If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably come across a huckster or two. In a landscape that is rife with outright scam artists, how does one simply find an honest tarot reader? Here are some of my tips and general advice, in no particular order.


THE GOLDEN RULE

If it sounds too good to be true...You can’t get more cliche than this, but it’s probably the most important thing to remember. Less than scrupulous readers will promise you everything but the kitchen sink. It’s tempting to want to believe it, especially if you’re feeling particularly vulnerable due to a break-up or other difficult life event. Be wary of words like “guaranteed” and “100% accuracy.” Tarot is very open to interpretation, and anyone who tells you that their readings are 100% correct (or close to it) are lying or sorely deluded.


THE CURSE RUSE

I do believe it’s possible to be cursed, but I also think it’s way less common than the hucksters would have you think. Most of the so-called curses out there are probably the ones we unknowingly put on ourselves, but that’s a complex topic that is deserving of its own post in due time. Essentially, it boils down to this: If the psychic/reader/whoever tells you you’re cursed, run. End all communication right then and there. They’re trying to scare and manipulate you into forking over your money. It’s sadly way too common in the field.


REVIEWS ARE NOT GOSPEL

Reviews can be and are faked (good AND bad). Unless it’s from someone you consider a trusted source, I’d take all reviews/testimonials with a huge grain of salt.


PAYPAL WORD OF WARNING

As of this writing, PayPal has a friends and family option in which to send money to...well, friends and family. You know, people you actually know in real life and, theoretically at least, trust. Some scammers will request that you send money through it. Don’t! If they end up ghosting you/taking the money and running, you have no recourse. You can’t dispute it, and you will never recover that money.


NEVER WIRE MONEY

Yeah, just don’t it. As much as I’m loathe to admit it because of a shitty past experience, PayPal is generally your best bet and usually they’re good at protecting buyers (provided you don’t send it via friends/family).


TEST THE WATERS

Unfortunately you’ll never really know how trustworthy someone is until you try them out. Contact them to try and gauge their responsiveness and professionalism. If they have smaller readings for $20 and under, start there.


So, there you go. Just a few basic ways to help protect yourself. I know they are pretty obvious, but confidence artists are skilled at what they do and can fool people who can otherwise be very discerning. This page will be added to as I get around to it.

- Crystalline