Preparing for a successful tarot reading
Whether you’re booking your tarot reading with me or another tarot reader, here are a few tips that will help you get the most from your tarot reading experience.
Before the reading
Ask why?
The first place to start is to answer the question of why you want to hire a tarot reader.
What do you have questions about? How are you feeling and what do you want to feel - and why? What answers or guidance are you seeking - and why?
Answering some preliminary questions on your own will help you know what to ask your tarot reader and understand the messages on a deeper level. Going to a reader with the notion of “whatever comes up” or “tell me what the cards say and I’ll tell you if it’s right”, may not offer you answers to questions and could prove to be a frustrating experience - for you and the tarot reader.
Hiring any tarot reader to “test” their guessing abilities (by withholding information) is not the best use of your time or money and could leave you feeling disappointed or even more confused than when you started so please be mindful of this.
Additionally, if you are working through trauma or have questions about mental or physical health ailments, please seek the help of a licensed professional.
Research your tarot reader
Research the kind of tarot reader you want to connect with.
Whether they are in-person at metaphysical shops, at markets and fairs, or online, there are many. And guess what…they all have their own way of delivering the messages. Some are therapeutic while others are more psychic in nature. Some only deliver love readings while others are open to reading for any topic. They also all have their own aesthetic which can reflect in their delivery and deck choices. If dark and gloomy isn’t your scene, then you may not want to hire a reader that might have a darker aesthetic as imagery in the deck they might choose, may affect how you receive the messages.
Consider what kind of reading you’d like and do some research to find a tarot reader that suits what you’re looking for. Check out at reviews, their websites, & YouTube videos, and read their code of ethics. This will give you a good sense for what you can expect.
Find the time to be present & calm
Tarot readings should not be scheduled “on the go” or around an appointment you’re rushing from or to.
Find a relaxed hour or two in your day where you can fully immerse yourself in the reading (uninterrupted) to truly hear and absorb the messages being delivered. Creating a sacred space to be fully present will ensure you’re getting the experience you’ve paid for.
Arrive prepared
Have a question and topic in mind.
Some tarot readers offer general readings. Other’s don’t. So it’s best to show up with an idea of what you want answered. The preliminary research you did ahead of time will help here - which is why it’s important. Additionally, asking questions in the right way will help the reading be more clear.
Stuck on what to ask? See this article.
Note that your reader may adjust your original question to make it more effective in a tarot reading spread.
During your reading
Be open and honest
Receiving a tarot reading can be a very vulnerable experience.
Be prepared to open up a little and share things with your tarot reader during (or before) the reading, to your comfort level. These details will help develop a relationship with your tarot reader and will offer context as to why you’re getting the reading. Additionally, you and the tarot reader will understand the messages on a deeper level vs. at a general level. In the end, being as open with your reader as possible will create a more customized experience to you and your situation.
Don’t be afraid to let the tarot reader know if something isn’t resonating so they can adjust and refocus, or pull additional cards for clarity. Again, this will ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
Take notes
The best way to integrate what you’ve learned from your tarot reading is to take notes.
This tends to work best for virtual or in-person readings, as some readers may not offer written readings, pre-recorded videos of the reading, or the option to have the reading summarized afterward. Definitely ask your reader what’s possible and allowed.
These notes (in whatever form they are taken) are great to remember what the reader speaks about and the messages that may come up that you’d like to explore further. Additionally, some messages may not make sense in the moment so by having something noted, you can refer to it later.
I have a tarot reading worksheet that may help.
After the reading
After the reading, you may be inspired, feel agitated, or even questioning some of the messages that came up. Let this be ok for a time.
If you’ve taken notes or made a recording, reference it again after you’ve had time to reflect and settle. Some new things may be revealed as you process.