Tarot reading sessions have gained popularity all over the globe, and Maple Leaf Country is no exception. More and more people are on the lookout for guidance in all existing aspects of life. From personal issues and love relationships to career decisions and philosophical questions – tarot cards hear all sorts of requests! However, together with the growing interest in this ancient mystic practice comes the question of its legality in Canada. Is it a legal practice there? The answer is yes; however, you should keep some nuances in mind as you go.
What’s the Legal Status of Tarot Readings in Canada?
In all provinces of the land of maple syrup, tarot practices are legal. No specific provincial or federal laws exist to ban tarot readings. Nonetheless, just like any other service that you are going to render, your tarot reading sessions should be performed in accordance with the existing laws and regulations, including the ones that are related to the protection of consumers and governing businesses.
Taxes & Business Licensing
If you would like to start a professional tarot reading service similar to online reading platforms like TarotAtlas, be prepared to stick to the range of standard legal requirements to let your business flourish. Here are the issues to follow:
- Tax compliance that reflects your commitment to tax regulations and laws that exist in Canada. All the money that you get from your tarot reading sessions is taxable. In other words, you must prepare a report of all your income and charge sales tax if needed.
- Registration of tarot reading businesses should be performed in the province where you live, which requires tarot readers to register their services. Based on the province in which you start your business, you may need to register as a partnership, corporation, or sole proprietor.
- Ethical principles should guide your professional services. Professional conduct is an integral part of a successful tarot reading business. It is based on ethical principles of maintaining transparency about your services. This, in turn, helps you avoid potential legal claims and disputes.
Keep in mind that you have to keep all information provided by your querents 100% confidential (unless required by the law for disclosure). Plus, it is essential to let your clients know that tarot reading sessions shouldn’t be used as an alternative to looking for medical, legal, or any other sort of professional support. In other words, professional tarot readers should ask clients to get in touch with their medical practitioners for a piece of expert advice to get appropriate help.
Fraud Laws & a Set of Ethical Principles
While conducting tarot reading sessions is legal in Canada, the law in the second-largest country in the world takes a hard line against fraud of any kind. According to Section 365 of the Criminal Code of Canada (the one that bans "pretending to practice witchcraft"), you are not allowed to claim to possess any sort of magical or/and supernatural powers in order to get income. To cut a long story short, tarot practitioners must be honest in the descriptions of the nature of their services. Besides, no exaggerated promises should be made during the reading sessions, i.e., guaranteeing future events is illegal.
To stay legally compliant, make sure to follow some simple recommendations below:
- Always provide disclaimers. In other words, you have to let your clients know that you render tarot reading services only for guidance or entertaining purposes.
- Do not make false claims about solving serious financial problems and legal issues or being able to cure all kinds of illnesses (and make sure to avoid misinterpretation of about-us information provided for the clients!).
- Render tarot reading services that stick to ethical standards in order to build trust with your querents.
Check Municipal and Provincial Regulations
Not only federal but municipal and/or provincial regulations exist when it comes to psychic services. The point here is that some municipalities and provinces may (or may not – you have to check!) have a range of extra regulations that govern tarot reading businesses. For example, you should check the licensing requirements. Some Canadian cities (Vancouver, Toronto, etc.) may require tarot-reading experts to get a special license to be able to run a fortune-telling business. At the same time, find out more about the rules of proper advertising to make sure all of the promotional materials you use in the process do not contain unverifiable or misleading claims.
Consider Cultural and Legal Perception of Cards
Taking into account the fact that the northernmost country in North America is the land of multiple cultures, attitudes toward this practice can vary widely from province to province. A lot of people in Canada consider tarot reading sessions to be a therapeutic and spiritual tool. At the same time, many citizens view it as a source of entertainment without taking it seriously. This cultural diversity means that you, as a tarot practitioner, must render your card reading services both professionally and respectfully.
The Bottom Line
What it all comes down to is – yes, tarot reading sessions are legal in Canada. However, it is important to be informed. Not only do you have to perform your sessions ethically and respectfully, but you have to also stick to the existing law. If you are a professional tarot reader, make sure to carefully study all the existing regulations and render 100% transparent services. Thus, you will ensure your business is respected, trusted, and lawful. Whether you’re a skilled and dedicated tarot reader or someone on the lookout for a reading, diving into the legal waters of Canada will help you eventually have the most ethical and positive experience on any side.
