was also time to be ‘real’ about who I am and what I do.
Why hide? Why act as if what I do for a living is something to be ashamed of, embarrassed about, or even in denial of?
I help people transform their lives. It just so happens that I use these 78 cards with pictures on them that help me tap into my intuition.
And what’s more, I’ve created a successful and fulfilling Tarot business that enables me to spend more time with my family and to make a difference in other people’s lives.
What is there to be embarrassed about?
When I started to see my Tarot work as a legitimate way of helping people and a legitimate way to build a business and a livelihood, I felt much more confident in being open about what I do.
And as I am more open, I am more authentic and in harmony with who I am. I am no longer this split identity, but I am whole again. I am me again. And what a wonderful feeling that is.
Are you with me?! Want to try being ‘out’, if you’re not already?
How To Be ‘Out’ with Grace and Confidence
‘Coming out’ can be scary – you never know how other people might respond and whether you’ll end up just making an even bigger mess for yourself as you fumble over your words. So it’s important that when you do ‘come out’ as a Tarot reader, you do it with grace and confidence!
Here are my tips for being ‘out’ as a Tarot reader:
- Have an ‘elevator pitch’ ready. Prepare your 30 second spiel about what you do and what value you add in people’s lives. Don’t just say, “I’m a Tarot reader” and quickly change the topic. Talk about what you actually do – “I inspire and coach people through difficult and confusing moments in their lives, using the Tarot cards.”
- Take it slow. Changing your LinkedIn profile to “Job: Tarot Reader” may come a little later on the list than telling your good friends or posting your photo on your website. You don’t have to go all out, if you don’t want to. Baby steps are OK!
- Don’t down-play yourself. If you’re going to be ‘out’, be ‘out’. Don’t say, “Oh, I’m just a Tarot reader. Yeah, I know, really weird, huh?! I do other stuff too – want to know about that instead?” Be confident and ‘own’ it. Say, “I’m a Tarot reader and I love what I do. I help so many people reconnect with themselves in order to navigate life’s challenges. I feel so lucky to be able to do this for a living!” (I’m still working on this one, personally!)
- Have a clear point of view on how the Tarot works. People are naturally going to ask you about “how it all works”. Be ready with a short and succinct explanation of how you believe the Tarot helps you to inspire and coach people, for example.
- Avoid getting ‘preachy’. You and I, we love Tarot and we ‘believe’ in it. But not everyone does. No amount of preaching and converting will get some folks to agree with what you do or with the impact it has. So know when to draw the line and move on. Marie Forleo has a great video about the right – and the wrong – way to share your personal development with others.
- Know your stuff. Did you know that Tarot is steeped in Christian symbolism? If not, do your research! The next time someone tells you that you’re going to hell for playing with Satan and dealing in divination, you can start reeling off all the ways in which Tarot and Christianity are aligned. (OK, just make sure you don’t get preachy!)
- Give the benefit of the doubt. You might think the person you’re talking to is the most straight, non-spiritual person in the room, but you never know! In the 2013 My Tarot Club Reader Survey, there were folks who are nurses, lawyers, real estate agents, bankers, correction officers, medical students, swimming teachers and maths teachers… all reading the Tarot cards! Who would have thought? So give the benefit of the doubt – you never know if they’re also ‘in the Tarot closet’.
