People often have several questions when I tell them I read Tarot Cards.
First, however, I get the “look”. The “look” initially says to me, ‘Can she read
my mind? Can she tell that I wasn’t really paying attention to her?’. The
answers are ‘No’ and ‘Yes’. The later having to do with the vacant stare
more than any psychic/intuitive ability I may or may not have.
This page was designed to answer the most common questions I seem to be asked.
Of course, others always crop up and I gladly address them.
Enjoy.
How may I get a reading?
I offer readings in a number of ways in a number of settings. Working with
Wild Mountain
Organics, I may set up a table at a show we are doing. I am also
available for phone readings (716-937-7036 for an appointment), internet
readings (phoffmann@rochester.rr.com),
home parties (please call or email for information). Readings are $25 and
usually last 15-20 minutes. I do not charge more should the reading exceed
20 minutes. It is a flat rate. If you want to host me in your home
with a group of friends, it would be $25 per person per reading. If there
are more than five guests, the host/hostess does not pay for his/her reading.
I also read cards for fundraising opportunities. Much of the money I
raised for my Team in Training program was through Tarot Card readings. If
you are interested in a fundraising opportunity for your organization or for a
program/project you are involved with, please contact me (phone or email above).
For another fundraising opportunity, check out
Wild Mountain
Organics. You may also call or email me about
Wild Mountain
Organics. I am currently training for the Marine Corp
Marathon in Washington DC with the Team in Training program. For more
information, click here.
Do I have to have people watch when I get a reading?
I leave that up to the person being read. Not everyone wants an audience
and I respect that. I also do not discuss readings with others.
Anything I say in a reading stays between the person being read and me.
Often at parties, the group likes to watch to make it more fun and entertaining.
It is okay to request a private reading even at parties. I make every
effort to honor that.
How did you get started reading Tarot Cards?
My interest in Tarot Cards really kicked in while I was on Spring Break in 1991
- an appropriate beginning, if you know me. I was in New Orleans - a fitting
place to leap into the unknown - and had just had my palms read. A friend and I
went into a mystical shop to have our Tarot Cards read. I was fascinated. The
proprietor sold me my first deck and told me that I would be famous for this one
day; people would seek me out. I thought “blah, blah, blah, whatever.”
Here I am!
It wasn’t until about ten years later that I realized I could enjoy this and
provide entertainment for others. I studied the cards, acquired several other
decks, tried different divination methods including Runes, and started reading
cards for my friends.
That’s the abridged version.
What are Tarot Cards?
Tarot cards have been used in divination in many cultures throughout
history. When you first look at them, you may think they are a very ornate deck
of playing cards. You wouldn’t be far off.
There are four different suits each containing four court cards and ten numbered
cards. That’s where the similarity ends.
There are also 21 Major Arcana cards. These are the cards you have probably
heard about, The Fool, The Lovers, Death, are examples. One card can mean one
thing for you and something entirely different for your friend. It depends on
the layout of the cards in relation to one another and to the reader.
Card layouts and reading interpretations can vary by reader. I use a particular
layout that seems to work for me (actually a series of four layouts). Other
readers I have seen use different cards and different layouts. Generally
speaking, the meanings of the cards are similar from one deck to the next and
from one reader to another.
How many decks are there?
There are hundreds and hundreds of Tarot decks. Each culture defines its own.
Even different artists create decks that express their unique style. I would
create my own deck, but I can’t draw. I could make the Stick Figure Tarot, I
guess. I presently have eight decks.
What are other ways to read fortunes or divine?
Many different divination methods exist. Again, it may depend on culture or
religion. Tarot is common. You also have palm reading, tea leaves, Runes,
iridology, auras, crystal ball gazing, psychics/mediums, to name a few.
Can you tell me my future?
You will sit in front of me and absorb every word I have to say! You will be
amazed and thrilled and want to tell all of your friends about Madame Pauline!
That's a joke. I tell people that I am not psychic but I am intuitive.
I am not able to give you names, dates, places, that sort of thing. I am
able to see much about your personality and traits as well as things that may
happen, things that have happened, and things that are happening.
Remember, each of us has free will. Just because I see something, doesn't
mean it has to come to pass.
Is this Black Magic? Are we conjuring the Devil?
I have studied Tarot for several years and have found it to be entertaining,
thought provoking and beautiful. Take a look at the cards - the artwork is quite
stunning. I often explain that many cultures try to find answers to those
questions that don’t seem to have answers. While I have been moved by readings,
my own and others, I don’t recommend taking the process too seriously. Of
course, I don’t recommend taking life too seriously either. Some religions
believe that Tarot is evil. I believe that anything is only going to have
as much power as you give it.
Will you tell me anything bad?
While Tarot was, and still is in many circles, used to divine the future, I
prefer to think of it as a means to help you answer questions or sort through
problems and issues. When I ask that you have a particular question in mind, I
prefer something a bit soul-searching, if you will. “Will I win the lottery,”
won’t be answered, but “What steps should I take in improving my money
situation?” may offer a better reading. I am not psychic and cannot tell if you
are going to die tomorrow or ever. I merely read and relate what the cards say
to me. Even cards that sound bad don’t necessarily bode poorly for you.
That said, however, I have seen "bad things" coming up. If I see it, I
will mention it.
How many readings can you get at any one time?
I don’t know of a rule about simultaneous readings; however, in my experience,
only one. More than one reading doesn’t generate anything accurate. In fact, it
often confuses the situation.
Can you read your own cards?
Absolutely, and I often do. That’s one of the perks I enjoy.
Are you a witch?
Take my glass of wine away and ask the question again.
Will I go to hell if I get a reading?
Feeling guilty? If you go to hell, it will likely have nothing to do with me.
Am I going against Christianity and God if I get a reading?
As with most things in life, a Tarot card will only have as much power and
meaning as you allow it to have. I use the cards to help sort through problems I
subconsciously have the solution for. Often, the reading reinforces what I
already know but am afraid to admit. This question is something you will
have to reconcile with yourself and your God.
How accurate are you?
It depends on who you ask. I have been accurate for me and others, as well.
Tarot card client confidentiality prevents me from discussing this further. I
will say that people often discuss the readings the day after because they are
amazed and thrilled.
Why do you use crystals?
Crystals seem to keep me grounded. They also seem to make people less nervous
about the reading. Each crystal has a particular significance. Most of mine deal
with psychic and healing energies. While I use them most of the time,
sometimes I don't have them with me. I have found it doesn't affect the
reading.
Are you psychic? Can you tell that I have just peed my pants because I’m
nervous?
I am not psychic. I am intuitive. If you’ve wet yourself, it won’t
take a psychic to tell.
What’s up with the dragonfly?
I like them. They represent good luck, among other things. If you don’t like
them, you can kiss my behind. You’ll find one there too.
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