So, you'd like a tarot reading? Hoping to know what your future holds, perhaps? Honestly, the future is a moving target. I've repeated that phrase so many times at festivals that I've felt like a broken record, but it's true. Everything we do in the present will affect our future.
But how can we prepare for it? Not just the future, but for a reading? Tarot is a great tool for finding out how we can approach a situation for the best possible outcome. It can also be a powerful tool for revealing aspects of a situation that we've possibly overlooked. Getting a tarot reading can be therapeutic, although it's not therapy and speaking as a tarot reader, I am definitely not a counselor, therapist or any other type of licensed mental or physical health professional. I will read your cards. They may tell you things that you do not want to hear. They may tell you things that your friends and family don't want to tell you. But it may be what you need to hear.
In my opinion, the best way to prepare for your reading is to carefully consider what is weighing on you right now. A tarot reading is never to be taken as medical, psychological or legal advice, questions regarding those issues are perhaps best addressed with a professional in that field. So set those concerns aside for the moment and consider another aspect of your life that you could use a bit of insight into. Relationships (romantic or otherwise), career, and life-path questions are all popular options for readings.
Once you've decided what area you want to focus on, try to narrow it down just a little bit. If you are wishing your dating life were more exciting, try asking a question related to what you can do in order to attract the type of partner who you could have a loving and compatible relationship with. Or, if you are unhappy with your career as a bookkeeper and you feel like you've reached a dead-end in your profession, try asking an open-ended question like, "what does the potential outcome look like if I go back to school to become a chef?"
Often times, tarot readings may not tell us anything that we don't already know. And that's alright. Sometimes we need a second opinion to give us a push in the direction of that path we are already on the verge of taking. Or a solid reminder that we have other obligations that need to be tended to before our goals can be achieved.
So, a few things to keep in mind:
- Your tarot reader cannot and will not give legal or medical advice. If these topics are brought up, do not be surprised if your reader suggests you contact a professional.
- If you are in danger, it is always a wise idea to contact the police. Mundane solutions are always the first go-to in a situation where there's a risk of abuse or injury. If you are not in a safe place, your reader may be able to refer you to a social service or shelter, but your tarot reader will not be able to personally provide any of those services, and it is not fair to put them in that position.
- Form a specific, yet open-ended question (meaning it doesn't require a simple yes or no answer).
- None of us can control the behavior of another. It's best to ask what the client or querent can do to affect the situation or how they can proceed for the best possible outcome.
- It may be difficult to formulate your question, and that is ok. You can tell a tarot reader what your situation is, and let them know that you aren't sure how or what to ask. I am not a mind-reader, so I appreciate it when a client explains what they want to know and why. That does not affect the cards that are drawn, but it may help me to choose the best tarot spread and also to give a more specific answer.
- Keep in mind that I set a timer for every reading. If you need additional time, it may be possible to add on more time, but that will incur additional charges. It's best to book another appointment if you need more time or have multiple questions.
- I like to think of the timing of tarot readings as being similar to getting a haircut. If you have a reading and it's suggested that you work on something, chances are the results of that work won't be apparent within less than a few weeks. My personal suggestion is to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks between readings, unless something has drastically changed or you have a totally different question that needs to be addressed.
All that out of the way, I really do hope to hear from you. Where I am not a therapist, I do enjoy helping people. Readings with me are a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel free to unburden yourself and ask the cards those questions that you're struggling with. Tarot offers a way to explore the often hidden parts of ourselves that must be faced in order to move on to the best possible future that lies before us.
Peace,
Sandi