Tarot Cards |

Archive for the ‘tarot cards’ Category

If I Could Talk To The Animals….

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

If you are in my life for any extended period, sooner or later you’ll discover a little secret: my routines are not dictated by me. In fact, my life often marches to the beat of a furry pulse. Or like I prefer to say: “it is ruled by two cats with iron paws”. They are both quite expressive and efficient at letting me know what they want or need at any given moment. I’ve learned to tune in and follow their lead.

My current buddies: TaoZen and Monkey

Many other pet owners can attest to the same connection. Our four legged friends link to our hearts and find ways to communicate with us as effortlessly as we do with fellow humans. (And in some cases, better!)

The tarot can be an effective tool for ferreting out more information about our animal companions and often my clients will come in specifically to ask about them. Questions can range from “will we get a dog” to health concerns or messages from deceased pets. I find that using the tarot in this manner can help the pet owner to make better decisions or to find peace in any situation.

Let me demonstrate a few different examples so that you can see how your tarot reading could shed light on any animal related question.

Sometimes a family may be considering getting a pet for the household. For a simple yes or no, I look for cards that may suggest a “green light” such as the Ace of Cups. This would be a good sign that the time is right for welcoming a pet into the family. If they are needing more details about what kind of pet, I’ll look for the animals present in the cards – such as the dog at the heels of the Fool or the black cat sitting by the Queen of Wands. This may give a clue as to what kind would be best for the family. Court cards can also give an idea of personalities (Page of Swords for example could be a highly intelligent puppy) so the prospective pet owner can be aware of what type of temperament they may encounter. Knowing what you are getting into could prevent issues due to personality conflicts. These creative examples are a great way to help the querent make informed decisions for the best results.

If a client wants to know about a pet’s needs, I read for the pet in the same way I would read for a human. I feel that animals have feelings and needs just like us so I see little difference when I read the cards. Here’s a sample so you can see how this works. I asked tarot “what does my cat, TaoZen, need the most right now?”

The card I pulled was the King of Pentacles. This serious card reflects TaoZen’s stoic and noble personality quite well. I have often considered him to be rather mature and dignified in his mannerisms. TaoZen also likes to be in command of his fiefdom, much like a king. This card suggests to me that he wants to feel “in control” and needs to be treated with a lot of respect. The King of Pentacles is quite well dressed and seems to be living lavishly – an indicator that TaoZen likes the good life so perhaps I need to keep those treats coming and continue to give him praise, comfort and high quality items. Apparently, my cat is a yuppie. Hmmmm……

This same rule of reading tarot as if you are reading for a human can be applied to deceased pets. I believe that spirits can communicate with us. So why not the spirit of a beloved pet? Why should this be limited to humans?

To show you how well this can work, I pulled a card to ask tarot if my dear Sparkle had any messages for me from the other side. The card I picked was the 2 of Cups. This is a beautiful image of two people bringing their cups together as if in a toast. The caduceus symbol sits between them with a winged lion figure above. This card speaks of love and healing. To me, this is a sure sign that Sparkle is sending his love and letting me know that we are still connected in spirit. I always like to say that if there was ever a true soul mate in my life, it was that cat. He understood me like no other and was my fiercest protector. He didn’t like to share me with anyone and we had a bond unlike any I have ever had with any other pet. He’s been gone for 2 years and I still think of him all the time. This was the perfect card to symbolize our relationship.

I hope these creative examples can give you an idea of how you can also use tarot to find out more about your four legged or winged pals. Look beyond the package that we come in and you may see that these animal companions are no different than us. We share the same ability to love, to feel and to understand.

‘It often happens that a man is more humanely related to a cat or dog than to any human being.’ ~Henry David Thoreau

Blessings!
Theresa

I’d love to hear your insights about using tarot to read for animals. Please post your stories in the comments section below!

PS If you’d like to see an example of a reading I did about a horse’s health, please check out this link for more.

My beloved Sparkle

I dedicate this post to my late animal companion and best bud, Sparkle. Still miss ya, Botz.

