# When the Narcissist Wants a Reading Tarot is a sacred art. It reveals, it heals, it unsettles, it transforms. But occasionally, someone walks in and the cards will not sing. The air thickens. The current flickers. And the reader—if attuned—knows: something is wrong. Today, that something was a narcissist. On the surface, she was serene. Spiritually dressed. Said she was “here for a message.” Within minutes it became apparent: whatever the cards revealed, she would deny. Whatever truths emerged, she would sidestep. And slowly, very subtly, she would attempt to make _me_ feel inadequate. This is the hallmark of the narcissist in the tarot chair. They are not looking for guidance. They are looking for control. They twist the reading into a game they must win. And if the reader is inexperienced, it can be shattering. Had I continued, she would have undermined everything: the energy, the flow, my own inner knowing. But I have learned. I stopped the reading, told her frankly, “This is going nowhere.” She agreed. And I let her go. That was the true message she came for. _Exit._ What’s more chilling? She was a tarot reader herself. I often wonder: how many narcissists have made their way into the ranks of spiritual workers? Without scruple or moral compass, they can easily mimic insight and manipulate for money, preying on the gullible. For the serious practitioner: trust your instincts. Tarot reveals. But it also protects—when you let it. --- ### Contact me The circle is open — if the work calls to you, or if you simply wish to say hello, you're most welcome. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: [Message me here](https://wa.me/447918637940) ### Links to Paul on the web - [Substack](https://tarocurrents.substack.com/) - [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/paulhughesbarlow) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@PaulHughesBarlow1) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/paul.hughesbarlow) - [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/paulhughesbarlow.bsky.social)