Do you remember the Debbie Downer skits on Saturday Night Live? Debbie Downer was a character (played by Rachel Dratch) who would constantly say depressing, uncomfortable statements, often at inappropriate times.
Although the sketch was funny, dealing with one of these real life characters is another story. Every so often I’ll come across a client with an extremely negative world view just like that character.
No matter what the tarot sees, they’ll negate it. And they don’t stop there – they’ll dump on you, pooh-pooh any good guidance that you offer and then they’ll be sure to tell you how nothing ever works out for them (including how no tarot reading ever comes true). With an attitude like that, is it any wonder?
At times I am unable to comprehend why they would even bother to come in for a reading when they seem to be so resistant to any positive prediction or helpful advice.
For example, I had a bitter divorcee who proclaimed that “all men were assholes” yet she wanted to know if she’d meet someone. The cards showed that her mindset was turning off any potential suitor (no surprise there) but rather than hear that message, she launched into a litany of how poorly men have treated her and “all the good ones are taken” blah blah blah.
After patiently listening to this hostile diatribe, I realized that I was not going to be able to help her. She wasn’t ready – or willing – to shift her thinking. And worse yet, it seemed as if she was trying to convince me to join in the man bashing so we could commiserate together (not going to happen here as I adore men).
That type of reasoning is not conducive to a helpful tarot reading. Here’s why:
- Debbie Downer will always see the bad – and will focus on past drama rather than the present or future. Channing Tatum could be standing naked in front of them with an engagement ring and a million dollars (bada bing!) but they’ll only see the ghosts of jerky boyfriends past.
- As a strategic thinker, I like to look at possible ways to transform the situation (or at least deal with it) should the tarot portends a bad outcome. Debbie Downer doesn’t want to hear about strategies because that implies work. They seem to want to wallow in their misfortune – and/or sometimes they are looking for a magic wand.
- BUT Debbie doesn’t really believe in magic wands. Because that implies “luck” and they can’t see themselves as lucky people. They are defined by their misery.
No amount of positive energy, optimistic predictions or spiritual guidance will help someone when they are that invested in negativity. Tarot can only go so far.
Sometimes these people have a deep seated issue and would be better off spending their time and money on a licensed therapist. Although tarot CAN be an aid in the healing process, nothing replaces counseling when you cannot see the possibilities before you.
Should you find yourself stuck in a Debbie Downer loop, put the tarot aside and instead seek introspection and the proper help so that you may find a way to climb out of that darkness and into the happy future that you deserve. Happiness is not reserved for the select few – it is yours for the taking too.
As a self proclaimed eternal optimist, I love to see good outcomes for my clients. But I do know that life can and often does turn dark at times. How we react to that energy will ultimately determine our fate.
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” ~Colette
Blessings!
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2013
How do you deal with doom and gloom thinkers? Please share your advice and thoughts in the comment section below:
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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