Sara's Question of the Month

Each month Sara will answer a question that she is most asked regarding the Tarot.

September 2008

When people find out that I am a professional Tarot reader, one of the questions I get asked is, "Where do you think the Tarot cards originated from"?  My own research into the origins of Tarot have proved fascinating, there are many theories, debates and controversy as to where and when these mystical and magical cards first came into being. There is no doubt that Tarot reading is an ancient art, and some occultists believe that Tarot originated from Ancient Egypt. It has also been suggested that the cards where invented by the Mahatmas of Tibet, or in Medieval Spain by the Cabbalists. Some believe that it was the Gypsies that brought the Tarot into Europe, and it is interesting that the word 'Gypsy' is derived from 'Egyptian'. Each theory is based on the fact of the similarity of the cards to a particular culture. For example the four elemental symbols of the Tarot, occur in Hindu culture as the deity Ardhanari, an androgynous being uniting male and female forces. Ardhanari is shown with four arms holding a cup, sceptre, sword and ring.

Some believe the Tarot started as an oral tradition, and is thought to have its origins in the Book of Thoth. Thoth being the Egyptian god of learning, the inventor of writing, arithmetic and geometry, and he was known as the keeper of magic formulae.  

The oldest existing deck of Tarot dates back to 1415 in Northern Italy. The Visconti family had a hand painted Tarot deck designed for them, and around this time wealthy Italian families would have decks made for themselves. After the invention of printing in 1423, the cards became accessible to families of not such wealthy status. As the cards spread through Europe, more theories spring up as to where their origins lay. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries France was a great influence in the spread of Tarot into England, and the Hermetic Order of The Golden dawn came into being in 1888. This society made a number of changes to the Tarot deck, which have influenced Tarot right through to the present day. The Golden Dawn fraternity was made up of practical magicians, who wanted to unite all the occult traditions into one. 

The Rider Waite deck was published in 1910 and became highly influential, and is still used today for modern day Tarot reading.  Then followed other decks, such as the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot deck, which was not issued as a deck of cards until 1977, thirty years after his death.

Today there are many different Tarot decks, and the reading of the cards has become more acceptable and recognized as a means to divine the past, present and future.  Tarot reading can enhance the personal spiritual quest, to live life with knowledge and insight, relaxing but activating the mind to open up to a higher level of consciousness. 

The Tarot cards with their beautiful imagery are a picture book of life's journey, their guidance leads to personal growth and an understanding of life and ourselves.

August 2008

The question this month is one of moral principles, is there an unwritten ethical code of conduct when seeing clients for a Tarot reading? Over the years the Tarot cards have acquired a dubious reputation, and it is perhaps strange to think that anyone working with the Tarot would have a set of guidelines to work too. I can only answer this question from my own personal point of view, and from the teaching I received when I was studying and learning the Tarot. I believe that the work I do is my career and business, and for each client that comes to see me for a reading, I set a high standard of professionalism. I work to a strict code of conduct when dealing with and reading for clients, and I have certain rules that I employ during my working hours. This not only protects the client, but also myself during a reading, and it keeps me and the client within an unseen boundary, so that we do not become over familiar with each other. Of course, the nature of the work I do can include dealing with extremely personal and intimate details regarding the client.  Therefore I may come to know the client well, however I believe that a Tarot reader should never discuss their own personal life with a client, or any problems they themselves may be experiencing.  I have found it best not to allow the client to become too familiar, and keep a certain amount of distance. This is because, a client may at times start to become emotionally dependent upon the Tarot reader, especially if they feel they are becoming 'friends', this can also occur in many other forms of therapies or counselling. It brings us to the next question of confidentiality; I view this rule as the same as a priest, doctor, lawyer or therapist would, or anyone that is dealing with and has knowledge of someone's private life. During a reading a great amount is learnt about the client from the Tarot cards, I would never pass this information on, or discuss a specific reading with anyone else. Before a reading I will sometimes tell the client that I adhere to this strict confidentiality rule, this gives them reassurance.  The reading can bring a great number of personal issues to the surface, and this knowledge is always kept between the client and me. Due to the fact that I record each reading, I also inform the client that if I feel the need to switch the tape machine off during the reading I will, there may be something I want to say to the client that I feel should be kept between myself and them. This rule again not only protects the client, as someone else could get hold of the tape and listen if they so wished, but it also protects me from someone else hearing the reading.  Another important point to look at in relation to ethics and moral conduct when doing a reading, is how much information do you tell the client?  My work is to bring reassurance, hope and optimism during a reading, this is how I work with the cards, spiritually and ethically I feel comfortable working in this way. I personally believe that to work as a clairvoyant is a wonderful gift, and it is not to be the messenger of disaster, doom and tragedy.

