Tarot Reflections
March 2020

Jason D. McKean: Tarot Wizard 
An Interview by Francis Ian

Introduction

Most of my tarot life has been spent in Los Angeles, the city I was born in and call home.  Over the years I’ve met a fair number of tarot professionals from all over the world, but when it comes to being read and networking, the Los Angeles tarot community has a lot to offer and it’s where I spend most of my tarot-related time.  One of those offerings is Jason D. McKean, Tarot Wizard, a professional tarot card reader offering intuitive counseling using the Wizards Tarot deck (Corrine Kenner, John Blumen - Llewellyn 2011). His tarot settings range from shops and parties to events and classes in cities like Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Oakland, Las Vegas, Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo.  He is available in person and online, and even on land and sea (catch him aboard the Queen Mary!) In addition, Jason hosts a weekly radio show called Wizard Talk (BlogTalkRadio), and has released several excellent albums in the OM Chant series. If all of that wasn’t enough, Jason is also an ordained minister through Universal Life Church. I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to getting up close and personal with this diverse tarot professional.  Let’s shuffle the deck...

For more information, please visit Jason D. McKean’s website:  http://www.jasondmckean.com/

The Tarot Wizard Q&A with Jason D. McKean

Francis Ian:  Jason, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me, to our American Tarot Association readers and the general readership of Tarot Reflections.  Since I started following your work, from the OM albums to your tarot classes and readings, I’ve wanted to speak with you about the craft of being a working tarot professional.  Please take a moment to say hello to our readers and hopeful future tarot professionals! Feel free to add any biographical details I may have missed in the Introduction, as well. 

Jason D. McKean:  Thank you so much Francis, it's my pleasure to talk with you and the readers today. You pretty well covered all the high points up to now, even my being a Minister and getting people hitched! With my Tarot career, I've been reading professionally for about 8 years now, and I'm going strong. I am called to the work and I love doing it. If you're going to do a lot of one thing in life, make sure you love it!

Francis:  The Beginning - From your website visitors will note you were born into a family of psychics and ministers.  I’d love to hear more about this, especially who your parents were and how they used their gifts, and what impact this had upon you as a young man.  I expect your intuitive powers are a reflection of your upbringing and I’m curious how early you discovered them, and when you first started using the tarot deck as a tool and conduit for those gifts.  And, did your parents have any response to your path to tarot, if they were there to see it unfold? Was there any input from them related to your eventual road to intuitive counseling?  

Jason: My great-grandfather was a Lutheran Minister from Germany, he came to the US around the turn of the last century. His son, my grandfather, was a Lutheran Minister and missionary that served Alaska in the 1930s. My mother made sure we had a good bible education growing up, but both my sister and I are in the metaphysical field. My sister Tara Sutphen is an established world-renowned psychic and metaphysical teacher. I think she broke the ice with our parents, and they adjusted to it, probably realizing they didn't have a choice. My talents were primarily focused on music and art at a young age, and I spent my teenage years creating movies and paintings and music. I feel that my Intuitive Well is deep and can be tapped into and expressed in many forms, and my younger self was drawn to these earlier creative pursuits. And now I choose to tap into the Intuitive to help guide others. My father has passed on, but I know he would get a kick out the work that I do with the Tarot. My mother gets flack from people she tells that her son is "a wizard", but she knows the good that I do in the world.

Francis:  That’s wonderful that your mother supports you!  Out of curiosity, have you ever worked with your sister or plan to?  I’ve seen some YouTube videos about her and visited her website. She appears to have the same positive vibes you have and definitely is about helping others. 

Jason:  Our mother is a healer at heart, being an RN, caregiver and hospice nurse, so it’s not surprising that my sister Tara and I have the same positive vibes. Actually all my siblings do, but Tara and I feel called to work in the metaphysical world. We are planning a Shaman Apex in Sedona AZ, a gathering with the two of us and a couple of Native American Shaman with the goal of moving individuals past the blocks that hold them back, and into the fullness of their lives. Each practitioner brings their own specific medicine to the gathering. I also join Tara a lot on her radio show “Transformations with Tara Sutphen” and we talk about healing and opening up intuition. She’s been helping people enhance their psychic abilities for years. We work great as a team, so there will be more events in the future.

