Carolyn Mader sat anxiously as Joan Price set the weird deck of cards out in front of her. Biting her lip nervously, Mader watched as Price put three cards in front of her and explained what each card meant. Hanging onto every word, Mader stared intently at Price with wonder in her eyes.

At Castleton State College, students are learning, or have learned to read tarot cards — but pretty much just for fun.

“I actually went through a bad break-up and I was having a manic moment when I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so my friend’s mother read me my tarot card and I decided it was very therapeutic and I wanted to keep going with it so I went out and bought my own tarot cards,” said Price

While some students are busy learning how to read these cards, others are willing to sit down with these amateur readers and have their cards read.

“I had my cards read because some things have happened in my life that were particularly traumatic and I wasn’t seeing a lot of hope on the horizon and I figured might as well turn to something spiritual and see if something happens,” said Jeff Blanchette.

Though, the cards aren’t always going to be 100 percent dead on, believing in them is up to whomever is being read.

“Before it was done, I really didn’t have an opinion. I really couldn’t care either way. Then when it was read, I thought it was pretty accurate, but I still don’t know if I believe in it or not,” said Jeffrey Reed.

Whether one believes in what their cards say or not, they can either help one out with a tough decision or can be just for amusement.

“It helped not so much the healing, but more I have an idea of what the problem is. And now that I know what the problem is, I have a solution,” Blanchette said.

But not all the readings will be negative. Some might be uplifting and happy – though some may provide shock.  

“My tarot cards told me that I was going to have a lot of kids and it told me that I worry too much,” said Carolyn Mader. “I was freaked out and scared. I called my mom after and asked her if she thought it was really gonna happen to me,” Mader added.

Price said anyone can learn to read tarot cards, pulling out her deck and shuffling as she spoke.

Although the whole reading process is very relaxed and laid back, some may take what they’re told a little too far.

“I always tell them in the beginning that this is something that’s just supposed to be self-reflective for them and not to take it too seriously,” said fellow card readerKrista Flavin.