An important aspect to remember when working professionally with the Tarot cards is never be judgmental of the client while doing a reading. We are all different, and we do not all hold to the same values, it is not within my own personal work ethic to be a client's judge and jury.

There has been much in the press lately regarding the new EU regulations that have been brought in to help protect the vulnerable or elderly against being taken advantage of, unfortunately clairvoyants and psychics have been classed in this bracket.  My unwritten 'code of ethics' I use in my everyday work, I am not in the business just to make money I take the gift I have been given as precious and use this to help others. It is of enormous help to work by these guidelines, it not only gives my work the professionalism it deserves, but I believe it makes the client feel they are being treated in a proficient and skilled manner.             

 
 




 

July

The question this month is related to the 'question card', in most Tarot spreads there is a card specifically placed down for the Seeker's question. If the Seeker asks you something difficult or tricky, how do you answer? This question is interesting and one I am often asked, particularly from students learning the Tarot. How do you answer a difficult question?  I have over the years seen many, many clients, during that time I have been asked some weird, peculiar and life changing questions. I take reading the cards for clients a serious and professional business, and this includes having a responsibility of care to each client, especially those who are particularly vulnerable and emotionally distraught. The reason that someone has booked an appointment to see a Tarot reader will vary, but on the whole it is because they are at some form of crossroads in their life, and are seeking some answers. That is the reason why they are referred to as 'The Seeker' by many Tarot readers, as they are seeking and searching for knowledge and guidance from the Tarot cards. The exact reason why someone is having their cards read will directly affect the question, they may have some crisis at work, or be looking for advice on their career path. On the other hand, they may have suffered some emotional trauma, be experiencing a difficult divorce or separation, be grieving, or be unhappy in love. Any of these reasons will directly affect the question they ask, and as a reader their emotional state has to be taken into account when answering.

Firstly, I believe as a Tarot reader and psychic it is not my job to bring doom and gloom into someone's life, I view my work with the Tarot as a way of bringing comfort and spiritual guidance. Personally I am not prepared to accept the responsibility of making a person's life unhappy, or creating more stress in what may be an already stressed situation. The gift that I am lucky enough to have been given, must be used in a positive and sensitive way, and I strongly believe that it should be to bring hope, comfort and support into someone's life. This gift must not create any upset or stress, and it is not part of my personal work ethic to be the harbinger of bad news which creates anguish.  For me that is not how the Tarot cards work, and in all my years of reading for clients I rarely see anything ominous in the cards, if read correctly the Tarot cards are a spiritual means to help and aid each individuals life.           

Secondly, but no less important when answering the Seeker's question, caution and great care needs to be taken, as it may have an outcome which will directly influence the Seeker, their actions, and how they react to those around them. It is wiser to stick to questions that refer to the Seeker's work or financial life, or questions of a general nature. Unfortunately this is rarely the case, nine times out of ten the question is regarding someone's emotional, or love life.  For example, one of the most difficult questions to answer is one the Seeker may ask about their partner, with whom they are having a relationship, as to whether they are being unfaithful.  Sadly I have been asked this on many occasions, and personally I refuse to answer this type of question, and will return it to the Seeker by asking them why they might feel this may be the case. This form of question is one of the most difficult for the Tarot reader to answer, and should be handled with gentleness, tact and diplomacy, as it could cause great emotional stress and trauma. I believe it is not the reader's responsibility to answer a question that could have dire consequences for the Seeker, and those in their lives.  Reading the Tarot cards and using the gift of psychic ability should only be used as a guiding tool, or as a form of spiritual comfort, support and encouragement.   

