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.
It’s always interesting to meet people online and one of the tarot readers that I have had the pleasure of developing a friendship with is Bonnie Cehovet. We started conversing a few years ago and I’ve been enjoying our relationship ever since. (Meeting her at the last Reader’s Studio was a pleasure too – although we didn’t get to spend much time together since her flight had her arrival delayed by two days!)
Bonnie has been reading tarot for a long time but that’s not the only thing she is known for – she also writes really nice reviews for tarot decks and books. I will often read her reviews to get a “second opinion” and I can trust that Bonnie will always tell me the truth.
We don’t always agree on everything but that’s one of the things that I enjoy most about her. We are able to respectfully disagree. That is a trait that I admire very much. Bonnie is someone that I look up to and I am honored to have her as a colleague.
Bonnie Cehovet has been a professional Tarot reader for over fifteen years, and is a CTGM (Certified Tarot Grand Master). She is also a Reiki Master/Teacher, and uses Reiki in her Tarot counseling practice. She is a published author, with a hot new book, “Tarot, Birth Cards, and You” (http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=9780764339028 ). Her other works include “Tarot In Review” (http://stores.lulu.com/bonniecehovet), “The World Of Tarot As Seen Through The Eyes Of The Interview” (http://www.amazon.com/World-Tarot-Seen-Through-Interview/dp/1452897530/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1321945673&sr=8-1), and an e-book, “Women In Tarot”, available through her website (http://www.bonniecehovet.com/page.id=54).
Her reviews and interviews can be seen on her website (www.bonniecehovet.com), on the Aeclectic Tarot website (www.aeclectic.net/tarot), on the Meta Arts website (www.metaarts.com), and on her blogs (www.bonniecehovet.wordpress.com), and (www.bonnielcehovet.blogspot.com).
Check out Bonnie’s answers to my questions below:
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1. What is your philosophy about Tarot reading?
I feel that a Tarot reading is a sacred experience (even while being fun!), and that it empowers both the reader and the Seeker. Both need to be prepared to bring their best to the table. The reader is a conduit – the information in a reading, the interpretation of the reading, comes through them, it is not of them. I feel that readings are overlays of the reader’s ability in multiple areas – such as Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, and just plain intuition. It is not a conscious overlay – it is there, because it is a part of them.
It is up to the reader to make sure that the Seeker understands the information being brought to them, and knows what their options are. The Seeker, in the best of all worlds, is willing to own up to being a co-creator of their own world, and their own experiences.
IMHO – The wisdom of the Tarot, and of a Tarot reading, has the ability to free us.
2. How do you feel that a client might get the most out of a reading with you?
A client needs to be prepared – they need to think out beforehand what they want to focus on in a reading, and they need to bring their “A” game with them. I am not there as a reader to spoon feed them their answers. Their questions (and answers) come from the life they are busy co-creating. They need to be willing to look at that, and to look at their part in that. They have to be willing to do the work! I do not encourage repeat readings with my private clientele. (The callers on the phone line that I read for are another story – but that is part of working in that world.) We can go as deeply into a reading as my client wants, and, time permitting, look at as many options as they want.
3. What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring Tarot reader?
Do your homework – learn your craft well. Become comfortable with it. Allow yourself to be a conduit for the information coming through to your clients. Know which decks and spreads you are comfortable working with. Know that it is up to you to create an environment conducive to giving a good reading, and that it is up to you to connect with your client in a meaningful manner. Be willing to work with your clients on their options – always give your client some wisdom to take away from their reading. Know when to say no – you can refuse to do a reading, or accept a client. This is your business. Have fun – and know that you will gain as much from the readings as your clients do!
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A hearty thank you to Bonnie for taking time to answer my questions. Be sure to check out her book and her blog!
Blessings,
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2012
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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