The Hit List - The most important things to a tarot reader

I get asked all the time about my preferences, from what I like about certain Tarot decks to how I prefer to get a reading. So I gathered a few of those queries and am answering those questions right here! Let’s roll:

1. When it comes to a Tarot deck, what is the most important thing to you?

A: The quality of the card stock. If it’s printed on flimsy paper, I don’t care how beautiful the deck is, I won’t use it. It will end up in a drawer somewhere and that’s a shame. Card stock should be sturdy to withstand plenty of shuffling but it should also not be so thick as to make your shuffle stiff.

2. What do you look for in a Tarot book?

A: I am a practical person, so I want information I can use. I adore workbooks like the new Lessons From the Empress by Cassandra Snow and Siri Vincent Plouff, because interactive activities help to process the info better.

3. When doing a reading for someone, what is something you dislike?

A: I no longer read for the public but when I did, there was one gripe that I had (and other readers hate, too): the person who comes in with the “I am not going to say much because I don’t want to give you too much information.” It’s incredibly disrespectful because it means the querent wants me to “put on a show” to prove my skills. Imagine going to any other professional with that nonsense.

4. What do you look for in a reader?

A: The most important consideration for me is experience. I want someone who has been at their game a number of years. Although a new reader can possess talent, a seasoned pro will know how to deal with all sorts of situations a newbie may not have yet encountered.

5. How often do you get a reading?

A: I get two readings a year, one for my birthday and one at the end of the year. I prefer astrologers because fellow Tarot readers seem to be a bit intimidated by me (trust me, I’m not “grading” you, my friends!). The two astrologers I have worked with consistently are Sam Reynolds and Anne Ortelee. They have always been right on for me.

6. Do you still take classes?

A: I do get asked this a lot. The answer is simple: yes. Taking classes keeps my chops sharp and satisfies my Gemini need to know everything! Haha! My favorite teachers are the Amberstones at The Tarot School and Rebecca Gordon of Rebecca Gordon Astrology. I always learn something new from them! For the record, I prefer online classes because it’s more convenient. Plus, I’m a homebody so it’s nice to learn in my favorite chair with all my comforts nearby. (I also prefer to teach online for the same reasons.)

7. What’s your favorite astrology software?

A: I love Solar Fire but use Time Passages because I’m a Mac gal all the way. The Time Passages Pro app is fantastic. I use it all the time – and it has all the features I need to cast charts on the fly. I HIGHLY recommend that app!

8. Indie versus traditional published Tarot decks?

A: Both. I love supporting independent artists and crowdfunded decks. You can get some truly unique works of art – and often, the quality is superior (gilded edges!). For example, Jamie Sawyer makes some amazing decks like her new Out of Hand Tarot (and those uh-may-zing Tarot Tiles). Or the museum quality Tazama African Tarot – you’ll only find this high-level art via the independent publishers. But traditional publishers also produce some pretty stunning decks. I’m in love with my new Weiser Tarot, which is an updated Rider Waite Smith deck with gorgeous watercolors and plenty of representation.

9. When you get a reading, do you do anything to prepare?

A: I’m always upfront about what I need to cover. I don’t play games because I want to get a helpful reading. If I’m not straight up about what I want to talk about, readers often give me a “love reading,” something I have zero interest in! My love life is fine, people.

10. Do you prefer to write your books long hand or on the computer?

A: This is an odd question but one I get from time to time. I use the computer, mainly because I have pretty bad arthritis and writing by hand is painful for me. (Yeah, not very glam but that’s the truth!)

Alright, those are some of my preferences. What about you? What might you answer to those questions?

Theresa

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Classes

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