 

June

The question for this month is one often asked by students learning the Tarot: 'Have you ever refused to do a reading for anyone, if so why?  The simple answer is yes I have at times refused to do a reading. There are several reasons for this, and I teach my students that they can refuse to do a reading if they so wish. One reason is that there are 78 cards in the Tarot deck and all of the cards have upright and reversed meanings, as well as Zodiac signs attached to some of them. Each of these cards has to be studied individually, the interpretations remembered and applied throughout the reading.  The art of reading the Tarot cards is a 'science' in itself, the cards take a long time to learn, as does remembering and completing a spread such as the Celtic Cross.  I believe that a successful reading should be undertaken in a professional manner, the Tarot reader should instil the Seeker with confidence, and in their ability to give a good and accurate reading. One of the most important factors to achieve this is fluency of speech so that the reading flows, the reader also needs to have a confident manner when giving a reading.  This is a fairly hard task to achieve with so much to remember during a reading, especially for an in-experienced Tarot reader. When you first start giving readings it is a test mentally, as well as emotionally and it can be stressful trying to remember everything you need.  Until you are confident in your own ability to read the cards fluently, it is better to refuse to do a reading in a professional capacity. 

Another reason is to do with the actual person you are reading for, you will meet all types of people, and the reasons they have booked an appointment to see you will vary considerably. Mostly the appointment will have been made to try and find some answers, as well as helping to try and solve any problems or dilemmas. Almost certainly the person having the reading done will want to feel they have been helped in some way, as well as getting their monies worth!!  This puts the reader under a certain amount of pressure when trying to remember the meanings of all the cards, the spread and the relationship of the cards together, as they are being put down.  Unfortunately there are some people who are extremely hard to tune into, I have heard it said that the more you give out to a Tarot reader the more you will get back. This in my experience is definitely the case, and to this end it can be hard to read the cards when someone is sat with you saying nothing, or not showing any form of emotions.  Clairvoyants and Psychics are remarkably good at 'people watching' whether they do it consciously or sub-consciously, the first five minutes sat with someone can tell you a great amount about that person. The reading will be easier for the reader when there is good communication with the Seeker, this will greatly enhance the accuracy of the cards being read.

Many people go and see a Tarot reader with high expectations which at times are totally unrealistic, and frankly are impossible to fulfil. What other professions without any form of prior knowledge are able to know the past, present and future of a total stranger within such a short time?  There have been occasions when I have found the person I have been reading for so demanding and expecting so much, that it has been impossible to read for them. There have also been times when the person I have been reading for has been so uncommunicative and unresponsive they appear to be rude, this makes it extremely difficult to give a good reading.  For most readers the atmosphere and aura in the room has to be right, when it is not the level of communication between the reader, the spirit world and the client is extremely low, therefore the accuracy of the reading will suffer. 

I will not read for people who I feel are 'psychic vampires', because they will feed of your energy, although fortunately these people are rare. Reading for this type of person can leave you feeling mentally, physically and emotionally drained. 'Psychic vampires' can be fairly easy to spot as they are normally depressed and have a gloomy nature, with no desire to make the effort to change themselves, or their lives. They appear needy, dependant and constantly require reassurance, in fact they live off the optimism and energy of others reading for them should be avoided. 

    

Lastly I will not read for anyone within a three month period for two reasons, the first one is that a period of time has to elapse to allow a person's life to change. The other reason is that as with the 'psychic vampire' type personality, some people can become too emotionally dependant on the Tarot reader.  I teach my students that they have the choice to refuse to do a reading, either before the reading starts or during the reading, if any of the reasons I have given apply.    

