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]

Yes, but churches don't charge for entry -

"Roll up, roll up! Experience the Truth of Jesus! Only £5.50 per visit!"

"Thank you Madam, God bless you, £4.70 please."

"OAP discount? No, I'm sorry sir, we actually charge more the closer to death you actually are. It's all about a heightened market interest, you see."

They are (on the whole)about shared worship rather than providing a service (no pun intended). And the faith healers that do charge for their services are being affected by the legislation too.

[bringeroflight.livejournal.com]

MOST churches don't charge for entry. ;-)

[red-phil.livejournal.com]

I seem to remember a collection plate last time I was in church.
Not compulsary?
You try not putting anything in.

[adze.livejournal.com]

They aren't charging you anything, though, just giving you the choice to contribute, should you choose to.

I've never been to a church where the collection plate was something you HAD to contribute to.

[castorlion.livejournal.com]

I have, on several occasions when I haven't had any money on me.

[annwfyn.livejournal.com]

I often don't put money in the collection plate. I always feel a bit guilty, but no one has ever been nasty to me.