REALL News - Vol 06 No 01 - 1998

Magazine Overview

The REALL News, Volume 6 Issue 1, published in January 1998, features an excerpt titled "Confessions of a Tarot Card Reader" by Lindsay E. Smith and Bruce Walstad. The issue also includes a quote from James Randi and an editor's note defining Tarot cards.

Confessions of a Tarot Card Reader

This section is an excerpt from a book by Lindsay E. Smith and Bruce Walstad, detailing an interview with Thomas Dobrowolski, who worked in a Chicago bank and also offered Tarot card readings.

Initial Involvement and Preparation

Dobrowolski recounts being contacted by an agent to perform Tarot card readings despite having no prior experience. He acquired a deck and a book a week before his first engagement, studying for a single night and making notes on how to interpret the cards. To enhance his persona, he adopted a mysterious appearance, wearing dark clothing, sunglasses, and slicking back his hair. He also deliberately aged the cards by bending them and using shoe polish, then carrying them in a hanky to make them appear antique.

The Reading Process

During his initial readings, Dobrowolski relied heavily on written notes placed on the table, which he could glimpse while appearing meditative. He employed cold reading techniques, interpreting card meanings based on the client's reactions and responses. He observed that people often asked leading questions, revealing their concerns, which he would then elaborate on. For example, if a card related to money appeared, he would infer a financial problem and discuss it, often hitting close to the truth based on the client's confirmation.

Client Demographics and Motivation

Dobrowolski categorized his clients primarily as women, ranging from teenagers to grandmothers, with a significant number being middle-aged housewives. These individuals often had limited life experiences and sought direction regarding family matters, careers, and relationships. He noted that people would readily share intimate details of their lives, seeking guidance.

Financial Aspects and Ethical Concerns

Dobrowolski initially charged a flat fee, with individual readings costing $10. He found that people were willing to pay more, often offering $20 or $30 bills. He initially viewed the work as entertainment but realized the potential for significant income, considering it as a way to earn enough money in the summer to take the rest of the year off. However, he developed ethical concerns, particularly when clients asked for direct advice on major life decisions, such as investing or leaving a spouse. His standard response was to state that he could only interpret what the cards said, not provide personal advice, to ease his conscience.

Private Parties and Departure from Tarot Reading

He also conducted readings at private parties, typically cocktail or dinner events, where he would set up a table in a separate room. He charged the hosts $30 per person for readings. After about six to eight occasions over a year and a half, Dobrowolski decided to stop reading Tarot cards. He felt "dirty" doing the work, realizing he was taking money under false pretenses because many clients genuinely believed in the power of the cards and did not see it as mere entertainment. He distinguished this from performing magic, where the entertainment aspect is clear.

Observations on Tarot Practitioners and Believers

Dobrowolski believes that some Tarot readers genuinely believe they possess a power, while others are "strictly con artists" who exploit people for money. He observes that this practice is widespread and thriving, with people from all walks of life seeking answers to life's questions.

Editor's Note: What are Tarot Cards?

This section provides a definition of Tarot cards based on the Encyclopedia Britannica (1997). It explains that they are used for fortune-telling and card games, with obscure origins but first appearing in their present form in Italy and France in the late 14th century. A standard modern deck consists of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Minor Arcana are further divided into four suits comparable to modern playing cards. The cards are associated with mysticism, divination, and ritual magic, and are widely used for fortune-telling. The Major Arcana relate to spiritual matters, while the Minor Arcana deal with practical concerns like business, career, love, and money. The meaning of a card is influenced by its orientation (upside down), position in a spread, and adjacent cards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the practice and perception of Tarot card reading, exploring the motivations of both the readers and the clients. The excerpt highlights the psychological aspects of belief, cold reading techniques, and the ethical dilemmas faced by practitioners. The magazine appears to present a skeptical yet informative stance, evidenced by the inclusion of James Randi's quote and the factual explanation of Tarot cards from Encyclopedia Britannica, alongside Dobrowolski's personal account of his disillusionment with the practice.