I’ve been in a long term tarot relationship.

In fact, it’s been a 30 year love affair that has outlasted almost every other relationship I have ever had.  (I’m very commitment-phobic and get bored easily – yet I never get sick of tarot and I dedicate considerable time to it.)

After such considerable time together, you develop a certain level of intimacy that allows you to understand your partner’s moods and quirks rather deeply.  My tarot cards have taught me a lot about how they operate.

And this is what I have learned:

You don’t have to be psychic to read tarot cards.  But tarot can help you to become more intuitive.  Practice often enough and soon enough, you’ll tap into that vast well of mystical wisdom deep within YOU.

Physical death rarely comes up in a tarot reading.  My tarot gets all touchy and creeped out and prefers to tiptoe around the subject.  I’ve had a lot of deaths around me the last 5 years and my cards were never comfortable making a prediction on anyone’s demise.  But it has been great for helping me to cope with the grieving process and I’ve gotten crystal clear communication from my deceased loved ones using tarot

Tarot is a sensitive instrument.  If you are highly anxious or obsessive, it will withdraw and shut down.  My cards are happier when I approach them with a calm and centered mind.

Tarot is never a substitute for therapy.  It can play a role in healing but it will never take the place of a licensed therapist.

Tarot does not like to beat a dead horse.  Ask the same question again and again and soon you’ll discover that they will give you the run around.  My cards have ADHD and will get very bored if you continue to pester them.  Oh – and they are not stupid.  So don’t try to ask the same thing in a new way just to get the answer you want.  You’ll get nothing.  Nada, zilch.

Timing is not a perfect science. Many things – including your choices as well as the choices of others – can effect timing.  The cards can give a general timeline but it is still your actions that determine how fast or slow something materializes.

Tarot hates agendas.  An open mind free from attachment to outcomes will lead to the clearest, most accurate answers.

Tarot cannot give you a guarantee. Your future is not written in stone. You always have a choice and you can change course at any time (and so can other people for that matter).

Each tarot deck has a unique world view.  Some of my decks are really sweet and some are kinda bad ass thuggy.  They all have a language of their own.  A diverse tarot collection allows me to broaden my knowledge and expand my tarot horizons (and have  options to suit different personalities).

Whether newly in love with your tarot deck or happily committed for many years, you’ll continuously discover new layers and depth the longer you stay together.

I’m looking forward to my 50 year anniversary one day.  I wonder how I will feel about my tarot cards then?

“The closeness of your relationships is directly proportional to the degree to which you have revealed the truth about yourself.” ~ Unknown

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011

What kind of relationship do you have with your tarot cards?  What have you learned about them?  Share your insights in the comment section below:

There it was again. The 8 of Cups. And I was not happy to see it.

I have a weird history with that card.  When I first started learning tarot, I thought it was a rather gentle card that suggested leaving behind worldly success for something more meaningful.  How poetic, right?

But in my own personal readings, this card has taken on a different tone.  It’s become a warning bell especially when it comes to friendships.

Let me explain.  Years ago, I was friends with a very snarky woman.  She was great fun and I enjoyed her acidic wit and sharp mind.  We bonded over mystical subjects, good food and long talks about life.  I even helped her launch a business.

One day, I decided to do a reading on the relationship.  Oddly, the 8 of Cups came up.  Hmmm….was I going to walk away?  Or did that suggest the relationship would take on a more spiritual vibration?  (I envisioned us like wizened old monks traveling the world and seeking wisdom.)  I preferred the second option, so I put those cards away and continued on, business as usual.

And then she betrayed me.  I won’t go into the details but it was the most painful ending to a friendship I had ever experienced.  It took me months to “get over it”.  But eventually, I did.  I simply moved on.

Flash forward many years later.  I meet a new friend.  We hit it off immediately and quickly form a bond over food and other common interests.  I’m thrilled and full of anticipation.

I lay out the cards to see if there is a future. And that damn 8 of Cups shows up.  My heart sinks. Once again, I try to see a positive spin here.   But there is a 7 of Swords for good measure.  I shove the cards into a dark drawer and put on my happy face.

