I see a Slurpee in your future

I recently had the opportunity to have a reading by a tarot card reader -slash- clairvoyant. Now normally I wouldn't engage in that kind of crap, but it was free and the Jew in me couldn't pass up a bargain. Before I tell you what she said, it's best if I say what my feeling is on these things to begin with. Basically I think there are people who, for whatever reason, have a sixth sense about things. I don't think they SEE the future, per se, but I think that for whatever reason some people are more in tune with these kinds of things. I also think that for every one of these, there are thousands and thousands of shonky fakes whose most marketable skill is being able to make general shit sound specific, and to read people's personalities within a very short time. So that being said, I headed into my free for today only reading.

I walked out of my reading suitably confused. Some of the things she said I couldn't really 'place' into my life - but she was pretty adamant that I would be able to fairly soon. Other things she said were suitably detailed and creepy - she knew I had 3 kids, knew their sexes, knew my individual concerns for them, knew I had a birthday in the very near future, and some other bits and pieces. I don't know that I really had any major "a-HA" moments in there. I didn't even ask her any questions, nor did I tell her anything about myself. Perhaps I should have asked specific questions, but the whole thing kinda spun me out so for once I found myself speechless.

I suppose that clairvoyants, and mystics, and psychics, and whatever else is out there really only serve one purpose: they provide comfort to the person seeking their guidance. No difference to religion really - and my MIL would say that mystics, etc are basically a type of religion anyway. I think she's right - really anything that provides a person with guidance, support, insight - heck, some sort of purpose for living each day - can be considered a religion. Some people would say it's just their non-belief in anything (other than, perhaps, themselves) which is their religion (although I'm guessing they wouldn't use that word).

So - am I any better or different or enlightened after meeting with the clarvoyant slash tarot card lady? In short, no.

But I did find it supremely annoying that she used North American Indian cards with all North American animals in it. Who ever heard of a Brown Bear (new beginnings) or a Bald Eagle (starting something new) or a door mouse (introspection) wandering around Melbourne, anyway? *grin* (You knew I'd find something to bitch about, didn't you?)