The Hit List - How to cope when your loved ones don’t approve of your tarot or astrology obsession

I discovered tarot and astrology at the tender age of fifteen. My parents barely noticed. Or maybe they didn’t care. They were more concerned with my punk rock records and taste in boys (my idea of the perfect guy was Sid Vicious). So, my love for all things metaphysical was allowed to flower right out in the open. There was never any interference.

It wasn’t until I went pro that I learned some people had strong, negative feelings about divination or the magical arts. For the first time, I encountered folks who were nasty. Like the one time I ran into an old classmate and her mother. We exchanged pleasantries, but when I mentioned what I was doing for a living, the mother started yelling at me for being “against god.” YIKES.

Over the years, I’ve met many people who received fierce backlash from loved ones or strangers when they shared their love for mystical things. In some cases, this turned ugly. For example, I met more than one woman who had to visit me on the sly because their partner forbade them to get tarot readings. I’ve also heard of folks getting disowned by the family when they started working as a reader.

These situations can be frustrating, sad, or confusing. How do you cope when the people you love don’t approve of your tarot, astrology, or other metaphysical love?

Here are my tips for coping with loved ones that don’t approve of your tarot and astrology obsession.

First of all, don’t try to convert them. I have found most anti-divination folks tend to be set in their beliefs. Most of the time, you’ll waste your breath. You might be able to convince them on rare occasions, but it’s a lot of work – and frankly, it’s aggravating.

Next, try to understand where they are coming from. Are their attitudes based out of fear? Ignorance? Is this due to their spiritual beliefs (many religions are anti-divination)? Have they had a bad experience with a tarot reader or astrologer? There could be many reasons for their disapproval. A little empathy on your part is a good thing, even if you’re not being shown the same.

If you live under the same roof, it’s best to practice good boundaries. That means respecting theirs, too. For example, you might want to keep your tarot deck in your room rather than flaunting it in their face at the dinner table. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure to assert your boundaries. That might mean requesting they drop the subject or leave your books alone. If you feel they may not honor the latter, it may be best to keep your supplies in a safe location.

You’ll want to find like-minded people who share your interests. There is nothing better than a community of metaphysical-loving folks! You can discover people in your area through meet-ups, metaphysical shops, or by attending conferences. Online communities are another great source of support, especially for those who live in remote areas. Camaraderie helps you feel less alone.

Lastly, take none of it personally. That’s a mighty tall order when you’re getting blasted by someone who disapproves of your interests. But it’s best to remember that this is not about you. The sooner you can let this go, the sooner you can get back to what you enjoy: tarot, astrology, and all that good mystical stuff!

Theresa

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