Francis:  Tarot Reader - Please tell us a little about your early years as a tarot reader.  Do you remember the very first reading you did for another person, professional or otherwise?  What are some lessons learned from that experience, and did you modify your approach to tarot in any way after that?  As you gained experience as a professional reader, what are your strongest memories, positive or negative, establishing yourself as a tarot reader?  Were there any mentors that had a hand in helping you get to where you are today? And, finally, prior to your procurement of the Wizards Tarot (more on that in the next question), what were your first tarot decks and among them are there any you still use?  Did any of them shape how you read today?

Jason:  I was gifted my first Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck in my mid-twenties, and was in instant overwhelm. 78 cards, all these meanings to have to associate and learn, the many books to rifle through to find a pertinent meaning to a card as it relates to the question. I didn't enjoy it much, so I drifted away from it and focused on art and music. And then many years later, my work was dramatically shifting and there was an opportunity to become a psychic for a media project and I dove right in. The project didn't pan out, but I found that I loved reading the Tarot for people! Partly it was the 3-card intuitive reading style that didn't feel like I was locking myself in, and I was at an age where I had experience with life, and the depth of connection and conversation with people was amazing.

I started off with the querent choosing all of the cards for a reading, but gradually I learned that if someone comes in confused, that is going to reflect in what they’re choosing, so I started to direct who chooses which cards and where it's placed. I learned to trust my part in the reading. But it took a little time to get to that. When I first started to read professionally, I went to various Tarot classes that were taught by readers, but the ones that I liked best were the ones where we got to experience the layer of Spirit. Got to see this layer at work, where all is connected. The layer of Spirit isn't confined to the physical laws. There's no time/space that applies. We would do experiments where we would give answers before asking a question in writing. Allowing for a deep bond to occur between you and the cards.

Francis:  I love that you are flexible with who chooses the cards.  Often we have the urge to control everything but it sounds like in your experience, at least, that is the last thing you want for a successful reading.  In terms of bonding with the cards, do you feel there is more to the bonding process than just what type of deck you have? That is, should folks just starting out not be too focused on buying every deck out there at first, or take too much time agonizing over what one deck to buy first?   

Jason:  I believe the reader’s job is to bring clarity to the reading, so having a deck that reflects the light and the dark of human experience is key. Know your audience too, a deck that is quite graphic might not play well for a group of people that may be new to the Tarot. A lighter deck may not have the necessary gravitas for a querent to see that an important change needs to be made. Don’t agonize over having to have the perfect deck to start. A Rider-Waite-Smith is great for learning the basics. Move on from there if needed. A reader who knows their own core, and looks to connect their voice to the heart of the messages they’re imparting, will find the best decks that represent that core. And it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, too, as a reader and stretch your reading style. When I work on the Queen Mary at Halloween time, I will use the Ghost Tarot, which is very fitting for this Haunted Lady, and there are surprising twists and turns in the artwork that ask you to find deeper meanings in the cards. Check out the 3 of Swords in that deck sometime, and you’ll know what I mean.

I’ve learned to trust the Tarot through constant reading, of building the connection with my own intuition and the words that come out of my mouth. My Mantra for reading is “C – H – O.” Clarity, Humility, Opportunity. So whatever deck I am reading from, I look to be clear, that my words are understood by my querent, that I remember I don’t do the work alone, I am helped with my guides and other forces at work. And that I take the opportunities where my gift can be of service, anywhere, anytime. I stand in the identity of “Tarot Reader” and look to sustain myself with this work. Doesn’t matter which deck I’m using, or if I’m using regular playing cards. I ask the cards speak to the highest good of the querent.

