Heading Back to the Kitchen Table...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Nov 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

TemperanceAngel	08 Nov 2004
I feel as though I am doing a full circle, I want to start reading at my kitchen table again. You have a cuppa, a chat and a reading and everyone's happy. There's not this rushing 'you've paid for half an hour' and then time's up and the next client is waiting. The reading takes however long you need. I am thinking I will allow two hours for each client: in case they are running late, time to chat, read and chat. Have a cuppa and then plenty of time for the next person! So that will be four readings a day...great, can fit lunch in there too. Easy :D But will it work in todays 'busy society'? What am I rambling about? Fifteen years into my Tarot journey and my, how things are changed. When I first purchased a deck at 19 I had no idea what would come out of it. How I loved that deck, how I cherished it. It came everywhere with me, it has brought much entertainment, laughs, tears, insight, joy, sadness and wisdom to those who have come in contact with it. It travelled the world with me. It intrigued people, introduced folk to the cards... Years went by and I started to read at my kitchen table, not for money in those days. I would never read for money. Someone would pop by, no appointment, no phone call, just paying a visit and we would be having a cuppa and a chat. After a while I would ask if they would like a reading, as it appeared that they had come for advice. We would get the cards out. Sometimes we would spend 3-5 hours pondering the cards, our conversation, the Universe, our navels.... And then it came time for me to step into the 'professional' arena. It happened very quickly, all meant to be of course! I worked from a shop in Edinburgh owned by Buddhists. I'm not a Buddhist, but I respect everyone's choice to their beliefs. I had fun there, nothing like being thrown in at the deep end....LOL... I started to work at Psychic Fairs, a real eye opener...I was so easy going, didn't have a set price or a time...just went with the flow. Much to the annoyance of other readers I might add! Leaving Scotland and returning to Australia I started reading from home, not my kitchen table though. It didn't work, I didn't really enjoy. I started working from a shop again. This time owned by a Witch. I am not a Witch, but have found the whole experience one where I have learned a lot and met wonderful people. But it's still not my kitchen table. And I miss my kitchen table readings. What happened at my table was the most wonderful experiences. And I want to do it again! Back to my roots, and I think that Tarot has a place at many a 'kitchen table' over the centuries.... And Markets, taking my kitchen table to Markets....being a Gypsy girl. Reading for who I choose to, when I want, for as long (or short) as I choose. The thing about my first deck, it recently came out to be used again. I never really gelled with other decks. I love my first deck and people love it too! So old and worn... There is so much wisdom to be gained from the Tarot with friends at your 'kitchen table.' Where do you read from? Where did you start reading? Where would you like to read? Please share your journeys with me.

amyel	08 Nov 2004
Wow TA. there's so much I want to say, but it's Monday night and I am tired after a long day at work and trying to eat at the same time as posting. So forgive me if I sound ackward. I have admiration for people who can do public readings. I would not feel comfortable doing it, but have no "ethical tarot problems" with those who do. But that's not really what your post was about. I think going back to your kicthen table sounds like what you really want to do. Like you, I much perfer the relaxed give & take, like two friends (whether friends or not) have. I often tell those I read for, especially those not familar with tarot, that it isn't what I tell them, it's what they take out of it that matters. And sometimes, you have to have that give & take to really figure out what the cards are saying. I read for myself in my bedroom, on my bed. For others, a little less intimacy is perhaps more appropriate, so I read eitehr form my dining room table or from the coffee table in the living room. ACK! My brain is failing now, so I'll add more later if I feel better inspired. I had great inspiration in the kitchen as I was making my dinner...but maybe that was just the fod talking....

MeeWah	08 Nov 2004
I read at my kitchen table. It represents a practice of many, many years. Wherever I lived, I read in the kitchen. At one time in the present home I maintained a library/den, a diningroom & a guest room. Had plans to devise a library/office/Tarot room, but as the family grew, in order to give each child his/her own room I had to discard all of the other purposes. So the Tarotwork has remained in the kitchen. As the kitchen has a sliding door to close it off from the rest of the house, it is the perfect place for me to conduct reading sessions. In-person sessions have privacy, & even readings without the client are undisturbed. My kitchen is the heart of my home. I spend a lot of time in it seeing to the household concerns; read books & meditate at the kitchen table. Family members & friends tend to gravitate to the kitchen rather than the livingroom. No other room in the house conveys love & warmth as well as my kitchen--the setting of many gatherings in the physical & in spirit; the rituals & the seasonal observances.

TemperanceAngel	08 Nov 2004
amyel and MeeWah, thanks so much for your responses! My post really came from my heart and I feel as though there is more to say... MeeWah you have hit the nail on the head, the heart of the home...it's where everyone gathers, the days events get told, we drink our cuppa in the morning, saying nothing just thinking, we read the paper there, we pour our hearts out there. It's where people get together. I love telling stories, to me the Tarot is a form of storytelling :)

TemperanceAngel	08 Nov 2004
amyel wrote: I much perfer the relaxed give & take, like two friends (whether friends or not) have. I read for myself in my bedroom, on my bed. For others, a little less intimacy is perhaps more appropriate, so I read eitehr form my dining room table or from the coffee table in the living room. I love that amyel, the relaxed give and take btween two friends. Like a telephone conversation we all have to put something in or the line will go dead. Aaahhhhh...yes! Reading on the bed! I used to love reading on my bed...

