Meet the Londoner: Tarot Expert Melissa Mercury

Apr 20, 2023 | 0 comments

Melissa Mercury Tarot Cover

Last Updated on 22. April 2023

In today’s episode of Meet the Londoner we meet Melissa Mercury. She is a London-based Tarot expert who offers her readings on site and online via Zoom. I had my first session with her last summer during my sabbatical time.

Meet the Londoner – Melissa Mercury from Mercury Tarot

Who are you? Please introduce yourself.

I am Melissa Mercury, tarot reader, rock music lover, caffeine addict and a bit of a witch! I can usually be found in the corner of a dive bar or coffee shop with my head in a science fiction book or frantically scribbling down ideas for my first book.

Where in London did you live?

I live near Barnet, I’ve lived in London for a decade, always within Zones 2-5 on the Northern Line.

What makes this part of area of London special (to you)?

Even though I say Barnet, I still spend most of my time in Camden.
I grew up about two hours away from London and Camden was the first place I ever felt I could fully be myself. The culture of Camden in the 2000’s was lively and wild, there was a big emo, punk and metal community and everyone was friendly and welcoming (I don’t know why so many people find alternative looking people scary!). Every single night you could find live music, comedy, poetry, jam sessions and inexplicable theatre in every pub, even though the area has become gentrified in recent years, it’s still the beating heart of London.

When did you discover your interest in Tarot cards?

I’ve always been into fantasy and science-fiction. Tarot features in a lot of popular culture and I was naturally curious. One day at a party in 2008 I saw someone giving tarot readings at a party, picked up the deck and I haven’t put them down since.

Why do you like it so much?

Tarot is a fantastic and accessible tool to help people understand their own thoughts, desires and subconscious. My approach to tarot is more rooted in psychology than anything ‘psychic’ but I do find the practice to be quite spiritual. Tarot is a fantastic way of problem solving that has existed for centuries. The symbolism of tarot is fascinating. I love seeing different interpretations and have a collection of over 50 tarot decks by different creatives around the world.

Where do you see yourselves in 5 years?

This is a big one! I am working on so much, I’d love to finally launch my podcast, release a tarot book and continue reading for as many people as possible. My big dream is run my own community tarot café but realistically that’s more likely to be in 15 years time.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

To stop worrying about things that I cannot control, including what other people think. Lots of people think I am crazy for quitting my job to make a career out of tarot, but here I am. There is nothing I can do to convince them that it was a good idea, so why would I waste my time trying?

About Melissa’s Tarot readings

How does a Tarot reading look like?

Every tarot reading is very different. I run both online and in person readings. We start with introductions around I ask the client if there are any particular areas of their life they would like to discuss or if they would like a more general tarot reading. From there we do a little bit of breathwork, shuffle the cards and then work through. Some people are very chatty and will give me their life story and others prefer not to say a word.

What does a client need to bring to make it a good session?

I view tarot as a collaboration. People who come to tarot readings with an open mind, who are willing to engage and discuss the themes that come up tend to get more out of it. Those who aren’t afraid to ask the big questions and those who will look at the cards themselves and spot any symbolism.

How can a reading help and where are the limitations?

Tarot readings can be a fantastic way of working through a specific problem, helping you when you feel stuck in a rut or exploring the way you think, feel and process. They often offer a different perspective and can guide you through some next steps. However, just like therapy, tarot cannot do the work for you. A reading can show you the path, but you have to be brave enough to take the next step.

I cover most subjects, but will not use tarot for health or to communicate with the deceased (yes…people really do ask me to do that!).

Where can we book a session with you?

The easiest way to book a reading is directly through my website (Mercury Tarot.com). I currently offer 30 minute and 45 minute sessions which can be used to discuss a variety of topics. I also can be found at Lost Souls in Camden every Tuesday night and am available for private events or parties.

Melissa about London

Where do you go to for a good breakfast?

I am never awake in time for breakfast, I am very much a creature of the night! Mallow in Borough Market does the most fabulous vegan pancakes, I am a huge fan! Luckily for me, they serve them all day!

The craziest food you ever had in London is?

Gingerline’s ‘Chambers of Flavour’ experience was not just the craziest food, but one of the strangest nights of my life (and I’ve had my fair share!).

The concept is theatre meets foodies. The audience gets guided around five different themed and gets served up a light course at each one. At the last one we were intergalactic explorers discovering new dimensions and I ended up eating spicy space curry with an mutant spider, deep-fried spaghetti with a rogue theatre troop and super sour ice-lollies with menacing aliens.

The best museum in London is…?

I love The Wellcome Collection in Euston. It’s always free and has rotating exhibitions, I’ve seen everything from Mental Health to Plants. I also love the pop-ups at Sommerset House.

The coolest bar is…?

It’s my second home…Lost Souls in Camden. Vampire themed pizza restaurant and bar with black charcoal pizza, the best cocktails and friendliest staff. Stranger Tings is my go-to cocktail, it’s got a kick of tabasco. I also adore Slim Jims in Angel and The Black Heart in Camden, both put on awesome live music nights and serve up decent bourbon.

Favourite part of London?

It will always be Camden. I do also love Shoreditch and Soho.

Fun stuff about Melissa Mercury

Which is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

Coffee!

Gin and Tonic or Pimm’s?

Neither. Gin is awful and Pimm’s is far too sweet. I’ll take a bourbon on the rocks please.

Favourite Tube line?

The Northern Line – you can get to all the best places in London, including Hampstead Heath and Highgate Cemetery on it!

Mercury Tarot on Social Media

Dear Melissa, thanks for taking your time for this interview. I am already looking forward to our next reading.

This post is also available in: Deutsch

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *