Tape recording live readings?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 11 Aug 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

tmgrl2	11 Aug 2004
Recently I did a live reading and the sitter later told me that she got so much out of it, she wished she had taped it. I had offered her the option of taking notes beforehand. When we were finished with the reading, she said, "Next time I'm going to tape your reading for me." So she mentioned it twice, once right after the reading and again a few days later. I know several of you have already commented that you allow taping. MeeWah, I think you said you allow the session to be taped. I just wondered if anyone else has some qualms about having the session taped. I think I come, in part, from work, where only families who later cause us difficulties come to our District Committee meetings with a tape recorder. Of course, we tape then, also. We are required to do so by our legal advisors. terri

Nevada	11 Aug 2004
I understand the legal concern, and maybe a simple nervous feeling that someone would come back and say, "But you said . . . ." I've been thinking about taping my live readings, to help me practice face to face reading, and to record my first impressions more accurately. I'll often think I came up with some valuable insights, and then a few minutes (or more) later, when I go to write it all down, ZIP--the ol' memory has played a fast one on me. ;) It's hard to get everything down in notes, because typically we write down what seems important at the time, but later something else that was said seems more important, and our recollection of it too vague. But -- she didn't bother to take any notes? I guess that bothers me. And I believe you have the right to decide on this. I've been to many a seminar where they didn't allow taping. Nevada

DreamSinger	11 Aug 2004
Hi! I think it's invaluable. For one thing, it makes it harder for clients to twist what you said (as much) to themselves and their friends later -- out of hope and desire. Also, if you ever listen to yourself in the work, you will feel an awe and appreciation for what a beautiful thing it is to do for people. You will see yourself in a new way. I also think they're great, because of memory... And many things that aren't clear at the time become clear later... and when you have the tape, you see it all fall into place. I think it is also something you can choose to do from integrity and non-attachment. Being taped forces you to face your fears about your inadequacies. The thing is, we are ALL inadequate. You will be clearly "wrong" sometimes -- and now, the tape will be there to prove it. So what? If your intent is to share and do a work that you're called and gifted to do, your task isn't to do it perfectly, but to do it in light (and that will naturally be to the best of your ability, but without the strain). Open yourself up. Tape. :) miss

tmgrl2	11 Aug 2004
Thank you, Dream Singer and Nevada.... I'm still very new at live readings anyhow. For now, I feel best offering note-taking as an option. Maybe I have too many lawyers in my family. If people are taking notes, they are their notes in their words with their perceptions. That seems to me to be what is important in the moment of a reading. Hindisignt "reading" is something that we often talk about not doing...as though we are second-guessing what was heard or said initially. I can see where there may be some positive elements to taping, but I guess, I think about the fact that here in New York, at least, readers need to disclaim by saying "For entertainment purposes only, " since "Fortune Telling" is against the law. I'm not saying that's what a Tarot Reading is, but it is considered by many to be in that category. More thoughts, anyone? terri

katie_here	11 Aug 2004
Have you ever been to a meeting, like a hospital appointment when the doctor has told you so much information, so many words you didn't know or understand. You are trying hard to listen, to understand, to remember, that somethings just get missed altogether, they are not committed to memory Having a tarot reading is a bit like that. you're taking in the information, absorbing it, relating it, trying to understand it and all the time more information is coming at you. Your mind is going, oh yes, and "wow, how did she know that!" and countless other things. You walk out of the reading and you think, "what was that she said?" and you're racking your brains trying to remember. a tape is good, because sometimes things that are told in a reading are for future reference, and with everyday life you quickly forget what is told. If you can go home and listen at your leisure, you understand more and then in turn, you are more inclined to go back to that reader, because they were good. I think a tape is invaluable and shows a commitment on your behalf that you stand by all you say.

CreativeFire	11 Aug 2004
Good thread, terri. :) and thanks Nevada and Dreamsinger for bringing up some points I had not thought of in regards to taping readings. I have actually been trying to buy a little tape recorder that I can use for taping readings not just for the people I read for, but more so for myself as well. When I do online readings I like to layout and initially read the cards in my special room, however the computer is in the loungeroom, so I have to write down lots of notes and sort of lose the spontaneity like when I do live readings - if I am making sense here. So I thought if I taped the reading as if someone was there and then I could just type up the reading from that. However I don't want a tape that records onto an actual casette, I am trying to find one that will record digitally and then you could download it to the computer. So then I can store them on my computer or burn to a CD for people I read for if they wanted them (as I usually like to take a picture of the cards laid out in the spread on the table with my digital camera for online readings). I was thinking if I could then attach the downloaded audio file to email a reading to a friend (who I sometimes read for over the phone) but other times via email. All of that said!! Sorry a bit long, but I think it would be an invaluable tool for also working on your reading technique etc, in hearing what you sound like when you are reading for someone else (like they would hear it). Also great to go back in your reading archives and relisten to some earlier readings for yourself and even others, prior to doing another reading or just to double check if something has happened etc. I would be very interested to hear if anyone is already taping digitally and downloading to computer and what they are using. CreativeFire