Tags: animals, tarot, tarot reading, tarot readings
Posted in animals, learning tarot, reading tarot, tarot, tarot cards, tarot reading, tarot readings | 6 Comments »

The Deck And Book Nook

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

I’m excited to reveal a new feature that I’ve been working on: The Deck And Book Nook. This will be a bimonthly post with reviews of different tarot books and decks. I’ve got a huge appetite for books and you’ll usually find me at home with my nose in one. I’m more choosy with tarot decks but always open to new perspectives that each unique deck offers . I aim to offer an honest, unbiased, and detailed description of each deck and/or book that will guide you, the consumer, in making informed choices.

I’ll be posting images to illustrate and will also include links to the authors websites if available. I also have a “grading” system that will further define my viewpoint (a tongue and cheek nod to Siskel and Ebert):

Two Swords Up – This is an enthusiastic YES! Buy the product!

One Sword Down/One Sword Up – This is a neutral response – some praise, some criticisms. May only appeal to some.

Two Swords Down – A big NO. Too many issues to make it a worthwhile investment. Pass.

I hope that you will find these reviews to be a trusted resource before you open up your pocketbook. Look for the first review tomorrow!

Blessings!

Theresa

PS If there are any decks or books you’d like to see featured here – please email me your requests and I will try to honor them. If you are a deck or book author and would like to have me review your creation, please email me to discuss. I may already have it in my collection! You can reach me at tarotlady@wi.rr.com.

images courtesy of TaoXproductions

Tags: book reviews, deck reviews, tarot books, tarot decks, The Deck And Book Nook
Posted in The Deck And Book Nook, deck reviews, tarot, tarot books, tarot cards, tarot decks, tarot reviews | 2 Comments »

Tarot Gripes

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Years ago, I went to see a psychic who was well regarded by a few friends. I had high expectations and couldn’t wait to see what she’d come up with. A group of us went together and my anticipation grew as each person walked out of the room excitedly sharing their stunning results. Finally my turn arrived and I practically shoved the previous person out of the way to get in the room with this amazing mystic. After paying her fee, I sat down with bated breath and proceeded to get one of the most bizarre readings I have ever had. She told me that I was a biker who danced on bars for men. And that people loved to watch me dance. Um…okay. And that was pretty much the extent of it. (Those who know me well know that a) I can’t dance worth a lick b) I hate motorcycles despite living in Harley land and c) wouldn’t be on a bar dancing as I also have a fear of heights.) I realized the woman gave me the reading based on my wardrobe – I was wearing a rather skimpy top and motorcycle boots!

When I walked out, everyone couldn’t wait to hear my take on the reading. And they were utterly disappointed that I was not impressed. I was never invited again to a psychic outing because they now assumed I was being snooty and critical because I am in the same line of work. C’est la vie.

Whenever you are in a “service” type of job (and I consider tarot/astrology/psychic work to fit this category), you are bound to get some griping from clients. It’s par for the course. I’ve had it happen too. It’s not as bad as you think and you can learn from your clients if you keep an open mind. A few strategies for some of the most common complaints can help you and your patrons to have a more satisfying experience.

Here’s the usual gripes I have heard about or dealt with personally and my solutions:

1. I can’t remember a thing that tarot reader said! This is a complaint that I have had from many clients when I first began reading tarot professionally (mainly because I talk VERY fast). I found keeping a notepad handy for note taking is a smart move. I also will recommend a client bring a tape and tape player to record their reading – which has been hugely successful for the more absent minded types. I don’t provide the machine or tapes myself because not everyone will have the same players, etc.

2. I forgot what I wanted to ask! A good way to avoid this is to suggest to your customers that they write down their questions before they come to see you. This way, they are assured they don’t walk out without the pertinent questions answered. I’ve learned this the hard way myself. Years ago, I was frantic about some situation and visited a reader for clarity. Well, I got there and forgot all about the big dramatic issue and walked out without asking one question about it! I was really mad at myself for that one. Lesson learned.

