Talkin' Tarot with Kelly-Ann Maddox

Talkin’ Tarot With is a monthly feature designed to introduce my readers to different tarot readers from our wonderfully diverse community! Each month, I’ll be asking various tarot readers 3 questions about their tarot philosophy and style, plus pointing you to their websites and blogs so that you can learn more about them! I like to hand pick tarot readers that I feel are talented and interesting.

I first learned about Kelly-Ann Maddox of The Four Queens when I stumbled on her super-smart YouTube videos while surfing for rap music (I’m always looking for new tunes, yo). I got totally sucked into her treasure trove of amazing insights on everything from tarot to Jung to Paganism. Wowza. Who was this wise chica? I had to learn more.

And there is no better way to learn about a fellow tarot reader than by getting a reading, of course! I signed up for her Work And Career Reading (Confession: I almost always only focus on work when I get a reading.).

About a week after I made my purchase, the reading arrived in my inbox. Holy smokers – it was an info-jammed PDF with clear interpretations and loving advice throughout! I was duly impressed. Naturally, I wanted more.

So I snatched up a copy of her Heal Hearts Hold Space e-book for tarot readers. Once again, I found myself dazzled. Kelly-Ann not only knows tarot, she knows how to dispense useful advice that even an old tarot dog like myself can use. If you are looking to enrich your client’s tarot experience with you, this is the book to help you do just that.

This is a woman with a lot to offer for both seekers and fellow mystics.

If you are not familiar with Kelly-Ann, I suggest you take some time to peruse her videos, check out her blog and hop on over to her Etsy shop. You will quickly find out why I’m a fangirl of this multi-talented tarot sage. (PS you’ll be one soon too.)

Bio:

Kelly-Ann Maddox is a qualified spiritual counsellor and winner of the Tarosophist’s 2013 Community Award. She combines different techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy and transpersonal psychology, tying them together with Tarot and exploring the incredible possibilities of the tool. She also acts as a mentor for Tarot students, helping them to stay inspired and motivated as they seek to understand the mysteries of the cards. When she’s not shuffling and teaching she enjoys nature walks, collage and painting, cooking and writing far-out fiction.

She’s all up in the interwebs! Find her at these mighty fine spots:

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Q: What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Kelly-Ann: Carl Gustav Jung gave us the concept of the collective unconscious. It’s the idea that there are common themes, experiences and states of being which run through every era and civilisation. They form a common ground and they define what it means to possess human consciousness. These themes and energies thread us together in a big web. This is how we connect with archetypes – the symbolic language of humanity; figures and roles which we all relate to in our own ways and can learn to embody in our lives. Tarot is an incredible picture book of these archetypes and experiences. The deck is relevant to everyone and contains reflections of the highs and lows of each individual journey. I use Tarot to help people face their challenges, thrive on their own terms and reach a heightened sense of self-love and self-awareness. For me, Tarot is a highly effective tool for healing, problem-solving, decision-making, defining goals and inviting spiritual illumination. I only use Tarot to guide objectively as a counsellor, never to instruct absolutely as a ‘soothsayer’. I believe that we are weaving the future as we live in the present.

Q: How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

Kelly-Ann: I encourage collaboration. My readings include focus areas, journal prompts, tasks and exercises to help a client to embark on long-term work. A reading from me is not the end, it’s the beginning. It offers a map to help a client see what they can work on and how to get clear on their issues. A client with a sincere desire to take positive action is a great match for me.

Q: What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

Kelly-Ann: I think there’s a lot of emphasis on how to be unique in the industry. This can cause feelings of inadequacy and worry. After all, how many different ways can you approach the concept of a relationship reading? Tarot readers risk getting hung up on the idea of bringing something fresh to the table or surprising people with what they have to offer. The reality is that authenticity is more important than uniqueness. If you are bringing your passion, your perspective and your authentic ‘voice’ to your business, it will be appreciated. It will resonate with people. Rather than deciding what kind of style you want to emulate or what kind of image you need to put across, just focus on what you really think and feel – that substance will touch people’s hearts.

Also, more than anything else, your prospective clients want to know that you care. You can have the sleekest website, the most original copy, the hottest never-before-seen product. But if you don’t seem to genuinely care about helping people, all that shiny stuff will fall flat. Show people your heart.

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Big hugs and an official fist bump to Kelly-Ann for sharing her mega-wisdom with my peeps. Be sure to check her sparkly world out here.

Blessings!

Theresa