tmgrl2	11 Aug 2004
Creative Fire...that is a whole new avenue of tape-use! Katie...you are right about level of commitment. I will give it some thought. I never realized, though, that when we do e-mail or online readings...the person doesn't hear us and we do put it in writing, so there is a "permanent" record in writing anyhow for these readings. It just isn't a voice. Excellent observation. I have written lengthy readings and sent them by e-mail or posted them and not worried about "repercussions." We should be professional and careful and give loving guidance whether we are taped or not. If we do, we should have no worries about the results. CD is a good idea, too. Cut a CD and send that.... Hm..... I am rethinking this. I will probably do this on a case-by-case basis. I'm not reading in public for money right now anyhow...down the road, who knows. Good thoughts everyone. terri

Major Tom	12 Aug 2004
OK - I admit it, I am prejudiced against taping a reading. It was something Umbrae wrote that provided me with the answer I give clients when they ask for a tape. C: Do you provide tapes of your reading? T: I don't like tapes because, to my mind, this is your reading and I'd like you to be here. When you tape a reading you are less likely to listen to what is being said. You can take notes if you like, here's a paper and pencil. :) Having said that, I really like CreativeFire's suggested uses for a tape. And why stop at audio? Why not video? I've seen digital video cameras for just over £100! I suppose you need some software too. Doesn't a Mac come equiped to deal with video? Video could be an invaluable tool for training uses. ;) Why not lecture series videos on CD or even DVD? :laugh: Video interviews with deck artists or experts? :laugh: Videos of conferences - including the presentations? }) If there is a gap in the "tarot market" it's got to be video.

Teranar	12 Aug 2004
I don't know about video taping tarot readings... that just seems a bit Cleoistic for me. I've said I'm fine with people writing down what I say, or taping, but I have yet to have people actually tape or take notes. But I dunno about video tape... maybe video via the internet so I can see the person I'm reading... but maybe I'm just paranoid.

DreamSinger	12 Aug 2004
People are so tuned in (when it comes to attention) naturally in a reading that I don't see taping as any kind of a distraction at all. They forget it's there. This is their LIFE you're talking about! And compared to making sure they're "there" for the half-hour or hour-long reading, isn't creating a record that they can listen to (often more calmly) later, when emotions are not so high? Recall is so much less reliable than a tape. This is how I feel, anyway. If the experience is all-important, compared to the actual information they receive, then anything that interferes with that experience is a problem, of course. But I've yet to see (and have never heard of) a single client who gives less than their full attention during any reading, and what possible distraction could a tape recorder be? Just being honest... I see no connection. miss

DreamSinger	12 Aug 2004
Also, it's the querent's experience. If I went to a reader, and they told me I couldn't tape based on the "attention factor," I would honestly think that they were patronising me, controlling -- and/or possibly afraid to stand behind their work. Their making a decision like that for me, at best, would feel invasive -- not their business. I've yet to see a valid argument against being taped. If your heart is clear, and you are not attached to always being right (because no psychic is 100% accurate), what are you afraid of? I am honestly not trying to be rude, just to share my heartfelt opinions... well-intentioned people can always disagree. I do want to add, though, that I see someone have to look down and try to scribble notes as FAR more distracting to them than having a tape recorder on... and of course, they'll leave with much less usable information on every level.

katie_here	12 Aug 2004
[quote][i] C: Do you provide tapes of your reading? T: I don't like tapes because, to my mind, this is your reading and I'd like you to be here. When you tape a reading you are less likely to listen to what is being said. You can take notes if you like, here's a paper and pencil. :)[quote][ Personally, I'd find it really hard to listen to someone and then sort out in my mind which bits I'd write notes for. Its hard to listen, transcribe, write and understand all at the same time.

