The Wright Times

Tarot cards won't tell the reader if it will rain tomorrow or if they'll win the lottery. And not all tarot readers are Gypsies with scarves wrapped around their heads. Tarot is used to give readers and inquirers vague details that can range from a career to having children. Although there are different explanations of how Tarot cards originated, most people believe that it started in the early 1400's in northern Italy, where they were used as playing cards. Normally, a standard deck has 78 cards with two parts: the minor and major arcana. The major arcana, "greater secrets," has 22 cards while the minor arcana, "lesser secrets," has 56. A majority of the cards have objects on them foretelling different outcomes in various situations. Swords represent the fellowship of power, wands represent the spiritual aspect, cups represent humanities and pentacles represent finance and money but the quality of advice received is usually dependent upon the reader. These are two examples of the tarot experience

Mystic Tarot
An atmosphere of nervousness surrounds you as you enter Mystic Tarot, a Tarot card reading locale run by a woman named Sofia. At first, a person can be skeptical thinking they will hear empty words that she has memorized of all the cards she flips over. After all, the setting was a corner of her living room, made to be more intimate with a freestanding folding wall, a small table with a cloth covering it, and candles. At first, the words being said and the questions asked can make you laugh. Skepticism soon becomes intrigue Sofia gives on-point details about life and certain feelings. It's very interesting how she could relate each card to it's inquirer. It was also amazing to find that the pictures on the cards did portray the meaning. Of course there are moments when you wonder if she's for real. But despite the fact that we were in her living room and the TV was on mute about five feet away, when Sofia speaks to you, you feel she is making a connection. Whatever she says could possibly happen. Although the cost was $20, you walk out with some knowledge, some insight, and as a believer. Mystic Tarot is located at 1562 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Clairvoyant Gift Shop
Walking up the narrow stairway, a dining room with a small table in the corner was in sight. There were pictures of Jesus, carnations, tarot cards and incense burning. After receiving readings at various locations, it was evident that many readers work out of their own home so it was no surprise when the stranger's living room had Robert Doisneau posters and Mardi gras pictures hanging on the wall. It seemed like this was a waste of $25 and a waste of time but as people always say, looks can be deceiving. Anna spent 20 minutes reading the cards and was very informative and scarily truthful. She has the ability to make you feel as though you're already friends, and is able to go into the intricate detail of one's life including friendships, love life, spirits, career choices, decisions that need to be made and past hurts that still find ways to haunt their inquirer from time to time. When Anna first started, skepticism filled the room. Soon enough, curiosity took over as Anna approached each subject in a light manner, with the capability to make you feel warm even if she is telling you something you don't want to hear. Inquirers will find that they will leave Anna's home with a positive attitude, a refreshed feeling of optimism, and a complimentary candle. The Clairvoyant Gift Shop is located at 3333 N. Lincoln Avenue.

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