And then the tarot reader began with 'this is probably all a load of cobblers'

[annwfyn]

I've just read this.

It appears that from now on, tarot readers, mediums, spiritualists, and astrologers are going to be covered by legislation which says they have to warn people before they begin that what they are doing is 'for entertainment only' and is in no way experimentally proven.

As a note, I've had my tarot read for me many times, by both friends, professionals and by myself. It's mostly been inaccurate enough that I've rather given up on it as anything other than a quite good way to poke around someone's subconscious. I've had my palm read, and was haunted by the prophecy for years.* I've gone to see a medium once, but that was with a friend and I just listened in. It did sound to me a lot like a rip off, but who am I to comment?

In a very odd way this darkly amuses me, mostly because I have NO idea how the average fortune teller of any kind would work that into their schtick. I've never met one who wasn't VERY keen to emphasize how real it was, how important it is. Mediums, in particular, I think are going to be screwed by this.

"Well, there might or might not be something out there. No idea. Scientifically this is all crap. That'll be £17 to sit in my living room and let me whiffle crap at you."

In a way, though, I feel kinda sorry for these people. I've got friends who use tarot, and dabble in other things, and they are often quite serious about this kind of thing. This is kinda now saying very firmly that in the eyes of the law, they are talking complete shite and the law thinks they are just making shit up. And that's a slightly harsh thing to say.


*I was told I'd meet a man, settle down with him and have a daughter. Then I'd meet the love of my life. I'd be totally torn and it would rip me apart. The palm reader wasn't sure what decision I'd make, but it would be the right one in the end, which struck me as a cop out.

Comments

[castorlion.livejournal.com]

I'm not really sure that the law is saying that it's all crap. The way I read it, the law is saying that what they can't do is say that it's all entirely true, and that'll be £27, please. Which is a little harsh on the ambience, but seems fair enough really.

[chrisvenus]

They are more than welcome to say its true. They jsut have to provide evidence that it is that will stand up in court. I find it hilarious because the whole point is that its not forcing them to say its not real. If it was I could imagine objetions but the law allows for the fact it might be real and just says that you have to prove it (if I understand correctly).