Many moons ago, I was reading tarot for a friend at a gathering when a young man came over and watched intently. When I was finished he said to me “I can read those cards too.”
“Really?” I snorted with a skeptical look on my face. When he confirmed again that he indeed could read them, I handed my deck to him and sat back with crossed arms and an arrogant attitude.
And then he proceeded to deliver the most accurate reading I have ever had in my life. I was blown away and more importantly, I was humbled. I apologized for my rudeness and silently swore to myself I’d never do that to another reader ever again.
I’ve also been on the other side of the tarot table on occasion. Yes, us tarot readers do sometimes seek readings from our peers. I certainly do because I am not always objective about my own life – sometimes I need some fresh eyes to look at my cards.
I am always amazed at those who come to me and then are not open to the experience. Sometimes they act like they are but then I see the look of disbelief in their face. An eyebrow may be raised – or sometimes an eye may be rolled. I’ve even had another reader start to “correct” me on my interpretations.
At times like this, I wonder why they even came for a reading. To test me? Or are they earnestly seeking guidance and maybe just don’t like what I have to say?
It’s hard to know what the agenda is but the one thing that I have learned is this: no matter how much tarot I may know, I cannot have all the answers nor can I judge another reader’s abilities as less than my own.
When I come to a reading and start to “read” the cards in front of me and scrutinize rather than simply listen with respect and let the reader do her job, I lose out and create an icky environment for the poor reader who must now feel stressed about reading for me rather than enjoying her work. This is not fair and is not cool to do with a colleague.
The best mindset is one of openness and respect. The next time you seek out a fellow reader for a tarot reading, sit back and be present without needing to be right. If you can leave your own tarot brain at the door, you may be surprised and enlightened at what you hear.
“The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.” ~ Harry S Truman
“The world is full of people who have never, since childhood, met an open doorway with an open mind.” ~ E.B. White
Blessings!
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2012
image from stock photography
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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