Your Stories About Staying in the Closet or Being ‘Out’
I asked the My Tarot Club community to share their stories about being out of the closet. Here’s a few:
“My friends all knew I read the cards. But when I first told my mother, she asked if I was practicing witchcraft! She wouldn’t let me read for her until this past year. Now, she is floored by how the cards work. She often asks me questions about the cards as they are drawn and is very supportive!” – Jake
“There was no “coming out as a tarot person” required for me as I was interested in intuitive, symbolic, and mythic ways of Knowing at a very early age. It was not a great surprise to my family when I purchased my first pack of tarot cards at the age of 12. When I “went pro” in my late 20s, I decided to use my own name on all of my advertising because the tarot was, and is, a part of me. I’m proud to be someone who employs the tarot in a way that sets up conditions wherein people can gain insight into themselves and their lives.” – James Wells
“I’ve been coming out slowly. My family is deeply religious and consider tarot to be the workings of witchcraft and evil. I recently have come out to only a select few of my close family members. My brother-in-law was the only one who responded negatively. He said “Oh man, you’re going to hell! Why do you do tarot?”. I reminded him that he hasn’t been to a church in over 14 years and hasn’t even read the bible. Now to break it to my parents. Let’s see how that goes!” – Hector
“I’m still in the closet. I grew up in the church and my dad was a preacher. When I think about ‘coming out,’ I get a bit nervous. Not just because I have a lot of Christian friends who might think I’m a bit strange but because I think my parents may discover that I don’t believe Jesus is the way to eternal life. Also, my friends have absolutely no clue that I spend hours each day studying energy and learning how to blend my spirit self with my physical self. They just think I’m a regular soccer mom who worries about the same things they do, and really I’m a lot different.” – Kim
“Still in my closet My immediate family and close friends know but I work in an area of health involving a lot of grief and loss. A very vulnerable population group so I’d rather keep this quiet.” – Anon
“I grew up in a small Midwestern town (in the USA) where Tarot was highly frowned upon. There were many religious people around who did not approve. When I was 17 I bought my first Tarot deck and practiced in secret in my bedroom after everyone was asleep. Sometimes I would drive somewhere and park my car and use the passenger seat to lay out Tarot spreads. I was in my thirties before I ever told my parents or most of my friends. A question from a new friend made me really come out. I answered it spot on. It was time to come out and let everybody know that I am a card reader.” – Curtis
“I am very careful to keep my Tarot separate from the rest of my ‘internet’ work career persona. As a child, my mother was ‘OUT’ but it never occurred to myself or her to be ‘IN’ – so there was no formal ‘coming out’. I now live in the Bible belt of America and I see no reason to call attention to myself and bring to my doorstep those that may feel the need to ‘save’ me. And, with the info accessibility on the internet – if a potential non-Tarot client Googles my name, I really don’t want this identity mixed with Tarot listings.” – Marcella
“I’m an ordained Anglican Priest who started studying Tarot, High Magic, Kabbalah and all sorts of forbidden stuff about six years ago. Recently I made the decision to come out with my Tarot and set up a webpage. I’ll offer readings from our caravan – Gypsy style.” – Mystic Sky Tarot
“I have “taken the plunge” into professional Tarot reading on the side. I am using my alias though, as I am not ready at all to tell friends, family, and businesses that I read Tarot!” – The Tarot Kode
“I started reading for friends after I went on a psychic course. I didn’t expect to start reading for people but those who I did, I seemed to get stuff really right. I didn’t really want to “come out” to anyone as I am an actress and TV presenter so I used my middle and surnames as a cover. I do about ten email readings a week with people coming back for more. I love to read for people but I still rarely talk about it as people want a cheeky freebie.” – Maria Thomas
Are You ‘Out’ Or Still in the Tarot Closet?
Share your stories below in the Comments Section plus any advice you have for those who are still yet to openly share their love for Tarot.
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{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! This is something I’ve been thinking about lately. I am hoping to come out soon. As my confidence grows from being part of your Free Readers group I’m feeling less and less afraid to tell my family about it. I come from a strict Christian household, where things like this are frowned upon, but my parents have gotten a little more relaxed in their old age
They realize I am a very healthy functioning adult who isn’t out worshiping satan. I haven’t been too worried about my friends, while they have little to no interest in my “woo-woo” stuff, they respect what I do. I can’t wait to take the leap of going pro someday!
It’s great when people can simply respect what you do, even if it’s different to what they do.
Hi Britton,
I’m in the same situation as you do. It’s difficult when your immediate family doesn’t respect your Tarot interests, isn’t it? Initially, they thought that it was a bad deed because it’s connected to voodoo as seen in Disney’s Princess and the Frog movie. However, by letting them realize how I can use Tarot to open new developments to friends and good possibilities to the online and local community, they are gradually letting me pursue this learning. I’m happy for you that you are able to continue your Tarot studies. Keep on and good luck on becoming a professional someday!
Sincerely,
Marianne
The only person I fear coming out to is my religious mother but I know she knows already. With that being said, I thankfully have never “been in the closet” to anyone else. If someone tells me I’m going to hell I don’t feel any reason to explain how tarot has roots in christianity as they would never “hear” that anyway. My response to them is simply ” I’m sorry you feel that way” and feel secure in the knowledge that there is more to my afterlife than just Heaven and Hell.
