Making Funny With Tarot

Laughter is good for the soul, so it's time to give it up, Tarot Channel readers!

Patricia (aka Roswila) requested we make a post asking for humorous experiences with Tarot card meanings or readings (and I trust she'll make a contribution!) *wink*

So how 'bout it? Have a funny story to share about a reading faux pas...a misinterpretation...a mistaken assumption about a card...a crazy request from a client? Do tell!

-- Janet

Comments

[Mark McElroy]

Years ago, I was at a book event where the publisher asked me to give a series of quick, five-minute readings to people who dropped by the booth. Despite my efforts to keep readings brief, soon, a pretty lengthy line formed.

One wonderful young woman flattered me by being very excited about getting a reading "from a Tarot author." She took about three of her five minutes to calm down, after which I dealt three cards.

With time pressures in mind, I glanced at her first card and started talking about traditional meanings associated with the Page of Swords.

She looked perplexed, so I very patiently stepped through how the meaning the Page of Swords was derived and went to great lengths to apply the card's meaning to her question.

The more I talked, the more confused she appeared to be, so I took a deep breath, slowed down, and asked her questions I usually use to help clients connect with the Page of Swords. "Are you on the verge of making some new or difficult decisions? Are you just beginning to learn something new? Might this card connect with a young man in your life ... someone who is just beginning to make important decisions for himself?"

Finally, she spoke up. "Why are you asking me that?"

I blinked. "I use questions like these to help people connect with the meaning of the Page of Swords."

She frowned. "But my first card is the Page of Wands."

D'oh! [Insert head boink here.] So much for the great reading with a "famous" Tarot author! ;)

Lesson learned: never rush a reading! :)

[Patricia (a/k/a Roswila)]

I'll probably recall more humorous experiences with The Tarot later. But the only one that occurs to me right now is this: The Devil card had been haunting me in readings. Since I'm a Capricorn I did not at first find this very disturbing, though I did feel I wasn't getting at something it was saying to me. I also did make brief note of the almost comical expression on the face of the goat on The Crowley Devil card. Oh, I should also mention I was rather depressed at the time, too. This was in the earliest stages of my study, BTW, and I'd not gone much beyond LWB's. Then I happened to read a more "esoteric" bit of writing on The Tarot and I came across the idea of The Devil's esoteric function being "myrth." Well, that set me off into gales of laughter at myself and my life. Just what I'd needed. Just what The Devil had been after me to see. Not to take myself quite so seriously. Lighten up, you serious old Cappy!

[Janet]

OMG, Mark! *roaring with laughter* That is hilarious (and embarrassing). Oh MAN. Thanks for sharing your experience!

And Patricia, you are so right! Remembering the Kabbalistic meaning of "mirth", I once advised a client to "lighten up"...and it was right on target. Good for you, Cappy! ^_~

Laughter is so good for the soul...which is why I hope more contribute to this post! (We're laughing WITH you...not AT you. Promise!)

Janet