Major Tom	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by DreamSinger I am honestly not trying to be rude, just to share my heartfelt opinions... well-intentioned people can always disagree. I do want to add, though, that I see someone have to look down and try to scribble notes as FAR more distracting to them than having a tape recorder on... and of course, they'll leave with much less usable information on every level. I can tell you that my own experience is completely different than what you descirbe. You do have to allow the space to take notes and comprehend. I've seen people walk away transformed by their reading because they've had the space to listen and take notes and ask questions. You are allowed to disagree with me but please, don't put words in my mouth or attribute feelings I don't hold. ;) :laugh: Reasons such eclectic and diverse views can all be right for the holders of those views are manifold and obvious. Belief is one. Expectations are another. Love is perhaps the greatest. Tape your readings for your clients if you believe in the benefits for yourself and your client. I don't. I prefer to give my clients the space to take notes and ask questions. I guess in the final analysis, the answer to this question, as with so many questions surrounding tarot, is, "do what feels right with you".

CreativeFire	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Major Tom Video could be an invaluable tool for training uses. ;) Why not lecture series videos on CD or even DVD? :laugh: Video interviews with deck artists or experts? :laugh: Videos of conferences - including the presentations? }) If there is a gap in the "tarot market" it's got to be video. Major Tom, I had not thought about video (and cannot say personally that I would be real keen on it as I am happy to be behind the camera but not so in front ). However you raise some very interesting points in regards to their being a gap in the market. As when you think about it there are many interests, hobbies, areas of study out there that have just the things you mention. Also if you look to the future of where technology is taking us - what about web cam tarot readings? Reader and querent able to conduct a reading real time online. I guess there will be many more future possibilities. However to return to tape readings, I just wanted to mention that second reading I ever had done, when I was in my early twenties, the lady gave me a tape afterwards. She had mentioned that she would tape the reading but I did not think anything of it at the time but I was glad she did as there were somethings in the reading that I did not understand at the time. However as I replayed that tape several times over the next 5 - 6 years, quite a few things 'clicked' for me and was glad that I was able to listen to it again. :) CreativeFire

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Major Tom [b] OK - I admit it, I am prejudiced against taping a reading. It was something Umbrae wrote that provided me with the answer I give clients when they ask for a tape. C: Do you provide tapes of your reading? T: I don't like tapes because, to my mind, this is your reading and I'd like you to be here. When you tape a reading you are less likely to listen to what is being said. You can take notes if you like, here's a paper and pencil. :) LOL...I always reread Umbrae's articles on the Process. That has been my guide. I agree with that. I feel that the reading is "in the moment." Information about he Tarot...that's different, I agree. I still feel notes work because it talks about that instant in time. terri

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Teranar I don't know about video taping tarot readings... that just seems a bit Cleoistic for me. I've said I'm fine with people writing down what I say, or taping, but I have yet to have people actually tape or take notes. But I dunno about video tape... maybe video via the internet so I can see the person I'm reading... but maybe I'm just paranoid. I don't think it's paranoid at all. I think it's about purpose and process. The legal piece is in there for me. That is not my main reason, though, for not wanting to tape. terri

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by CreativeFire However to return to tape readings, I just wanted to mention that second reading I ever had done, when I was in my early twenties, the lady gave me a tape afterwards. She had mentioned that she would tape the reading but I did not think anything of it at the time but I was glad she did as there were somethings in the reading that I did not understand at the time. However as I replayed that tape several times over the next 5 - 6 years, quite a few things 'clicked' for me and was glad that I was able to listen to it again. :) CreativeFire CF, I'm not thinking about the taping or two or few that may have some "down-the-road" benefits. I'm thinking about the taping or two or few that may work contrary to the process of a reading being for the time it is given. terri Good discussion. The online world has changed so much already!

CreativeFire	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tmgrl2 CF, I'm not thinking about the taping or two or few that may have some "down-the-road" benefits. I'm thinking about the taping or two or few that may work contrary to the process of a reading being for the time it is given. terri Good point terri, I had not thought of it that way round. Major Tom - come to think a bit more about the video market, with the upcoming tarot conferences around, we could perhaps hope that someone may fill the gap and provide the tarot community at large an opportunity to see what they may not have been fortunate enough to visit in person. CreativeFire

Ace	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Teranar I don't know about video taping tarot readings... that just seems a bit Cleoistic for me. Not paranoid, but perhaps camera shy! I offer a tape of my 30 minute readings. I make a nice label on my word processor and supply the tape. In reading by phone, you can get a phone tap at Radio Shack (for those of you in the US) and use it to tape phone conversations. The first thing on the tape is: I am Barb..(my full name) and you are.......(their full name) and you know you are being taped? They must answer yes, before I will continue. I will be changing that now that I think about it to : you know you are being taped, and I am doing so with your permission? The point being, that it is illegal to tape someone's conversation without their permission, so I obtain it first thing. My clients like tapes. Sometimes at face to face readings, I tease by saying something directly to the recorder for them to listen to later. I have had one person tell me she played it back to her husband, to tell him that I saw this problem (that she didn't even describe to me, she just asked the cards about) was going to create major problems in their marriage if they didn't watch out! Others have also mentioned playing the tape back later and enjoying it. I think it frees them to really concentrate on the reading at the time. And I don't have to think about slowing down to let them write down what I said.

