The Hit List - Aaarrrggghhh…pirated tarot decks

Last week, I wrote about the potential problems of AI and tarot. This week, I want to touch on a bigger issue that is right here, right now: pirated tarot decks.

Ahem mateys: other tarot readers and publishers have sounded the alarm, so most of these points have already been made. Nonetheless, I want to make sure my audience is informed so they don’t accidentally support these scammers.

While images of pirates are seen as romantic, there is nothing swashbuckling about a pirated (fake) tarot deck. These are poor-quality copies of the originals, and while the price may seem right, you truly get what you pay for. The decks are often smaller, and the artwork on the cards is not crisp like the real thing. Plus, the card stock is flimsy as hell, which means it’s not going to last, especially if you intend to use it a lot. (Psst..you gotta wonder if these decks even read well, considering the quality and bad energy.)

Nowadays, many tarot decks are packaged in beautiful keepsake boxes, but pirated cards come in flimsy ‘tuck’ boxes with QR codes on the back. NO legit deck has a QR code. If you see one, it’s a huge red flag.

Real decks come with books, while the fraudulent copies don’t. Pay attention to this small detail because it’s a sign your new tarot cards are phonier than Jack Sparrow’s wig.

You can find these fake ass decks on sites like Temu and Wish. Sometimes they even show up on Etsy or at brick-and-mortar metaphysical shops. The prices are extremely cheap, which may be tempting, but do know when you buy these counterfeits, you are putting money into the hands of thieves while taking it away from artists, publishers, and writers.

If you think that’s no biggie, you’re wrong. The people who create the originals are trying to make a living, just like you. When their work is stolen, and you hand over your hard-earned cash to the scammers, you are hurting their livelihood. That’s not jolly, Roger.

So, please. Buyer beware. These pirated tarot decks blow. Shop carefully and always support the artists, writers, and publishers who work hard to create the beautiful (true) decks you know and love.

Theresa

Other stuff:

Tarot shorthand saves lots of space in journals.

Interesting interview with Bernie Taupin.

Stephen King: My Books Were Used to Train AI.

From Embedded: That’s enough internet for today.

What to Know About the 12 Houses of the Zodiac.
Truth: You’re not for everyone by Maggie Smith.

Astrology For Real Life got a nod on this list over at School Library Journal: Tarot, Witchcraft, and Divination: Teens and tweens seek reassurance from the universe.

Excellent post from Anne Helen Petersen: My So-Called #TradWife Life.

Me neither: I’m Not Buying the Narrative That Sophie Turner Is a Bad Mom.

Protect trans youth: Trans Kids on Coming Out at School.

From Lauren Ash: Jupiter Retrograde in Taurus: Your Luck Is About To Change.

I love Tiny Desk: How Pop Stars Turned NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’ Into Authenticity Theater.

Why am I not surprised by this development: Mommy Vlogger Ruby Franke Has Been Charged With Child Abuse.

Good: In North Carolina, the U.S.’ Youngest Party Chair Has a Plan for Attracting Voters and Winning Elections in the Battleground State.

For dinner in a hurry: How to use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut to easy weeknight dinners.

This metal Spirograph kit is pretty damn cool.

I love this electric teapot!

Jamie Varon’s book just dropped: Main Character Energy.

Want: How Romantics and Victorians Organized Information: Commonplace Books, Scrapbooks, and Albums.

Cozy everything is my jam: Create Your Own Cozy: 100 Practical Ways to Love Your Home and Life.

Science, bitches: 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success.

Jessica Dore has a tarot deck coming out next year: The Change Tarot: A 78-Card Deck and Guidebook for Psychological and Spiritual Exploration.

Cannot wait for the Shining Tribe Tarot to arrive next spring!

Finally, a tarot journal that has all the bells and whistles, including tarot card stickers: The Weiser Tarot Journal: Guidance and Practice.

In a few weeks, my newest book drops. Pre-order your copy today and get access to a special class: The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal when Life Gets Real (A Tarot Guidebook).

If you’ve ever been told you have a shitty astrology chart, I am here to tell you that’s a myth. Learn how to work with your so-called astrological flaws with: Twist Your Fate: Manifest Success with Astrology and Tarot.

School is in! Tuck this in your kid’s backpack: Tarot For Kids.

When you’re ready to get serious with your tarot studies, you need a great manual. This one covers all the bases: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading.

Prefer to listen to your tarot lessons? Check this out: Tarot: No Questions Asked: Mastering the Art of Intuitive Reading is available as an audiobook.

Many astrology books are dry as hell. This one is juicy and fun: Astrology for Real Life: A Workbook for Beginners (A No B.S. Guide for the Astro-Curious).

There is an audio version if you prefer: Astrology For Real Life.

A new tarot deck? Yes, please: The Uncommon Tarot: A Contemporary Reimagining of an Ancient Oracle.

Now that the kiddos are back in school, you have time for you. Do something fun and relaxing like coloring: The Tarot Coloring Book.

There’s a lot of dumpster fire news lately. It’s rough out there, friends. This book can help you cope: Tarot For Troubled Times.

The perfect weekend activity – creating your own tarot deck: Create Your Own Tarot Cards: A step-by-step guide to designing a unique and personalized tarot deck. <-Cards are included!

WTF is happening astrologically…this week? What are the opportunities to pounce on? And, drama to avoid? Find out with The Astro-Biz Digest. A special astrological forecast especially for business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, anyone who is self-employed. New Digest every Sunday: The AstroBiz Digest.

**NEW** Ever wish you had astrological and tarot guidance right at your fingertips? WISH GRANTED. Check out my new text message service: Sign up here.

I started a newsletter for metaphysical authors: The Metaphysical Author’s Confidential. Essays and lessons on writing, publishing, and marketing your magical book.

Classes and Events

Join my Patreon Community! I am serving up extended card-of-the-day interpretations, astrological tidbits, community tarot practice, political astrology, early sneak peeks at horoscopes….and more. Higher tiers get access to live classes, replays of previous classes, mentoring, and more.

October 7, 2023: Tarot for Mediumship. Join me at the Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan, and learn how to use Tarot to receive messages from the dearly departed. Learn more here.

October 7, 2023: Ethics and Responsibilities for Professional Tarot Readers and Astrologers. In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to deliver ethical, responsible readings. Where: Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Learn more here.

October 13, 2023: Book signing at Free Spirit Crystals in Butler, Wisconsin. 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Come on down, say hi, get a copy of The Cards You’re Dealt signed, and check out the cool crystals in stock.

October 21st, 2023: Book signing at Aum Shanti in New York, NY. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Meet me in the Big Apple and get your book signed. Yay!