Talkin' Tarot with Chris Onareo

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.

I started hosting an Instagram Livestream after the launch of my astrology book. One of the first people who began to show up regularly was Chris Onareo. I always joke that I’m the president of the “Onareo Appreciation Society” but there may be a bit of truth to my jesting.

Here’s why: Chris is incredibly kind (not to mention a talented tarot reader!). When my cat passed away last year, he sent me a little rose quartz carved into the shape of a kitten. This sweet gesture touched me deeply during a hard time. I keep that stone kitty on my desk so I can look at it every day. I’m sentimental so these gestures mean a lot.

Chris has been making lots of waves in the tarot community with his own Instagram Livestreams. He’s interviewing tarot deck creators and authors – and bringing on some of the finest industry superstars such as Sasha Graham, Shaheen Miro, and Benebell Wen. As his presence continues to grow, I have a feeling his Livestream interviews will become “the” place to showcase your work! (Check out this fun event we did together: Onareo and The Tarot Lady Bust Tarot Myths!)

I feel lucky to have Chris in my world. He brings so much to my life – and to the people fortunate enough to work with him. He’s a true friend – and an amazing tarot reader. You might want to get a session because soon more folks are going to be joining the Onareo Appreciation Society!

Bio:

In his own words: Growing up in a Catholic household in Puerto Rico in the ’80s, my parents held Catholic beliefs but being on an island also exposed them and eventually me to different spiritual practices that were more folkloric in nature. We believed in the power of prayer, prayed the rosary to the Virgin Mary but also burned incense to cleanse the house, constantly spoke about dead members of the family, put upside down glasses filled with water to prevent rain on important days, and threw ice water out when the clock struck 12 midnight on New Year. I was definitely exposed to magickal traditions from a young age, so as a kid, I was always fascinated with Psychics, Astrologers, and Witches on TV and how people could look at the stars or use a deck of cards to talk about someone else’s life, their past and their future or use spells to change whatever they didn’t like in their lives. So it was no surprise that at age 13, my dad got me my first RWS Tarot deck, setting me off on a mystical journey that continues to this day. After getting my Tarot cards, I started reading everything I could and practicing every chance I got. I also started studying Magick and Wicca, and that led me to Spiritualism and Caribbean Orisa tradition. I like to consider myself a Mystic and Healer who uses Tarot and Numerology to help people find clarity and direction in their lives and believe in the use of Magick as a tool for creating change and shifts in ordinary reality.

You can reach Chris at

Instagram: @visionsbyonareo
Twitter: @visionsbyonareo
E-mail: chrisonareo@gmail.com
Facebook: Chris Onareo

Check out Chris’ answers to my questions below:

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Q: What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Chris: My philosophy about Tarot reading is that it can be as practical and down-to-earth or as deep and profound as we want it to be at any given time. I think of Tarot as a reflection of ourselves and others, a mirror. I think the reason why Tarot reading is such an excellent way to receive information and reflect on our lives and our decisions are that every single aspect of Life is pictured in one of those 78 cards and their combinations. Tarot serves as that bridge between our conscious and our subconscious mind to allow us to see beyond what is right in front of us. I don’t think of the cards as being a “living” being that makes decisions for us but I do think of the cards as magickal to the extent that they can provide clarity, awareness, and solutions to our questions. I have a very down-to-earth and jovial approach to reading Tarot. I like to start with a short description of what I do and what I don’t do in a reading and ask them if they have ever gotten a reading before. This allows me to assess how to best approach the reading. Many times clients have asked me when starting the reading “Am I going to die?” To which I reply “Yes!, Eventually we all will!” This usually makes them crack up and relaxed enough so they are not overthinking the process as we delve into the reading.

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

Chris: I think the way to get the most out of a reading with me is to come with an open and honest heart. We are here on your dime and I am not there to prove any supernatural power to you but I am dedicated and committed to providing you with the best help and support I can base on my knowledge and experience. I approach the reading in a friendly and genuine way while providing emotional support and serving as a sounding board when needed also. I use a lot of humor and refer to stories that are pertinent to the topic being discussed in the reading but ultimately also make sure the client has enough time to express their needs and thoughts so I can assist them in a way that makes sense to them and I can honor their process. I use Tarot and Numerology as a snapshot of what energies are working around you at the moment of the reading and how to harness or shift those energies. So basically coming in with a “can do” mindset will help you get the most out of it

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

Chris: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!” I’ve always loved that joke because there is so much wisdom in it. You have to practice. There is no way around that. No matter how many books you read or information you accumulate you have to do the work. My best piece of advice for an aspiring reader is to study diligently but to also have fun in the process. I often remind people that get too serious in their approach that the Tarot started as a game and if we take that approach to it we will enjoy the process and it won’t feel overwhelming or as a chore. Keeping a Journal seems to work for a lot of people to keep track of your practice. There are tons of resources out there today: books, classes, podcasts, FB groups, and apps. Find out how you learn and see if you can align that with any of the resources available. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They will make you a better reader. Also, honor and respect other people’s wisdom and experience especially if they have been doing this for a while. With the advent of Social Media, I see a lot of people trying to become experts and influencers overnight, and in doing so try and trash talk elders or think they know everything there is to know and they don’t have to learn anything else. Respect where that knowledge came from so that knowledge continues to expand within you. Tarot is a lifelong journey and the more you learn the more you will realize how much more there is to learn. I wish you the very best in your Tarot Journey!

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Super grateful Chris was able to make time to chat with me! Book your session with him right here.

xo
Theresa

image from Chris Onareo