3. All my friends said this tarot reader was so great and she didn’t hit on one thing with me! Sadly, not everyone is a good fit. This can’t be helped. The energy may not be compatible and there is nothing the reader or client can do about it. I’m always more than happy to recommend another reader if I don’t feel the chemistry. Keep a list of your colleagues handy in case this situation arises. (I also recommend not confusing the reader by wearing skimpy tops and motorcycle boots unless you really are a biker! LOL)

4. The psychic told me that I had negative energy and wanted me to give them a bunch of money to remove a curse! I’ve had to undo more damage from these types of psychics and tarot readers than I care to discuss. They are a scourge on this industry! These con artists give this work a real black eye and for ethical readers, we are helpless to prevent it. However, you can educate people on this scam. Let your clients know that this is not an acceptable practice and that no one has the power to put a curse on them.

There are other potential issues of conflict but in all my years of work, these complaints were the most common. If you are a tarot reader, I’d love to hear what criticisms you have heard and how you dealt with it. Or if you’ve ever had a reading, what was your biggest grievance? Share your stories below in the comment section!

Blessings!
Theresa

Image from blogs.theage.com.au

Posted in tarot, tarot cards, tarot reading | 21 Comments »

The Comfort Zone – Setting Up A Space For Tarot Reading

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Whether you read tarot for yourself or others, the environment can make all the difference in the quality of the reading. A calm, soothing atmosphere allows for an open, receptive mind, which is favorable for a good tarot reading. It doesn’t matter if you actually see clients in person or only do phone readings – the same principle applies.

The Office

I’m fortunate that I am able to have an office where my clients can visit me directly. I put my personal stamp on my place and it is comfortable for me. There is almost no place I’d rather be than my office (well, except maybe the kitchen!). If you decide to set up a space in your home or rent a space, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Make it relaxed and welcoming. Beautiful pictures, a homey decor and plenty of light lend a cozy vibe. Have your table at a decent ergonomic height so no one has to hunch over it. Get chairs that are comfortable enough but STURDY (I have had more than one chair destroyed by a bigger client). A soft couch is a nice touch, especially in a waiting area. Candles can soften the atmosphere but are not necessary. Keep your office neat and clean. Clutter can be distracting – try to keep it to a minimum especially on the surface you intend to read on. (I’ll admit to being rather cluttery myself but it’s mostly books and I keep it contained well enough.)

2. Keep the temperature comfortable. If your office is too hot or too cold your client will not be able to relax. You may end up having to pay extra in energy costs but this is worth it in my opinion. I’d rather pay a few dollars to the energy man to insure my clients are happy.

3. Some tarot readers frown on “tinkly music” but I heartily disagree. I like to have relaxing new age or classical music playing in the background. Many of my clients come here from work and this immediately soothes their frazzled nerves and helps to set a chilled out tone.

4. Incense is optional. I keep this to a minimum as many people are allergic or just don’t like the smell. If you really must burn it, consider doing it an hour before work – and keep the window slightly open to get rid of the smoke. Because people can be sensitive to scents, you may want to consider NOT wearing perfume.

5. Pets can be adorable but also unpredictable. You may want to keep Rover out of your office to avoid potential issues. I have two cats and one happens to be extremely obnoxious. I’ll allow them down at times but usually, they get the boot if they become unruly – or if a client is allergic or fearful. Believe it or not, some of my clients actually REQUEST the cats sit in on the reading!

6. Avoid the oogie boogie thing as much as possible. In other words, you may want to keep your images and person rather neutral. Some people are fearful enough walking into a tarot reading and anything too “spooky” could be a turn off. In my own office, I have many religious pictures from the 1920′s (a nod to my Catholic roots and my favorite era). I always get a lot of compliments on them. But I also have a framed antique bisque baby doll that sometimes freaks out sensitive types until I explain to them that I bought it that way! And then there are some who actually prefer the gypsy witch experience and may be disappointed if you appear too “normal”. I’ve had a few that thought they’d walk in and I’d be wearing a turban….they were quite bummed out that wasn’t the case.

