How to get over your fear of reading tarot for other people

You’ve been reading tarot for a long time…but only for yourself. And that gets awfully boring. You want variety.

So you decide to start reading for other people. Until you’re face to face with your first querent and then you freeze.

You’re terrified. Your palms begin to sweat profusely as you shuffle those cards.

What if you’re wrong?

What if they think you suck?

What if you draw a blank and then have to reach for that little white book (which you haven’t needed in years)?

What if you’re this shaky every time you read for someone?

Sound familiar?

If you’re ever had an anxiety ridden tarot freak out, here’s what you need to do:

Breathe. (I swear on my cat that this is advice I give on almost everything!). Get into your body by breathing deep and slow. GROUND and center through deep belly breathing. This will keep you present.

Take baby steps by reading for people who don’t intimidate you. Read for your granny or a good friend. Bask in that comfort zone for a while until you feel more confident. (Your loved ones may be able to provide a safe space and give you helpful feedback as well.)

Keep in mind that your querent is a human being who puts on their pants just like you do every day. It doesn’t matter if Mary Greer herself is sitting across from you, most people have the same issues and concerns as you do. (PS if you ever read for me, I have the most boring drama-free life in the world so no need to fear The Tarot Lady!)

Don’t assume that everyone is looking to be razzle-dazzled by your skills – or that they are out to “test” you. Sure, there are always a few skeptics and cynics in the bunch, but most people are looking for guidance, not parlor tricks. (PS most people are also kind and open minded. The meanies you will encounter are few.)

Stay focused on being helpful. Your mission should be to help and heal, nothing more. If you keep that as your mantra, you’ll leave that second guessing factor in your dust. Always ask yourself: “how can I help this person in a way that serves their highest good?”

Just do it. The best way to get over it is to simply dive in. Jumping in is not for everyone but it will help you to learn to pace yourself, center, and deal with every type of situation that you can imagine. Read for as many people in as many situations as you possibly can. THAT will put your fears on mute and help you find your tarot confidence. Experience is the best teacher of all.

The way I resolved my own tarot introversion was by reading tarot in bars. There is nothing scarier than a bar full of rowdy drunks – a few of those shindigs and you’ll be straight up gangsta, yo.

Lastly, I leave you with this truth: I always have a bit of anxiety when I sit down with a client. It may not show on the outside, but trust me, it’s still there. In my opinion, if you are not getting butterflies every time you read tarot, you might have just checked out. Embrace those nerves and view them as a sign that you are ready to hit that tarot stage and read your heart out!

“When you stop being nervous is when you should retire. I’m always a little nervous for anything I do because when complacency sets in, that’s when I feel it’s time to move on to something else.” ~ Chris Jericho

Blessings,

Theresa

photo from stock photography