I have been studying the Tarot and giving readings with it for many decades, thousands of readings. I used to give readings at psychic fairs for as many as forty people a day. That can be really exhausting.

The Tarot was one of my earliest occult studies. I’ve read hundreds of books on the Tarot. I wrote the introduction for one book on the subject (The Rabbi’s Tarot), use the Tarot as part of the work in my own books, including Modern Magick, and wrote an entire book on the subject, Tarot & Magic. My novel, The Resurrection Murders, includes the use of the Tarot, too. I was awarded the title of Tarot Grandmaster by the American Tarot Association.

I’m sharing these bona fides because I want you to know that I’m not a Tarot neophyte. Nor am I focused on just one limited approach to the Tarot.

And that brings me to the subject of this post.

As a writer, hypnotherapist, and Master Practitioner of NLP, I pay very close attention to words.

I do not like the word querent.

An enormous number of books on the Tarot describe the person asking a question of the cards as the “querent.” The word means “a person who is asking a question.” According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word first appeared at the end of the 16th century and was associated with astrology. That makes sense because, at the time, people would come to an astrologer asking questions about the timing of events.

I don’t see many astrologers using that term any more. Today, astrologers do so much more than answer questions about timing (although for some astrologers that’s an important aspect of their work). Astrologers have become guides, “astrotherapists,” confidantes, advisors, educators, and much more. They have moved into the modern era and often refer to the people who come to them for astrological counseling as clients.

Mike Quinn via Wikimedia Commons

That makes far more sense to me. When people seek a Tarot reading they generally are looking for far more than an answer to a question. In psychology, a person may come to a psychologist asking one thing (known as the “presenting problem”) but actually have many other issues. Likewise, when a person comes for a Tarot reading, the question(s) they have may be the presenting problem(s), but merely answering the question isn’t enough. The person is looking for approval, external guidance, advice, support, counseling, goal setting, and much more.

The term querent is antique and archaic. I don’t think it accurately represents the nature of a person who comes to a Tarot reader today.

I think it’s time to retire the creaky, old, “querent” and replace it with the accurate, modern, and in my opinion, far more appropriate term: “client.”

What do you think?
Please share your ideas in the comments section below.

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—Tomorrow: Saturday, October 12—
3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern——12:00 noon–2:00 a.m. Pacific

An Exciting, Worldwide Webinar
Topic: How to Make and Use Talismans and Amulets

There were some severe technical glitches when I gave this webinar a few weeks ago. As a result, many people who wanted to attend could not sign up and were left out. I am glad to say the problems have now been resolved, but this still prevented many people who had wanted to attend the webinar unable to do so. After talking with the great people at Thelesis Aura we decided two things: first, we decided to give this workshop again so everyone who want to can attend. Second, we’re giving it at a different time so those people around the world who had difficulty attending due to time differences would be able to do so.

Remember, this webinar is not a recording. It is a live, online training event. You will hear me live, just as I am talking. You’ll see my presentation slides, live, right on your computer. You’ll be able to download handouts. You’ll be able to ask questions during the webinar. You’ll see everything and hear me giving the webinar live. It’s as if you were in a room with me, only you can participate from your location anywhere in the world.

This webinar covers talismans and amulets. Throughout history, humans have used objects to bring health, safety, good luck, and to fulfill desires. Today, these objects are known as talismans and amulets. In this live, worldwide webinar, you’ll learn how to create them, how to turn them into powerful magickal tools, and how to use them effectively and safely. Topics include the three necessities of magick, differences between talismans and amulets, timing, designing effective magickal goals, types of talismans, how to prepare a talisman, what to do after you create a talisman, and more. When completed, you will have the information you need to create powerful talismans that will help you achieve your goals.

I want to repeat: this webinar is not a recording. It is a live, online training event. You will hear me live, just as I am talking. You’ll see my presentation slides, live, right on your computer. You’ll be able to download handouts. You’ll be able to ask questions during the webinar. You’ll see everything and hear me giving the webinar live. It’s as if you were in a room with me, only you can participate from your location anywhere in the world.

In this online workshop-webinar, I’ll be sharing practical techniques you will be able to use to make positive changes in your life. You’ll be able to create and use talismans for any purpose, including healing and improving your luck. This is invaluable information with techniques that can be used by individuals and groups.

Please note that this is not a recording. It is a live event you can attend. You will be able to interact with me, live, from anywhere in the world. Therefore, please make sure to check the time. It’s 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern U.S.; 12:00 noon–2:00 p.m. Pacific U.S. time.

Registration is now open. Here is the LINK. Due to software limitations, attendance is limited to only 200 people, so I would urge you to register as soon as possible.