I agree. Every reader attracts their own kind of client … and over time … the reader will become more of a specialist in that style.

Responsibility is one of the first things that a Tarot reader is confronted with. It can be kind of spooky to realise that some clients “hang onto” the readers every word … as if it’s LAW. This took me a little bit of time to get used to. I can imagine that a different “reader style” would develop if the clients didn’t believe in fate.

Thank you for your comment

Yes, I would agree that this is indeed a mixed question – one in which there is psychological implications, as well as a prediction of energies. However, I realized a long time ago a few things about me, as well as my clients that I attract:

1. I am first an Astrologer and a Healer. Tarot is only a portion of my practice. While the cards are very good at predicting energy patterns, as any diviner can tell you, nothing in the future is written in stone. Although I do find that the results turn out virtually 90% of the time or better (which is much better than any weather person on the news, that is for sure), it is often because of the person involved not believing in their own power to change the energy. Dowsing comes in quite handy for this, giving me permissions, as well as nailing timing (if applicable) sometimes to the minute.

2. My clients do not believe in fate or prediction. They believe in free will, and most are on a spiritual and/or healing path and actively creating their lives, rather than just reactive to conditions around them. My clients want to know if energy looks like it is going the way they intend it, and if it is not – how can it be changed, but within the highest good? In other words, we do not want to interfere with soul contracts, etcetera! You might also be surprised at how much wiggle-room spirit can provide in these situations – but nearly every time, I need to educate the client on letting go of limitations of the “how” and to just keep focused on their intention. Let the Universe deal with the details – and that is where the fun is. Even after all these years, Spirit still surprises me!

When I worked at a metaphysical book shop with other readers, most of the other readers did the predictive types of readings, and perhaps that is OK for them, and their clients. It was not OK with me, since I believe heavily in responsibility. I see my “prediction” as something the client can hang onto, and if it comes true, the thought of me having any contribution of energy to that outcome (especially if it wasn’t desired) was too heavy for me. I feel like I am more of a teacher, not a fortune-teller. I wish to empower my clients so they are in control, not giving that control to me. And, often – they can be at a moment ready for healing their lives and their approaches to things. Because this comment is getting WAY too long, I can give some specific examples – please let me know how I can get this information to you (if you are interested hehe)

I resonate with the way you describe the multi-dimensional aspects of time/space and it’s possible bifurcation points. I am also a go with the flow kind of gal, and most times look to the cards to help me get a broader perspective on the terrain, rather than narrow my options to a predictive decision.

Intuition, psychic awareness, card knowledge, all combine to describe the terrain, while prescriptions/predictions and conclusions tend to force me onto a designated road.

In the spirit of flowing knowledge and experience,
Katrina

I have a funny feeling that our styles are more similar than different. Perhaps some of us are getting stuck on the words, such as prediction, counseling, psychology, without really knowing what the other folks are doing.

Yes, I think that might be the case. Perhaps we’re losing sight of the importance in diversity

Knowledge of one’s “scope of practice” or knowing your limits, is something I file under ethics.

That’s a good idea. I think honesty is very important when assessing ones own abilities.

This whole discussion has really brought into focus, for me personally, “just what is a Tarot reading?”

Great comment

I have a funny feeling that our styles are more similar than different. Perhaps some of us are getting stuck on the words, such as prediction, counseling, psychology, without really knowing what the other folks are doing. There certainly is a diversity of styles, knowledge and experience, and as you said, we each contribute something significant to the art of Tarot reading.

I am a credentialed, professional and experienced counselor and that is the original reason I called by work “Transformative Tarot Counseling™”. This was to let prospective clients know the skill base I bring to my work. It also differentiates my work from a “Psychic Tarot” reader, etc. I wouldn’t want my clients to think I have skills that I do not possess. Sometimes I refer clients to appropriate counselors or support groups when certain needs arise in the reading. Just as there is diversity among us Tarot readers, this also exists among counseling professionals.

Knowledge of one’s “scope of practice” or knowing your limits, is something I file under ethics. Whether you are referring a client to another reader, a health practitioner or to a counseling professional, it can be a great support to the client to have a list of people that you trust to carry the good work you started with that client towards another’s capable care.

Namaste’, Katrina

Why are we all seemingly divided when we should be supporting each other, no matter what our reading style is?

It’s an interesting point you make. For me, I started this quiz to look at ways of making our Tarot readings more robust. The comments that other people have kindly left have illustrated totally different, and at times, conflicting views. Is it possible for us to take the best of each of these views and reassemble them into something that is bulletproof?

It seems, by some, that the predictive camp are seen as second class readers.

Going slightly off topic, predictive readings have a history of being second to the dominant trend of the day.

Seriously, what is ‘within’ the client, is what the Universe (or Source etc) will answer, not a rephrased question by the Tarot reader. That’s the Tarot readers question and unless it is in alignment with the client, it means nothing. Mostly, a rephrased question is still seeking a prediction, an answer about the unknown. Having intuited an outcome, then the ‘empowering’ part of the reading will come into its own.

I agree with this completely.

It is also entirely possible that both of those questions, and other related ones, will be, and can be answered within the same reading, such is the power of Tarot – it’s not restricted to one type of answer.

I agree. The Tarot doesn’t restrict, only the reader.

Thank you for your comment

Predicting an outcome can be every bit as empowering as a therapeutic angle. It is all in the choice of words. I believe you can show the possible outcome of an event AND find wiggle room to take charge of one’s destiny. Nothing is cut in stone and any good reader will make sure to tell the querent this.

Yes, I agree. It’s all in the communication. Communication is such an important skill when it comes to Tarot readings. The manner in which predictions are communicated can go along way to empowering the client.

I also agree that a lack of confidence is the biggest culprit for affecting a Tarot readers decision to read the cards in a predictive style.

Thank you for your comment

As you know, I prefer the predictive style of tarot because I do believe it can empower a querent.

Couldn’t agree more

People come to tarot readers for predictions. They go to licensed therapists for therapy. The two CAN mix but no tarot reader should ever be a substitute for a licensed therapist (unless they have a license to practice psychology!).

What a great way to put it!

Hence, there is a lid for every pot and we all need to find a reader or reading style that speaks to us without thinking our way is the only way.

Again, I agree

Thank you for your comment!