How my dead Grandmother made me a Tarot Reader

I’ve been working as a professional Tarot reader for over six years. How it started is all thanks to Grandma Virginia; a.k.a. “Grandma Shorty.”

I was adopted and didn’t know much about her, considering; I didn’t even know I was adopted until I was 16. Grandma Virginia was an iron woman, and tough as nails. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, just like me. She suffered quite a bit in her life. She lived with addiction, poverty, she was a sex worker, and she died of AIDS related illness way too early. But none of that matters. That's not what defined her spirit, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to show up and assist me the way she has. I’m talking life-saving intervention! She was four feet tall, and was able to beat up most men! I still hear stories of how she was able to take down people twice her size.

She was known to fight, and defend her gay, and trans friends. This was risky during the AIDS epidemic, and many would turn such people away in fear. She was different than the rest of our family in so many ways. She was different than most women at the time. She struggled to stay clean, and she had her demons… But she was a force that I didn’t get to truly appreciate until I was older; as she died before I was born. It wasn’t until I had come to terms with my adoption and reconnected with my birthmother that I began to really hear stories about her.

Divine Intervention

I was drowning in my subconscious programming and heaviness. I was desperately seeking validation, and on the verge of a breakdown, when I dropped out of undergrad to come back home.

This ignited my search for myself and all of that yummy stuff, which eventually led me here. But I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her. I wouldn’t be a reader if it weren’t for her. I needed to make some fast money at the time; so I was cleaning houses. I had this one client appointment, and they had a brownstone in downtown Brooklyn.

I cleaned his apartment from top to bottom as he was working in his office. I came across what must have been 20 tarot decks. I inquired about them because they appeared to be unopened in their boxes. He told me that he thought he was going to take them up, but never did. It must have been a long time, because the boxes were also dusty. Before I left that day, I was given every single one of those decks. I was drawn to tarot but never thought I’d be a reader, yet here I am carrying an entire collection of tarot cards home. I didn’t understand why; but I knew this was a much bigger blessing than I thought. That night; I had a dream that my deceased brother came to me as a child and said; “Those are Grandma’s cards…for you!”

For me?!

I’m certain she orchestrated it. I had never cleaned for this client before. But why?

Grandma Shorty wasn’t just looking to hook me up with a new job, or some part time cash. She had a plan… People began to come to me for readings; and in my pure desire to assist; I was able to receive messages for myself. I was able to let go of my ego in order to serve others, and thus myself. I began to follow the advice and guidance given to others. Those who were drawn to me shared some of my trauma or patterning. I was air-lifted out of my grief and self loathing by Tarot and my grandmother.

My desire to have an impact on the lives of others was my passion, and her carrot. A method to gently coax my talents and abilities forward. I was headed nowhere, and suddenly I had purpose, but my self esteem was so very low. I couldn’t accept these messages for myself, but I could for someone else. Sort-of like a roundabout way of getting things passed my ego, and through my heart. She tricked me into remembering.

Her “mistakes” have nothing to do with it

Before; I imagined her in a cocoon; healing from the years of trauma and pain. Unable to be reached.

For a while, it was difficult for me to contend my new experiences with her; the way she lived, and what she suffered. Just Given what she endured; it wouldn’t make sense for her to be as powerful and influential as my bloodline. No. In truth, she was the soil for us to grow from, she was the vessel that didn’t have the luxury of awareness in her life. Her life was sacrificial and none of it was a reflection of her heart and soul. I honor her struggles and hardships, but I wouldn’t choose them for myself. She doesn’t want it for me. Her sacrifices will not be for nothing.

My sacrifices are a little different. I’m removing more and more chaff and becoming more and more of my potent self. I literally gave up my apartment to live and travel in a van so that I could sacrifice, release attachment, and transcend.

She struggled to maintain a relationship with her kids, and she was an addict, but none of that was actually her. In unconditionally loving her, and seeing her power; I was able to forgive myself. I’ve had countless dreams and contacts with her since. She brought the tarot into my life because she knew what it would do. She is invested with love. She’s determined to assist me in any way she can. It’s easy to get lost in what our ancestors passed down to us — some helpful, some unhelpful.

We must strive to make their sacrifices worth-while rather than cling to them with misplaced pride. That's what led me into my crisis before this all started. They may not have had the opportunity we have; but we have them now. I share this not only with pride for my Grandma Shorty, but also because you never know who is working on your behalf in spirit. I’ve had client sessions when family members and people that they least expected, were around them and supporting them. Some didn’t even know the person in life! They really do such touching things, without any need for a thank-you.

I offer private sessions, blog posts, live readings through social media, and much more. All can be found through on my website.