Phone Readings

1. Make sure you are in a relaxed place so you can concentrate. This means the baby is asleep, the dog is out of your hair, hubby isn’t walking in and out and the television is off. I find I need my environment super quiet if I am doing a reading over the phone. I want to give all of my attention to the client – distractions destroy my ability to focus.

2. Be sure the client is in an equally relaxed place. I learned this the hard way. I had a few clients who would call me and then spend half the reading yelling at their children or spouse. I now insist they schedule their appointment when they know they will not be disturbed. I need the client to concentrate as much as I am because they are not here to shuffle the cards!

Parties and Public Places

You will have little to no control in this arena. When you do anything at other people’s homes, you are at their mercy. I’ve done readings in freezing cold basements, sweltering bedrooms, screaming loud taverns, next to blaring speakers at a convention, and in a cockroach ridden mouse infested hellhole. I’ve learned to be flexible but now set some boundaries as much as possible.

You can do a little “damage control” by asking your client in advance what the area will be like. If you are doing a major public event, insist on a quiet table away from the action. Ask your hostess to put you in a separate room if possible. Some tarot readers I know even bring their own tablecloths, crystals, candles and music to insure they are able to set a vibe they like! As long as you and the querent can find a way to be relaxed, you may find that you can read your tarot anywhere!

Blessings!
Theresa
http://www.thetarotlady.com

Image from notlob86

PS That is NOT my office pictured above! LOL Just a lovely picture.

Where do you read tarot? What are your tips for creating the right atmosphere? I’d love to hear your suggestions! Leave them in the comments section below!

Posted in office, tarot, tarot cards, tarot reader, tarot reading | 1 Comment »

The Yamas Of Tarot Reading

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Most people who know me also know that in addition to reading tarot, I am an avid yogi and have been practicing for well over a decade. About 6 years ago, I started to teach yoga and meditation so that I could share these gifts with others who are seeking a more enlightened life.

Many Westerners think of yoga as an “exercise” program and begin taking classes in hopes of achieving the so-called “yoga butt”. I cringe inwardly at this idea because yoga is so much more than that. In fact, the physical aspect of yoga is really only a tiny part. Yoga has a rich history and deep philosophical roots. For example, there are “8 limbs” of yoga – and each one gives us an idea of how to live more consciously. When we bring awareness to our thoughts, words, breath, physicality, and actions, we can begin to reach “samadhi” (liberation), the ultimate goal.

The first limb consists of the “Yamas” (translated as “restraints”). These are the ethical principles that guide us on living in the outside world. When we live a life that respects all and treats others with compassion, we can truly begin to live our dharma and find meaning in our lives.

A majority of my contact with the outside world comes through my work. How can I apply the Yamas to tarot reading?

1. The first Yama – and probably the most important one – is AHIMSA – which means “non-violence” . I’m not talking about using the tarot as a physical weapon (I doubt a deck of 78 cards can do much damage on a human body)! It’s about actively practicing kindness and compassion with those who seek to use my services. This can be accomplished by treating clients with respect as well as choosing words that are life affirming and positive. A reader must be as tolerant, sympathetic and considerate as possible. If you have ever gone to a tarot reader that is negative and rude, you know how damaging that kind of vibe can be. I’ll never forget years ago a girlfriend and I went to see a very unhappy tarot reader who did nothing but project her bitterness on to us. We walked out of there laughing because nothing she said applied or made sense. It was obvious that she was down on her own life and wanted us to be as miserable as her. For a vulnerable client, a reader like this can be very damaging.

