Meet Joyan, who has turned her lifelong fascination with tarot cards into a professional practice that helps people reflect, realign, and rediscover their inner strength. Since receiving her first deck in 1998, she has cultivated not only a deep understanding of tarot but also a unique approach that combines insight, empathy, and practical guidance.
Today, Joyan is known for her ability to use tarot as a mirror for self-discovery rather than a tool for fortune-telling, offering clarity and direction to individuals at crossroads in their lives. By integrating meditation, counselling techniques, and metaphysics, Joyan creates a safe and empowering space for clients from all walks of life to move past uncertainty, reconnect with their authentic selves, and make confident decisions about the future they want to create.
You first received a tarot deck in 1998. What drew you to the cards and how did your interest grow over the years?
Back in my 20s, I developed a sudden interest in tarot cards, but I didn’t know where to find them. At that time, it wasn’t easy to locate tarot decks in shops. I remember telling my boyfriend—who is now my husband—that I really liked tarot cards, but couldn’t find any.
He surprised me by getting me a deck. I didn’t even know where he got it from, but once I had it, I absolutely loved it. From then on, whenever I travelled and saw tarot cards, I would collect them. To be honest, I didn’t know how to read them back then—I just loved looking at the imagery.
Over the years, I also began doing a lot of meditation. Gradually, something shifted within me. One day, I took out the cards again, laid them on the table, and realised I could actually understand them. That’s how it all began.
What challenges did you face moving from a personal passion to a professional practice?
Turning my passion into a professional practice was far from easy. Firstly, tarot isn’t widely accepted in Singapore. Many people are more open to Bazi or astrology, whereas tarot is often seen as mystical or associated with the supernatural.
I really wanted to change that perception and show people that tarot can be about clarity, guidance, and empowerment.
The second big challenge was financial. I had to think about how much I could charge, how many readings I could do per day, and whether it would cover my expenses. It was a leap of faith. I didn’t want to be like many tarot readers who sit by the roadside.
That wasn’t what I envisioned. I wanted to create a professional space—an office—where I could serve clients, especially businesspeople or those truly seeking guidance. It’s now been almost five years, and I’m proud that I took that risk.
Many people think tarot is about fortune-telling, but it’s really not. I see tarot as a mirror—it reflects your inner self. Most of us go through daily routines without truly reflecting. Even when we think we’re reflecting, we often don’t go deep enough.
What misconceptions about tarot would you like to clear up?
The biggest misconception is that tarot readers predict your future. I often get asked questions like, “How is my daughter’s future?” or “What does my future hold?” But life isn’t fixed—our choices shape our path.
Tarot isn’t about predicting what will happen; it helps you understand the potential outcomes of different choices. It shows you Option A, B, or C, and helps you evaluate which path resonates most with you.
For example, a recent client in polytechnic was torn between three options. Tarot helped him see the challenges and strengths of each one so he could choose more confidently.
You emphasise that tarot reading isn’t fortune-telling but a tool for self-discovery and clarity. How do you use the cards to empower others?
Many people think tarot is about fortune-telling, but it’s really not. I see tarot as a mirror—it reflects your inner self. Most of us go through daily routines without truly reflecting. Even when we think we’re reflecting, we often don’t go deep enough.
During my alignment sessions, many people are surprised to discover how accurate the reading is. Some even cry—especially men—because they realise the cards reveal aspects of themselves that even they didn’t know.
Tarot allows us to have a conversation with our soul. It shows us our choices, patterns, and misalignments, helping us reclaim our confidence and move forward with clarity.
What advice would you give to someone curious about tarot but hesitant to try it?
I’d say just come with an open mind. You don’t have to believe in tarot—just be curious. Start with a simple question like, “What message does the universe have for me?” or “Am I aligned with what I’m doing?”
Many people don’t realise how misaligned they are—what their heart feels, what their mind thinks, and what they actually do can be completely different. A tarot reading helps you see that alignment (or misalignment) clearly. It’s not about magic; it’s about awareness.
What do you think you’ll be doing ten years from now?
In ten years, I hope to be teaching and counselling more. In fact, I see myself more as a counsellor than just a tarot reader. Many people come to me because they are lost and simply need direction.
I want to teach tarot combined with numerology and metaphysics, to empower others with clarity and compassion, so they can make a difference in their communities. I want to touch more lives through soul work.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
Singapore is already a business hub, but I hope we grow not just in wealth, but in wisdom and well-being. I believe that spirituality and business can coexist. We need to become more mindful and emotionally resilient. Tools like tarot can help people understand themselves better and avoid burnout.
I also conduct free meditation sessions every Wednesday to give people a quiet space for clarity. My hope is that Singapore becomes a place where personal growth and success go hand in hand.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower, I’d want the power of emotional healing. Not physical healing, but the ability to heal emotional and mental pain.
I want to help people remove the pain in their hearts so they can find clarity, reconnect with their self-worth, and transform their energy to uplift others too. It’s not just about seeing the future—it’s about healing the soul.
Connect with Joyan: Instagram and TikTok.
