Readings too short?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Sep 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	11 Sep 2002
Since I have been doing readings for ohersquite alot recently, I have notced that my readings don't actually take that long. Even if I use say 15 crds, I can do the reading in under half and hour... Usually it's cuz I'm economical with my words, and I say what I mean immediately, but I'm beginning to worry that when I go professional, people will feel they haven't got value for money if the reading doesn't last very long. What is your take on this, and how could I make my readings last longer? Kiama

jema	11 Sep 2002
i thought i had the same problem as you at first. then when i did the readings for money the first few times i found that the clients are very motivated and gives a lot of input so we talked a lot more about the cards. one spread - a celtic cross could take up to 90 minutes. i think it gives itself. if the client is interested she/he will be more active and it will take longer and everyone is happy, if not - then it might be that the client isn't really that into the reading. also when you settle down to do a reading, just the preliminaries will take tame, the choosing of a deck, set out pen and pencil, talk about your ethics etc, that alone will take 10 minutes at times. and if you still think you have gone too fast - ask questions? ask the client if she got her questions answered, is there anything more she needs from you? spend some more time in the summing up of phase of the reading. i think you will in the end find that time really DO fly:)

Sullanciri2002	11 Sep 2002
Just like when you read for yourself and get deep into the possible meaning behind a few cards that seem strange in regards to the rest of a spread - it's the asking of question and the interaction between the reader and querent that takes time to explore the possibilities within the cards. In my experience, somebody who really has a question and needs to know will invest him- or herself in that sort of interaction ... whereas those who just ask to read the cards without having a good reason, may not be worth your time to begin with. Be sure to make it clear to people that reading the cards is about a whole web of interacting influences, something so complex that it is impossible for you to be fully accurate about without their thinking along: it doesn't take away from your "aura" as a reader if you do that, and it is the fair thing to do.

cjtarot	11 Sep 2002
Hi, I don't read professionally, but I did just have a reading... The reading itself took about 20 min...the questions that came afterwards took the time.. She did a celtic cross and explained the positions, what they ment and how they were tied in and then asked if I had any questions, from there she pulled other cards..(3 at a time) as definig cards..and placed them on the one in the cross...these answer my question-confirmed..explained a little deeper..that sort of thing... It worked..I had a great reading.. Good luck..remember quality is better than quanity.. Cj

lunalafey	11 Sep 2002
When you sit face to face with a Q, a reader can poke into the cards a bit more. Things get bounced back and forth. Such as if there is a part in the spread that you understand yet puzzels you. This is where YOUR questions come in and expand the reading.

Laurel	11 Sep 2002
I agree with everyone else, especially Jema. Unless the client is extremely nervous or overly cynical, they will be interacting with you. Taking a couple minutes first to introduce yourself and answer any questions about the reading/deck itself before you shuffle and they ask their personal question can really help put everyone at ease. Laurel

Alissa	11 Sep 2002
Kiama, I';ve notice the same thing lately, that either i must be talking effeciently, or making really good sense, becasue at the end of a standard celtic cross reading, it's only been 10 minutes or so and they're usually smiling and fulfilled. But sometimes it does feel short to me.... Of course, to balance that, I've had plenty that stretched on and on, as multiple layers to the Cards appeared as we talked, and stories began to interweave. But those seem rare, although cherished, readings.

Umbrae	11 Sep 2002
Remember - The pencil (you have forgotten?). Verbosity does not equal a good reading. Many readings will lead to a less economical style. From a client standpoint, it is about style. More readings allow you to find yours. Don’t forget to sharpen the pencil before you hand it to them.

The Readings too short? thread was originally posted on 11 Sep 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.