MysticMag chats with Barbara G Meyer, a renowned Psychic Entertainer based in the Chicago Area since 1989. With a specialization in tarot cards and palm reading, Barbara brings an element of excitement to all types of parties and special events.
How did you first discover your passion for psychic entertainment and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I always tell people that it was just too much fun to resist. I read about witchcraft and supernatural stuff in high school, but I first dabbled in tarot cards back around 1972 or 1973, during my college years. It was the trend of the time, with everyone talking about the dawn of the Age of Aquarius and the beginning of the New Age movement. However, a particular reading scared me when I felt that it caused a relationship to break up, partly due to my personal jealousy and partly because I saw signs of trouble ahead. I didn’t realize then that the outcome could be changed if I asked the card for suggestions for the person asking, and I blamed myself for the breakup when it indeed did come. As a result, I shut everything down—I stopped getting intuitive hunches and even lost my knack for finding parking spaces, which I had been quite good at. I ceased reading cards altogether and pursued a career as a librarian for the next 20 years.
Then, at a party, a friend showed me a tarot deck and explained she was just learning how to read them. I just couldn’t believe how much I had missed it. I took a tarot class, started hustling readings at science fiction conventions for some extra cash, and eventually discovered psychic fairs. April 28th, 1989, marked my first psychic fair—and I always say, the beginning of my professional career as a reader. I worked those for about two and a half years.
I was getting better at reading, having a blast, but I felt unsatisfied as a librarian. A friend recommended me for a party gig she couldn’t do, and another friend put together a gypsy costume for me. Little did I know that this would kickstart my career for the next decade. At that party, I caught the attention of a mentalist who was also working that day and he became my mentor and helped me connect with entertainment bureaus and agents. I realized that I could make a living doing readings for parties and special events, so after a few years, I quit my full-time librarian job. I worked part-time as a reader advisor at the library for a couple of years until I left that behind as well. Since then, reading tarot cards has become my livelihood. Now, I receive a small pension from my old library job, which is a nice addition, but mostly this is how I earn my living. It’s been a strange and remarkable path, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Could you share with us a memorable experience or moment where your psychic readings have left guests amazed and excited about their futures?
I often find it difficult to recall specific readings because I don’t retain a memory of what I said. However, there was one memorable instance at a psychic fair where I sat down with a woman who appeared to be around 70 years old. She had been married for 50 years but was deeply unhappy in her marriage. As I laid out the cards and spoke to her, I can’t remember the exact words I used, but I do recall mentioning that it was her turn this time or something along those lines. When I came back to my senses, I noticed her face light up with a smile. I had provided her with a way out of her difficult situation. While I generally don’t remember the specifics of what I say, people often express excitement or gratitude afterward. Some have even had strong reactions, with their mouths hanging open or declaring that they are no longer skeptics. My goal is to bring them good news and help them find a positive outlook. It’s all about leaving them happy and satisfied.
Of course, there are instances where the news may be less favorable, such as when someone’s lover won’t leave their spouse for them or when they receive disappointing information. In those cases, I must be gentle and tactful, but I will not lie and tell them things will work the way they want when they will not. But no one is left stuck in a bad situation, I can always ask the cards for suggestions for the person being read to make their life better, even if they are not getting what they want right now. There are always alternatives if we look for them.
As a psychic entertainer, you have performed at a variety of events and parties. What are some of the unique challenges or considerations you face when tailoring your act to different types of occasions?
When I’m conducting readings for family groups, especially if there are young kids present, I must be cautious in my approach. I wouldn’t give a detailed reading to a young child who expresses a desire to become a baseball player and assure them that it will happen. Children’s interests and aspirations can change and evolve, so I keep it light and simple for them. I might pull a single card and tell them that if they want to pursue baseball, they have the talent but need to practice. I also mention that they might change their mind, and that’s perfectly fine.
For older kids, I generally wait until they’re at least 12 years old before providing a more substantial reading. At this age, they’re starting to develop their sense of self, and I look for information that can be helpful to them. They might ask about popularity or future happiness, but I emphasize that the future is still malleable, and they have the power to shape it.