May

The question this month is related to the 'question card', in most Tarot spreads there is a card specifically placed down for the Seeker's question. If the Seeker asks you something difficult or tricky, how do you answer? This question is interesting and one I am often asked, particularly from students learning the Tarot. How do you answer a difficult question?  I have over the years seen many, many clients, during that time I have been asked some weird, peculiar and life changing questions. I take reading the cards for clients a serious and professional business, and this includes having a responsibility of care to each client, especially those who are particularly vulnerable and emotionally distraught. The reason that someone has booked an appointment to see a Tarot reader will vary, but on the whole it is because they are at some form of crossroads in their life, and are seeking some answers. That is the reason why they are referred to as 'The Seeker' by many Tarot readers, as they are searching for knowledge and guidance from the Tarot cards. The exact reason why someone is having their cards read will directly affect the question, they may have some crisis at work, or be looking for advice on their career path. On the other hand, they may have suffered some emotional trauma, be experiencing a difficult divorce or separation, be grieving, or be unhappy in love. Any of these reasons will directly affect the question they ask, and as a reader their emotional state has to be taken into account when answering.

Firstly, I believe as a Tarot reader and psychic it is not my job to bring doom and gloom into someone's life, I view my work with the Tarot as a way of bringing comfort and spiritual guidance. Personally I am not prepared to accept the responsibility of making a person's life unhappy, or creating more stress in what may be an already stressed situation. The gift that I am lucky enough to have been given, must be used in a positive and sensitive way, and I strongly believe that it should be to bring hope, comfort and support into someone's life. This gift must not create any upset or stress, and it is not part of my personal work ethic to be the harbinger of bad news which creates anguish.  For me that is not how the Tarot cards work, and in all my years of reading for clients I rarely see anything ominous in the cards, if read correctly the Tarot cards are a spiritual means to help and aid each individuals life.           

Secondly, but no less important when answering the Seeker's question, caution and great care needs to be taken, as it may have an outcome which will directly influence the Seeker, their actions, and how they react to those around them. It is wiser to stick to questions that refer to the Seeker's work or financial life, or questions of a general nature. Unfortunately this is rarely the case, nine times out of ten the question is regarding someone's emotional, or love life.  For example, one of the most difficult questions to answer is one the Seeker may ask about their partner, with whom they are having a relationship, as to whether they are being unfaithful.  Sadly I have been asked this on many occasions, and personally I refuse to answer this type of question, and will return it to the Seeker by asking them why they might feel this may be the case. This form of question is one of the most difficult for the Tarot reader to answer, and should be handled with gentleness, tact and diplomacy, as it could cause great emotional stress and trauma. I believe it is not the reader's responsibility to answer a question that could have dire consequences for the Seeker, and those in their lives.  Reading the Tarot cards and the gift of psychic ability should only be used as a guiding tool, or as a form of spiritual comfort, support and encouragement.   
 

April

The question this month is one I have been asked time and time again, 'When you are doing a reading, if you see something dreadful or ominous in the cards do you tell the Seeker? This is one of the greatest fears many people have regarding the Tarot deck and the reason why so many hesitate to have their cards read. For someone with little knowledge of the Tarot, it is totally understandable to fear that the cards may foretell a personal tragedy, or foresee a situation that will have dire consequences. 

Over the years the Tarot deck has acquired the reputation that the cards will, or may predict doom and gloom, or can foretell events that may occur that are terrible and disastrous for the Seeker. Perhaps this reputation comes from their history, particularly in the 15th century when the medieval church denounced the use of the Tarot cards calling them the 'Devil's Picture Book'. Consequently, the Tarot was used in secret and this only added to the myth that the cards are evil, and the use of Tarot, or Tarot reading was done by those who practise black magic, or have dealings with the Devil.  The association between Tarot and the occult is strong, one of the symbols seen on number 15 The Devil is of the reversed pentagram, which has powerful connections with those who practise black magic.

Today the Tarot deck has been studied extensively and a greater understanding of the cards and their meanings have been established. Many different views of philosophy have been acknowledged in the studying of these ancient cards.  The Tarot deck is no longer thought of as having such a close connection with the practising of black magic, the supernatural, mysticism and the occult, hence their spirituality shines through. Nowadays the Tarot and Tarot reading are viewed as a pathway to spiritual growth and enlightenment, the beautiful imagery on the cards resembles a 'picture book' of someone's life.

