Getting a tarot reading

People have been fascinated by all things psychic for longer than I can speculate on. From the Oracle at Delphi to Nancy Reagan's astrologer, even skeptics find themselves interested. And with the rise of phone psychics and catch phrases like "The cards never lie", more and more people are interested in tarot readings.

But how do you get a good reading and not a con?

First, figure out what you want. Are you hoping for a personal message from a loved one who has passed? The tarot won't give you that. Are you hoping for the initials of your one true love? Those who bill themselves clairvoyants may be able to give you just that, but those who advertise for the cards alone probably only read the cards. Tarot can show the way to release grief and open up to the love that's waiting for you, as well to offering guidance in many other areas of life. But going to a tarot reader when you want a medium or clairvoyant is a sure way to leave dissatisfied.

Once you've decided what you want from a tarot reading (guidance on a current problem that you can't see the whole of, insights on what's to come in a certain area of your life, or just to find out what the cards say for you), consider what forum you want this in.

Telephone readings allow you to stay within the privacy of your own home and are usually staffed 24 hours a day. On the other hand, companies that charge by the minute often pressure their readers to keep customers on for a long as possible; your quick call can become very costly before you know it. Texting companies are much the same, but there tends to be more positive incentive for the reader that can result in a high quality service for your money.

Either way, balance what you're getting with what you're willing to give. If you've decided that you can afford a 20 minute reading, but what you're hearing (or reading in the case of texts) is that your boyfriend loves you and you'll be getting a promotion at work when you've been single for years and just retired, assume that the reader isn't connecting with you and hang up. Save the rest of your money to try again elsewhere.

Online and e-mail readings have been cropping up, and they share a benefit with in person readings---usually, you know the full price going into them. If a five card online reading is $10, you get that without the reader trying to go for as long beyond that as possible to get that bonus. With readings like these, go for what's been recommended for you or what's cheap.

There's a reader in Salem, Massachusetts who, at the time of my last visit, charged $75 a session. Being quite familiar with (and not a fan of) her writing, I equated the laughable price with her fame. IF I could afford that kind of money for a reading, it would take a lot more than her fame to get me to fork it over. On the other hand, I've happily paid $50 for a session with a woman who'd lecture I'd practically been dragged to. She had not only been recommended by people who I highly respected, they had literally made sure I had the evening free, picked me up at my house, and paid for the lecture. Usually your friends' recommendations won't be that dramatic, but make sure it's worth it before laying out that kind of cash.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of readers who are very talented and yet charge more in the 10-30 dollar range. Give them a try! It may be fun, it's likely to be informative, and if somehow you don't connect, you won't have lost so much in the end.

The lack of connection-the ability of the reader to hone in on what's going on in your life-isn't the only thing to worry about. It's rare these days, but look out for the old "gypsy fortune teller scams" that have given readers such a bad reputation. Now, if your reader works out of a shop and suggests items that you might be interested in, that's one thing. If you're told, "You have a curse on you! For a mere $500 fee, I shall work the magic that will free you!" well, that's a whole different animal.

Use your common sense there. If you've been feeling insecure and your reader points out that they have amethyst jewelry that could aid your efforts to make a change, great! If your reading has become a sales pitch for buying more and more little items that add up, or especially for burying your life's savings at a place that they specify (to be dug up later by them, of course), get out. Warn your friends. Contact the business licensing board who will usually gather such complaints and take them to the police.

Be smart and have fun with it.