If anyone is going to make tarot cool again for the next generation of readers, it’s going to be Courtney Weber. It’s not just because she looks like a tarot rock star – it’s because she recently co-created the stunning tarot masterpiece, “Tarot of the Boroughs”. This deck is like nothing you’ve ever seen before – the images are striking, gritty, beautiful and shocking. Composed with original photography, this unusual deck has an interpretation of the tarot that is modern and full of life. And it features techno star, Moby. Yes, THE Moby. Now how cool is that?!
I had the great pleasure of doing a phone interview with Courtney and found her to be direct, hip, super smart and streetwise . (All qualities that I love!) She has been busy with tarot and the occult for many years now with influences in Santeria and Voodoo. She got her first tarot deck at age 15 and has been going strong ever since. I think Courtney has the right the combination of straightforwardness, creativity and intensity to really stand out in the tarot industry. With the “Tarot of the Boroughs” already under her belt before the age of 30, it’s going to be interesting to see what else she conjures up. I think she’s pure magick.
Read on for her answers and see why I’m making a fuss about her:
1. What age were you when you started?
Courtney: I started reading tarot at 15. Someone gave me a deck at a slumber party and I started playing with them right away. I got into it quickly and was naturally good at it. People kept giving me decks over the years and at 19 I really started doing readings for people. I didn’t charge at first but people wanted to pay me. So I started charging $20.00 for my readings and even did events with my tarot cards such as raising money for my friend’s divorce.
2. What drew you into tarot?
Courtney: Tarot helped me a lot. It helped me to navigate through school and connect with a broader spiritual outlook. It became a guiding force in my life.
3. Why do you think more young people don’t get into tarot as a profession?
Courtney: I think it’s because the Gen X and Gen Y population tend to be perfectionists and have the attitude “if I can’t do it right, I just shouldn’t do it”. There is a fear and insecurity about doing it wrong and some might be terrified of giving a wrong reading. There are also those who have the philosophy that you shouldn’t be making money with tarot. And lastly, some don’t see it as “cool”. Tarot is always going in and out of style.
4. What are some of the stumbling blocks that you faced as a young reader?
Courtney: When I first started reading: not knowing the meanings of the cards and having to refer to the book. That was frustrating. I created a class called “Burn The Fucking Book” to help other readers overcome their dependency on the book and learn how to simply read.
5. How have you been treated by the tarot community?
Courtney: I’ve had a warm reception by the tarot community. There has been nothing but great support. RuthAnn and Wald Amberstone have been so kind and wonderful. Ciro Marchetti has been great; Robert Place has been invaluable and Mary Greer is so gracious.
6. Have you faced any prejudices because of your age?
Courtney: Not really. I’m pretty immune to criticism. I don’t take a lot personally. The spirit of the tarot community is young so I don’t feel anyone is a different age.
7. How do you think we can get more younger people interested in tarot?
Courtney: It goes in and out of style. Right now astrology is where people seem to be putting a lot of energy due to 2012. Tarot has been around for so long it won’t go away. It will continue to evolve. I think we need more teachers to build confidence in young readers.
8. What would be your message to younger readers?
Courtney: Just read the damn cards.
Learn more about Courtney at her fab blog: A Girl Called Woo and be sure to check out her incredible deck, Tarot of the Boroughs. Courtney is also on Twitter with the handle: @cocotarot.
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Blessings!
Theresa
Tomorrow we’ll be finishing up this series with my personal friend and Starbucks buddy, the talented tarotist and musician Elliot Czaplewski.
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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