There are 78 cards in the Tarot deck, and out of these there are seven or eight cards that are viewed as tricky, with imagery that can provoke fear and anxiety. Statistically it would be virtually impossible for all these cards to appear in a reading, or extremely unfortunate, and in all my years of reading the cards I have never seen a reading where this has occurred.  If we look at the Major Arcana sequence it can easily be seen that they reflect a journey through this incarnation. We start with number 0 the Fool, the card of birth, naivety and innocence, optimism and childlike excitement. The cards follow through every aspect of the twists and turns life can have, which not only include difficulties, grief and sorrow, but also joy, happiness and contentment.  We are constantly reminded throughout the sequence, as with the Justice card, to live our lives in a fair and just manner. Through our journey in this lifetime we are given spiritual guidance from the four Guide cards, each Guide teaching us a different aspect of spirituality.  In this way the cards can give comfort in the knowledge that we are not travelling alone, there is some Guardian Angel or Guide that is watching over us. The World, card number 21 is the completion of this journey, the World Dancer shown on the card is surrounded by an oval wreath, which resembles an egg or the number 0, representing re-birth and new emergence.  
     
In my own experience of reading for clients, if a difficult card appears it normally represents a time when the Seeker has experienced the complicated challenges that life can sometimes present. I have yet to meet a client whose life has been 'a bed of roses', the essence of reading the cards is to bring hope and optimism back into the Seeker's life, a sense that life will change and with this comes a feeling of well-being.  Most of us during our lives will encounter the death of a close relative or friend, just as we will experience the joy of a birth.  The most probable reason that someone has booked a reading is because they have some form of problem or concern, they may be in need of guidance, comfort or reassurance regarding an area of their life. The Tarot cards read correctly and with sensitivity, are not the forecasters of devastation and catastrophe, but the conveyers of hope and encouragement back into the Seeker's life.   For me and most good experienced Tarot readers, the art of reading the cards is not to be the messenger of bad or ominous news, but to bring assurance and guidance to the Seeker, to help ease any mental or emotional anguish they may be experiencing. Provided they are used as a guiding 'tool' and for spiritual guidance the cards are no longer seen as the harbingers of doom and destruction.

March

There are still many people who are fearful of Tarot cards; this is not surprising, as over the years these cards have been called 'The Devil's Picture Book', or 'The Devil's Playing Cards', bringing about an association with evil and the occult. This is the question for this month, and I hope to allay some of these fears and prejudices. It is said that 'a little knowledge can be dangerous', and to a certain extent this is true of the Tarot deck. Over the years the Tarot have acquired a reputation that can instil fear and apprehension, particularly for those with a limited knowledge of the cards and origins of Tarot. A majority of people have heard of the Tarot cards, they may have seen some of the cards, or know someone that has had an unpleasant experience when their cards have been read. There are four or five cards in the deck that have become notorious, the imagery on some of the cards seems to signify disaster and destruction.  Add all these factors together, and it is hardly surprising that the Tarot cards can have a negative image in people's thoughts. 

For me the Tarot has a deep spirituality, the deck is steeped in doctrines and beliefs, the images on the cards are a 'picture book' of life's journey through this incarnation. Even the negative cards in the deck such as the Tower, nine and ten of swords which in most decks appears with dreadful imagery, talk to us of the reality that life can not always be joyful, happy and content, but at times we have to experience loss or pain, in order to have the contrast between joy and sadness.  Most of us during some stage in life's journey will experience some form of trauma, change or loss, be this mental, emotional or financial. The cards used in the right way in a reading bring hope and optimism, a sense of well being that life however stressful will change, we will move forward, and nothing stays the same. The card The Wheel of Fortune, reassures us that fate and destiny will play a part in our lives, the wheel spins and life changes. The Tarot cards cover every aspect of our lives from love to money, happiness and peace, work and career, our achievements as well as some of our failings.
 
The four Spiritual Guides in the deck talk to us of a higher spiritual life after death, and that death is only a physical process we go through which leads us into a different dimension.  The Guides presence in a reading gives reassurance and comfort, in the knowledge that a higher force is watching and protecting our lives on earth.  The Hierophant shown with his right hand raised in acknowledgment to God, and sending blessings to us from the spiritual world, is still seen today in church services by the Priest raising his hand in blessings in the same way.  The two cards most maligned and feared in the deck appear to be the Devil and the infamous Death card; in actual fact these two cards are not the premonition or omens of disaster.  The Devil representing that a change in lifestyle or mental attitude is required, and the Death card bringing about a new phase and a new beginning.         

