So You Want To Join A Tarot Organization

I want to start this post out by saying that I am a very independent thinker.   This began at an early age when I had the audacity to question why we needed to go to church every Sunday (I got in a peck of trouble for that one).  Even at 4 years old, I had a rebellious streak and did not like any sort of  group think (one of my favorite yoga teachers, Gary Kraftsow, says to “Beware the hive mind” and I couldn’t agree more).  I am a huge believer in questioning authority in any form.  But what does this have to do with tarot you ask?

There are now countless organizations aimed at the tarot community.  All one has to do is take a peek online and you’ll find groups, guilds, schools, forums and more.  I’ve dipped my toes in a few as I do believe it is good to see what it out there but for my own personal reasons, I find it is best for me to remain a lone wolf.  Many others feel differently and like the idea of “belonging”.  While I respect that mindset,  I  also believe that every man or woman should adhere by the old saying: caveat emptor (buyer beware) before they dive in to ANY organization.

In that spirit, I’d like to encourage you to research groups thoroughly before you decide to drink the Kool-Aid.  Here are some really powerful points to consider:

1.  What is their history? Have they been around for a long time?  Are they well established or relatively new?  Not that it matters but older organizations may have more information on their background and the people involved running it.  This can give you a better idea of how they really interact in the community as well as how they practice personal and professional politics.

2.  Do they coexist peacefully and respectfully with other organizations? A good group will recognize that the tarot world is very diverse and therefore not everyone will be a good fit for every club.  On that note, they will treat other groups with graciousness and not bash them publicly.

3.  Do they deal with issues in the tarot community in a diplomatic way? In other words, do they open the floor for dialogues and disagreements?  If so, are all viewpoints respected and treated with consideration?

4.  Do they answer questions about their organization and motives with complete transparency? Or do they act as if they have something to hide?  A good organization should be able to explain their position and intentions clearly and without double speak or evasion.

5.  What do they offer in terms of supporting the tarot community? Are they really helpful or does it seem that they are policing, controlling or lording power in some way?

It is vital that you, the consumer, ask these questions but it is equally important that you do your research and watch out for red flags.  Here are a few that should give you pause before you commit:

1.  A financial motive. If there is money involved, chances are people may get greedy.  Be very leery of organizations that charge money without explaining clearly what that money is intended for.

2. An unreasonably and overly litigious mindset. If they are quick to sue, trademark, or in any way try to prevent people from “competing” with them, this is a troubling sign.

3.  Lack of transparency or accountability. Be very careful of any group that is not completely out in the open about their agenda.  And if there is any sort of issue that arises, pay close attention to how they handle it.  Complete accountability is a must.  If they do not take responsibility for problems in their organization, this is a clue that they are not on the up and up.

4.  Publicly trashing other organizations.  For me, this is a big no-no and a deal breaker.  It speaks of ego and I automatically will drop any group that does this.

5.  Stifling dissent. An organization with integrity handles disagreements and tough questions with diplomacy and grace.  Beware of any group that bans individuals who criticize them or doesn’t allow for different opinions.  This is nothing more than a power play and smacks of fascism.  Healthy debate is always a sign of a healthy organization.  Blind obedience is never acceptable.

While my criteria for a good organization may seem like impossibly high standards, I won’t compromise. In order for me to be a joiner in any sense of the word, I need to feel that the organization is based on integrity, honesty, fairness and common decency.  I like to associate myself with people who fit that description – so why should organizations be any different?

If you still feel that you need to be part of a group, I’d like you do some self reflection and ask yourself why.  And then consider this: community happens when people freely and respectfully support and help each other.  We can do that without an “official” governing body.

Blessings!

Theresa

PS  I’ll be writing a follow up post on “Tarot Certification”.  Watch for it soon.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.  Do you belong to any organizations?  If so, what has been your experience?  Do you feel they really help you as a tarot reader?

image courtesy of National Archives UK