The Distinction Between Professional Regulation and Mystical Work
While professionals in various fields have regulatory bodies and codes of practice to ensure ethical standards, individuals engaged in mystical work often find themselves in a self-taught realm, which can leave them uncertain about how to appropriately interact with the public. This uncertainty also creates challenges for clients who struggle to discern whom to choose for a reading.
Regardless of the specific field, ethical principles should guide all practitioners in the divinatory arts. Conversations with a group of astrologers revealed that readers face similar issues when clients seek their advice, such as navigating difficult questions, addressing potential tragedies, assisting individuals with depression or overwhelming issues, and avoiding dependency while maintaining professional boundaries. In this blog post, we will explore how both readers and clients can mitigate these challenges.
First and foremost, it is crucial to be clear about one's motives as a practitioner. Having a solid set of values that align with one's spiritual perspective is vital. As someone who strives to live by Buddhist teachings, I personally reflect on my motivation for engaging in this work. While helping others by providing insights derived from a reading is a primary objective, the ultimate aim is to empower individuals to make informed decisions and effectively handle the problems in their lives. Encouraging clients to become dependent on continuous readings is not ethical.
Client dependency often arises when individuals hold a simplistic view of divination, believing that a reading unveils an unalterable fate written in stone tablets. They perceive themselves as puppets on a stage, with external forces pulling the strings. If they receive answers that do not align with their expectations, it can lead to significant stress, and clients may pressure readers to provide the desired response by repeatedly asking the same question. It is crucial to recognize the investment clients make in a reader's words and to exercise care when faced with someone overwhelmed by life's challenges.
Tarot cards, for example, depict potentials, trends, and possibilities for an individual at a specific moment. However, free will remains intact throughout the process. Readers must show clients that they have choices and should be proactive in their lives. A good reading should illuminate ways to bring about desirable changes.
For clients seeking a reader who can provide genuine insight into their possibilities, it is essential to find someone who can explain things in this manner. At no point should you feel that you have lost control of your choices. The purpose of divination is to seek guidance, not to feel intimidated. Both readers and clients should approach a reading with an exploratory mindset rather than a purely predictive one. Clients are encouraged to inquire about the reader's approach before booking a session, asking questions such as, "How do you work? Is there only one answer to a problem, or am I free to explore the possibilities available to me?"
By embracing these principles, both readers and clients can foster a respectful and empowering environment in the realm of divination. It is through this collaborative approach that individuals can gain valuable insights, make informed decisions, and navigate their life's journey with greater clarity and autonomy.