And then I learn a repeat lesson.  Not as brutal but still an element of betrayal. Although this time, I am not so shocked.  I even try to salvage things by explaining how I feel.  Except this person doesn’t listen and just gets uncomfortable with my emotional reaction.  So I walk away, brush my shoulders off and let it go.  It took no time this time to “get over it”.   I was forewarned by the 8 of Cups so I knew this could be a possible outcome.

Last year, I made another acquaintance.  I am a naturally friendly person but I am wary of this one.  Perhaps because I can smell the potential for bullshit this time.  Things quickly take a turn in a very odd and icky direction.

So I pull out the cards.  And guess who shows up?  Yup, the 8 of Cups.  I walk away, brush my shoulders off and don’t look back.  And although I am not happy with the situation, I know I am safe.  I heeded the warning even more carefully than ever.  I am bruised but not hurt.  This time, I move on immediately.

For me, the 8 of Cups has become sort of an alarm when it turns up in any sort of friendship query.  I no longer attempt to see a rosy picture.  I have learned that for me, it is a sign to run as far away as possible.  It says: get out while the getting is good.  Turn your back and never cross that path again. This person is not safe.

I find it intriguing when certain cards become personal “omens” or warnings.  Over the years, I have had other cards that have tried to serve as an alert.  Sometimes it is obvious like The Tower.  But other times not so much (3 of Wands reversed can indicate a need to put distance in a relationship).

Every card has the potential to serve as a sign for potential good or ill to come.  Whether or not you heed the “warning” is all up to you.

Blessings!

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

Have any cards become your personal “four alarm warning” cards?  I’d love to hear your stories in the comment section below:

This is a guest post by one of my awesome Tarot Apprentice contestants, Iseke.  I’ll be featuring some more guest posts by these talented young tarot readers in the near future.  Be sure to watch for them!

Divination tools are languages we use to communicate with our sub or higher consciousness. In this way, we can use any divination tool to string together letters, words, and sentences into full ideas. A certain pattern of coffee grounds means one thing. A certain direction of movement from a pendulum means another thing. Whatever system of divination one uses (and really, you can use ANYTHING for this purpose) becomes a language.

Tarot, with its complex levels of historical and cultural meaning, art, symbolism, and connection to other esoteric systems, creates a very deep language with a lot of study put behind it. That means that when choosing Tarot as your language of communication, you have a whole lot of depth to explore your circumstances. Tarot is great for really looking at the subtlety of an issue, as anyone who has had a reading or done one can attest to!

A lot of people may assume that Tarot cards (or any other divination tool) have a magical property of their own. Really, they have no more magical properties then a pen or a paintbrush do! They possess only the magic you put into them. Just like how you won’t get a novel out of an alphabet itself, you won’t get magic without a practitioner. A Tarot deck sits in potential, waiting for you to come along and make something of it. What you make out of it is entirely up to you, because while there is a well established system for reading the cards in place, they are YOUR tool of communication when you read!

So what does that mean? It means that when you sit down with a deck of cards, you have a rich grammar and vocabulary present for you to work with. This is commonly referred to as the “Little White Book” definitions but it goes far beyond that, because it draws on a pool of everyone’s practice and experience. Like spoken languages, divination languages grow and evolve over time. However, as you work with the cards (or the tool of your choice) you will find that the cards take on special meanings for you, and this is when you can see for yourself that it is truly a language of your own!

For instance, in my own practice, I’d notice a card keep turning up in certain contexts. It wasn’t in the standard context you’d expect to find, but it connected with me and my experiences and so I began to notice when that card would come up in that context. That was when I began to see the Tarot operating less in the “refer to the LWB” fashion that overwhelms us all at the beginning and more like my own personal system.

The most important thing about understanding the Tarot as a language is that it frees up flexibility in the way we understand the Tarot itself, as well as how we use it. Those of us who read Tarot cards all know what one means when they mention the six of cups, because we all share the umbrella language developed by centuries of cultural thought, study, and practice. But, like a dialect, we all have our own flavor of the meanings. Allowing this and encouraging it will help those who are beginning their Tarot journey from feeling completely swamped staring at a book of meanings they feel they need to memorize! Instead, it’s all there as a support network so that the reader can develop the most intuitive way for them to reach their sub or higher consciousness during readings.