Imagemaker	08 Nov 2004
The kitchen table is where I read for friends, the natural gathering place in all of our homes. I love those conversations, two friends exploring the angles and corners of our lives. We often take turns as querent, even if they don't know tarot, because I'm always sharing info as I read. It's a comfortable niche that brings out insights and good cheer.

sagitarian	08 Nov 2004
TemperanceAngel wrote: Where do you read from? Where did you start reading? Where would you like to read? Please share your journeys with me. Thanks for sharing all of that TA! I started reading at Denny's Restaurants. From there, i took my cards everywhere and read everywhere, for anyone who wanted a reading. Once i was at a party and read for some friends (and strangers) at this party. One of the strangers i read for, well, let's just say i got scared by my own ability and accuracy, this reading involved an actual real death, and that was scary. I put my cards down for years, occasionally i would read for family members, or a very very close friend. Finally, I decided it was time to begin reading again (after 5 yrs). I looked for my deck of cards, and it was RUINED. I tossed the deck out and continued to not read at all for about another year. At that point, my sister introduced me to this site (Alissa is my sister), and I joined. She bought me a new deck of cards, and has inspired me to look into other decks as well as expand myself spiritually, and artistically. I started working for a metaphysical bookstore (owned by a witch) and I didn't like the experience really. Although i do appreciate how much it challenged me. I'm now married with three children and can't go plop down in a booth at Denny's to do readings, but I do have a healthy social life, and commonly, friends will come over, and I'll hold a spiritual circle, where we talk about cards, spirituality, and I practice my henna art on them. It's a lot of fun. So I have been doing readings from "my kitchen table" for about a year now. I don't charge, but often my friends will leave me money anyways. I have to say, I really do enjoy doing readings from my kitchen table, there is a special, endearing conversation that goes on, when your in a personal setting amongst friends. Sagitarian

amyel	08 Nov 2004
TemperanceAngel wrote: ... the heart of the home ...it's where everyone gathers, the days events get told, we drink our cuppa in the morning, saying nothing just thinking, we read the paper there, we pour our hearts out there. It's where people get together. Yes, for my house, the living room is the heart of the house. So perhaps what we are all saying is that the best readings come from the heart.

Nevada	08 Nov 2004
I can certainly understand the call of that comfy kitchen table. I'm a person who detests time limits of any kind. When I entered the working world of quotas and deadlines, I didn't know if I would survive. I literally feared becoming homeless or something, because that just wasn't how I operated. I survived, but now I am back to making my own schedule--which I'm terrible at. :D I think people like me, with the time hangup, need at least one part of our lives where the wristwatch comes off and it's just you and the activity (or the friend or loved one). With me, knitting, drawing or painting, and reading fiction are definitely in that loose, no-clocks category. Sometimes I steal a whole day just to engage in one or the other. Tarot readings for myself can be the same way, especially the big ones like a birthday reading or new year reading. Sometimes I'll keep the same spread out for days. I often read on the bed. There's so much space! :D Nevada

TemperanceAngel	08 Nov 2004
amyel wrote: So perhaps what we are all saying is that the best readings come from the heart. I love that because it's so simple and beautiful! I wonder how many Tarot readings come from the heart in the professional reading arena? I mean places like shops and fairs, where one needs to 'perform' so many readings in one day... Thnaks Imagemaker, sagitarian and Nevada for your stories :D

Phoenix Rising	08 Nov 2004
Hi Temperance Angel, Yes the good old kitchen table. We all seem to start at this place. At present I am reading from my kitchen table, and i love it. Because I don't have to go rushing around to other peoples premises etc. I like to get a bond with the person, so I always have a cup of tea or coffee. It's interesting lately, people have been coming around and they leave a donation, for the reading. Or else they might bring a cake. I've found that with their exchange my readings are more insightful. But you will probably enjoy doing your readings there. "Home is where the heart is!"

tarotlova	09 Nov 2004
You know it's funny but I always wanted to read professionaly, until I started to read this thread, I then realised that when I did read professionaly, I wasn't happy, I was more happy when I read at home or at my freinds homes, infact I don't realy care if I never do a professional reading again, I will stick to reading for myself and freinds, and now I am teaching my 12 year old to read the cards, we are starting off with Titanias Fortune Cards as she seems to have a real affinity with these ones I get her to tell me what she "see's" before I let her look up the meaning it's been fun! Blessings

RedMaple	09 Nov 2004
Yes, sometimes it's a mistake to do things we love for money. I've pretty much decided to keep tarot reading something I do for friends and family.

Osher	09 Nov 2004
I began reading at the kitchen table, the bed, and wherever I was with friends if they wanted a reading. Often it would be living rooms, but even restaurants, and offices! Now, I tend to read at my desk, in my bedroom, as well in friend's livingrooms (but not so common these days). Anyway, as I read this, I thought, why try and describe where I read, when I can photograph it, and post it! The pic was taken a few minutes ago. What do I miss? I miss going to friend's houses, chilling out, reading, and using the Tarot as a springboard for discussion. Everyone seems to be too busy and/or have children.

