A Tarot reading is a discussion between two people in an effort to answer the querent’s question (and when having a reading with me, leave with some actionable advice).
Some tea is usually spilt. And tarot can get all up in your business. But don’t worry you get to be the power bottom here. Get everything you want out of our session together.
The conversation between us is informed by my interpretation of the imagery, numbers, elemental and astrological correspondences (and sometimes more!) in a deck of cards. In addition, the cards laid down may or may not have a spread to guide the conversation. Let’s unpack some of that – ’cause there’s a lot there. Really.
Curious what happens before your reading? Check out this post about how I prepare for a tarot reading.
The question
Questions are the driving force behind our discussion. Without a question, I’m left to intuition. Which isn’t a bad thing. Intuition is used through the entire reading.
But when you book and come prepared with a question for me as your Tarot reader, you come prepared for a full and engaging experience. We can examine you current situation from the point you’re most frustrated and zero in.
You probably have something top of mind or we wouldn’t be talking. And you’re probably to shy to just up and share it with a person you may have never met before. Don’t worry. Not only have I heard it all before, I’ve kept my mouth shut about it too.
And that judgy queen we all know? That’s is not a part of this experience. You could be asking me about your ongoing relationship with Ricky Martin and I’m going to help you get all the Ricky Martin you can handle. Jwan Yosef who??
The Shuffle
Sometimes a card shuffle is just a shuffle. When shuffling Tarot cards for a reading, the action is about concentrating on your question and its intent. For me the shuffle is always about concentration and focus. I find that comes through ritual. So I shuffle very specifically.
If you haven’t been to a reader before there’s different ways to do this. Some readers will ask you to shuffle. There are some who will not let you touch their cards (it’s an energy thing). Some shuffle over hand, others will bridge, and some just toss them about in a big mess and put them back together again! (This sounds like some gay bars I’ve been to)
No matter the way they shuffle, the moment is always about focusing the reader and you on the question and the answers you’re about to receive. (Again, why does shuffling sound like being in a gay bar? And no, I didn’t just stick my ass out a little.)
The spread
I like to use a spread during the reading to provide structure and a deeper insight to the cards that are laid out. An example is the well known celtic cross. 10 Tarot cards are laid out in a cross pattern with a staff next to them. ( + |) <– Kinda like that. Each card position indicates a layer of information like the past, what’s blocking you, how others are influencing you, etc.
Actually, that one sounds like your mother coming down on you about your choices. “If only you’d been a doctor. God knows how two artists are going to provide for themselves. But as long as you’re happy.”
I’m not a fan of the Celtic cross. My go to is one I call the body spread. I’ll let your imagination run with that for a minute.
When you’ve asked a question, then I use the meaning of the card position in the layout, the interpretation of the card, and all the other elements I mentioned before to pulling it all together to give you an answer to the question.
That body spread I mentioned? It starts at your head and land in your groin. Just like any good date.
The cards
Some Tarot readers will choose a specific deck to use based on the querent or the question or their comfort. I’ll use a combination of all three. To me some decks appear to be more appropriate for a spiritual question (Haindl) and others appear more in line with relationship questions (Illuminati).
I like to pull my own cards for reading. However, sometimes I will let the querent pull cards. It’s a personal choice.
The Tarot Reading
After pulling cards to answer your question and placing them in the layout, then I interpret them. Next thing you know, we’re talking about what it all means and who’s slept with who (& who shouldn’t have). That’s how Tarot reading inspires discussion. That’s the best part of the reading!
So a Tarot reading has many parts but ultimately it’s always about how the Tarot reading inspires discussion. Want to try it?