Fair enough! I can understand why you wouldn’t want to get into a full conversation about the religious associations in the Tarot. Sometimes it is better to just move on.
Great to read this article, Brigit, and I’m sure that people’s stories here will help tarot practitioners of all levels find their comfort zone. Thank you!
My pleasure!
Its strange but people seem to expect something like this from me in so much that they are usually not too surprised then are genuinly interested. Not a pro just someone who enjoys. What people do have trouble with is that I was boxer and wrestler in my other life before I got old :-), currently 52. I dont understand though why the same people who arent surprised about the tarot say I do not look? like someone who would be into in that sort of thing.
The world is a quiet the deck from which we take a card and then study it, through our own eyes
Justine
That’s the funny thing… we often think that someone is going to judge us, laugh at us, poo-poo us, but in actual fact, they can’t wait to hear more and have a genuine fascination in what we do!
Ah yes I remember talking about this on Bridget’s webinar. I don’t go out of my way to discuss my tarot interests but if people ask what like to I do I will talk about it if my gut instincts incline me too. I encountered it’s the work of the devil once but fortunately most people seem to be interested and curious to know more. The main thing that comes up is that people seem to misunderstand tarot and assume it’s about predicting the future. To those people I find it helps to say something about the benfits of a tarot reading. Tarot facilitates greater clarity, insights, possibilities etc. My appreciation of tarot is becoming greater than my fear of what others may possibly think or say but I do use discretion and intuition before I share.
That’s certainly an advantage of being ‘out’ about Tarot – we can share the richness of what the cards have to offer so that it is not simply viewed as crystal balls and crushed velvet (but if you like crushed velvet, that’s OK too!!).
I came “out” about 2 years ago. I would never admit to anyone about my psychic abilities. If I did a healing I blew it off saying I didn’t know how that happened. Now I have my own shop and I can freely talk about Spirit and Tarot and Angels, oh and ET’s. If someone doesn’t like me or what I do, Oh Well! My family is a completely different story, I haven’t spoken with them in 2 years around the same time that I started my Psychic journey.
What a different feeling it is, huh? When you can finally just be who you really are.
My Tarot path started in 1987, but I started reading for clients only four years ago. I never kept my passion for Tarot secret to those close to me, but going pro was different. I had children in Catholic school, I did not want to make troubles for them. On the other hand, I believe to be true to myself and so eventually I started my own Tarot business and I use my photo in the advertising. I work from home so there are clients coming and going. There are Tarot books and Tarot decks on the table and on the shelves, nobody who frequents my house in unaware of what I do. My kids are fine with it, my husband too. My mother knows what I do and she is fine with it. She works for the priests in Italy. When I visit her at work I just don’t bring it up. I love what I do . I am lucky that where I live most people are open minded.
Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
Omg! this article was written just for me. Im going thrue a very hard time right now as we speak. I’ve always loved Tarot. I’ve had my original TArot deck for 16 years. Im not a professional reader but have been reading it to myself on and off for that long of a time. Im taking the course with Tarot Foundation and its so hard to study the way I want. I keep hiding from my Husband, I dont feel confident enough to tell him about what im doing. He knows I like Wicca, I also have an altar with my crystals and he knows I love to meditate he also knows a bit about my interest with the Tarot cards but not 100%. I get so frustrated because I want time to study and meditate but I just cant seem to come out completely out of the closet yet. I want to be ME, I want to be FREE, I want to be myself. Its the only way ill be happy.
Just do it!!
I have been reading Tarot for forty years and yes, for the first 20 or so I was not forward in sharing this with many people. Once my kids were raised and I became a Reiki healer and integrated other alternative healing with readings I realized that this is who I am and if people looked at me in a different light that was ok. A few of my work colleagues knew what I did but had the deer in the headlights look if it was mentioned. Now that I have my own space and see clients I don’t give it any thought but my only advice would be don’t hide who you are…I regret those years that I felt ‘guilty’. My parents were involved in Spiritualism and would have been surprised if I hadn’t been involved with Spirit!
Great advice!
Thank You!
This was really helpful for all the people who want to realize their true path and true potential! Much love!
My pleasure!
Oh Lordie this was helpful!! I need to ‘come out’ to my grandparents and aunt and they’re.. conservative. Thanks!
Good luck!