Francis:  Wizards Tarot - It’s not unusual to see professional tarot readers identify a specific deck they tend to work with on their websites or flyers.  It’s often a signal as to the type of reading you are likely to get when you distinguish between Marseille, Rider-Waite-Smith and Thoth style decks.  I’ll admit, though, you are the first tarot reader I’ve met using the exquisite Wizards Tarot deck (Corrine Kenner, John Blumen - Llewellyn 2011). I do wish I’d picked this one up when it first came out as now that I look at it I find a very unique deck and accompanying book.  What first drew you to this tarot deck? How do you use it in your readings and is the structure of the instructional guide in any way reflected in your readings? For those not familiar with the deck, you enter into an imagined Mandrake Academy where the Seeker is the student, and the Tarot is the teacher.  There are professors, animal familiars and through the process of the handbook, tarot owners actually learn a fair bit about practical magic, as well.

Jason:  I think the name of the deck jumped out first as we were planning this media project that didn't take off. I have a 2-foot long white beard, and so to keep a theme going, I was gifted my first copy of the Wizards Tarot (I have 5 more, one in pristine condition). I wasn't familiar with it, but the artwork is beautiful and it mostly retains the key art elements of the Colman-Smith artwork in the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana is all original, and the archetypes are strong representations of their basic nature. Plus Astrological aspects and the Hebrew alphabet are great additions. The coordinated colors of the Suits in the Minor Arcana can help with the feel of the read, to show if someone is too much in their head, or over-emotional.

I read the book that came with the deck, and it was helpful for the context of the figures in the art. But most querents don't want a lesson in the cards, they want answers to their questions, I only go into the mythological backgrounds on only a couple of cards if needed. The best part for me is that the deck has a gentle feel, especially with the "Dark Cards", ie the Devil, Tower, 3 of Swords, 10 of Swords, etc. People are worried enough about those cards, and my way of reading is to always look for solutions to the overall situation. Diminishing fear is key to moving forward.

Francis:  I have to ask, after reading some reviews on the WizardsTarot, whether you’ve spent time using it for personal explorations of or meditations on magic?  On a side note, I just realized The Fool’s Dog, the tarot app for mobile devices, has this deck! I immediately downloaded it as I enjoy using mobile apps like this for study, though not for reading. 

Jason:  Of course I read for myself, but I have been a bad wizard in that I don’t experiment more with the deck. There’s a lot of different spreads in the book, and they’re probably a lot of fun. But I don’t use them. I look to connect my querents with Magic by having them get their lives in shape!

Francis:  Tarot Classes - It makes sense that someone with so much experience in the tarot community would include tarot education in their activities.  When did you first begin educating students in tarot and how did the curriculum look? Are the classes oriented toward tarot readers, querents or both?  What are some of your hopes for your role in tarot education moving forward? And I think the natural question to ask now is, any plans for a book?

Jason:  When I first started reading, it was enough to just be a reader. And then along the way, people would ask if I could teach them how to read. And I was reticent, because I wasn't sure what I could teach them. They could learn from a website and teach themselves, or take a class from someone else. But as the calls to teach became louder and more persistent, I really looked at what I had to offer, what I would find worthy of teaching. I feel that approaching the reading from a heart-centered space is important to me. That knowing who you are at your core is important, because you are the one crafting a meaningful message for the querent. I find that my teaching style is not one of standing and talking for two hours, I want students to experience their own connection to the cards, the querent and their voice. So I'll create exercises where they can read one another, but not in straight-forward ways. Sometimes I create an exercise as I go, to totally be in that realm of trust and where I don't even know how it will end. One cannot teach trust, one has to experience it, open to it, and not try to control it.

The vast majority of my students are those that want to read for themselves, with a smaller portion wanting to read for others. The first lesson involves how to ask a proper question for the Tarot. I use the example of "Will I ever find love?" as a HORRIBLE question. Never ask that of the Tarot! Relationships are such an important part of reading for people, and there are better ways of asking about your part in a relationship, what qualities you're looking for, what you feel you're deserving of, if you're ready for a serious partnership, etc. I also let them experience reading when there’s no question that’s asked. I actually prefer that someone doesn't ask me a question when I sit down and read with them. "Let's see what the cards have to say!"

