We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jen Simon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jen below.

Jen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

As a tarot reader, I have encountered some opposition and misunderstanding from people. I would like to say, however, that most people are open minded and interested in the process. I was mischaracterized when I was starting my professional foray into reading tarot by someone that was uneducated and unwilling to see that tarot is a beautiful tool that helps others with issues they are facing in life.
Because tarot is a form of Divination, the person thought I was evil and doing the work of the devil. There was no willingness to hear me out or open their mind a bit from the narrow view they had adopted from their religious beliefs.
It’s ok though! I read cards with a moral code of consciousness, kindness and validation and I will continue to do so regardless of what kind of closedmindedness comes my way. My character is extremely important to me and it’s important to not let things like this get the better of you.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jen Simon and I am a tarot reader and artist. I have been making art since I was small and reading cards for quite a few years now after a hiatus of trying to fit in and be normal! The two crafts often intertwine, as both are extremely intuitive processes. There is a connecting to source energy in both and a channeling that happens. I find most artists and readers have this experience…a feeling of being the instrument, if you will. I offer tarot readings for clients on an hourly basis in York Pa. My passion is helping people figure out their next steps on their path, and I provide a kind, non judgmental atmosphere in which to process and feel seen and a friendly and down to earth attitude that sets people at ease.
Walking a non conventional path in life is not AN easy sometimes, but the joy I have found helping others is what makes it very much worthwhile.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As someone who tried for years to blend into a non-creative life and finally gave up in an effort to live authentically, I think there are a few things that maybe I can provide clarity on. I really struggled trying to fit into the world of office jobs etc…there is a deep urge with most creative people that drives us to make and do and there is a deep sadness that comes along with trying to assimilate into a society that only values the one’s the “make it” and are palatable by consumerist standards.
You could say we are born differently or maybe just have a low threshold for the type of lives society tells us to live.

I think another misconception is that we’re a bit nuts to live in a manner that usually equates to having less in order to create. Most creatives I know cobble a living together. It may not be monetarily impressive, but there is a sense of freedom there that is more important.

Thirdly, we are important and needed in society. We bring color and passion, uniqueness and healing to the world that would otherwise be cookie cutter and boringly on trend.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My audience may be a bit small by today’s standards, but I like to think I have grown a little community that appreciates my offerings and most importantly feels seen when they interact with my content.

I offer a mix of my artwork and the process behind it and free pick a card readings where the viewer intuitively chooses which pile is the one WITH with their message. It’s really cool to read the comments left of it being what they needed in the moment or situation they’re dealing with. It makes me happy to give that to people; the connection we share through a simple reading and a boost that their intuition was on point!

My advice would be not to concern yourself with numbers…be you! Be weird. Your people will find you. Be vulnerable, but not in a way that’s overdone. You are allowed to retain privacy in your life. Remember when we used to have that?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @soulhaustarot
• Other: https://calendly.com/soulhaustarot

Image Credits
Susan Scofield