What to expect in a tarot reading (and what not to)

You walk in the tarot reader’s door for the first time. You’re not sure what to expect. Perhaps you move through a beaded curtain. Candles are lit and you are seated in a comfy velvet chair. The pungent scent of nag champa wafts through the air. A one eyed cat stretches and then plops down at your feet.

The reader sits across from you and hands you the deck. It’s larger than you thought it would be and as you wrap your hands around it, you notice the edges are a bit frayed. This deck has been well used, you think to yourself.

Nervously, you begin to shuffle, wondering what the cards might have to say about your future. Will you meet a tall dark stranger? Will the Death card make an appearance? Will your ex come back? Breath in limbo, you hand the deck back to the reader and so the reading begins. Your entire future is in her hands. She turns the first card over and gasps…..

If you’ve never been to a tarot reader before, you may be expecting some dramatic scenario just like that. It’s easy to believe that because it’s usually how we are typecast in popular culture.

But the truth is, most tarot readers are more like a kind old friend who uses tarot as a practical guide to help you create your own future (you’re in control, not some unseen power). Before you step through the tarot door, here’s a wee bit of steretype-busting info so you won’t be surprised (or disappointed):

What to expect in a tarot reading (from an ethical reader):

You’ll be treated with respect, friendliness, and kindness. (The aura of mystery and sketchy behavior you see in movies – not so much.)

Your reader has a sincere desire to help you. (That’s why we get into this work.)

You’ll feel comfortable telling your reader your situation because they won’t judge you. (We have our own skeletons.)

Complete confidentiality. Your secrets are safe with us. (PS we’ll forget anyhow.)

If you are brand new to tarot, the reader will explain how they read (each reader is different) and answer any questions.

They will allow you to record your session (if they are reading you over the phone, they may do it for you).

If something negative comes up in the reading, they will help you to find strategies. Again, you are always in control of your life – life doesn’t just “happen” to you.

You’ll walk out feeling empowered. (Or entertained.)

What NOT to expect:

100% accuracy. No one has the ability to see your entire future. A reader can see what may be coming based on your current circumstances but you can shift gears at any time. You are always in control (Notice that I am repeating this again and again? I want to hammer that point home.).

Blaming your problems on a curse or “entity”. That takes all of your responsibility out of your hands and is often the sign of a con artist reader. (The next thing you’ll hear is a hard sell for a cleansing that costs big bucks. Avoid those types of readers.)

Being judged. Even if you are seeing a married woman, it’s not up to the reader to judge you – they are here to help you. (Avoid any reader who makes you feel ashamed. Even if your life choices aren’t so hot, you are not a bad person – you’re just making poor decisions. You can always change.)

A costume. Not all readers wear “fortune teller” costumes. Many of us are regular folk. If you are looking for a side show, you may be disappointed. (Some readers DO the costume thing and rock it. Most of us are rather ordinary in our attire.)

Mind reading. No, we can’t read your mind or the thoughts of your ex. (We don’t do parlor tricks, sorry.)

Solicitation. An ethical reader will never bug you to get a reading. You come of your own free will. If you ever get mail or a phone call that suggests that you “need to come in immediately”, RUN.

When you walk in to any reader’s studio for the first time, leave your expectations and stereotypes at the door and come in with an open mind. You may be surprised at how “normal” we are and how helpful tarot can be.

Blessings!

Theresa