There are two words that I DON’T use to describe myself, one is Drummer. The other is Writer. Writing a book would seem like a torture to me. Having said that, what better way to share important information to our fellow humans! My path has shown me that anything is possible. If I were to write a book, a possible title would be “Fear, and how the Tarot can help us move through it.” Or maybe that’s a chapter head. But taking a long look at how the Tarot can help us on our path of self-discovery. Would you buy it?

Francis:  I would very much enjoy seeing your name on my bookshelf, Jason!  I do hope you find some joy in the torture that is writing, someday.

Francis:  Past-Life Regression - Over the years I’ve been careful to avoid the topic of past-life regression, for honestly unknown reasons.  However, I’m now quite receptive to this topic and I know you do individual and group past-life regression sessions.  When did this become a part of your toolset and were there any teachers or mentors who helped you on the path? Do you use tarot as a tool in these sessions?  If so, how do you use the cards? If not, what is your process in helping people learn more about their past-lives?

Jason:  Now, now Francis, nothing to be afraid of. Unless you've been naughty in your past! (Spoiler Alert: We've all been naughty!) But we've also learned a lot of lessons along the way and continually look to balance out the negative with positive experiences. I've been around Past-Life Regression since the mid 80's and learned it from a top couple in the field. It’s been more recent that I've dived back into it, and I'm really glad I did. The universe offered up an opportunity to conduct some group sessions, and I said "YES" and chose to go for it. Facilitating the opportunity for someone to actually experience their lives is a powerful tool for building awareness and changing patterns.

I use light hypnosis as the means to get them to that place of seeing, hearing, feeling the past. You can experience a past version of yourself that may be still operating at a level of what they knew, but have that energy still affecting you, even though you're now someone different and have different circumstances to move through. For example, if your past self didn't have an education, they might have held themselves back in that life, or got held back. Is that energy still at play and stopping you in this life from advancing in new knowledge? Anything that we haven't resolved, we have to keep dealing with it. The past becomes our future, unless we heal it in the present.

The private regressions I find are quite challenging, lots of twist and turns to navigate in real time. I'm a registered member of the International Hypnosis Federation, and conduct both group and individual regressions. Most of the places that I work at can facilitate a private session. Everything that I've learned as a Tarot reader comes into play when conducting a regression. Again, the core of knowing who you are, coming out in all you do. I’ve even done Past-Life Tarot readings for people that have asked. They’re different than an Akashic Records reading, but still allow for insight into gifts, traumas and patterns that can be affecting our current life.

Francis:  Wizard Talk Radio Show - I’m a huge fan of blog radio, especially the many shows the esoteric and tarot community have established over the last few years.  Wizard Talk is a great show and I’m glad I have it bookmarked now! When did the show begin and how did it come about in terms of initial idea and getting the show from mind to matter?  You’ve got a great selection of episodes now and I’m curious as to who some of your favorite guests have been and what are your favorite topics to date? Are there any future plans for the show that might change the current format or perhaps upcoming guests and/or topics listeners might want to look forward to?

Jason:  I guess my radio show started off with me being a guest on other shows, talking about my style of Tarot. It was a little nerve-wracking for me, there is pressure in what one is going to say, and if there was going to be an easy flow of information passed back and forth. I found that I was better at being a guest than I thought, so I jumped into doing a weekly blogtalk show called "Wizard Talk". The idea was to engage with a guest and talk about how they manifested their desire. From conception to activation. And then I could give them a free Tarot reading on the air. A pretty decent formula, and the hour would fly by. I got a lot of people from different walks of life, I started with friends, and then colleagues, and then people I would meet that had a compelling story. I have a lot of friends who are writers, they're always an interesting bunch to get into their heads, and hear what makes them tick. Another fascinating guest was one who helped bring together a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the grandson of President Truman, who authorized the dropping, for a Peace Event.