I believe one of the reasons the Tarot has such a notorious reputation, is due to the fact that it is often associated and linked with black magic and the occult. Perhaps due to its history when in the 15th Century the Inquisition, operating within the medieval Catholic Church to combat heresy, denounced the Tarot and its users, calling it the "Devil's Picture Book". This led to the Tarot being used for many years in secret, and this could be a factor in the cards being regarded as unorthodox and contrary to accepted beliefs.

My first experience of having my cards read was extremely positive, and completely different from what I had expected. This was mainly due to the person who was reading my cards, who happened to be an expert Tarot reader. It is an important factor for those who are fearful of Tarot to choose a reader with experience, and who has an excellent reputation. The cards should be read carefully and accurately, in a sensitive and professional manner, taking into account the vulnerability and emotional state of the person who is having their cards read.

Over the years the Tarot have been associated with various lines of philosophy, and for many they have become an accepted form of guidance. People have looked deeper and deeper into the Tarot, finding more and more meanings, wisdom and through deep study, enlightenment. Today many see the Tarot as a path to personal and spiritual development, used as a tool correctly the Tarot cards can bring spiritual comfort and optimism for the future.


Sara's question for next month.

Can you do an accurate Tarot reading over the phone?



February 2008

When people find out that I am a professional Tarot reader, one of the questions I get asked is, "Where do you think the Tarot cards originated from?"  My own research into the origins of Tarot has proved fascinating as there are many theories, debates and controversy as to where and when these mystical and magical cards first came into being. There is no doubt that Tarot reading is an ancient art, and some occultists believe that Tarot originated from Ancient Egypt. It has also been suggested that the cards were invented by the Mahatmas of Tibet, or in Medieval Spain by the Cabbalists. Some believe that it was the Gypsies that brought the Tarot into Europe, and it is interesting that the word 'Gypsy' is derived from 'Egyptian'. Each theory is based on the fact of the similarity of the cards to a particular culture. For example the four elemental symbols of the Tarot occur in Hindu culture as the deity Ardhanari, an androgynous being uniting male and female forces. Ardhanari is shown with four arms holding a cup, sceptre, sword and ring.

Some believe the Tarot started as an oral tradition, and is thought to have its origins in the Book of Thoth. Thoth being the Egyptian god of learning, the inventor of writing, arithmetic and geometry, and he was known as the keeper of magic formulae.  

The oldest existing deck of Tarot dates back to 1415 in Northern Italy. The Visconti family had a hand painted Tarot deck designed for them, and around this time wealthy Italian families would have decks made for themselves. After the invention of printing in 1423, the cards became accessible to families of not such wealthy status. As the cards spread through Europe, more theories spring up as to where their origins lay. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries France was a great influence in the spread of Tarot into England, and the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn came into being in 1888. This society made a number of changes to the Tarot deck, which have influenced Tarot right through to the present day. The Golden Dawn fraternity was made up of practical magicians, who wanted to unite all the occult traditions into one. 

The Rider Waite deck was published in 1910 and became highly influential, and is still used today for modern day Tarot reading.  Then followed other decks, such as the Aleister Crowley Thoth Tarot deck, which was not issued as a deck of cards until 1977, thirty years after his death.

Today there are many different Tarot decks, and the reading of the cards has become more acceptable and recognized as a means to divine the past, present and future.  Tarot reading can enhance the personal spiritual quest, to live life with knowledge and insight, relaxing but activating the mind to open up to a higher level of consciousness. 

The Tarot cards with their beautiful imagery are a picture book of life's journey, their guidance leads to personal growth and an understanding of life and ourselves.



