Picture this: a young single mom at 22, trying to find stability with no tertiary education, juggling bills, and raising a baby. That was me. To make ends meet, I took on PA and admin jobs—anything that guaranteed a paycheck. But let’s be honest, the daily grind of paperwork and phone calls slowly turned me into a paper-pushing zombie. It was far from what I’d dreamed of, but I kept going because it was (quote, unquote) “the responsible thing to do”. I ignored the whispers for a long time.
One day, in the midst of my “stable” routine, a client introduced me to their business partner as “The Energy Mediator.” It might’ve been a clever way to describe my PA role, but for me, it was like someone had switched on a light in a very dark room. I’ve always had this innate ability to read a room, to feel the energy shift with each person who walks in, and to connect with people on a deeper level. That title made me realize there was more to my journey than just filing papers and answering phones. Maybe, just maybe, the universe was nudging me toward something bigger, whispering: “Hey, there’s more out there for you!”
But, of course, the universe wasn’t done testing me yet. As an INFJ—known for being deeply intuitive, empathetic, and driven by a desire to help others, combined with being a Pisces Sun, Cancer Moon, and Cancer Rising—a walking, talking emotional ocean—and you’ve got someone who feels everything on a cosmic level. My empathetic nature has always been both a strength and a challenge, giving me a PhD in spotting red flags from a mile away. This deep sensitivity, though? It was my connection to something greater, something I didn’t fully understand at the time but was starting to grasp.
After two years as a PA for a designer of luxurious lounge and sleepwear—a job that sounds glamorous but was far from fulfilling—I hit a breaking point. The work had become stagnant, there was no growth in sight, and I felt like I was suffocating. Plus, my debts weren’t going anywhere, and I needed a change, fast. So, in a move that surprised everyone (including myself), I packed my bags—along with my tarot and oracle cards—and moved to China to teach English.
Now, picture this: I was the only native English speaker and foreigner in my town, for at least an hour’s drive in any direction. It was an exciting yet very isolating experience, but those tarot and oracle cards? They became my lifeline. They were my trusted companions, offering guidance and connection in a place where I felt completely alone. Those cards took up much of my suitcase weight allowance, and it was worth every kilo.
When I returned home to the beautiful Western Cape, South Africa, I thought I’d find balance and strength, believing that if I could do what I just did then I could do anything. But life happens when you’re busy making other plans. My old employer reached out, offering me a new role: “Head of Peaceful Workflow.” It was a title that fit me better than “Front Desk Administrator,” considering I was doing everything from client liaison to logistics. But even with a fancier title, something was missing. The job kept me too busy to even read tarot on the side, pulling me further away from my true path. Yet, in a way, it became the catalyst for the transition I desperately needed.
Throughout all this, there was a nagging void, a sense that I was meant for something more. My friends and family saw it too and kept telling me to take that leap of faith, to stop wasting my gift. But it wasn’t until my health and sanity started to fray that I truly listened. My energy was drained, my spirit crushed, and I knew I couldn’t keep ignoring my calling. As much as I tried to push those whispers aside, my intuition kept knocking louder and louder. I’ve learned that if you don’t listen to the whispers, you’ll have to endure the screams. And let me tell you, those screams aren’t gentle. They show up as exhaustion, burnout, and that feeling of being completely lost. It took reaching that breaking point for me to finally acknowledge that the universe was pushing me toward my true calling.
The turning point came when my son graduated from university. With him off pursuing his dreams, I realized it was finally time to pursue mine. I finally felt like I could leap for me, just me. That’s when “Tarot with Gina” was born. Looking back, every Tower moment in my life – the ones that tore everything down – were actually clearing the way for something better. The Fool’s Journey wasn’t just a story in the cards; it was my story. The universe had been whispering to me all along, but I had to endure the screams before I truly listened. I knew I had to give it my all because if I didn’t, I’d just end up back where I started, only more miserable. And that’s when the Magician showed up, bringing me exactly what I needed. It’s like the universe was saying, “Finally! Let’s create magic.”
Every day, I’m living what I was always meant to do. Tarot isn’t just something you learn once and master; it’s a daily practice, a way of life. It drives me to keep learning, keep growing, and keep using my gift to help others. Tarot isn’t just about taking a course and thinking you know it all; it’s about living, learning, and practising what you preach every single day.
The Devil energy? Oh, it’s real, and it’s something I’ve had to confront over and over again. Those toxic behaviours and thought patterns that kept me stuck, that kept whispering, “You’re not good enough,” or “You can’t do this”—they were all part of my journey. But here’s the thing: the Devil has been one of my greatest teachers. Not the easiest angel to work with, but an angel nevertheless. He showed up when I needed to unbind myself, to push me into balance and harmony. And trust me, when you start to do what you love, when you step into your true calling, the Devil doesn’t stand a chance.
Now, I’m living what I was always meant to do. The cards might not predict your future, but they sure can help you figure it out. Whether you’re standing on the edge, wondering if you should take that leap, or deep in the trenches, feeling like everything’s falling apart, the cards are here to guide you. They’ll help you see the steps ahead, and if you’re willing to trust them—and yourself—you’ll find the journey is exactly what it’s meant to be: a path to your true self.
And that, beloveds, is where the real magic happens.