After a while, to break up the show format, I would open the phone lines and take callers for an hour and do free readings. That was immediate and a little hectic. But rewarding. And then to fully break myself of any live radio fear, I started giving myself a topic to talk about for an hour, and then start the show. That was a lot of fun and freeing. Talk for an hour. There was one reading that I gave myself, starting with the question "What do we take with us when we die?" and I pulled 3 cards; the King of Cups, the 3 of Swords, the Queen of Cups in that order. I saw immediately that we have the capacity to take with us our heart energy, the things we love, but also the things that bring us hurt. It was clear that what's important to work on in this life is letting go of the past, relieving ourself of the burden of hatred and hurt. Easing our suffering now, or else we're carrying it with us.

I love the idea of having guests share their recipe for their own success. As a listener, one can hear not only the details of how the guests have brought it about, but also take in the BIG picture, which is that everyone has a dream or a desire they are looking to fulfill. How it is brought about and made manifest is everyone’s own personal journey. There is no ONE way to do it. So get crackin’!

Francis:  OM Chant Albums - Somewhere I read you were in a punk rock band some time ago and that is part of how you came to record your now popular OM Chant albums.  Tell us a little about those early punk years and how that experience shaped you. How did you develop your voice from those years to just before the first OM Chant album that allowed you to properly intone OM for the recordings?  When did the first OM Chant album come about and did you have any idea you’d do more at the time? I’ve been listening to them for some time, actually, often when sketching or cleansing my tarot decks. I just started using them in meditation which has been very successful.  How are listeners who’ve provided you feedback using these albums? Are they tarot readers largely or do you have a more diverse audience that stretches beyond the tarot community? Any hopes for future albums and if so, how will they differ from what you’ve released so far? 

 Jason:  Yes, I was in a punk band in Anchorage AK in the early 80's, playing bass and writing songs. We were into creating songs that were energetic and meaningful. They could be short blasts of power, or long extended jams where we created music on the spot. A lot of the teens attracted to the music were raw, confused, creative, intelligent, troubled, open -- and being in a band, I could navigate a lot of the cliques and social circles and find out what was going on with people. I felt like a big brother to a lot of the kids. I still keep in contact with many of them, we're all part of a tribe. As I moved out of Alaska and into California, my musical priorities shifted and I expanded my talents to composing soundtrack and classical music. My dad was an opera singer, singing in opera productions and church recitals. So if anything, I have good genes for a strong voice, and perfect pitch.

I didn't prepare to intone the OM for the first recording. This may sound a little odd, but I just did it. I just sang it. I didn't know what I was doing. Or why. But it works! And I got a lot of feedback from people who found value in it, so I created more albums and I am blessed to be a part of other's spiritual and healing journeys. The albums such as OM Sanctuary are staples in yoga studios around the world, and in meditation centers and hospices. I've studied the OM more as I've created new albums, but if you ask me about the magic behind it, I couldn't tell you what it is. Just like with the Tarot, we tap in deeply to the connective layer so that our readings have the most resonance with the querent, but if we try to dissect the mechanics, then we can lose the essence of TRUST. Trusting our intuition. Trusting our words. Trusting our way forward.

Each OM album that I’ve produced has a point of difference from the one before. I don’t believe in doing the same thing over and over. So if I create a new OM album, it will be different from the others. That difference hasn’t appeared to me yet, so when it does, I’ll have to jump on it. Until then …

In Closing

Francis:  Jason, it’s been a pleasure talking to you.  As a Los Angeles resident I’m glad our tarot community is rich with diverse tarot readers and that you are part of that community.  I leave the last words to you. Anything you want to impart to our readers before we say Adieu?

Jason:  Thank you Francis, I appreciate you having me talk about my experiences with the Tarot. I love people and I love working all over Los Angeles, and different parts of the city will give you querents with different types of questions. Strange but true! I realize that my path has been one of teaching me to be open to possibility. There was no time at the beginning of my Tarot reading journey that I thought I would be doing any of what I do today. I've been the RELUCTANT reader, teacher, radio host, and past-life regressionist, because I didn't see what I could bring to it. Now that I have experienced all of these things, I can open myself to all the NEW layers of identity and experiences that will offer themselves to me down the road.

Be open, say "YES" and figure out the details later for opportunities that come your way, and especially if they strike fear in your heart. Because you need to move through that fear. Get to the other side of it and say "That wasn't so bad. What's next?”