With high school students, career-related questions tend to dominate. I provide reassurance and guidance, telling them that they’re headed in a positive direction and that their careers will be fulfilling. However, I make it clear that the future is not set in stone, and they have the ability to make choices and create their own paths.
When it comes to older individuals, I sometimes must deliver tough love. For instance, if someone is unhappy in a relationship and asks if their partner will change, I may have to be honest and tell them that their partner is unlikely to change because they don’t want to. In such cases, I focus on helping the person explore their options and decide what they want to do.
Each age group requires a different approach, and I adjust my readings accordingly. It’s all about providing relevant information and guidance based on what they’re seeking and what I can offer.
You’ve been in the industry since 1989, and your expertise has been featured on television and radio. How has your journey evolved over the years, and what are some of the highlights of your career?
I was never sure if I wanted to do readings over the phone, but then I got the opportunity to be on a radio show with some friends. We were on the show every week, and I started doing readings over the radio. This experience made me realize that I don’t necessarily have to see the person to understand what’s going on. I simply look at the cards and convey the messages. It’s actually easier to do readings over the phone because people are more open. They don’t worry about me reading their expressions and tend to be more receptive.
The real evolution came with the pandemic. There were no more live parties, so I started doing parties over Zoom. I got myself a second camera and dressed up as Madam Zandra, the all-knowing fortune teller. I worked in front of the camera with one camera on me and the other focused on the cards. I could easily switch back and forth between the two views. It was a slow but steady evolution, where I adjusted to the changing circumstances and kept exploring new possibilities.
As an entertainer, I’ve learned to be quick in delivering readings. If I had half an hour with each person, I could explore broader topics, but in an entertainment setting, speed is essential. It allows me to serve as many people as possible without keeping them waiting for too long. This has helped me become a very fast reader. However, I still prioritize delivering what is necessary and meaningful to each person. It took years of practice to develop this skill and reach the point where I can confidently do it.
Around 2016, I began working with an online program called ESP Chat. They had a public room where anyone could join and queue up to have a reading with me. Each person would get four minutes of my time, and then the computer would disconnect them. This setup made me an even faster reader. I’ve always bragged about being able to do 10 readings per hour, now I was doing 15 per hour. It doesn’t mean they don’t receive a good reading; I’ve learned to laser-focus on what they need to know most at that moment. When people don’t have a specific question, I home in on one or two significant aspects of their life and provide insights. They often respond with amazement and confirmation.
What sets your approach to tarot cards and palm reading apart, making it light, positive, and fun for your clients? How do you ensure that each guest feels good about themselves and leaves excited about their future after a reading?
I always strive to provide a positive outlook for my clients, even when faced with challenging questions. Occasionally, I receive inquiries that touch on sensitive topics, like a woman asking about her father who had stage 4 cancer. I pulled the Eight of Cups, which depicts a person walking away from a stack of cups and moving towards a new direction. I could not see when he was going to die, but I shared with her that he had reached a stage of acceptance, a stage described in what is known in the 5 stages of dying, the 5th stage, when someone becomes peaceful and reconciled with what is to come. This revelation brought her comfort, as she found solace in knowing that her father had come to terms with his situation.
While it can be a somber topic, it’s remarkable how I can help people sometimes find peace and acceptance in difficult circumstances. I always aim to find something positive to share, even if it’s not a definitive resolution or a miraculous recovery. I never fabricate information or tell lies to provide false hope. I believe in maintaining a delicate balance, offering a measure of solace while being honest and compassionate.
Let me share a story from the early days of my journey. There was a woman I encountered at a parapsychological event who had a strong aversion to psychics. She had a personal experience where she visited a reader with her husband before his surgery. The reader assured her that everything would go well, and her husband would be fine. However, the outcome was not as promised, and her husband passed away. Her discontent stemmed from being given false hope rather than being informed of the actual possibilities. It reinforced my commitment to never mislead or oversell optimistic outcomes.
My goal is to provide comfort and upliftment to those who seek a reading. Even in challenging situations, I strive to leave my clients feeling a little better than when they arrived. Sometimes, I can identify opportunities for positive change and suggest alternative paths to explore. It could be advising them to seek outside assistance or encouraging them to reach out to specific individuals who may provide support. It’s important to approach each reading with empathy and the intention to bring a sense of solace and guidance to those who seek it.
