Talkin’ Tarot With Tierney Sadler

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.

Every so often, someone comes out with a tarot book or product so innovative and clever that I just have to have it immediately.

Tierney Sadler is one of those rare people who has created something truly unique with her “Deck of 1000 Spreads“.  This is no ordinary tarot deck – instead it’s a kit for creating your very own tarot spreads.  Whether you are new to spread creating or old hat, this system takes the work out of spread crafting and makes it easy and fun.  I’ve been having a blast playing around with it!  And the best part?  It’s very practical which makes me one happy tarot spread creating gal!

If you’ve followed Tierney on Facebook or on her blog, you’ll get to see her deck in action – and you’ll get a chance to learn more about the warm and witty woman behind the creation.

In addition to being the creator of the “Deck of 1000 Spreads”, Tierney Sadler is a career writer, having worked in the advertising industry for more than 25 years. She’s worked with tarot nearly as long, first as a hobbyist, then as a professional reader and now as a teacher and author. Tierney has also created a Lenormand deck and a Deck of Lenormand Houses that works much like her Deck of 1000 Spreads, but with the Lenormand oracle. She is currently working on writing her first spiritual book based somewhat on her teachings at The Daily Draw. You can “like” her on Facebook at “Tierney Sadler: Deck of 1000 Spreads.”

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1.  What is your philosophy about tarot reading?

Tierney: My philosophy about tarot reading is that anything goes. I believe students should learn the traditional ways first—learn their card meanings and do some Celtic Crosses. Then once they’ve got that down, they can deconstruct. I teach a class called Taboo Tarot that incorporates a number of unconventional and advanced reading techniques. One of the first exercises is for a third-party—someone other than the reader or querent—to mix the cards without knowing the question, pull out a random number of cards and hand them to the reader. The reader is then tasked with creating a reading out of those cards. I’ve seen tarotists with 20-30 years under their belts break out in a sweat over this, certain it won’t work. And it does. Every time. In fact, if I had a second philosophy about tarot, it would be that, no matter what, it works every time. So I encourage people to experiment and explore and think of different ways to do things. Just because someone long ago thought of one way to do it doesn’t mean it can’t be done a dozen different ways today.

2.  How do you feel a client might get the most out of a reading with you?

Tierney: I actually rarely read professionally. My shingle is hung by my moods. I know it’s not a good business plan, but tarot isn’t my livelihood. I enjoy teaching my classes, chatting about tarot and doing my daily draw blog, but I only read when the urge hits me. That said, I’m best for people who take full responsibility for their lives and can manage difficult truths. Not that all my readings go that way, but I’d be a disappointment to anyone wanting to know when their boyfriend will propose or if they’re going to get that promotion. I’m much better suited to the woman who wants to know how to attract and compel a marriage proposal, even if that means finding another man, or to someone who wants to know what is blocking them from moving forward in their careers. The first way puts all the power outside of the individual and the second way puts the power in the individual’s hands.

3.  What is your best piece of advice for an aspiring tarot reader?

Tierney: My best piece of advice for an aspiring reader is to trust. Trust whatever wacky notion comes into your head, even if it doesn’t match the meaning on the card in front of you. There is a logical, defined path of meaning laid out by tarot, yes. But before you start to work out the logic of the reading, feel the energy of the querent, record the odd “hits” you’re getting in your head—listen to your intuition. *Then* start being all logical. If you start in with “the three of swords means heartbreak” first, then you’ve rolled right over your intuition and will likely continue forward in logic mode. But if you at least make a mental note of those first intuitive hits, then you can work logic and intuition together like a sacred dance and give your querent more of what they need to address their issues.

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Big fist bumps and hugs to Tierney for chatting with me today!  Learn more about her at TierneySadler.com and  be sure to get a copy of Deck of 1000 Spreads!

Blessings!

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2013