Tarot Ethics: Reading for Children Under 18

  The Barnes and Noble in Augusta, Maine recently offered Tarot readings to children as part of a promotional event to celebrate to release of the latest Harry Potter novel.

Unfortunately, these folks didn't think it was a good idea.... 

"It boggles the mind that a mainstream company like Barnes and Noble would allow this witchcraft on its premises, and that they would then target unsupervised children for their tarot card fortune-telling activity."

Well, it boggles my mind these folks view it as inappropriate for a company like Barnes and Noble to explore anything other than their acceptable doctrine.

BUT, from a Tarot Readers Ethics Perspective - should readers provide readings to children under 18 without the consent or presence of a parent or guardian?

Many readers will not, and state it so in their ethics.  Others follow the basic guidelines outlined by organizations such as the American Tarot Association which do not mention age specifically other than in regards to equality.  However, they are careful to point out it is a description of the minimal ethical standards to which members should adhere.  Perhaps it is something that should be considered on a case by case basis, and the avenue of delivering the reading, such as email or in person, should be a major factor.   However, it's impossible to really validate a person's age without looking at their I.D, and I've never heard of a reader asking to see someone I.D.  I probably wouldn't.

What's your take?   Did Barnes and Noble do the right things from the Tarot Readers Ethics Perspective?

Comments

[Teresa Michelsen]

I have done one of these all night Harry Potter release parties at a Barnes & Noble, and did both tarot readings for kids (and parents) and a little presentation to kids on tarot reading. After all, Madame Trelawny does tarot readings! (However ineptly).

Most little kids were accompanied by their parents, and asked kid-like fun questions. Some high school kids came w/o parents for their readings, usually with groups of friends. Again, most were in a party mood and weren't asking anything serious. Due to the long lines, I limited the readings to one card per person. So it was just a little taste, and not a full-blown reading.

I did have one or two older kids ask a more serious question. I kept the answers light, but accurate. These were usually kids heading off to college or contemplating a career. If they are adult enough to do that, they're adult enough to get a tarot reading.

On my website, I do require kids to be 18 years or older, with or without permission. This is because these are paid readings over the internet and I do not know what laws might apply, etc. and I cannot verify that they actually have parental permission if it is needed.

However, these were unpaid readings as part of a party at Barnes & Noble, small and light as part of the entertainment.

I personally have never had a problem with the essential concept of reading for older children. 18 isn't a magical number at which kids suddenly grow up and can handle difficult issues - some younger kids can and plenty of so-called adults can't. To me, it's more of a legal/social issue - and in this case, Barnes & Noble was handling that aspect of it.

- Teresa

[Gayla]

Wow :) Thanks for chiming in Teresa. Interesting. I don't get approached much by teens for readings, but I am reviewing the concept for some other writing I am doing. I like your approach to the kids with more serious questions is very good...light, but accurate.

[Barbara]

I also did a HP release party at B&N. My experience was very like Teresa's and I handled as she did. It was a fun experience (although a little exhausting!).

[Moonchild]

Is it B&N's responsibility to be concerned about Tarot ethics? NO! It's B&N's responsibility to promote sales. If parents are concerned about their children's exposure to "the occult," they should not let them go to B&N--or even the library!--unsupervised. If Tarot and Harry Potter are "evil," it is the *parents* responsibility to keep their children away from it! Not B&N's, not the Tarot reader's, and not the Christian Civic League's.

I agree that one has to be careful about what one says to kids. This doesn't apply only to Tarot readers. But an outright refusal to read for minors? Doesn't that imply that Tarot is somehow harmful to children? Children love Tarot! And they can have amazing perspectives, even on what one would think would be "scary" cards to them. The only reason I can see to not read for minors is that their parents might get pissed. For goodness sake's, no one's going to predict Death for them or some other such frightening thing! You wouldn't do that for an adult querent either!

[lisa]

I recently did Tarot readings for a group of kids at my local library as part of a teen program. I kept the readings light and let them 'lead the way' as it were. The kids loved it, and I had fun too. Some of their ideas about the cards were very insightful, and I learned a thing or two myself. I think if you keep it light and let them participate in the reading as much as possible it can be a good experience for everyone.

[James D. Wickson]

Why don't these anti-occult folks go after the newspaper horoscopes, the Magic 8-Ball, and the Chinese fortune cookies? It seems a curious double standard to me. On the topic of Harry Potter, why don't the anti-Potter folks go after classic Disney movies as many of them contained elements of magic.