 

January 2008

The question for this month is,  'Do you read the Tarot cards for yourself, your family and friends?' As we have just passed through a time of year that is associated with our families and those close to us, it seems an appropriate question for this month. From my own personal point of view, I will not read the cards for family and friends. But all Tarot readers will differ, and have their own opinions as to how they wish to work. When I gave up full time employment to give all my time to my spiritual career, I felt that it would be inappropriate for me to read the cards for myself, and those that are close and dear to me. I get asked many times if I can predict my own future, as a clairvoyant and psychic it would be wrong for me to able foresee what the future may hold for me, and those around me. Can you imagine being able to see something ill fated that was going to happen to yourself, or a family member or friend? When we work as clairvoyants and psychics with the Tarot we are protected spiritually to allow us to live as ordinary and stress free lives as possible. I personally would find it impossible to live a normal life, if I had a feeling of foreboding, or a premonition of something that might happen to a family member, friend or myself.   Another reason I do not read for anyone close to me, is that I know him or her to well, and have information about the events happening in, and around their lives. I like to read for people I do not know personally, for the Seeker this makes the reading credible, as I will be giving them information I could not possibly have known. The Seeker may find it easier to communicate with someone they do not know about personal issues in their life, rather than someone who is close to them.   

There is however, one time when I suggest that reading for family and friends is a good idea, and that is during the process of learning Tarot. Practice is needed to learn to read the cards accurately, to gain fluency and knowledge it is essential to practice on someone. I tell my students to pick a good friend or family member, and ask them to take on the role of the Seeker.  This is a good way to learn which Significator card to choose before you start the reading by birth sign and age. I do however, stress that these 'practice sessions' should not be taken as accurate readings, the reading is purely to gain knowledge and learning for the student. When I am teaching we often have  'practice sessions', so the students can learn how to handle the cards, see how to relate the cards together, and learn how to communicate what is seen in the cards to the Seeker. This will eventually enable them to give fluent and accurate readings.

It is really down to individual choice as to how comfortable you feel reading the cards for those close to you.  I do know a few people who read the cards for themselves, family and friends.  For me personally I feel it would not be right, this is probably because I would not be objective enough, and I would see only what I wanted to see! 
 
 

   




November

The question this month is about a question, what is the most asked question that clients ask you when doing a reading, and what if the cards do not answer the question? To explain to those who have no knowledge of Tarot spreads, nearly all of the spreads request the Seeker to ask the cards a question. The reasons why someone has booked an appointment to see me vary, as does the question, but the most question I am asked is about love. On average it is the one asked by about fifty per cent of people I see, they wish to know about their personal love life.  'Will they be happy'? Will they find their true love'? 'Is their husband cheating on them'? Questions like these I am asked all the time, some are easier to answer than others.  It can be a sensitive subject to talk to someone who you perhaps do not know well, about one of the most intimate and personal aspects of their life.  As I believe in absolute honesty in a reading, I can only read the cards as they appear this I explain to each client before we turn over the cards. If the cards do not answer that specific question, I tell the Seeker that nothing has to be said at this time regarding their request, and therefore it is up to them to answer their own question. I believe we are allowed at times during our lives, to make choices about our own destiny. One of the questions I will not answer is regarding an unfaithful partner, firstly I am not prepared to accuse someone I haven't met of being unfaithful, and secondly it is not in my work ethic to cause suspicion and distress.  When this question comes up I return it to the Seeker, and ask them why they may think this is the case, this in a strange way allows them to answer their own question.

Other questions I am asked often are about career, work, changing employment and moving house. All the above are fairly standard questions that concern clients, and particularly those who feel they are at some form of crossroads. Depending on the cards that appear they are easy questions to answer, as they are of a practical nature, and someone's love life is to do with their deepest emotions and feelings. 

In life we all have our own concerns, difficulties and questions that need answering; when they are solved it enables us to move forward with our lives. There are stages during life when a crossroads is reached, which road and direction should we take? If we take the wrong one will this lead us to unhappiness and stress? How do we get back on the right road? If we had a magic formula to make the decisions for us, we would not be in charge of our own lives. Most of the time during our lives, we have the power to take control of our own destiny, the Tarot should only be used for guidance and reassurance.  In giving comfort the cards allow a degree of freedom for the Seeker to make their own choices, this in a subtle way increases the Seeker's own confidence and self-belief, which in turn empowers them.