2. The second Yama is SATYA, or “truth”. Honesty should guide every word that comes out of your mouth. In other words, a tarot reader must strive to deliver a truthful reading. If you only tell the client what they want to hear, you are doing a disservice. However, that does not mean being harsh with your delivery – once again, Ahimsa must be the cornerstone of every action. You can deliver a candid tarot reading without being “brutal”. A heavy hand can be necessary on occasion but a “velvet sledgehammer” is always my preferred tool. I also believe that you can practice Satya by being honest about your abilities. Never pretend to be something that you are not. This could be as simple as knowing when you are not the right reader for a specific client. This is humbling but if you get your ego out of it, you’ll see that this is far better than thinking you can read for any and all who come your way. It’s not possible. NO reader can do that.

3. The third Yama is ASTEYA, translated as “non-stealing”. This can be best practiced with your fellow tarot readers. For example, give credit where credit is due. Don’t take the glory for something if you didn’t do the work. Always acknowledge your teachers and mentors for their assistance. Avoid actively seeking out a fellow reader’s clientele (there is enough work for everyone!). This is a bad business practice born out of scarcity mentality.

4. The fourth Yama is BRAHMACHARYA, or “celibacy”. No, I’m not talking about it from a sexual point of view (however, sleeping with your clients is NOT a smart idea. I know of one guy who used to do that and it brought him all kinds of trouble!). I’m talking about it from an “energy” viewpoint. If you are constantly doing tarot readings without conserving some of your energy, you risk burnout – which is no good for you or your clients. Restraining yourself here is wise and prudent. I adhere to a strict policy of only reading 4 days out of the week and limiting the number of clients I serve. Maintaining healthy boundaries makes for a better tarot reader – and a better experience for your clients and a healthier business and life experience in general.

5. The last Yama is “APARIGRAHA” or “non-grasping”. You can practice Aparigraha by not “owning” your clients. They are free to come and go as they please – and to seek a different reader if they should choose to do so for any reason. A tarot reader should avoid pushy solicitation. There are some unethical readers that take it to an extreme by telling a client that they have a “curse” on them – and then offering to remove it for thousands of dollars! Some of these con artists will resort to calling the client at home at all hours of the day and night. This is unconscionable and downright criminal! NO ethical reader should EVER engage in such practices.

My other favorite way of exercising Aparigraha is by being objective and “letting go of the readings”. I actively work at detaching myself from the outcome – and when my work with a client is done, I also choose to let it go. In other words, I do not obsess over the reading. I close my chakras and move on to the next one without hanging on to what was. I choose to live in the moment. That’s how I roll.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

What ethics or philosophies guide you as a tarot reader? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Posted in tarot, tarot cards, tarot reader, tarot reading, yoga | 5 Comments »

The Prediction Predicament

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

A few years ago, I was sitting in my office when suddenly a flash came before my eyes. I darted upstairs to breathlessly tell my husband “I just had a vision! Someone is going to give me monkey socks!” He looked at me quizzically and then continued on with what he was doing. Months later, one of my clients sat down for a reading and casually said ”I have a present for you” and proceeds to hand me a pair of green socks with monkeys on them! I almost fell out of my chair as I quickly ran upstairs to excitedly show my husband. “Great… my wife can predict a pair of monkey socks but not the winning lottery numbers.” he replied with a smirk and rolling eyes.

Living with a psychic has taken some of the element (and excitement) of surprise away from him. I’ve even managed to ruin many a birthday and holiday as I am such a good gift guesser that he must now resort to elaborate schemes to get me off the scent. I often will deliver an answer before he even utters the question. So he no longer gets a thrill when I have a “vision”. When every day is prediction day, it becomes second nature and rather common.

Thank goodness my clients never tire of it though or I’d be talking to a blank wall. Working as a tarot reader has allowed me to utilize my intuition in a way that can aid my clients and help them to navigate life’s ups and downs with a bit more grace. However, I have noticed that “fortune telling” has fallen out of favor in my line of work. Many tarot readers and other intuitives shy away from it. Why?

One reason is that some modern tarot authors have presented the tarot as a tool for psychoanalysis – and a new trend of using tarot not as a fortune telling device but as a method of therapy has become very popular. Some authors prescribe to an “interactive” style of tarot reading where the querent looks at the cards and tells the reader what they mean to them, turning a tarot session into a therapy session. While this can be helpful in many cases, the art of prediction gets lost in the process.

