Tarot Ethics

Here is my Tarot Code of Ethics. It is excerpted from my book, Tarot Reading Explained.

If you plan to read Tarot cards for profit, it is important that you consider writing up a code of ethics for your Tarot practice.  But even if you do not intend to read for anyone other than friends and family, it is a good idea at least to consider this topic, since doing so will impel you to think about ethical issues related to doing Tarot readings.  If you never think about this subject, someday you will find yourself making ethical decisions in the heat of the moment.  Such snap decisions usually fall victim to the petty dictates of expedience and short-term self-interest.  They rarely reflect the values of your higher self or of an enlightened sense of purpose.  If you spend a little time and effort writing up your code of Tarot ethics, it will be written down for future reference, both on paper and in the back of your mind.  The act of writing it will embed it into your consciousness and enable you to refer back to it should ever you forget it.

What follows is a statement of my Tarot Ethics.  I share it here not only as a template that others might want to use, but also as an example of how one person has decided to deal with questions of ethical conduct in reading Tarot cards.  Take from it what you will.  It is not necessary that you agree with my code of ethics, but it is important that you give careful consideration to your own.

1. Confidentiality:
I will not reveal what a client tells me without his/her written approval. I will hold all written and verbal communication with a client in confidence, except in the event of a life-threatening situation.

2. Honesty:
I will interpret a reading to the best of my ability and will honestly admit when I cannot interpret something.
I will always tell the truth, but not impose information on a client that they have clearly indicated that they do not wish to know or explore further in depth.

3. Nonjudgmental:
I will always provide readings with compassion and in a nonjudgmental manner.

4. Expertise:
I will not give advice in areas for which I am not qualified. If the client needs a physician, psychologist, lawyer, financial advisor, accountant, or any other professional service for which I am not qualified, I will encourage him or her to seek such service from someone who is qualified in that area, and I will make appropriate referrals wherever possible.

5. Responsibility:
My goal as a Tarot reader is to allow my clients to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions, which guide their lives, and to act according to their own conscience for the greater good of all concerned.

6. Empowerment:
I will let my clients know that the future is never etched in stone and thus that they have the power to change their future!
I will strive to help my clients leave a reading feeling empowered to make practical, life-affirming decisions.

7. Healing:
I will allow myself to be a conduit through which Divine Spirit heals my clients’ spirit, mind, body, and environment based upon insights gained from a reading.

8. Uplifting:
I will strive to make each reading a blessing for everyone involved.
I will be encouraging and try to leave my clients with a sense of renewed strength and hope. Thus, I will try to make each reading, no matter how bad it might initially appear, end on a positive, encouraging note.

9. Independence:
I will not let my clients become overly dependent upon my services, nor pressure them for return visits.

10. Payment:
I will not accept payment unless my client is satisfied with the reading.
I reserve the right to refuse to read for any client, but I will return any compensation for such a reading.

11. Professional conduct:
Since the future is always mutable, I will never scare a client by predicting the inevitability of a physical death.
I will not do a reading to see what someone other than my client is doing or feeling.
I will at all times maintain an ethical and professional relationship with my clients.
I will not abuse a client’s trust and vulnerability for my own personal benefit.
I will endeavor to study those things that will advance my own professional development and aid me in giving better readings.
I will not refer clients to another professional reader in anticipation of acquiring kickbacks or other compensation.
I will treat my professional colleagues with respect.