Raised loosely Catholic then propelled into staunch atheism in my teens, religion and its associated spirituality has always felt quite hand-wavy to me.
But spirit guides and psychic fortunes? Symbolic cards knowing the secrets of my future? While researching places in Dundee to have my tarot read, I reached out to some local readers to get their perspectives. Some, like Pitlochry-based mum and tarot reader Holly McNaughton , tell me they approach the cards more like a form of therapy or self-help than fortune telling. Meeting Lyn at her Downfield home is disorienting from the get-go; mainly because I struggle to find the address.
After some aimless wandering in a car park, a door opens and Lyn appears, tiny and lively, leading me in. They were very much young and in love. Instead of explaining the meaning of each card, Lyn takes a moment to assess them, then launches into her interpretation. I try to keep my face neutral as my last properly messy breakup flashes to mind. Stay steeled, Rebecca. Next, Lyn tells me someone is coming through from spirit.
Next comes the main reading, for which I shuffle the luxurious, vibrant cards again. This time, I draw Reader, May will bring my 30th birthday. Coincidence, or result of a cursory Google, or true sight?
I certainly hope not, and my face clearly conveys this. Overall, my foray into tarot has been β can you hear my teeth gritting? Not only is it fun picking cards! And I can see how that considered approach would empower people to make big moves or have confidence in their decisions.
