For those who seek to learn and practice the art of tarot card reading, the first critical step is to find a style of reading that suits your temperament and your comfort zone. As I’ve mentioned before, there is no one “right” or “wrong” way to read tarot, only the way that is right or wrong for you. Whether you’re more of a by-the-book sort, or tend toward the esoteric end of the spectrum, only by following the path that makes the most sense to you will you be able to progress toward the greatest understanding.
For those seeking the advice and insight of a tarot card reader, the process of finding the right person to fill that role should be given similar gravity. Just as there are numerous ways to read tarot, and numerous spreads from which to choose, there are countless advisors who avail themselves of a wide variety of reading styles. Finding one who is in tune with your personality is crucial to getting the most clarity and useful insights from a reading. But how do you know who will be right for you?
Separating the Wheat from the Chaff
Sadly, pretty much anyone who wants can hang out a shingle — in person or online — and say they’re a trained psychic or tarot card reader. This simply isn’t the case. You should be aware that many highly regarded and talented tarot card readers have no formal training. They have, however, pursued knowledge and understanding on their own. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, as long as their interest in and dedication to the tarot is sincere.
Any advisor who does offer to provide a “magic bullet” that will solve all of your life’s problems for a fee is not someone who has your best interest at heart. Before making any investment of time and money, be sure to check a potential reader’s or website’s credentials to make sure that they are above board. Going into the process with your eyes open and doing your homework is smart, and no legitimate site or reader will mind should you ask them about their background.
Be Your Own Human Resources Director
Once you find a reader or a site you consider legitimate, the next step is to ascertain whether or not you’re compatible. Even the most trustworthy tarot card reader may not be the appropriate person for you.
When you think about it, finding a tarot card reader is like hiring someone for a job. The person is going to perform a service for you, and they are going to be paid for those services. As with any other client-professional relationship, it’s important that you have a fair idea in advance of what you want a person to be able to do for you prior to hiring them. By being able to discuss your requisites with your tarot reader, you can find out if they have the skill set to perform the required duties.
The bottom line is, that person who is going to fill the position must meet certain criteria. Which criteria will be the most important is ultimately going to be up to you, but you might want to look at the person’s training, and their philosophy on reading the cards, and find someone that you feel has a background and style that aligns with your goals.
Tips for Tarot Success
Still, with so many legitimate candidates to choose from, the task of deciding who will make the best match can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you make a wise selection.
• Have realistic expectations: Many people who seek the advice of a tarot reader do so in times of stress, conflict or extreme confusion. Looking to someone for advice and clarity as a tool to better understand your options and actions is positive. Expecting that person to provide answers that will solve all your problems is neither positive, healthy, nor realistic.
• Ask the right questions: Be prepared when you’re interviewing a potential reader. Ask them what kind of readings they specialize in, and have them describe the process they use to intuit insights.
• Trust your instinct: If you have a bad gut reaction to a potential reader, or simply feel that they are not on a sympathetic wavelength, politely decline their services. A reputable reader understands their style is not “one size fits all.” Should someone push you, or even threaten to harm or “curse” you should you choose to seek another advisor, it’s a good indication that they are not legitimate.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again: Don’t be upset if you don’t make a connection with the first advisor you interview. It may take a couple of tries to find someone with whom you feel truly in tune. Most legitimate sites will offer a refund, or at least a discount on time you spend on such “tryouts.”
Preparing Yourself for Your Reading
Unfortunately, some people who’ve never had a tarot card reading use their first encounter as an opportunity to “test” an advisor for “accuracy.” They will even go so far as trying to trick the reader into giving wrong advice, or setting them up with false information to find out if the person can “really see the truth.” If that’s your plan, I have to advise you to 86 it — don’t bother wasting your time, and that of the reader.
Tarot is a means of finding enlightenment. You should be seeking insight, not playing a game. For a tarot reading to be of value, you must enter the process with an open mind and heart. If your motives are not sincere, as the old saying goes, “you can only get out what you put in.” Will you be setting yourself up for disappointment? Or will you focus on what you are hoping to achieve, and share honest information with your advisor? If so, the tarot can reveal amazing truths, and offer you tools that can help you shape a more positive destiny.
Are you looking for your go-to tarot card reader? KEEN has assembled some of the most talented advisors anywhere. Why not find out which one of them is right for you and get started today?