So if a client who knows a thing or two about the meaning of the cards sits down for a reading, and a while into it disputes that your interpretation, you can explain to them why this may be: in your practice and development you have come to learn what the cards mean personally to you. So long as you are consistent throughout the reading! Also, if you are teaching someone the Tarot, you can encourage them into further developing their intuitive interpretations by reminding them that ultimately, the goal is the conversation between the reader and their higher selves (or the reader, the client, and their collective higher selves). Tarot is what makes that conversation tangible!

~ Iseke

You can learn more about Iseke through her website: http://www.aelestrid.net/

What do you think tarot is?  Post your thoughts in the comment section below:

Fortune Teller.

Some people in the tarot community don’t even like to say it out loud. Some are fearful that it may just stick to them like a giant scarlet letter.  If a client innocently uses this word, some readers will give an uptight lecture on how they are “not one of those” and how their work is somehow above all that.

Some don’t offer predictions at all and make a really big deal about stating that their work is more about counseling and that predictions and fortune telling are not in the client’s best interest.

Why does “fortune teller” have such a bad rap?  Why are we so quick to treat these two words as somehow disrespectful to our profession?  I find it odd that so many readers fear this title, considering how many people call me on the phone and ask for the “fortune teller” or “psychic” without one iota of disrespect or trepidation.  Clients don’t give a damn about which title we use – they just want insights into their future.

There are several reasons why “fortune teller” has gone out of vogue in our industry.  First of all, divination of any sort is frowned upon by some religions. This has created a stigma against this type of work as it is often associated with “witchcraft” or “sorcery”.  This “witch hunt” mentality is the source of many of the laws against fortune telling, some of which exist to this day. This has forced many tarot readers to use a different title such as “spiritual advisor” out of fear of prosecution.

The practice of fortune telling has also become dirtied by con-artists who will tell a vulnerable client that they have “negative energy” and then offer to remove the “curse” for a large sum of money.  This illegal fraudulent activity that preys on people’s fear and superstition is committed by a VERY small minority but has managed to create a nasty stereotype that no professional reader in their right mind would want to be associated with.

That said, there are con artists in EVERY profession.  Do we stop using the title “doctor” and only use “physician” because there have been some unethical doctors?

There has also been a growing trend in the community itself where readers do not want to offer predictions to their clients and prefer to be “counselors” regardless of whether or not they possess the education, license or credentials to claim that title.  Even those who have appropriate credentials to be counselors are doing a great disservice to the heart of tarot reading when they dismiss predictions as somehow disempowering.

When a prediction is made, it shows the potential of what may come and this gives a client a clear road map so that they can choose to continue on or make changes. Awareness allows us to live more consciously and perhaps avoid potential problems.  I like to compare it to driving down a road with a radar detector.  If that detector goes off, I know a cop is around the corner and I can choose to slow down or risk getting a ticket.  That radar detector lets me know what possibilities lie ahead.

A tarot reading can be therapeutic.  But, the main reason people come to see me is to find out about their future.  They WANT me to “tell them their fortune”.  And it is in this process that they have the chance to gain insight into their own inner workings through the reading.

So I am making an effort to reclaim the title “fortune teller”.  If quality readers act professionally and ethically, there is no reason we cannot redeem the dignity of this profession regardless of the title one chooses.

My name is Theresa.

I am a fortune teller.

I read tarot cards.

I divine the future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blessings!

Theresa

special thanks to taoxproductions for the image and help editing

I consider myself to be a very straightforward woman.  I’m the type that won’t mince words and will tell you if your breath smells like cat litter.  It’s just how I roll.  And I happen to like books that have an honest and no b.s. tone as well.  You’ll find that here in Tarot Dynamics, which I found offers a very straight up approach to tarot reading.

