American Tarot Association
The American Tarot Association (ATA), founded in January 1973,[1] is a US voluntary professional association of tarot professionals, tarot readers, and tarot enthusiasts. The ATA's main stated functions are the setting of ethical standards for professional tarot practice and the formulation of model ethical codes related to the tarot profession. Its national headquarters are located in Lexington, Kentucky
Mission
The American Tarot Association is a professional and social organization for tarot professionals, enthusiasts, students, scholars, and readers that supports the study and appreciation of tarot by supporting a variety of educational and reading programs, from mentorship to free reading resources such as the ATA’s Free Tarot Network and Free Reading Network. The ATA aims to help its members, the tarot profession, and the public by contesting unethical practices of tarot. It is a non-profit organisation and seeks to inform and educate the public and to promote tarot.[2]
Leadership and governance
The ATA is governed by its Board of Directors, which acts as the organization's primary body for adopting new policies and recommendations as part of the association's official position; and to provide resources, assistance, and facilitate programming for its members.
Tarot Code of Ethics
Members of the ATA are expected to uphold the association’s established Code of Ethics, which are as follows:[3]
- Members will serve the best interests of their clients, conducting professional activities without causing or intending to cause harm;
- Members will treat their clients with equal respect, regardless of their origin, race, religion, gender, age, or sexual preference;
- Members must honestly represent their tarot qualifications, including educational credentials, levels of certification, and experience;
- Members must uphold the confidentiality of their clients’ names, unless otherwise requested by the client to be disclosed or required by a court of law;
- Members must refer their clients to consult with licensed professional personnel for advice on legal, medical, or medical issues;
- Members will respect their clients’ right to refuse or terminate a tarot reading at any time, regardless of prior consent;
- Members recognize that all ATA members have the same rights and obligations, and will always respect and honor their co-members.
Activities
The association has created a hub where people interested in tarot can communicate with each other, take part in real and virtual conferences and learn about the subject through correspondence courses and with audio tapes and other educational materials.[4] It provides certification and promotes high ethical standards.[5]
Publications
The ATA publishes a monthly online magazine available to the public, the Tarot Reflections (since Winter, 2003) and circulates a quarterly magazine to its members, the ATA Quarterly (since fall, 2002).
References
- ↑ American Tarot Association
- ↑ Josephine Ellershaw (2011). Easy Tarot Reading. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7387-3047-9.
- ↑ ATA Code of Ethics
- ↑ Jean Porche; Deborah Vaughan (2005). Psychics and Mediums in Canada. Dundurn. p. 226. ISBN 978-1-77070-167-0.
- ↑ Kim Huggens (2010). Tarot 101: Mastering the Art of Reading the Cards. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 419. ISBN 978-0-7387-1904-7.