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Good points, Ace...about phone readings especially. My friend in Florida, who does/did psychic readings always allowed people to tape. I did but lost the tapes. I wish I had them now in a way. I remember much of what we did, probably what I need to remember. I can see that as long as one informs re taping and permission and, if necessary, "you understand that this is for entertainment purposes only..." (which really grates on my nerves), it would be ok to tape. I like the official opening you use...Name, date, and disclaimers. This is a very helpful thread for me. I recently did a reading for someone and sent it by e-mail. It was a relationship reading and I knew who the other person was, so I was very careful to say throughout the reading, your "friend," or "partner" or "SO." I have this fear they will take the tape to another person and say, "See what terri said!!" terri

Ace	12 Aug 2004
Glad it was helpful, Terri, but in writing my reply I missed a few important points you and others made earlier. I would like to know more of what you all mean by Process- and how a tape would interfer. I think taping is better than writing-it lets them really concentrate on what I am saying at the time. I myself find the writing distrating, as I said, I keep waiting for them to finish so I can go on. Most taped readings are planned-paid readings require (my rule) that people wait a week to be read. This is not arbitrary, it gives them time to decide what they want to know, and to gain some prospective. But if I do a casual reading, right now on the spot, and they want to tape it, why not? I am mainly an "entertainment reader" but they are still real readings, not a fake. Private readings while "commericial" (Read: charged for), are my rare longer readings. I use the legal set up to make sure of the legalities, but it doesn't make the reading more serious. You did right in backing off from your personal knowledge of the person in reading for them, but remind her that it isn't "what Terry said," it was what the CARDS said!

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Thanks, Ace...more good input... Actually only a few live Querents have written some things down. They didn't during the reading, but as we neared the end, they said, "Now what did you say again about the King of Pentacles and my husband?" So, at that point, I summariz the reading in a narrative fashion, repeating some information and giving some examples. The reason I like doing this, is that, if they tape it, for example, they may assume they have all they need. I am learning, that as I near the end of a reading, there are usually several points that I thought were clearly made, but which my sitter "didn't get." So by having the paper and pencil and knowing they can "back up a bit" so to speak, clarification happens in the moment. Should they have a tape and walk away, I'm not sure they would ask the same questions, since they may leave thinking they have it all on tape anyhow. I got this from working with my friend who was a psychic. Even after listening to tapes I made during Tony's readings, (those done for my family and friends), we each "heard" something different, but now we no longer had Tony, our psychic, there to clarify. So, unless you have an ongoing relationship that allows for some backpedalling to question what may have been unclear to the sitter or misunderstood, they may miss the point. That's what I like about including this last piece in the reading, where we go over, or back up to clarify. Of course, one could do this as part of the process...throughout or near the end even if we were taping. I think that a person new to readings or who gets occasional readings is less likely to ask for clarification during the reading than someone who understands the process. This "uninitiated" sitter may walk away with the tape, listen and get a different message from the one intended. My friend, Tony, didn't object to taping, but I believe he felt, too, that the tape wasn't going to serve the purpose a sitter may expect from it down the road. I ask a number of questions throughout the reading..."Does this make sense?" "Is this clear?" "Do you have any questions about this card and what I am saying?" The more I ask as we go along, the more likely they are to feel safe enough to ask something or to reflect on what they have heard and realize that they do have questions. Some of this comes from my professional work as a "teacher. " I work with children and adults who have difficulties with language comprehension and expression. We often say that some of the students don't know what they don't know. So we look for frequent clarification from them that they understand. The old saw, if you know something well enough, you can teach it. I find when I do these comprehension checks in school and in Tarot, I hear back something completely different from what I intended. So, aside from the legal piece nagging at me, I would rather not have them think the tape is a comfort back-up to "remember" when, in fact, they still may not understand what the message was. terri

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
Let me add....I am not referring to the person who is "clueless" anyhow when they leave. Sometimes, we can just sow a seed or two. If that is the case, so be it. terri

maks	12 Aug 2004
Interesting thread, thanks Terri. This reminds me of school. Some of the instructors allows us to tape the lecture. However, we are not allowed to record personal anecdotes/experiences that support the lecture. When we hear, "This reminds me of the time..." Click, click, click... fumble, fumble... all the recorders go off. (Then we have to remember to start them up again--more clicking and fumbling.) I listen to the tapes I make based upon the instructor. If the instructor rushes through the material and does not allow questions, I listen to the tape. What is interesting, I have a clearer understanding of the material presented by the instructors who allow time for notes and questions. And I rarely need or desire to listen to those tapes. I like what Major Tom said about allowing space and time for someone to take notes. Just my two cents. Best thoughts, Mary