This book is different than the rest in that it combines numerology and Tarot in a way that simplifies yet adds depth to the meanings of the cards.  While that may sound like a contradiction, trust me, the author Anna Burroughs Cook manages to lay a foundation that is solid yet open for interpretation.

The author chooses simple keywords for each card, based on the numbers and the suit, or in the case of the Major Arcana, one word to symbolize that particular card (ex: Hanged Man = Tranquility).  This breaks the tarot down to manageable bites – which is incredibly helpful especially for those who are just beginning to explore the cards. She then adds depth by giving different interpretations for the cards based on whether the reading is negative, positive, reversed, or romantically focused.  She also adds information for what the card could mean if it was surrounded by less reassuring cards.  This gives the reader a lot to work with.

There is a picture of each card from the Universal Tarot but this book is not limited to any one deck.  With Burroughs’ method, you’ll get a solid grip on the tarot that can be used with whichever deck you prefer to work with.

In the final chapters the author covers timing, which I consider one of the most difficult aspects of tarot reading. She once again offers a simplified method (based on astrology) that anyone can use – even if you do not have a background in astrology.   Burroughs then includes a few tarot spreads using her methods as well as sample readings which clearly paint a vivid picture of her techniques in action.  (I only wish she would have had visual images to go along with the samples as I am lazy – but after laying out the cards myself, it brought the impact of her formula to life!)

The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was her section on do’s and don’ts and FAQs.  This part was full of practical advice, written in a manner that felt like my “tarot mom” was giving me the straight talk I needed so that I could avoid the pitfalls and problems that many tarot readers struggle with.  I nodded my head often in agreement and enjoyed her down to earth approach to these issues.

If you are new to tarot or just looking for a new perspective, you cannot go wrong with this book.  I give it Two Swords Up!

Blessings!

Theresa

Learn more about the author Anna Burroughs Cook at her website: http://tarotdynamics.com/

Even though I have been reading tarot for many years, I still read a lot of tarot books.  And you may be surprised to hear that I read plenty of beginner’s books.  The reason why is this – each author has a different take or method for learning tarot and I am always finding new ways to understand the cards.  A beginner’s book often will be written clearly without some heady esoteric mumbo jumbo (which I enjoy on occasion) and this lends to clear, practical insights.

Barbara Moore has delivered such a book with her newest offering, Tarot For Beginners.  The writing is crisp and easy to follow – there is no arcane murky language here to contend with, making this book ideal for anyone who wants to delve into tarot but felt intimidated.

She sets a great foundation by covering all the basics without hard and fast tarot “rules”.  This creates an energy that allows the reader to have a strong base but still room to be an individual with their own unique voice.  Moore offers interpretations for each card along with a “core concept”  – which is a short, pithy statement  that defines the core meaning of the card.  This is a great idea and gives a beginner a simple easy to remember sentence, which makes it simpler to grasp and retain the basic interpretation.  I love the extended interpretations as well but the core concept is a brilliant idea – and ideal for budding tarot readers.

Moore also lovingly covers all the basics – numbers, Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, suits, elements, Court cards, spreads, history, different readings styles and more.  This is a lot of information to digest, but once again, her friendly relaxed tone makes it easy to understand.

My only critique: There are three different decks featured in the book – Rider Waite, Shadowscapes,  and Legacy of the Divine.  Some readers will appreciate it (especially those who do not read with the Rider Waite deck) but I felt this was a bit unnecessary and somewhat distracting for me (my brain prefers to focus on one thing at a time – too many things to look at makes me a bit dizzy).  However, this is simply a matter of taste and not a major issue.

I do a lot of  teaching and I especially like working with beginners. I am going to heartily recommend this to all of my students.  It makes a great manual!   But even old hats like me will find something useful here.  So don’t let the “beginner” title hold you back from grabbing a copy.

I give this book 2 Swords Up.  Get it, devour it and start shuffling!

Blessings!

Theresa

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.

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

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

© The Tarot Lady 2010 | Theresa Reed | http://www.thetarotlady.com

Image from blogs.theage.com.au

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.

© The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

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!