“My life changed and my business took off after a tarot card reading”

Stars like Anya Taylor-Joy, Kim Kardashian and Lana Del Ray are big fans of the mystical art of tarot.

And now people from all walks of life have turned to it, with around 350,000 Britons using the 78 astrology charts or services once or twice a month.

Originally used as playing cards since at least the mid-15th century, people began assigning specific meanings to each tarot card in the 18th century.

They even offered suggestions on how they might be disposed for divine purposes.

Peaky Blinders star Anya, 26, recently revealed she’s been using them for seven years, carrying the cards in her purse everywhere she goes. She added, “It’s so much fun, and you can always take them out at a party.”

London department store Selfridges now has in-house Psychic Sisters readers.

Founder Jayne Wallace’s clients include Kim Kardashian, Tracey Emin and Kate Hudson.

Singer Lana has also used tarot images in her music videos.

Here we talk to three tarot fans about the role it plays in their lives and reveal some of the meanings behind the cards…

Wild Card: Let the Tarot Tell Your Story by Jen Cownie and Fiona Lensvelt is available now, £14.99.

Help in turbulent times

The day Jen Cownie, 35, works in an advertising agency. But at night, she has a second job as a reader alongside her friend Fiona Lensvelt.

The London-based friends have just released their first Wild Card book, a guide for beginners and those looking to brush up on their skills.

“Tarot is having a really good time right now,” says Jen, inset at left. “In turbulent times, this stuff flourishes. Post-lockdown, people are using it to reflect on the experiences they’re going through and the challenges they’re facing.

Jen and Fiona have been reading since 2016, when they took a course at Treadwell’s Occult Bookstore. Two years later, they launched their own stage show, Litwitchure, where they interviewed celebrities on stage while giving them a reading.

They claim tarot can be for everyone. Jen says, “To become proficient, you have to memorize the meaning of the 78 cards. None of us are clairvoyant. On our course no one was there because they thought they were psychic – they were just fascinated by it. Also, the cards are about advice, it doesn’t mean that certain things will definitely happen.

My life changed after reading

Yolandi Boshoff received her first set of cards in 2014 after being introduced by friends and has since bought 46 more, which she keeps in a cupboard at home.

“They cost around £20 a set, so I spent nearly £1,000 on them,” says Yolandi, who is 45 and lives in Sidmouth, Devon.

Three years ago, Yolandi was even inspired to make a dramatic life change by moving to Britain with husband Rob, 57, and son Ben, 13, for a new life in Britain.

She was also advised to take her spiritual coaching business, Divine Soul, online – a big help during the pandemic.

“The tarot showed that Rob had some anxiety about staying in South Africa,” Yolandi says. “He’s not into cards, so when I first told him we had to move, he laughed. But then he said it made sense. And my business took off because I listened to the cards.

“I strongly believe in following the advice I receive from my readings. Something great could well come from your decision to follow your cards, as it did in my case.

People opened up to power

Over the past 10 years, Alexia Rock has read the cards of thousands of people, from multi-millionaires to college students.

The 48-year-old, who lives near London, uses an Angel Tarot pack for her readings. “It has the same number of cards as a traditional deck, and has cards that relate to larger events that happen in your life and others that deal with day-to-day events.

“The difference is in the tone of the cards. The imagery is much softer and mystical than a typical game.

Alexia says tarot used to have a bad reputation, but she’s noticed a lot more people have been contacting her for readings recently.

She adds, “I’ve had a real mix of people coming to me for advice on things like starting a relationship or what to do next after finishing college.

“There has been a real opening to the power of the tarot and the spiritual community has become much more accepted.

“The magic of tarot is not in the cards but in the person who reads them – and everyone can tap into their intuitive abilities to do so.”

What do they actually mean?

Tarot cards are divided into major and minor arcana, all of which are said to have their own special meaning.

Major Arcana, like Death, represent universal human experiences such as falling in love or making a big change like moving away. Meanwhile, the Minor Arcana are believed to represent the energy, emotions, and activities of our daily lives.

The Sun card is said to portend good fortune and joy, indicating that the Universe is coming together, in keeping with your path.

Death does not mean you are about to die. Instead, it represents an end. The Fool represents new beginnings and potential.

Hangman is said to reflect a need to postpone a certain action or decision so that you have more time to think about it.

Unsurprisingly, The Lovers card signifies a decision made on romance and The High Priestess signifies listening to your instincts.

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