Tarot beyond fortune telling and finding answers in the cards at Zingara

In a world where mystical practices were once dismissed as mere superstition, the art of Tarot has emerged as a modern form of self-care. Tarot card reader Adrian van der Velden, currently residing at The Royal Countess Zingara at the Pavillion in Melrose Arch, offers short readings before shows and longer appointments outside the venue. His clientele spans from high-profile individuals to everyday people seeking guidance.

Van der Velden emphasizes that Tarot is not about fortune-telling or predicting the future. Instead, he starts the reading by asking clients about what's currently going on in their lives, making the cards a tool for self-exploration rather than a prophetic oracle. The symbolism of each card becomes a springboard for personal reflection, helping clients navigate through difficult situations like troubled relationships, loss of loved ones, or feelings of being lost.

For Van der Velden, a Tarot reader by profession, the experience is anything but routine. Coming to Tarot nearly by accident, he holds an Honours degree in Literature with a strong background in symbology, which aids him in weaving stories through the classical meanings of the cards. However, he is cautious about self-declaring as a psychic, citing ethics and responsibility as crucial aspects of his work.

Despite his academic understanding of Tarot, Van der Velden does not attempt to explain everything through magical means. Instead, he allows the act of shuffling the cards to create a sense of destiny, acknowledging that the order in which the cards fall holds meaning for the individual. Whether this phenomenon can be attributed to supernatural forces remains a mystery, but the impact of a Tarot reading on clients is undeniable.