Most people who know me also know that in addition to reading tarot, I am an avid yogi and have been practicing for well over a decade.  About 6 years ago, I started to teach yoga and meditation so that I could share these gifts with others who are seeking a more enlightened life. 

Many Westerners think of yoga as an "exercise" program and begin taking classes in hopes of achieving the so-called "yoga butt".  I cringe inwardly at this idea because yoga is so much more than that.  In fact, the physical aspect of yoga is really only a tiny part.  Yoga has a rich history and deep philosophical roots.  For example, there are "8 limbs" of yoga - and each one gives us an idea of how to live more consciously.  When we bring awareness to our thoughts, words, breath, physicality, and actions, we can begin to reach "samadhi" (liberation), the ultimate goal.

The first limb consists of the "Yamas" (translated as "restraints"). These are the ethical principles that guide us on living in the outside world.  When we live a life that respects all and treats others with compassion, we can truly begin to live our dharma and find meaning in our lives. 

A majority of my contact with the outside world comes through my work.  How can I apply the Yamas to tarot reading? 

1. The first Yama - and probably the most important one - is AHIMSA - which means "non-violence" .  I'm not talking about  using the tarot as a physical weapon (I doubt a deck of 78 cards can do much damage on a human body)!  It's about actively practicing kindness and compassion with those who seek to use my services.   This can be accomplished by treating clients with respect as well as choosing words that are life affirming and positive.  A reader must be as tolerant, sympathetic and considerate as possible. If you have ever gone to a tarot reader that is negative and rude, you know how damaging that kind of vibe can be.  I'll never forget years ago a girlfriend and I went to see a very unhappy tarot reader who did nothing but project her bitterness on to us.  We walked out of there laughing because nothing she said applied or made sense.  It was obvious that she was down on her own life and wanted us to be as miserable as her.  For a vulnerable client, a reader like this can be very damaging.

2. The second Yama is SATYA, or "truth".  Honesty should guide every word that comes out of your mouth. In other words, a tarot reader must strive to deliver a truthful reading.  If you only tell the client what they want to hear, you are doing a disservice.  However, that does not mean being harsh with your delivery - once again, Ahimsa must be the cornerstone of every action.  You can deliver a candid tarot reading without being "brutal".  A heavy hand can be necessary on occasion but a "velvet sledgehammer" is always my preferred tool.  I also believe that you can practice Satya by being honest about your abilities.  Never pretend to be something that you are not. This could be as simple as knowing when you are not the right reader for a specific client.  This is humbling but if you get your ego out of it, you'll see that this is far better than thinking you can read for any and all who come your way.  It's not possible.  NO reader can do that.

3.  The third Yama is ASTEYA, translated as "non-stealing".  This can be best practiced with your fellow tarot readers.  For example, give credit where credit is due. Don't take the glory for something if you didn't do the work.  Always acknowledge your teachers and mentors for their assistance.  Avoid actively seeking out a fellow reader's clientele (there is enough work for everyone!).  This is a bad business practice born out of scarcity mentality.

4. The fourth Yama is BRAHMACHARYA, or "celibacy".  No, I'm not talking about it from a sexual point of view (however, sleeping with your clients is NOT a smart idea.  I know of one guy who used to do that and it brought him all kinds of trouble!). I'm talking about it from an "energy" viewpoint.  If you are constantly doing tarot readings without conserving some of your energy, you risk burnout - which is no good for you or your clients.  Restraining yourself here is wise and prudent. I adhere to a strict policy of only reading 4 days out of the week and limiting the number of clients I serve.  Maintaining healthy boundaries makes for a better tarot reader - and a better experience for your clients and a healthier business and life experience in general. 

5.  The last Yama is "APARIGRAHA" or "non-grasping".  You can practice Aparigraha by not "owning" your clients.  They are free to come and go as they please - and to seek a different reader if they should choose to do so for any reason.  A tarot reader should avoid pushy solicitation. There are some unethical readers that take it to an extreme by telling a client that they have a "curse" on them - and then offering to remove it for thousands of dollars!  Some of these con artists will resort to calling the client at home at all hours of the day and night.  This is unconscionable and downright criminal! NO ethical reader should EVER engage in such practices. 

My other favorite way of exercising Aparigraha is by being objective and "letting go of the readings". I actively work at detaching myself from the outcome - and when my work with a client is done, I also choose to let it go.  In other words, I do not obsess over the reading.  I close my chakras and move on to the next one without hanging on to what was.  I choose to live in the moment. That's how I roll.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

What ethics or philosophies guide you as a tarot reader?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.