TemperanceAngel	10 Nov 2004
Great picture, Osher, I think many ATers can relate to reading at the desk :) I think it's possible to read for money and enjoy it, as long as you are where you are comfortable... Tarot is how I make my living and I love it! I love meeting people and being privelage to their stories, their journeys. PhoenixRising I love what you say about exchange, it's so true. When I ask a friend to do something for me I want to pay them, if they say no we have to work out what else is appropriate. You offer a service and to say it's for free is up to you, but I think it deminishes part of the original intention of that action. tarotlova don't be put off by this thread, I have enjoyed every part of reading professionally and learnt so much. people will still be paying for readings at my kitchen table, but I will choose the exchange, not a shop. RedMaple, I agree. I love photography, but would never like to do it as my job because I know I wouldn't love it anymore....

Sulis	10 Nov 2004
I don't read for other people very much and do most of my readings on my bed. What's become apparent to me when reading this thread though is that 'The Kitchen table' is more about the way you read. If I understand correctly TA the thing you're missing is that friendly, unhurried way of reading - as Amyel has said 'I much perfer the relaxed give & take, like two friends (whether friends or not) have.' This is what I'm aiming for with my reflexology business - I go to clients' homes - I'd hate to work in a clinic and only have an hour per person and then they have to be hurried out of the door. I treat people in their own living rooms or lounges - no rush, I often have a cup of tea and a chat. Not tarot reading I know but I thought it was similar enough to be worth a mention. Love Sulis xx

13thFaeChylde	10 Nov 2004
I've really enjoyed reading everyone's stories....makes me wish that one of you were nearby and that I could scoot over for a cuppa and some advice. I only read for people via the internet, so I've never experienced the "kitchen table" feeling...but maybe one day I will. Of course, that would involve clearing off the table, so that might take awhile :)

TemperanceAngel	10 Nov 2004
Sulis wrote: What's become apparent to me when reading this thread though is that 'The Kitchen table' is more about the way you read. If I understand correctly TA the thing you're missing is that friendly, unhurried way of reading - as Amyel has said 'I much perfer the relaxed give & take, like two friends (whether friends or not) have.' Yes I think you are correct Sulis :) When I started this thread I wasn't too sure really where it was going, but for me on a personal level I needed to explore...and from my posts and everyone elses is what you have stated, it's about the way of reading, perhaps not so much as where... 13thFaeChylde: I wish you could pop around too for a chat, reading and cuppa... You may have to clear your own table to make way for what this thread has spoken about ;)

Hawks_girl_dove	10 Nov 2004
I usually read at my dinning room table. My kitchen is always real busy, as i LOVE to cook, and something is almost always simmering on the stove, or baking in the oven. Plus my kitchen isnt real big. But my dinning room is kind o comfy yet dramtic looking. sage gren walls. And a news table cloth i made. Deep greens and purples, with streaks of gold in it. Cozy chairs, a book shelf thats got a huge gren silk scarf draped over it so its not so imposing with all its books....... Nice sunlioght through 2 windows, plants, and a mirror to reflect light. Every one says it ads that sence of mystery or drama....and gives a prfoessional air to it. Though s o fyet...i dont read or money. Just do friendly readings for friends/family with a cuppa, cards and chat! I think i get more back than i give from the experience. Maybe later, when i am more confident, i will try the "professional" rout. But i have to agree with you......the cozyness of home and a cuppa and oconversation always has more ambiance! bright blessings,

Fulgour	12 Nov 2004
Back in college, away from home, my kitchen table was headquarters for everthing. I usually had a small place, but everybody was always comfortable gathered there.

magpie9	12 Nov 2004
Fulgour Said: Quote: my kitchen table was headquarters for everthing. It brings backs memories---all those Earth Mother years, when the kitchen was the center of my world. Must have rolled out 1000 pie crusts on that old wooden table, must of read 1000 layouts there, too. "Mags Floating House Party", was what we called it, and there was always enough stew in the pot for a few more people. Those were very good years in many ways. :) Nowadays, I would have to do entirely too much cleaning much too often in order to do kitchen-table readings. What I do instead is go to a local coffee House where I have an arraingement with the owner that I can just come in and read for tips, when I want to. Did it Halloween this year, and it was very kitchen table for me. I must have done a dozen teens at $1. each, and enjoyed them Very Much. Did a few grownups, too, and came home happy with $55. ! Not a vast fortune, but a good energy exchange. I like that I don't have to count cards and charge that way, or count minutes and charge that way either. It makes the whole thing really very fun and relaxing. It feels very close to my old Kitchen table this way. :)

TemperanceAngel	07 Dec 2004
Well, I definately need a new kitchen table! Having a break after exams this week and getting my house prepared for clients entering it and wondering when I am ready to start reading from home. The phone started ringing and before I knew it I was booking a couple of people in :D Now the thing is I haven't read for three weeks now, very strange.... I am sure I will remember how to, LOL!

The Heading Back to the Kitchen Table... thread was originally posted on 08 Nov 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.