Thanks that was enlightening! I was in the closet for a long time. Being a teacher made it impossible to ‘come out as a reader’ (or a believer in anything that was not conventional for that matter), some of the parents would have had me stoned to death for sure! lol
Interestingly the more enlightened students picked up on the fact that my perspective was a little different and often asked me questions like… have you ever seen an alien or ghost or da..da..da do you have tarot cards? I had, of course, to answer these questions carefully. But I am glad to say that is in the past, I am no longer a teacher and feel I can finally walk my talk and that is truly liberating.
How interesting that the students could pick up on it anyway!
The words “I AM” are the most powerful things we can say to manifest our dreams into reality. And saying them with conviction dispels doubts both personally and in others.
I had worked in fashion for many years and a Pluto transit and 9/11 threw my life upside down. I “chanced” upon an astrology course and from then on I was hooked.
Being a Sag, I probably overreached at first but I found myself declaring that I was an astrologer within a few years of intense immersion studies.
With Pluto in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries now through 2015, it is time to topple the hierarchical structures and speak our respective truths. It is about becoming
part of the new world and our community can help in the transition to a more spiritually based view of life. Now is the time to be our future.
My name is Patrice Kamins and I am an astrologer and tarot reader.
YEAH! Love it.
Thanks for the astrological insight Patrice. I think that’s very empowering for us ‘emerging tarot readers’
I am out, have been for years! Friends and Family were fine really, it was only about 2 years ago that people in my area now all know what I do, some are a little cagey, like they look at me and they think I automatically know EVERYTHING about them, I find that quite amusing! Some are disapproving and no doubt think I am a bit weird (their problem not mine) and others are really interested – my business is starting to grow within my community, parties, one to one readings etc, word is getting about so that is all good
Isnt’ that funny, when folks think you already ‘know stuff’ about them just because you read cards.
Thank you My Tarot Club I love whay you wrote
I been out for a few years and I want the whole world to know they need to know the true !
If somebody have a problem with that it is their experience I do not take it personally .
I do craft show and that is when I read for people at the same time I seel my crafts fairies houses and spirit houses .
I stay in my heart space and I am always grateful when someone want to share their experience and are willing to open themselve to the vaste energie that we can tap into .
And I do beleive that life is whole complete and perfect and it lack nothing and it always been that way
Blessing everyone
~~Namaste ~~
Beautiful – thanks for sharing.
When I was in my 20s I did a lot of backpacking and lived in many different countries in the world. I am from the U.S. I was often prompted by others to put a Canadian flag on my backpack so I wouldn’t be harassed or at least treated more kindly. I always refused and my reasoning was, if people only saw the loud, the uneducated about the host country or culture, the tour bus money bags worst stereotypes of Americans they would only continue to conclude the worst about us.
What I represented was an opportunity to show others that there are other types of people from the USA who are educated about their country, spoke their language without demanding English, open minded and patient. I was a one person anti propaganda machine. 99% of the time is worked beautifully and the 1% had a chip on their shoulder and the problem became theirs and their continued ignorance was a mirror on them, not on me.
I find myself in the same position as a Tarot card reader, going pro, being honest and using the time to re-inform, re-educate and change the context that most people wrongly have Tarot. I don’t wear a hankerchief, have acrylic nails, dress like I am a cast member of the Jersey shore (or Long island…ahem!), a crystal ball, or ‘gypsy blood'; I pay my taxes and work very hard and am very competent at what I do. I am a walking billboard for tarot by my dress, my actions, my ethics and for every person I can reach who is open minded, I change them. I look very normal because I AM normal because Tarot is normal, it is exceptional yes, but normal.
Though… the constant re-education of others DOES get tiring… but I do believe that the more of us that are out… the easier that job becomes for all of us. I wish more would brave the waters, as it were. Take off the Canadian patch, people! ;P
Awesome analogy. You’re right – this is our opportunity to show what being a Tarot reader can actually look like. That it is a legitimate profession with legitimate, authentic people. And it can be our role to re-educate and re-align the beliefs around Tarot, if we so choose.
Great article, and comment from Jenna. It was a reading from a perfectly “normal” woman that inspired me to finally dedicate the time to learn tarot properly (after years of dabbling and always needing to consult books to make interpretations). A fantastic reading, done by someone who appeared quite ordinary, opened my eyes to the possibility that I didn’t need to live an obviously spiritual or alternative lifestyle to be serious about tarot.
As for my own coming out – being a scientist, I draw the line at sharing this side of my life with my colleagues. I view it much as I do the religious beliefs that my co-workers may have; these things are personal and are left at home – they are not relevant to our work (lol that’s not to say I don’t use my intuition at work, or sometimes read the cards on work topics). But I’m quite content to keep my tarot (non-professional, but one day?…) and my science very separate. I gave up worrying about reconciling these two sides of myself long ago, and it was very liberating!
It sounds like you had a wonderful role model from the reader you worked with. A great example of what Tarot can really be like!
I “came out” as a Tarot Reader and Psychic and my sister thought I needed a labotomy. True story, now she has helped me set up a business and given me several “practice” people to read for and I have been told that I am a master psychic by another psychic. I wish I would have felt comfortable to have been doing this forever, but that was not an option, even though if is pretty liberal in terms of metaphysical businesses where I live….. I will state proudly that I am psychic and without clarification. I feel pretty good now, but it has taken a few months but I finally feel like this is what I am here to do. Thank you for all you do to help others understand their calling and the clarifications of the Tarot. I am usually the Queen of Swords or the High Priestess
(my website will be up in about a week, around July 4th, still tweaking it, Brigit, please tell me what you think if you have time.)
How lovely that your sister is now on board with you and helping you.
I’d love to see your website – send me an email once it’s up and ready.
Please excuse in advance what might be a rather personal question, but, about how much does your tarot business bring in? Just a general figure will do. Does it come anywhere close to your previous six figure income?
I am absolutely blessed that I am now earning more than I did in my corporate career and working much less hours… and able to spend time with my family on the other side of the world. Thank-you Universe. BIG time.
I’m not a Tarot reader, but close enough; I tell people that I started doing *this* and I turned out to be really good at it… Oopsie! (And laugh.) Accidental choice of career in other words. (I only need to replace *this* with something that will instantly make sense to people because that’s the part I need a elevator pitch for. :D)
*smile* That’s cute!
I am dying to come “out”! I have told some friends and my family knows how I absolutely love Tarot reading. But, the real truth is, I want to “spread” the word to others who might need my help and some guidance on what the cards and my intuitive side can bring forth. I love helping people! I’m scared on some level to tell certain friends, but others I don’t have a problem telling…?? I take Tarot reading very seriously, but, when I try to tell “these” other friends about it, I make it like, “Oh I read Tarot cards (laughing)!” But, I really want to not be afraid and say it in a serious and meaningful way! I want to have a positive attitude about it because it’s a real thing!! Reading this article was great and I’m going to try it in this manner! Thanks Brigit!! xo
What do you have to lose, Lynn, by telling your friends? Why not try with just one, and see what happens?
I’ve had a rather odd situation with my Dad & this issue: when I finally came out & told him, he looked away & immediately changed the subject. He has never mentioned it since. I was scared b/c even though I didn’t grow up in hellfire & brimstone, bible-thumping family, I was still raised going to the Episcopalian church every Sunday. I was afraid he’d freak & either say I was a Satan worshipper or a sociopathic Miss Cleo fraud. Instead of freaking, it made him so unbearably uncomfortable that he doesn’t talk about it. I re-emphasized to him when I told him that I’m an agnostic/borderline atheist & not even very spiritual. Anyway, this is a great article!
Wow, I wonder what would happen if you were to raise the topic again? Or do you feel that you’ve done what you’ve needed to do?
My guess would be that he’d again have the same reaction. I really don’t WANT to make him uncomfortable, so I’ve just decided to let it be I guess. However, I’m glad that I insisted on explaining to him that I’m not a fraud nor am I a devil-worshipper b/c I did not want there to be any confusion whatsoever. AFTER I toldim him that I let him change the subject. Nonetheless, his reaction wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but at least he didn’t get angry or ridicule me.
I work for an international institution that has diplomatic status. I am not fond of my job, which is not only grueling, but often emotionally abusive.
Would love to have a peaceful Japanese-style reading room with a rock garden and koi pool outside, and have people come in and I read for them. Peaceful and healing, not like the nasty power plays I experience at work.
But then, having “Tarot Reader” come up in your background check is not so great either.
Can you *really* make a sustainable living reading tarot? Or is more of a sideline that produces another revenue stream? Want to raise the wu-wu flag, but feel stuck.
