How much does Psychology and Councelling

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 02 Oct 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

katie_here	02 Oct 2004
come into reading Tarot/ or even Oracle cards for someone else?

purple_scorp	02 Oct 2004
Hi Katie, I think the psychology comes into it when you communicate what you see in the cards. If you have a feeling for the type of person you are reading for, you can work out the best way to get the message to them. Then, the counselling might come into it if they have an adverse and unexpected reaction to what you tell them. My two cents worth. purple_scorp

eastarot	02 Oct 2004
It depends on the question really. If it was something like "how can I help improve my relationship with my spouse" and the cards indicated a need to share, be patient etc, I would say counselling does play a role. Psychology is all about understanding the mind, and I feel it helps in all readings. At the end of the day the Tarot is a tool, a guide to help us gain better insight into our situations. In the hands of an experienced reader, who understands and empathises, a good reading would have shades of counselling, therapy etc. my two bits eastarot

Alissa	04 Oct 2004
I have read for some folks who needed a good counsellor a lot more than they needed a good reader. I'm usually fairly comfortable in adopting a listening ear, but am certainly no trained therapist. I think it's a fine line to walk, but since often a personal issue(s) will come up for the reading, the querent feels the need to talk it out, especially with a more objective viewpoint like a reader's to add, and examine their thoughts in the doing so. That's a good time to be quiet, I've found, while "reading" for another. For example, often I will finish a reading (and fall quiet) the querent will say, "Ok, this is what I'm seeing from what you said..." and will begin to discuss a personal issue. That can lead to a counselling session atmosphere as well, if the sitter wants to interactively absorb the reading by discussing it that way. I try to just stay out of the way if that's the case, listening less than speaking. Sitters who might seem psychologically desperate or fragile... those I've been lucky and had very few of. Handle those with kid gloves, I say, strongly recommend they go to a professional who is qualified to help them more extensively, and *know when* to back away from a dangerous or volatile situation.

Flavio	04 Oct 2004
I think Tarot readers do a lot of counselling even if the advice given is not formally called counselling, of course it doesn't hurt to read about counselling and consider some basic training through seminars or lectures. Let me recommend you this book: Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counselling by Rodney J. Hunter Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 1, 1990) ISBN: 068710761X You can find essays on many counselling situations from a pastoral point of view but the information is good enough for anyone willing to help. I was recently asked by my boyfriend to translate some articles of that book, during the traslation I was able to connect very well the content of the book and saw a lot of potential in the essays to help querents from the Tarot reader point of view ans scope of action.

katie_here	04 Oct 2004
Thanks for that recommendatin Flavio. As far as councelling goes, I'm already studying it at college and will probably come across a lot of books. Talking about councelling in classes, what to say and what not to say, kept making me think about tarot, and what to say to seekers and what not to say. This is what led me to the question. I haven't personally come across councelling anyone who was distraught, but a lot of people come to ask the tarot cards because they have a problem on their minds and need advising, and this made me think whether you have to put on a "councelling hat" or just say, hey this is tarot, make your own mind up. (I wouldn't be that blunt though!)

purple_scorp	04 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by katie_here I haven't personally come across councelling anyone who was distraught, but a lot of people come to ask the tarot cards because they have a problem on their minds and need advising, and this made me think whether you have to put on a "councelling hat" or just say, hey this is tarot, make your own mind up. (I wouldn't be that blunt though!) Katie, Alissa put it so well when she described her skill of listening but also knowing the point at which you should refer the reader to a professional. The interesting thing about counselling and the like is that it's generally about making your own mind up anyhow. Professionals don't usually give you answers or advice. They are trained in empowering the patient, in providing them with the skills, and leading them through (or facilitating the process of) the path to self-knowledge; specifically so they (the patient) can make up their own mind. purple_scorp

fairyhedgehog	05 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Alissa I have read for some folks who needed a good counsellor a lot more than they needed a good reader. I'm usually fairly comfortable in adopting a listening ear, but am certainly no trained therapist. You are doing what a good counsellor would do: really listening, putting another perspective when that is appropriate and referring on anyone who needs more specialised help. It all sounds good to me :)

fairyhedgehog	05 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by purple_scorp Professionals don't usually give you answers or advice. That's so true, purple_scorp. It is all about empowering people.

The How much does Psychology and Councelling thread was originally posted on 02 Oct 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.