Talkin' Tarot with Ashley Oppon

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 three 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.

There is a lot of fresh new tarot talent starting to make a name for themselves. I was lucky enough to connect with one of those promising new stars at last year’s Reader’s Studio, Ashley Oppon of Dreadlock Tarot.

I was instantly drawn to her because her presence is powerful. She emanates warmth like a bright light on a hot summer night. Like a moth, I wanted to sit next to that flame. So I did. We spent time together and during that period, I learned that Ashley is not only a force of nature but she’s also humble. There is nothing pretentious about her…what you see is what you get. And my favorite part? She is 100% dedicated to tarot. That part came shining through loud and clear. (I love people who are hyper enthusiastic about the cards + the biz!)

Ashley may not know this, but she got the attention of her peers at that conference. Little buzz words like “talent” and “wow” starting floating around when her name was mentioned. She’s been getting more recognition from her growing legion of fans through her blog. With posts such as Myths About Tarot Card Readers and her awesome interview series, Dreadlock Culture Shock, where she talks tarot and divination with a diverse group of readers, she’s on the right track to becoming an influential tarot luminary.

If you’re looking for a new tarot flavor that is smart, fun, and knowledgeable about tarot, this is the gal you’ve been waiting to meet. I can’t wait to watch this star rise.

Bio:

Ashley Oppon is a intuitive counselor for people who are looking for clarity in all aspects of their lives. Through her work with Tarot, Lenormand and SRT (spiritual response therapy), she’s here to help people find solutions to their issues and live their best lives now. When she’s not reading Tarot, you can find her DIY-ing, crocheting, or flamenco dancing. Her passion for crafting has lead her to also open up her own Etsy Shop, Dreamer’s Annex, full of all kinds of handmade goodies. Meet Ashley and learn more about how you can reach your full potential at dreadlocktarot.com.

If you’re in the New Jersey area, Ashley is starting a new meetup called Central NJ Tarot Group.

Phone: 609-630-0794
Email: dreadlocktarot@gmail.com
Website: www.dreadlocktarot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dreadlocktarot
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dreadlocktarot

Check out her answers to my questions below:

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Q: What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Ashley: For me, tarot is all about healing and getting clarity. If you have an issue, a tarot reading will help you figure out details of what is going on and options for how you might want to handle it. I believe that when I pull out my deck and start shuffling, I am, in that moment, establishing my connection with Spirit. I believe Spirit puts the cards in the position they are supposed to be in, and I am just a vessel for interpretation. The way I look at it, getting a tarot reading is like getting advice from that friend who you know loves you, but will not let you go out looking like a fool. You may not always get the answers you want, but you will get the information you need and tips on how to manage what is going on in your life.

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

Ashley: Come ready to have a conversation. I’m not the type of reader who is just going to sit there and tell you how to do things, everything that is going to happen in the next year and what the name of your first born will be. I take the more holistic approach to reading and believe that healing and empowering is the most important thing. I’m here to help you, but most importantly, I’m here to show you that YOU have the power to also help yourself. Sometimes you just need someone to show you all the possibilities without being biased, and then you realize the answers were in front of you all along.

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

Ashley: Fall in love with your cards. Become so familiar with them that they feel like they are part of you. Get a deck that you connect with and look at those cards everyday. Even if you’re not doing a reading, just look at them and study the way each card looks and feels to you. Find the aspect of each card that you can connect with. When you start reading, journal about your cards and write down your observations. Also, learn all the important rules of tarot… how to do a Celtic Cross Spread, how you should shuffle, the textbook meaning for each cards… then break all those rules. Personalize your practice! Do what feels comfortable for you and keep finding new ways to do it. Becoming a great tarot reader is a journey so read the cards whenever you can, learn from those around you, and most of all… HAVE FUN!!!

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Major kudos to Ashley for making some time to talk tarot with me! Learn more about this mega-talent and get a reading here: Dreadlock Tarot.

Blessings,

Theresa