Confusion is perfectly normal when it comes to tarot readings. There are all sorts of interpretations that can be adjusted based on someone’s unique situation. Doing readings for yourself could be just as bad because it’s simply too hard to see yourself from an objective point of view.
From this point of view, learning tarot is often about doing readings for someone else. Assuming you’re familiar with interpretations and meanings, figuring out how to do a tarot reading for someone else still takes a bit of training if energies don’t match.
For instance, it’s not unusual to do a tarot reading, only to realize that it doesn’t match that person. It sounds like something more suitable for someone else you know. Let’s find out why tarot doesn’t work alone and let’s see how you can tap into someone’s energy for an accurate reading.
Tarot Meanings Aren’t Everything
Just because you read all the meanings of different cards again and again and you know them by heart, it doesn’t mean you can do a tarot reading straight away. Sure, it requires some interpretation as well, which must be adjusted to that person’s unique circumstances.
But again, this isn’t everything.
A professional tarot reader will also connect to their client’s energy. Card meanings don’t need this type of connection, but the actual interpretation does.
When figuring how to do a tarot reading for someone else, most readers do something that works for them. At this point, it’s about trial and error. One thing is for sure though, there should be no distractions whatsoever.
Other than that, some readers pray or do a small ritual. Others bring in scented candles or perhaps some crystals, whatever works for you.
Now, how about the actual reading? Assuming you already have a spread in mind, how do you ensure a top-notch connection?
Clarity Is a Must
The question must be crystal clear. People new to tarot don’t necessarily know how to ask things, so you may have to ask a few extra questions to determine the intention. Basically, you’ll have to understand the purpose of this reading upfront. Different purposes could mean different meanings for the same cards.
Trust the cards to send a message once you understand that person’s necessities.
All About Context
Every interpretation revolves around the context. You can’t just pull some cards and start interpreting them if you don’t know what your client needs help with. At this point, ask yourself, what’s the intention of this reading?
You might be interested in figuring out a prediction or perhaps a potential outcome. Maybe your client needs some advice or just some insights into a situation. Your interpretation has to speak to these requirements or it becomes null.
Stick to the Card
When not sure how to do a tarot reading for someone else, cards will usually lead the way. But then, things may also go in the wrong direction.
Cards will normally speak to the question asked. Once the intention is set, cards will follow up. However, if you’re new to it, you may realize that reading a certain card can push you in an unexpected direction.
In technical terms, that means you’re going off card. It happens. What you need to do is come back to other cards that showed up in the reading. The interpretation for the off card must go in concordance with these cards.
How to Retain a Connection With Your Client
Maintaining a connection with your client is mandatory. It’s not about further readings in the future, but throughout the current reading. Your energies have to stay connected during the whole experience.
Again, if you’re new, it may feel like you’re drifting away at times. There are a few questions you need to keep in mind when you look at a card.
- Is the intention clear? Normally, this intention or question should match the cards. Cards have to be interpreted in the exact same manner.
- Are you familiar with the cards you pulled? Sometimes, if you lack experience, you may face a card that can’t be interpreted very easily. Simply read it according to other cards in the spread.
- Are you covering a different context? The same card could have multiple meanings in different circumstances, so make sure you stick to the same context or theme.
- What’s missing? At times, you may feel like you’ve hit a dead end. It’s not unusual. You’ll have to go back on the interpretation and change something, but without losing sight of the context.
Etiquette Ideas for Tarot Readers
Learning how to do a tarot reading for someone else also implies having some rules in mind. These rules aren’t set for your client only, but also for yourself. You need some boundaries.
Stick to timelines, showcase your ethics, acknowledge your limitations and be grateful for a reading. But then, there’s more in terms of etiquette:
- Set some expectations upfront. Once you understand the context, you’ll need some expectations about what you hope to achieve. If you’re not a pro, it’s normal to have your guide nearby.
- Define your style. Some readers focus on predicting outcomes in the future. Some others are more pragmatic. When you do a reading for someone else, they should know what to expect too.
- Respect reactions. Different people have different reactions to your reading. You need to respect these reactions. Even if someone disagrees with you, it’s normal.
- Keep it confidential. A professional tarot reader will keep everything confidential, from their clients’ names to what they discuss about.
In the end, figuring out how to do a tarot reading for someone else takes a bit of trial and error. If you’re new to it, you should keep your guide nearby and use it when you need it.
You need to practice as well, since you’ll only be able to set your own scenario and concept by trying different ideas. It takes time to reach your desired goals, but that’s what experience does in the long run.
