6 astrologers and tarot card readers to visit in Philly

by Hira Qureshi
Published Nov. 7, 2023, 2:23 p.m. ET

The art of divination is having a moment: Astrology has 14.1 million hashtags on Instagram and over 68 billion views on TikTok; and the tarot hashtag has 23.4 million tags on Instagram and 73.9 billion on TikTok.

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Astro by Lauren

Lexa Lizzi

A Novel Idea

Deja the Jovian

Rare Purpose Readings LLC

Readings By Lena

But while popular apps like Co-Star are fun, there’s a lot of room for user error — for instance I plugged the wrong year into my app and believed I had a much different zodiac sign governing my moon. (Oops!) A visit with Philly astrology Déjà Lewis got me sorted, helping me understand the full spectrum of my personality. If you’ve been dabbling online but are looking for a more one-on-one experience, you’re not alone.

“Clients usually come to sessions pretty ready, [saying] ‘let’s just dive right into the thing,’” she said.

Here's your divination glossary

Astrology: The art of reading planets and stars for insight into a person's affairs and actions. 

Tarot: A deck of pictorial cards used for divining insight.

Birth chart: A chart depicting the location of planets and constellations at one's birth. 

Horoscope: A diagram with the sun, moon, planets, and zodiac signs at a specific time for astrological forecasting. 

Synastry: Readings on the astrological influence on two people.

Reiki: Japanese practice of drawing life force energy for healing.

Oracle cards: A deck of nondomenational pictorial images for interpretive readings. 

Tasseography: The art of drawing insight from tea leaves or coffee grounds left behind in a cup after drinking.

ESP: The practice of extrasensory perception for future predicating.

Local astrologer and tarot reader Lexa Lizzi recommends clients come in with an openness to learn more about themselves rather than to find solutions to specific dilemmas.

“Getting a reading is not therapy, but it can be therapeutic,” said Lizzi, who boasts over 30 years of experience. “I’m not here to analyze your psychology; I’m here to help you understand yourself energetically.”

As reported by The Inquirer, Pennsylvania’s anti-fortune-telling law is intended to prevent scammers from duping people, and though recodified in 1972, it likely dates to earlier, said Matt M. McClenahen, a criminal defense lawyer based in State College who has written on the subject.

Lewis learned about the law when she started giving out astrology readings and is always clear to offer a disclaimer that her readings are for entertainment purposes and that her clients are eager to have fun.

If you’re looking for a bit of celestial fun, here are a handful of divination practitioners in Philly.

Lauren McBride began working as an astrologer in 2012. Four years later, she added tarot readings to her repertoire.

Sessions are via Zoom or in quiet public settings. Birth chart, relationship-focused tarot, and oracle card readings are $180. Synastry (couples session) is $280. Get an astrology and tarot reading for $240. McBride also offers adolescent astrology for kids under 16 for $160. You can find pick-a-card readings on her YouTube channel.

🌐 astrobylauren.com, 📞 267-483-9696

At 6 years old, Lizzi was interpreting dreams. As she got older, she dove into divination with crystal balls, Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), and Chinese magic mirrors. When she moved to Philadelphia in 1989, tarot card readings were part of her job at the now-shuttered Harry’s Occult Shop. A year later, she began her own business.

Lizzi specializes in tarot, astrology, Reiki, and other energy work, candle and crystal work, oracle cards, and tea leaf readings. If she’s not at a festival, Lizzi can be found at a coffee shop or on Zoom for readings. There is no standard rate for sessions; donations are appreciated. Book by email or via South Street Circle, a local neo-pagan ritual group.

🌐 unicorntide@gmail.com

This East Passyunk Avenue bookstore has offered tarot card readings for about a year, run by owner Christina Rosso-Schneider and tarot reader Marguerite Recupero. As self-described witches and intuitive readers, they approach the art by focusing on the client, their questions, and how the cards relate to the moment. Rosso-Schneider reads Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Recupero’s sessions are two to three Sundays a month from noon to 3 p.m. Readings are $30 for 30 minutes.

📍 1726 E. Passyunk Ave., 🌐 anovelideaphilly.com, 📞 267-764-1202

Lewis’ interest in astrology started the way it does for most people — encountering it online. In 2019, she turned her hobby into professional gig via courses and webinars.

At her busiest, Lewis, who also does freelance web design, offers 10 sessions a month. Get your birth chart read for $150, year-ahead chart for insight into the upcoming year for $200, and vocational chart for career path guidance for $175. Lewis also runs a podcast (on hiatus at the moment) with her friends, and created an astrology drinking game called Zodiac Buzz.

Every two weeks at 6 p.m., Lewis hosts astrology night at Triple Bottom brewery. Sip a beer and consult with the stars for free at this public event.

🌐 instagram.com/dejathejovian

Nadirah Blanding started her online business in 2021 and hopes to open a brick-and-mortar soon. The traveling psychic can be found at weddings, girls night, and other events. Sessions, often via Zoom or by phone, include tarot card, psychic intuitive, and charm readings. Prices are $30 for 10 minutes, $80 for 30 minutes, and $120 for the full hour. Separate charm readings are $45.

🌐 rarepurposereadings.com, 📞 267-627-0666

On Walnut Street, between 20th and 21 Streets, it’s hard to miss psychic Lena’s shop. For 35 years, the storefront has been the spot for Rittenhouse residents in search of divination. You’ll find tarot ($60), ESP ($50), crystal rock and crystal ball ($45), one palm ($10), or two palm ($20), and other readings. Book by phone; walk-ins are welcome. Sessions via phone or at social gatherings are available upon request.

📍 2041 Walnut St., 🌐 therittenhousepsychicbylena.com, 📞 215-563-4422