An argument I have heard is that fortune telling is “disempowering” or “unethical”. How? Its been said that a predicted event implies that the querent has “no control” over their lives. As a huge believer in free will, I find this to be nonsense. After all, nothing is cut in stone. In my opinion, having an idea of what may transpire empowers a client in a major way. It’s like doing a road trip with a map. If you have an idea of where you are going, can’t you decide if you want to go down a different path if you don’t like the view? And isn’t that easier to do when you have the map in hand?

Another consideration is the ego factor. We tarot readers tend to be a sensitive lot. Some are not comfortable with the idea that they’ll be proven wrong. Like weathermen, we look at the patterns and make predictions to the best of our abilities. It is definitive fact that only a certain percentage of our predictions will truly hit the mark. That is why this is not work for lightweights or people who are controlled entirely by their egos. It takes a fair amount of cojones to make a prediction. A thick skin is mandatory because in this line of work you’re fair game, and many people will WANT you to be wrong. Using the tarot as therapy may be safer in some ways, but you shouldn’t let the “fear of being wrong” inhibit you from making predictions and giving your client’s reading the full breadth and depth that could provide them the insight they need to guide their lives in a truly practical way.

It may be intimidating to use the tarot to predict But think about it this way – why do people come to see psychics, tarot readers and astrologers? They come to learn about future events. Not providing this service to a client is akin to visiting a dentist who talks about cleaning your teeth rather than actually doing it.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

I’d love to hear your thoughts about predicting. Leave your comments below!

Posted in predictions, tarot, tarot cards, tarot reader, tarot reading | 18 Comments »

How To Give A Fabulous Tarot Reading

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

In my last post I wrote about getting a great tarot reading. But what about how to GIVE one? Many new readers struggle with this and I get asked all the time for advice. Whether you are a tarot reading newbie or an old pro, here are a few tips to help you give awesome tarot readings:

1. Ground yourself. No matter how talented you are, if you are not calm and present, your readings will suffer. It is imperative that your mind is in a good place so the information you receive will be accurate and not tainted by your moods or issues. I highly recommend that you learn to meditate. A consistent meditation practice will center your mind, allowing for more focus and a better connection to your own inner wisdom. If you are the ansty type (I am), take up yoga. It has a wonderful way of “tricking” you into a meditative state. Every day I do a yoga practice and meditate. I can personally attest that it has helped my readings immensely.

2. Prep your environment. Be sure the place you read in is tranquil and clean. Although I am a cluttery gal, I keep my office neat and free of messy distractions. I like to burn a little incense to create a nice vibe and I play some soft music in the background. Candles and crystals are also a nice touch for creating a spiritual mood. My clients often remark that my office is soothing.

3. Uncross your legs and arms. This sounds silly but if you like to sit with crossed feet or arms, it can “block energy”. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and refrain from a closed off stance. I sometimes like to put my feet up on another chair. While this may not be totally grounding, it is relaxing for me.

4. Get rid of unnecessary distractions. In other words, if you have unfriendly dogs, screaming kids or a nosy spouse, scoot them out of your room. I have two friendly cats that can really be a pain. At times I will allow them in the office (some clients even insist on their presence!), but when they get too obnoxious, they get the boot!

5. Be sober. No one enjoys a cocktail as much as I do – however, a tipsy tarot reader is never a good thing. You need to be conscious in order to receive information properly. (I know of one psychic who did a reading for two senior citizens while he was tripping on acid! He said it was NOT a groovy experience as he could barely function!) If you like to imbibe, do it after your work. Your clients deserve a fully functional reader!

6. Practice often. The best tarot readers constantly practice to perfect their art. Whether this means doing readings on a regular basis or learning new techniques from other sources, keep on practicing. The more you do it, the better you will get. Read for everyone who is interested.