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
I like that idea, Mary, about stopping the tape....so, for example, if I decide to give an anecdote..personal or not ...as an example, I could ask that the tape be shut off momentarily. That is an option I hadn't considered. I'm still leaning toward pencil and paper. terri

Alissa	12 Aug 2004
Umbrae *makes* his sitters take notes. He provides the *pencil* and paper. Believes it makes them invest themselves in the reading more, and I'm sure he's right. I don't mind if someone wants to tape me, I've taped other psychics before, just so I could review the material again later. I've left an hour at a psychic's with my head swimming... and having a record of what was said can help sort it out again later.

Teranar	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Ace Not paranoid, but perhaps camera shy! Mmmm... so what if I'm a bit camera shy?? I'm still not sure if cameras is a good idea. Tape recorders are fine, so's note taking, but what can you get out of a camera recording that a tape doesn't cover? A reading can be very revealing, but I don't want a reading analized to death to the point that people read into it things that aren't there, (Books on bible codes, Da Vinci Codes, Nostradamus codes, codes in the Constitution, ect. anyone?) Mmm... reading over my post I realize I sound like I should be wearing a tin foil hat and muttering about how they're out to get me. :P

tmgrl2	12 Aug 2004
So some tape, some don't. I think I'm still of the Umbrae school of notes. It works for me. terri And...I don't think ANYONE is being paranoid about NOT wanting to tape....video or otherwise....LOL This is all about what individuals find comfortable and about styles of readings.

katie_here	12 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Teranar The shards of the past do not stab me when I step into the future if I wear thick shoes. and what about a tin foil hat too!!! ;)

DreamSinger	13 Aug 2004
Okay, I really feel like I learned a lot... thinking about it in a new way, terri. I can see it as a "style" thing that would vary from reader to reader, depending on what their gift is, in combination with their personality, and what they most offer their clients... Very interesting thread! Really, really learned. WOW. :)

Nevada	13 Aug 2004
Quote: Originally posted by tmgrl2 This is all about what individuals find comfortable and about styles of readings. Absolutely. I think the key is (has to be) whether the reader is comfortable. I know my comfort level has a lot to do with how well I access my intuition. I would be horribly uncomfortable reading in front of a video camera (I'm uncomfortable breathing in front of one, LOL), and I'm not confident about taping, but wanted to try it with some personal readings to help me practice timing a reading and so forth. Nevada

tmgrl2	14 Aug 2004
I agree, Nevada. Forget the video! I may allow some to tape record as I go along. I don't know that I would do this for every sitter, if I were doing a series of live readings someplace. If someone brought a tape recorder, though, I would have to have thought this through so I could answer in the moment. My first reaction when I was asked several weeks ago (by my masseuse) was , "Of course." Had it been someone I didnt' know, I feel I may have said, "I would prefer it if you take notes." terri

MeeWah	16 Aug 2004
Apologies for being so late to this thread. Reading styles vary widely, whether in-person readings or without person. How one reader approaches the process & provides a verbal reading oft markedly different from any other. Over time, noticed a majority of readers both professional & non-professional prefer a lot of dialogue with the querent during readings. I do not--too distracting. I provide writing materials for querents to take notes (some bring their own); or they can bring taping equipment to use. Prefer not to be influenced by too much information, though some information can guide the focus & depends on the nature of the query. I preface a taped reading by stating the querent's name, birth date, date of the reading & the type of reading (general or area of concern). If any discussion, usually after the reading for questions or the clarifications which can be taped or not, according to the client's discretion. As an experiment with a local professional reader, I did an in-person reading & then followed up with an e-mail transcript from notes. She said there was no difference. I have experienced differences in readings depending on whether person present or not. Rarely have readings done for me & those done few & far between mainly because I gravitate towards my own devices. I have had two personal in-person readings done locally. One of many years ago by a local astrologer given by a friend as a gift. The astrologer offered a taped reading which proved helpful as changes occurred or developed in the ensuing months. Another friend referred me to an older British woman who was temporarily residing here to get my opinion of the reader. She used regular playing cards & taped all readings. She did the taping at intervals. Kept shuffling, throwing cards & asked a lot of questions (too many questions). Astrological reading showed astrologer's knowledge & intuition. In contrast, the latter reading not noteworthy but for the similarities between my friend's & mine. Concluded the woman used "stock" comments.

The Tape recording live readings? thread was originally posted on 11 Aug 2004 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.