The Hit List - Even tarot readers get the blues

Most days, I’m a happy-go-lucky gal. It’s my natural state of being. Joy shoulda been my middle name!

But the last few weeks, I’ve been in a funk. Instead of my usual joie ve vivre, my mood has been leaning into a dark place. I found myself listening to nothing but sad songs because it matched the way I felt.

It began with news about two loved ones that pretty much rocked my world. I won’t go into the messy details here but suffice it to say, I still have not made sense out of those situations.

This was followed by news about a beloved client in a horrific accident. Some of my clients are like family so when I hear that something terrible happens, it worries me. (Thankfully, she’s on the mend.)

I’ve also had a few energy vamps circling around me. Which means I had to erect sky-high boundaries to protect myself. And to top it all off, after ten months of nothing, I got my period. I know, I know, TMI. But I’m just being honest here. This threw me into hormonal hell because I assumed I was coasting to the finish line (yes, I’m one of those women who don’t feel bad about getting old). Now I’m back to square one.

Ugh.

Why am I telling you all of this?

It’s because people assume that tarot readers can “see everything” all the time and therefore must have perfect lives.

This is far from the truth.

In fact, we can’t see all. Nor do we have the ability to avoid every drama or accident (although we can often keep most types of doom ’n gloom to a minimum). So don’t assume we’ve always got it going on. Even if our Instagram feed is filled with pictures of smiling faces, cats and yummy dinners, remember: it’s carefully curated. Because no one wants to put their shitshow on display. Not a famous artist like Beyoncé nor a plain ole tarot reader like me.

We all have our down days. Or weeks. Even years (yes, I went through a depressing four year period). None of us is immune. Life can sometimes hand you a crap sandwich, even if you’re doing your very best.

So the next time you find yourself feeling like life is nothing but a whole lotta cruddy stuff, know this: you are not alone. We all have those times. Even those of us you assume might “have no problems” do. We are just like you: subject to the ups and downs of life and all the random shizz that can go wrong. As I often say: we all get our turn at the Wheel. Somedays all we can do is take a deep breath, be present, and do our best to keep on keepin’ on. That may be you at this time – or it may be me.

What does make me happy: meeting fans and signing copies of The Tarot Coloring Book!

Other stuff:

If you feel depressed and need help, check out 7 Cups of Tea, online therapy and free counseling.

Great advice from Wooly Witchy: How to get started reading tarot for yourself.

Outrageous: When domestic violence victims call police for help…and get evicted instead.

Good reading: How Telling Someone to Go Educate Themselves Can Actually Be Oppressive.

Loving this rad lady: “It’s Kirsten”: The D.C. Powerhouse Every Young Woman Must Know.

Compelling: Krysta Rodriguez on Womanhood After Breast Cancer.

I’m featured in Milwaukee Magazine this month! Check out: Looking for a tarot card reader? Head to Shorewood.

My friends Susan Hyatt and Alexandra Franzen just launched this uh-may-zing writing class: Dig Deep.

Yes to this tip: The One Joyful Thing Everyone Should Add To Their Weekend Wellness Routine.

From Rebelle Society: The Joy of Swearing. Ha ha! Love it!

Tarot Love Magick : Using Your Cards to Attract the Best Love – nice post from Lillith Dorsey.

So interesting: ‘The New Yorker’s’ Emily Nussbaum on How to Be a Critic in 2017.

Ah yes: When It Feels Overwhelming To Revolutionise Your Life, Where And How Do You Begin?

Damien Echols speaks out about the Arkansas executions.

One of my favorite tarot readers is Melissa Cynova, author of Kitchen Table Tarot. I sat down with her to talk about..tarot!

Are you a Survivor fan? Check out this Vanity Fair piece on the recent controversy: Was Survivor Wrong to Air the Moment Zeke Smith Got Outed as Trans?

Thorn Mooney asks: Is tarot necessarily spiritual?

My husband is a horror movie fanatic. He just got the Phantasm Special Edition Boxset and is happier than a kid at Christmas!

I love reading books about money. Amanda Steinberg just released Worth It: Your Life, Your Money, Your Terms. Might be worth a look.

I am obsessed with Falksalt Crystal Flakes. Perfect for finishing cookies or salads! Sometimes I like to put one on my tongue and let it melt.

This looks like a soulful read: Find Your Soul’s Purpose: Discover Who You Are, Remember Why You Are Here, Live a Life You Love by Janet Conner.

Ooooh a deck on Tarot Familiars! I love anything tarot + animals!

Gemstone whiz Margaret Ann Lembo just released her newest deck: Masters, Mystics, Saints & Gemstone Guardians Cards.

Are you in New York? Join me for these two special workshops:

April 25 2017 7-8PM: OcCulture Talks: join me and Haley Houseman for an interactive discussion about working as a reader, the art of tarot, and tarot’s powerhouse renaissance in the past few years. Tickets are $10 advance, $15 at the door. RSVP here.

April 27 2017 6:30-8:30PM: Namaste Bookshop in New York City. Join me for a beginner’s workshop and book signing. $25. Register here.

In the Detroit area? I just added this class:

June 19 2017 6-8PM: Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Join me for Celtic Cross Boss, a two-hour tutorial that will have you mastering the Celtic Cross like a BOSS. $25.