7. Get your ego out of it. If you are worried about “being wrong” or on the other hand enamored with your own abilities, you are bound to fail. Learn to be neutral. Deliver information without attaching your emotions, ego, or need for validation to the reading. Simply read.

Happy tarot reading!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

What are your tips for giving a good tarot reading? Share them in the comments section!

Posted in tarot, tarot cards, tarot reader, tarot reading | No Comments »

How To Get A Great Tarot Reading

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

I get asked a lot about my work – not just about what it means to be a tarot reader but about the cards and readings in general. One of the things clients seem to be most concerned about is how to get the most out of their tarot reading. Here is a little sage advice I like to pass on for anyone who is considering visiting a tarot reader:

1. I always suggest that people bring a list of questions that are important to them. The reason why – you may get so wrapped up in what the tarot reader is saying that you walk out without asking your most significant questions (it has happened to me!). Reflect on the issues that are the most crucial and write them down. This way, you insure the reading focuses on relevant things.

2. Avoid getting a reading if you are in a distressed state. You will not hear a word the reader is saying. The best time to get a reading is when you are calm and able to be mentally present.

3. Try not to interrupt the reader. For myself, the information comes like a ticker tape in my mind and when a client repeatedly interrupts, it breaks the flow of information. Wait until it is time to ask your questions (I always allow a generous period to ask questions).

4. Tape your reading. This is a great idea for those who tend to be forgetful. If you have a recorder, bring it. Most tarot readers won’t mind. (I personally hate the sound of my own voice – but hey, I’m not listening to it so tape away!) Otherwise, a notepad is another option. Some of my clients will even bring a buddy along who acts as a “secretary” and takes notes for them!

5. Keep an open mind and attitude. If you come into a reading with a “prove it to me” stance, you are setting a tone which is not conducive. In fact, some of us find it downright rude! I am not saying you should spill your life story when you walk in the door (I never encourage that either), but relax, uncross your arms and don’t be so defensive. Personally, I find it puzzling when someone comes in for a tarot reading but does everything possible to drag a red herring all over the place. What is the point? To prove the reader is wrong? Or to really “make them work”? RELAX. A relaxed YOU leads to a clear reading and allows the tarot reader to do their work without feeling like they have a gun to their head.

6. And most importantly, choose a tarot reader you TRUST. Best way to find a good one? Word of mouth. Listen to other people’s experiences and then decide if the reader is a good fit for you.

Happy tarot reading!
Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

Posted in tarot, tarot cards, tarot reading | 7 Comments »

Nothing’s Shocking – The Art Of The Pokerface

Friday, November 27th, 2009

A well dressed, attractive woman walked into my office and sat down for a tarot reading. Nothing about her stood out as unusual except for her visible nervous energy. No biggie – lots of people are anxious about getting their cards read, especially if they have a lot of drama in their lives. After starting out with a general outlook for the year, we began to focus on her questions. It seemed her main concern was about an upcoming party she was throwing.

I tossed a couple of cards and glanced at them, noticing that they were a rather “odd” combination but ultimately indicated a successful ending. After a look of relief and joy swept over her face, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked her what kind of party she was throwing (assuming it was some sort of masquerade or something unique). “Oh we’re getting a bunch of crack and having a wife swapping party” she said without batting an eye.

Did my jaw drop at this announcement? Nope. I didn’t flinch a bit. My reaction (or lack thereof) was as casual as if we were discussing the weather.

As a tarot reader, you’ll find that there are all kinds of situations that your clients may inquire about. While the majority of people like to ask about family, work or love, on rare occasion you may encounter someone who has a shocking or upsetting situation that they need (and deserve) answers to.

So what can a good reader do when a client lays something heavy on you?

1. Leave your judgments at the door. As the old saying goes: different strokes for different folks. We can’t always understand other people’s motives and/or emotions – nor do we need to as tarot readers. We are only here to deliver information and help guide the client. If you have a particular attitude about a certain lifestyle, get over it.

