By Carl Munson
I tend to stick to natural health, holistic living and personal development when it comes to subject matter for this column, so the idea of looking into tarot is something of a departure and, quite frankly, a territory into which I thought I'd never venture.
A new shop in one of Newton Abbot's main streets attracted my attention however; one that opened up for business in the run up to Christmas last year, called "Say it with Angels", offering Reiki and tarot training among a collection of angel-related merchandise.
Now this would be an odd and daring occurrence in Totnes, let alone Newton Abbot, but to proprietor, Reiki trainer and tarot card reader Rhiannon Faulkner, it's just something that had to be done following the success of her first retail premises, doing something similar, in the equally unlikely setting of a local garden centre.
Sure enough, it wouldn't have been right to just press my nose against the window – I felt the need to walk in and introduce myself and check out exactly what possessed someone to create such an improbable business. Of course, I didn't phrase it quite like that, and much to my surprise I encountered a very down-to-earth, friendly and heavily pregnant shopkeeper – with a difference.
I immediately noticed Rhiannon's newly published book taking pride of place – "My Journey through the Tarot," which her publishers describe as the "fas cinating story of Rhiannon's personal spiritual journey. Using the tarot cards to relate to each stage in her life, from her childhood to adulthood, Rhiannon shows how she got to where she is now - a successful medium, tarot reader and healer."
Later leafing through my own copy, I discovered exaclty how she "has become stronger through life's experiences and now sees all of them as a test in the great lesson of life." She's sure been through some challenging times and it's a gripping read that I polished off in two sittings.
Described as "a must for all of those who are at a turning point in their own spiritual journey," I can see how people relate to Rhiannon's courage and philosophy, and – as one lady way up country decided to do – drive miles just to shake her hand in recognition and say "thank you".
Finding out that she is a mother of four girls, and currently expecting her fifth child, I wondered how Rhiannon not only runs her shop, but also has the energy to give private tarot readings, "do" mediumship and offer healing sessions, as well as train Reiki therapists at the weekend. "I even go to people's houses when asked to remove negative energies or unwanted spirits," she calmly threw into the conversation.
Her weekly development circles are apparently very popular and she revealed to me that she is "passionate about her work with spirit". And that's where it gets tricky for me. I've never been drawn to working with those who are – as it were – unseen, yet still active, albeit unseen to me that is!
Thing is, Rhiannon does "see dead people", and they help her in her work, including tarot, that – before I knew it – I'd booked myself in for. More on that later.
"I want to grow and expand my business throughout the UK, making tarot a more accepted form of counselling and way of guidance," Rhiannon told me, sounding like a psychic version of Richard Branson. "I want to change the attitude or belief that tarot is working with the 'dark side' or is negative or bad in any way. I only work through love and light and with assistance from loved ones in the spirit world."
"I have always believed in spirit world and life after death, but was brought up in a family that did not believe, with a heavy influence on traditional religion," she told me. "I came to my own conclusions, and once in a position to follow my beliefs without offending anyone, I changed and devoted my life to working with spirit."
"I have always had experiences of guides and angels throughout my life. Since leaving school I have regularly had tarot readings to guide me throughout different choices," Rhiannon explained. "I started to make it my way of life after my divorce and I found I could make my own choices in life."
"I am passionate about the tarot and I do it because I love it. The tarot and healing has taken over my life and I see my job as my hobby. My guides have led me in this direction and I firmly believe that they are working with me for a reason – that reason being to help other people become aware of spiritualism. Everyday I am learning something new and meeting new people – on this earth plane and in spirit," she went on to say.
As far as my tarot reading was concerned, I can say it was very accurate, affirming and supportive - even though, I must confess, I didn't go with an open mind. Like many people I imagine, I have been wary of well-meaning, yet possibly misguided or even mistaken mediums and readers who might tell me what I wanted to hear or stuff so general it sounds plausible. Rhiannon is neither of these. But don't take my word for it if you are moved to find out more.
She's got just the one head, she doesn't bite and she's right down here on planet earth with the rest of us. She's an ordinary, though unusual woman, with an extraordinary set of abilities.
Rhiannon Faulkner can be found at Say it with Angels at 15 Union Street, Newton Abbot. She can be contacted for readings on 01626 351508 and her book is available via www.authorhouse.co.uk