What the tarot says about coronavirus: superstitious Indonesians ask tarot card readers to show them a brighter future
- Clients want to know what the cards say about business prospects, when the pandemic will end, or how it will affect their loves lives and careers
- Tarot readers sometimes have to be diplomatic, or turn their answer into one about following a new life path or being open to personal growth
When Indonesian national Sulung Landung, who manages artists, went to Bali in January, he met up with a long-time friend, well-known tarot card reader Noviana Kusumawardhani, for a reading.
“She said at that time, ‘Everyone will be tried with something quite tremendous’,” the 51-year-old says, referring to what Noviana saw in the cards. “She also said that despite the situation, we should be able to remain positive.”
Sulung says he did not expect the “tremendous” trial to be the global coronavirus pandemic that has so far infected over six million people and killed more than 382,000, as well as pummelling the global economy.
He says a number of his jobs have been postponed or cancelled. “But [Noviana] told me then to maintain a ‘don’t worry, be happy’ attitude,” Sulung adds, “and that we have to build a positive ambience to radiate good energy. I’m grateful because there are other jobs that I can still do online, including via social media.”
Affectionately known to her clients as Bude Novi – “Auntie Novi” – Noviana says her clients have increasingly been asking her about the timeline of the Covid-19 emergency and when it might finally be over.
“Many asked me when this pandemic will end and said they were confused,” the 53-year-old says.
