A tarot novice

[Laura]

I have dabbled in tarot over the years, but I am still pretty new to it. I wanted to ask you guys what the best way to prepare yourself for a reading is? And what you find the best spreads are for novices?
Thanks
Laura

[Michelle Gannon]

I have not done much in tarot cards but I ahve got some angel cards and they are quite good. There is a book with it that takse you through what the cards mean and also what spreads you can do.

[Jeremy Rogers]

The questioner's expectations are the best guide: primarily, the questioner wants to experience something magical, to acknowledge your authority in addressing their questions. Your confidence is the main ingredient and it comes with a combination of knowledge, enthusiasm and experience. Many readers prepare through meditation but I prefer the reading itself to be the meditation. As a professional reading 'back to back' appointments through a busy summer season or at tarot party bookings, you develop the ability to immediately 'fix' on a client. A deep knowledge of the Tarot gives you both fluency and enthusiasm - which is contagious. Technically, you need to relax the client so create a calm ambience. Candles are good, don't go over the top. I use a low, circular table which provides a natural focus, and place the questionnaire in an armchair that lets them both relax and be focused on the reading without having to hunch forward. You don't want to distract the questioner and if they are not comfortable or concerned about knocking things over, they will be very distracted. I have seen altar cloths and heard a wide range of musical styles used by readers but find music and paraphernalia distracting. You, the questioner and the cards, that's the essence of it. If you like to start with the deck in order and all the cards the right way up, make sure it is. Control is everything. Use your client's name and explain clearly what is happening - whatever ritual/s you use.

Spreads: for a first reading the Celtic Cross is always best. Explain each position as you lay the cards, since the position of the card is a significant part of it's interpretation. You don't have to work card by card, neither do you have to read them in any particular order - breaking such patterns can really enliven your reading. Other spreads tend to be for specific types of reading - the 2 Fates is excellent, a simple 7 card spread that clearly shows a foundation through to a tipping point with two possible outcomes. I rarely use any other spread but there is a simple 3 card spread for one clear question. There is the horseshoe shaped reading for answering specific questions with more detail than the 3 card spread, and there is also the complicated circle of life spread which allocates cards to different spheres of the questioner's life. For me, the Celtic Cross rules - think of naming the positions to better suit your interpretation of them - I use, for the last four cards, Current Viewpoint, Environment, Motivation, Potential.

As you might have noticed, I am in the midst of proof-reading and correcting the final draft of a book on Tarot Reading... apologies for being so long winded!

[Jeremy Rogers]

One of the heart shaped world community members has started a group - Spiritual Seekers. I'd recommend joining to seek some further ideas on the spiritual side of readings. A lot of wisdom and experience there.