What to do when your Tarot reading predicts something horrible

The other day I ran across a question someone asked on a Tarot forum that's fairly common.  The person had sat for a reading and their reader told them that the cards predicted they'd be physically assaulted sometime in the next few weeks. To me, this type of reading smacks of scam for so many reasons It's an unfortunate but sad reality that there are a lot of people in this business out there to scam people.  Some signs your reader is attempting to scam you:

• He/she predicts something terrible for you in a very specific time period
• Why is this a scam?  Tarot cards are like forecasts--they speak of what is likely to happen if you continue on the path you are on.  Just like other forecasts, they are not 100% accurate--everyone has free will and can change their path as they wish.  Additionally, Tarot tend to be vague when asking for specific dates.  I've had my best luck with giving out general time periods--like the season--when something will happen.
• He/she tells you that something bad is going to happen one or two cards into the reading.
• While this isn't always the case, the vast majority of Tarot spreads start off by examining the current situation or the past.  Its very rare that a spread will discuss the future a card or two into the reading.
• He/she offers spells/charms to ward off whatever bad thing is approaching
• In and of itself there is nothing wrong with someone selling spells or charms.  However, it should set off alarm bells if the reader "just happens to have" the spell or charm available to ward off whatever they claim is approaching.  Especially if the fee is a substantial one.
• He/she tells you that you are cursed and offers to fix it, for a fee
• This one always gets me because oftentimes the person didn't come to the reader knowing or thinking he or she was cursed--so how are they going to fix a problem that didn't exist to begin with?

It's entirely natural to feel weird or uneasy when going for your first reading.  But trust your gut.  If you feel like the reader is trying to sell you more than you want or need, politely decline.  You are under no obligation to return to them for additional reading, spells or charms.  Don't become the poor soul who returns week after week out of fear.  They are not the only one who can help, and oftentimes the help you may need will be available for free or can be done on your own.   In the end, there is nothing wrong with readers getting paid fairly for their time and expertise, but no one should ever part with their hard earned money out of fear.