EVERETT — Bonnie Osenbrock of Arlington got her first deck of tarot cards as a birthday present while in grade school.

Hundreds of cards later, Osenbrock helps people realize their futures from a small, triangular-shaped room in the back of Voyage Quest Bookstore in downtown Everett.

On Saturday, she was one of the several tarot card readers who gave readings during a psychic fair at the bookstore.

“I know people have a tendency to not be truthful,” said Osenbrock, 49. “But the cards never lie. Sometimes, we don’t read them properly.”

By the early afternoon, more than 50 people had come through the bookstore, which also sells crystals, stones and other items. People snacked on chips, rolls, cookies and vegetables. In the corner, members of a local drum and flute circle softly played their instruments.

People often are seeking answers, usually about large issues such as relationship problems and career changes, Osenbrock said.

Although some people question the validity of fortune-telling, Osenbrock takes her craft seriously. She often buys a new deck of cards, accumulating more than 200 decks over the years.

“There’s so much attached energy from people, it’s good to keep the energy flowing,” Osenbrock said.

Tarot reading is not always fun, Osenbrock said. Sometimes, she must tell people things they don’t want to hear.

“I take it as a really big responsibility to deliver those messages in the kindest way possible,” she said.

In the store’s larger back room, Arlene Arnold, 67, of La Center asked people to draw a single card from several she held spread out in her hands. She gave people quick readings based on whatever card they chose.

She also told people how they can envision colors to alleviate stress and solve other problems.

“Colors focus on something we need to pay attention to,” Arnold said.

Store owner Judy McAllister said the psychic fair was important for many people in the community. The bookstore repeats the event two or three times each year.

“There is this whole segment of the community that believes we are spiritual beings having a human experience, and that spirit and energy is what matters,” McAllister said.

Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.