It’s a good question and it will depend on what is your ‘sweet spot’ in terms of income. I do believe you can make a comfortable income from reading Tarot. You can increase your income by diversifying what you do – teaching, blogging, building a community, etc. All of this comes from a heart-centered place and can bring great abundance on many planes.
At first I kept my tarot studies just to myself and my closest family members, not even confiding in my closest friends (other than one who was a catalyst for my studies). I had just taken a break from ‘conventional’ studies so I felt people might not understand the change of focus – especially as I don’t really understand it myself!
What I do know, 0is that I feel like I’ve discovered the perfect medium with which to express myself, to make sense of the world, regain my child-like sense of wonder, and to help others all at the same time. I’m starting to wonder if maybe this is what a ‘soul purpose’ feels like, and as the tarot becomes a part of me I’m trying to make sense of how it can fit into my public life.
I don’t know if I’ll ever get to a point where I send out a press release proclaiming I’m a tarot reader (but secretly hoping for that possibility) but for now I’m becoming much more comfortable mentioning my ‘unusual hobby’ to friends and acquaintances.
PS Brigit, I love your practical advice for becoming comfortable in opening up about being a tarot reader – very helpful :)))
Baby steps
And love what you say about this being your ‘soul purpose’. It’s such a great feeling when it is as if everything is aligning in the most perfect way.
It was great going through all the tips. It indeed becomes difficult initially to present yourself as a Tarot reader. People take you as a sort of side entertainer in a party.At times they would mock at readings and pointedly highlight your false predictions.The important fact is that it is a part of your own soul’s journey to spiritual development.And if other people are helped on the way too it’s all the more beneficial.
One should always start out slowly as a hobby before blabbering to the world at large.I liked your advice on not being preachy.It is true not everyone believes in it.And yes it sure is tough when you change your professional profile from a corporate honcho to a Tarot reader.Your friends are truly shocked !
What was your experience in this regard Brigit ? How did your friends,and other family members react ? In retrospect would you have done things differently ? Would love to share your amazing journey.
Regards,
Aasheeshh
Friends and family were fine, especially now that know it enables our whole family to live overseas for 6 months of the year. Co-workers… some thought I was kooky, but others were genuinely interested. Only trouble was they all wanted a reading and I didn’t feel comfortable reading for co-workers (too much information!).
I just wish now that I could be even stronger in saying I am a Tarot reader to new people I meet, without having to counter it with what I used to do or what qualifications I have.
Thanks for asking!
Thanks for the great advice. I must say it was hard for me too to come out and tell my parents I wanted to read tarot cards for a living. Anyways, when I finally did everything changed for the better and I am doing pretty well for myself. Believe in yourself and you are halfway there.
Great advice! Oftentimes, coming out is a lot less scary than we think!
Coming out as a Tarot Professional has been a gradual process that is coming to a culmination now, even though it has been part of my life for a long time. I have used it in tandem with other skills, and have even offered it solo, but it has been kind of “off to the side” with being concerned about “what people will say, particularly in the business community, or eve in religious/ spiritual communities.”
This was my breaking free year. I stepped into committing to The Tarot School’s certification program, taken Brigit’s Tarot Foundations and more …attending Readers Studio. And in it, I have found my tribe of warm, wonderful Tarot enthusiasts to play with. As I learn more, I am less concerned about what others think And more interested in who I am and expressing that passion. It is an interesting journey. And I am thankful for my fellow travelers.
This past Sunday, I was a guest preacher at a UU congregation. I brought the Tarot to church, interwoven with Christianity and Buddhism, using The Tower as my visual. The topic was when Everything Falls Apart: How to Carry On. PracticalSpirituality.
My learning is to offer what I love by learning, and then sharing what will support others. Worry less. Those who love you, love you. Those who don’t. Well, that’s okay. Carry on and play.
I always look up cards just for myself. I am not very good at it, but recently I’ve come out as an astrologer… which I am good at! I went to see a psychic who kept going on about me coming out and being myself… but the small problem was that I wasn’t gay… lol… I kept thinking that I might all of a sudden become gay, and then it hit me one day that it was about the astrology!! My business is definitely about helping people. I love this post! Thanks for it.
That’s hilarious! “But I’m not gay! How can I come out?!”
Great post! I’m still struggling with this, even though I have been reading in private for years & people were always happy with that & it is transformative. Just recently I went to it almost full-time & love it! I notice I still swallow up the words & cover it up with ‘I also work as…’, when I’m at a party & such. I’m still practising in getting it out of my mouth without a blink. Thanks for sharing!
