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My Story
My mother, Joanne, was my first introduction to Tarot. Back in the mid-70s, she became interested in Tarot and astrology, eventually becoming a teacher of both. I remember students assembling in a circle on the living room floor intent on her every word of instruction. She also was teaching evening classes at the nearby high school. Mostly, mom read clients in the home as I was growing up, where I would watch in amazement and could absorb her technique. This allowed me to develop a comfort level needed to serve others. So, by the time she handed me my first deck, I was 16 years old. The door was wide open and I walked through. Thank you Mom!
I practiced a lot on myself back then. Fervently reading as many books as I could, I was grateful for the resources in my mother’s library. Gradually, I started reading for friends, family and co-workers, not knowing at the time I was building a foundation for a professional life to come. I remember vividly “receiving the light” randomly at a train station before I was 20. I knew then the Universe had plans for me…after all, it was in the blood. I even found out that my father’s aunt Delia was a neighborhood reader “way back when” in an Italian section of Philadelphia. Throughout my twenties I continued to hone my skills and began to take on clients.
I was immersed, carrying my cards like my little sidekick. They went with me everywhere I did. Psychic development was the ongoing priority. It still is. My explorations led me to my mentor, a semi-retired parapsychologist living in Augusta, Georgia. I traveled there every summer for years to receive her training and enlightenment. Boy, I am a lucky Sagittarius. To this day, her love and guidance remain a powerful force in my life. Thank you Ilona!
In 1995, at the ripe age of 28, my Saturn Return had picked me up and out of Philadelphia and dropped me in New York City. It certainly was more convenient since I was traveling to the Big Apple quite regularly. My close friend, Mo, believed in me early on and had arranged appointments for me as soon as I stepped off the train. “Could I do this all the time?” I asked. Mo said, “Of course, you are supposed to.” Thank you Mo!
So there I was living in the Manhattan vortex working at the popular local coffee shop in Chelsea, The Big Cup, having started only a week after I settled in the neighborhood. It was my first public gig and it lasted strong for over eight years. I also was reading at a trendy East Village restaurant and a well-established queer bookstore called A Different Light. It felt fulfilling to serve in public venues as the number of private clients was growing. I count myself fortunate to have some of the same loyal clients to this day.
As my popularity grew, event opportunities began to appear. Offers to entertain host of events became an added element to my repertoire. What a pleasure it was to share in a bridal party’s excitement as I was the surprise guest or being dressed in a Harlequin costume reading in the center floor of Bulgari’s “Save Venice” event. A professional Tarot reader had been created. Thank you New York!
To this day, I continue my private practice, aspiring to guide, heal and touch the lives of many, one reading at a time. I have supported my work with a continual investment into my spiritual development through a strong yoga practice, meditation, hypnotherapy, retreats and other venues focused on maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit that is needed to serve. I continually focus on the gratitude I feel to be an instrument for that which is Greater than myself. I doubt I can ever retire from this, nor would I want to.
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