What Is a Tarot Reading, Anyway?

People often ask me what actually happens during a Tarot Card Reading.

I wish I knew!

When I first started reading Tarot cards, I admit that I was caught up in the whole gypsy fortune teller fantasy.  It was a bit of blow to learn that the movie version of cartomancy is... Well, it's not real.  Even in my late 20's I wanted - perhaps even expected - the cards to imbue me with some mystical sensation and prophecies to spill from my mouth.

This is kind of how I envisioned myself:

Nonsense!

Over time, and with a bit of experience, I came to realize that what happens is actually a very natural process.  I am loathe to use the term psychic; it's fraught with such negative and charlatanistic connotations.  I see myself as in intuitive card reader.

The cards, themselves, are tools.  The images, symbols, colours and numbers assist me by triggering, or giving words to, the intuitive impressions that I feel more than anything.  Depending on the person I am reading for, this "energetic connection" can be very strong.  It can also be very weak and I have my work cut out for me.  But the cards do not possess any esoteric power of their own.

I begin all my readings by explaining this to my clients.  I cannot tell them anything they don't already know.  The messages come from the client; not some spirit guide or spectral entity out "there" and separate from us.  I just help people see things in a new light or a different perspective.  What they do with the information - for that is all that it is! - is entirely up to them.

Awareness, changes things!  I am always careful to let people know that once they have the information, they also have the power to make different - sometimes better - decisions.  The power to improve things lies completely with the client.  And, often, through a reading, clients gain clarity about situations they are dealing with.  They walk away with, if nothing else, a clearer picture and the ability to change it if they want to.

A reading can last a few minutes, or it can go on for an hour or more.  Sometimes there comes a point where the cards are just pretty pictures on the table.  The intuitive (or energetic) connection is so strong that it goes well beyond the cards' images and symbols and waves of information flow through and between me and the client.  There is nothing evil about this; we all possess the inherent ability to connect intuitively.  It's really very natural.  It's just not always recognized or exercised.

Dare I say the dreaded word?  Magic!  This is what magic is to me; the natural connection between people and nature.  We are biological entities that are meant to exist in tune with nature.  It is nothing to be feared and it is not supernatural.  Though it is Super Natural!

Tarot readings are just another way for people to connect.  That's all.  As a Reader, I am a neutral listener and interpreter.  My intention is to provide intuitive feedback on the energies that I perceive.  If I can offer a fresh perspective or inspire a positive course of action, then I have done my job.  The candles, the incense, the crystals, the fancy cloths... they are merely there for ambiance.

Does it work every time?  No.  It doesn't.  Much of the success in a reading lies with the client.  Is she open to hearing what the Reader has to say?  Is she willing to be honest with herself?  Is the Reader focused and open energetically/intuitively?  Are there distractions/interruptions?

What are people paying for when they seek a Tarot Reading?  Time, skill, an investment in learning and in the tools (the cards) on the part of the Reader.  An ethical Tarot Reader makes her intentions clear and sets realistic expectations for her clients.  I used to invite my clients to pay me whatever they felt comfortable with.  Oddly, that often made them uncomfortable.  Ours is not a society that is used to bartering and people do not like to be "put on the spot" when it comes to determining what a service is worth.  Now I charge a set fee:  $40 for a full reading using Tarot cards and $25 for a short reading using either Tarot cards or Oracle cards.

I don't depend on the income from Tarot readings to make a living.  I charge because I want the people who come to me to respect what I'm doing and giving it away tends to make it look cheap in the eyes of potential clients.  I could charge more.  But I don't want to.  I am comfortable with my fees and feel confident that they are not overly prohibitive.

I do distance readings as well as in-person readings.  I'm happy to connect with people through Skype or Facetime.  It works well and enables me to meet and engage with new people.  Technology is fantastic, isn't it?

If you are interested in booking a reading, contact me at prairiewyndstarot@gmail.com.  Or visit my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/prairiewyndstarot

Namaste!  And Brightest Blessings!