The Tarot Channel

Tarot on Journeyman

We caught a glimpse of Tarot on television earlier this week: a psychic character telling fortunes on NBC's sci-fi series, Journeyman.

The first card pulled from her brand-spankin' new copy of the Rider-Waite deck was the Seven of Wands. "Ah, yes," the reader purred. "You're very successful at everything you do." (Hmmm. Was she thinking, perhaps, of the Six? Hard to get "Success!" from a screaming man using a wand to himself from six potential pokes!)

The final card pulled was called "The Significator" card -- "a card that summarizes the essence of the entire reading." Hmmmm ... last we heard, a significator represents the querent in the reading. The writer was probably reaching for the term quintessence -- a summary (calculated mathematically, or represented by a single card) of the overall energy of the reading.

The so-called Significator turned out to be the Hanged Man. "Something has turned your life upside down!" the reader gasped. Seconds later, she was on her feet, having one of those psychic moments that seem only to happen in television dramas, complete with rolled-back eyes and heavy breathing.

We completely understand that Tarot cards make for great visual drama, and we applaud efforts to include them as props in books and scripts. That said: would it be too much to ask for you t.v. writer-types to Google the subject, visit Tarotpedia, or drop a question or two to TheTarotChannel.com ... you know, just so your use of the cards will incorporate a little accuracy and authenticity?

I mean, while you're all on strike, it's not like you got anything else to do!

Criss Angel "Debunks" Tarot

In the first segment of this YouTube clip, popular "metal magician" Criss Angel Claims to debunk Tarot reading. But does he really? Watch the clip, and then read on for some insights into Mr. Angel's technique.

Might You Be Tarot's Ross or Rachel?

According to this press release, Marta Kauffman, one of the producers of the smash-hit sitcom, Friends, is now developing Gifted -- a reality show focused "on people who believe they have certain psychic skills such as reading Tarot cards or communicating with spirits."

The show will feature tests designed to determine which cast member is the "most gifted," and may include a Big Brother-style twist that forces contestants to "live together under one roof."

Me? I'm holding out until the folks at The Amazing Race book me as a "Tarot reader" and my partner, Clyde, as an "Internet Entrepreneur." (Should we go for the Fast Forward? Hmmm ... since I've drawn the Chariot, I'd say yes!) But if you've got both psychic powers and an agent, this could be your big break. And hey, the show's going to be on the Fox Network ... so you know it'll be in good taste. Heh.

"Oh, Dear, You've Drawn The Fat Cow Card!"

In this clip from Balls of Steel -- think Candid Camera with an attitude -- a comedienne poses as a Tarot reader in order to steal another woman's boyfriend. (I have to say I've never heard The Moon card interpreted in quite this way ...)

Miss Cleo in Action

The fake accent ... the turban ... the casual disregard for any real information on the cards ... the threatening spam pretending to have a personal message just for you ... and those hi-larious catch phrases ...

Love her or hate her, Miss Cleo shaped how America thought about Tarot for more than three years. (By the way, what's "the marriage card?")

An American Family - Tarot Reading

Here I was, thinking The Real World was the first reality show on television ... but, as it turns out, PBS beat MTV by a decade with An American Family. The show, which followed the lives of the William C. Loud family from California, was especially controversial because it didn't hesitate to show viewers the life of the family's openly gay son.

This clip features a Tarot reading given to series character Pat. Unfortunately, she's in the hands of a gentleman who may be the World's Most Uncertain Tarot Reader. (Now that would make a great Saturday Night Live sketch, eh?)

Tarot on TV: Gay, Straight, or Taken?

On Gay, Straight, or Taken?, savvy female contestants try to figure out which one of three potential dates is heterosexual, woman'-loving, and available. During last week's episode, one savvy young lady put her interest in all things metaphysical to work ... by dragging her mystery dates off for an appointment with a Tarot reader.

Tarot on TV: NCIS

The "Goth Girl" forensic specialist on CBS' NCIS uses Tarot cards to help her think. Maybe she's read Putting the Tarot to Work? (Heh.)

Wald Amberstone of The Tarot School to Be on TV

Here's what Ruth Ann Amberstone had to say in the latest edition of the Tarot School Newsletter Tarot Tips:

Awhile back, we were contacted by a producer at The Today Show to participate in a segment they were putting together on astrology and tarot. So for 4 and a half hours, our living room was turned into a TV studio earlier this week. It was fascinating and the crew was terrific!

When all is said and done, Wald will be on national television for about 30-40 seconds. Wald talked with Campbell Brown for about an hour. Let's see which 30 seconds they choose -- keep your fingers crossed!

If you feel like tuning in, the show will air on Saturday, February 10 on NBC between 7-9am ET (yes, that's AM so set your Tivos or VCRs unless, unlike us, you're a morning person).

Like Ruth Ann and Wald, I'm not a morning person...but to get a chance to see Wald in all his Tarot glory--I may have to be this Saturday!

-- Janet Boyer

Super Bowl XLI - Let's Play Fortuneteller!

Normally, I don't use Tarot for frivolous purposes *cough*, but ya know--sometimes playing with the cards can lead to surprising insights, new techniques, and boosts of confidence for Tarot reading.

On Sunday, February 4, 2007, the Indianapolis Colts will gallop on the field at Dolphin Stadium in Miami to face the Chicago Bears for Super Bowl XLI.

Your mission--should you choose to accept it (and I hope you do!)--is to do a reading for Super Bowl XLI. Can you discern the final score? What about injuries, offensive or defensive strategies, unexpected half-time shenanigans, or even some inklings about those beloved Super Bowl commercials? (Me, I'm hoping for a new Geico caveman commercial!)

Do tell us which deck you used, what kind of spread, how you came to your conclusions, and so on. Who knows? We may be delightfully surprised at the results--and learn something along the way.

-- Janet Boyer