The popularity of tarot reading has grown significantly in recent years. It has become a means of self-reflection and guidance. These readings provide comfort and insights allowing individuals to have an optimistic approach to life.
While tarot acts as a form of therapy, it also requires a high level of ethics from tarot readers or practitioners. Understanding responsibilities and boundaries is crucial in tarot reading to maintain integrity and trust. So, what is an ethical tarot reader?
The American Tarot Association defines ethical tarot readers as “people who help others better hear their inner guides. They empower clients to think through their options and come to decisions on their own. They remind clients that, whichever direction the cards may point, the future lies in the hands of each person. Most importantly, ethical Tarot readers encourage clients to seek the licensed professional help of doctors, counselors, accountants, and lawyers – especially in cases where the client’s concern goes beyond the expertise of the reader. They do not use the cards to identify “curses” or “bad energy” and then charge a fee to remove these “curses” or “bad energy.”
In short, an ethical tarot reader should establish clear boundaries. They should set a proper base where a code of ethics is the primary core of their service. Additionally, have empathy for their clients.
Important Code Of Ethics For Tarot Readers And Psychics
Respecting Client’s Privacy
Privacy in the age of data and technology is consistently declining in any line of work or profession. It applies in tarot reading as well. The personal information of clients is shared with tarot readers. As a reader, you need to keep it confidential. Furthermore, whatever information is discussed shouldn’t be shared with other clients. Any notes or recordings should be kept or stored securely in a safe place.
Establishing Boundaries
Before the session starts, a proper boundary should be set between the client and the reader. For instance, the types of questions to be asked, session duration and scope of reading should be established beforehand. Additionally, tarot readers should be prepared to terminate sessions or refuse questions if the content becomes harmful or unethical.
Understanding Cultural Diversity
As a tarot reader, you should learn about your client before the session starts. As a reader, you may get clients from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs. Being culturally aware allows you to have a better understanding and a smooth session. It also proves your empathy and inclusivity. Most importantly, it enables you to conduct the session smoothly without hurting the sentiment of your client.
Veracity And Professionalism
Maintaining professionalism and being truthful are crucial in this line of work. Being a tarot reader, you should practice transparency while dealing with clients. For instance, readers should avoid making false promises and clearly explain the limitations of tarot reading. One should also be transparent about their experience and qualifications.
Additionally, readers should not exploit clients’ weaknesses for personal gains. Avoid making promises or guarantees about the result of tarot. Mysticism isn’t the ultimate truth and the outcomes may vary. More importantly, tarot reading is a predictive spiritual tool, so you can’t ensure an accurate result.
Develop A Non-Judgemental Attitude
A non-judgmental attitude is essential in tarot readings. Readers will encounter clients who may share deeply sensitive or personal issues. So, it’s important to eliminate any preconceived notions of the clients. Your task is to listen to their stories and read the card with openness and empathy. Forming a judgment on personal biases or beliefs or will only hinder the readings.
Providing Informed Consent
Before the tarot reading session starts, readers should obtain informed agreement from their clients. It involves the scope of tarot reading, setting clear expectations, and what the process entails. Enabling the clients to understand the context or establishing a parameter keeps them informed and detrimental in decision-making. Clients should also know that tarot reading is not an alternate tool for professional advice in areas such as financial, legal, or medical fields.
Avoid Telling Client What To Do
As a tarot reader, some clients may come to you wanting a specific answer. They might need an answer to questions such as, should I invest in this estate? Is my husband cheating on me? Should I leave my current job? Questions like these will leave you in a tight spot. You may be tempted to answer them, but it will take away their free will.
In some cases, your prediction may be wrong and they will come to question your credibility. Therefore, instead of telling them what to do, counsel them. Provide clarity as it will make it easier to decide on their own.
Encouraging Clients To Use Their Intuition
Some clients can be pretty complex. Some will keep coming back to you with the same questions or wanting to know more. In this kind of situation, it becomes a route for easy money as readers earn with every session. While the reader must provide spiritual guidance, however, some situations are beyond the parameter of tarot reading.
As an ethical reader, you need to set boundaries. Instead of cashing in, encourage clients to follow their intuition. You may provide necessary guidance, but eventually, it’s up to the individual to determine their future.
Avoid Selling Dodgy Services Or Products
An ethical tarot reader should never make it mandatory to add-on products as part of the service. For instance, including a spell to cast off bad energy or eliminate curse. Stick to reading unless you’re a gifted spell-crafter.
Many psychic scammers follow this route to increase their revenue stream. It’s not ethical as you are exploiting your clients’ trust. Hence, don’t add sell products or services unless it’s authentic.
Being a tarot reader or psychic comes with many responsibilities. Hopeful clients come to you with yearning for solutions or guidance, and it’s only fair to give them honest answers. Hence, maintaining a code of ethics is essential to provide accurate spiritual and life guidance.