2. Don’t be a moralist. A wife swapping crack party is not my cup of tea but I have no business trying to force others to conform to my own worldview. I have learned to hold my tongue and mind my own karma. Be ethical in your advice but refrain from windy criticism or lectures. The client may already feel bad enough without your sidebar.

3. Desensitize yourself a bit. This may sound like strange advice, but a few years living in a very bad neighborhood in New York and hanging out with some seedy characters allowed me to become less “shockable”. While I still encounter a situation here and there that may raise an eyebrow, I’ve seen enough crazy things that I am rarely surprised by people’s behaviors.

4. Be honest about your own skeletons in the closet. I’ve got quite a collection of them myself and sometimes sharing my own mistakes and war stories shows the client that they are not alone and helps them deal with feelings of shame or fear.

5. Practice compassion. You must always walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before you judge them. Any time I find myself getting too self righteous, I remember the saying: there but for the grace of God go I. Meaning that we could ALL end up in any situation at any time. We must never think that we are above making critical mistakes or getting into messy situations. Even the most educated people can screw up majorly! Compassion is not pity – it is the ability to understand someone on a deep level and truly care about their well being.

A tarot reading may be the one place where someone can – and should be able to – freely share their life stories. As a tarot reader, you need to embody the trust of a priest, the compassion of a therapist and the humor of a comedian in order to help your clients feel safe and heard.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

Posted in reading tarot, tarot, tarot cards, tarot lessons, tarot reading | 3 Comments »

Great Sites For Learning To Read Tarot Cards

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

With the advent of the internet, it is easier than ever to learn how to read tarot cards. There are many good sites and blogs that are dedicated to tarot practitioners of all levels. Whether you are just starting out or wanting to learn some new methods, the world wide web is full of places to enhance your tarot experience.

My blog is primarily for those who are already reading tarot – especially the ones venturing into the world of reading professionally. I am all about helping readers become better, saner readers – so many of my posts focus on concerns of professional readers. I don’t teach methods on this blog but I know of a few relevant sites that I heartily recommend. Read on:

1. Learning The Tarot – (www.learntarot.com)This fabulous site by author Joan Bunning is based on her book “Learning The Tarot”. With lessons, online courses, detailed charts, you are sure to learn the tarot effortlessly. I’m a huge fan of her book for beginners – so this is a good place to start.

2. The Tarot School – (http://www.tarotschool.com/) Founded by Ruth and Wald Amberstone, authors of books such as “The Secret Language of Tarot”, this site offers online lessons, teleclasses and a correspondence course. They also sponsor a Readers Studio every year, where you can connect with famous tarot readers and improve your skills. You can’t go wrong with these guys.

2. Supertarot: Learning The Tarot - (http://supertarot.co.uk/) Based on the Golden Dawn system, Paul Hughes Barlow presents a thorough and readable site that can bring your tarot skills to new levels, whether you read with this system or not. I like to learn new things and have found his site to be a great read. Highly recommended.

4. Musings On Tarot – (http://tarotbyarwen.com/blog/) Arwen Lynch is a talented writer and her insights on tarot are interesting and playful. If you are the creative type, you’ll appreciate her unique spin on things. A very different way of looking at tarot.

5. Taroteon – (http://taroteon.com/) – Probably my favorite blog of all – Douglas Gibb and a few other writers have put together the most intelligent and intriguing blog I have ever come across. This is the place where my brain gets a thorough workout and I look at the tarot with brand new eyes as I peruse the offerings. Superb writing, intense philosophical thought and clever ideas make this a blog for true tarot lovers.

6. Tarot Elements – (http://www.tarotelements.com/) – Another blog worth peeking at, Tarot Elements is written by tarot reader Catherine Chapman and is chock full of good articles. There is a lot of information on the Elemental Dignities that shouldn’t be missed – she explains this so well that anyone can grasp the concept.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

Posted in lean the tarot, learning tarot, tarot, tarot cards, tarot readings | 7 Comments »