Great article, Brigit – I loved reading about how you felt hesitant to be open about being a Tarot reader – gosh, I can sure relate to alot of that. I am “out” for the most part, but sometimes I just don’t bother mentioning my Tarot career around people who I suspect might disapprove. I think it’s more laziness on my part (rather than fear) – I just can’t be bothered to defend myself or argue with them!
Yup, agree! Last night I introduced myself to a bunch of corporate, office workers as an “adult educator” and “small business coach”. When asked what I taught, I said it was very ‘niche’ and would probably take a while to explain. I really could not be bothered going through all the explaining, etc.!
Hi Brigit,
I love what you do! This post really struck a chord with me as I am very much back in the tarot closet as far as my wider circle is concerned. I used to read professionally and have been “out” to my close friends and family for most of my adult life. My in-laws have never known, though. Way too complicated. And work colleagues were always a different issue. Some people in my very conventional corporate world knew what I did, but only after I knew them well enough socially that I knew they wouldn’t hold it against me!
I took some years off reading, had kids, changed jobs, and now I’m desperate to re-launch my tarot self. But now I work in a very very small business where I just may possibly be the only one of the 4 of us who has any “alternative” leanings whatsoever. There is no way I can reveal what I do, so I’ve kept myself pretty stuck. Not being so secretive was great. I was once an office holder with the Tarot Guild, read regularly at Mind Body Spirit and read part-time in a new age store for crying out loud! With a more solid “normal” job in a big corporate I felt more free to be “out there”. Now I truly fear for my job and respect of my clients and colleagues if my cover is blown. Crazy? Perhaps.
I’m not sure if it’s also an issue with some of your readers, but I find with children now, I am far more private about my tarot and protective of them. I don’t want other parents or children thinking of us as that family who is a bit *you know* because Mum reads tarot cards.
It certainly is an odd double-life at the moment, but like I said, I’m desperate to be back and involved in the tarot a little more publicly. It may just be web-based under a pseudonym until I get my groove back. I just wanted to reach out and say dear god I hear you all and *thank you* Brigit for making the leap yourself. You’re certainly inspiring. Even for this closet chicken.
Best wishes, Cat
First off, I see nothing wrong with using a pseudonym: i used to read professionally & i used a pseudonym for reasons of internet safety just as much as privacy…(my father is a big state politician & nationally known lawyer so if that came out my family would’ve been furious). Also, i know what you mean about kids, but for a different reason: once my son turned 4 he started mimicking me by playing with the cards, & while i don’t think they’re demonic (unless used for that end), i just don’t feel right about my kid playing around with something like that when he doesn’t understand. (If he got older & understood them & took an interest, that’d be fine). Also, he’s at an age where he repeats everything he sees & hears to anyone who will listen & i’d rather him not go around announcing to random people that “Mommy reads fortunes with cards” or something. I live in the Bible belt & that kind of thing isn’t looked upon kindly or lightly. Anyway, good luck & I hope you solve your dilemma Cat!
Oh Cat, I feel your frustration. Isn’t it crazy that Tarot is seen as something we have to be secretive about? It is such a pity that the common perception of Tarot is so negative or ‘out there’, when really, we know we’re just providing another way for people to tap into their intuition and their deeper selves to navigate life’s challenges. What’s wrong with that?!
I hope that you can find your happy balance, where you feel confident in who you are and how you can offer the most value in this lifetime.
Brigit,
This article came at a very serendipitous time in my life. I have been a police officer (“beat cop”) in a major metropolitan area since I was 21. (I am now 33) About seven years ago I developed a passion for the Tarot but was too embarrassed to discuss it with my friends and co-workers due to the conservative nature of law enforcement. Last year I divorced and became in need of a second income. Financially, it would seem I have no choice but to “come out”. Last night I finally posted my business information on Google+, Linked In, etc. I used my alias but did use a real photo of my face! And then, this morning, I “stumble” across this article of yours. Amazing. Thank you so much.
Amrie Levine
Awesome! It won’t be long until you’re out and you’re proud! Seriously though, a lot of the fear comes from within and I have had heard many stories where Tarot readers have ‘come out’, only to be met with loads of support and encouragement (and requests for readings!). You’ll get to work out who your real friends are, too.