When Reading For Others...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Cassandra022	25 Apr 2005
I havent actually done a reading for others in a long time, but a question has been nagging at me. Sorry if this has been asked before; didn't see a thread about it. Basically, when you read for others, do you explain the cards, what they mean/how they complement explain each other etc. to the querent, or do you interpret it yourself (silently) and tell them only your conclusion, or something in the middle? I mostly read for myself these days, or more commonly just study/meditate with the cards, and I'm not really sure about what would be the best way to go about reading for someone else.

tarotbear	26 Apr 2005
Since I do not ask the Querent for their question ahead of time, I start flipping over the cards and start talking as I go. I explain what the positions mean and what the card is and work it all in together.

Marquise	26 Apr 2005
Actually I think knowing what the question is, is helpful to get a better understanding of the situation. I start by laying the cards, and telling the querent the positions, and the meaning to the cards. Then I discuss what it can probably mean relating to the situation, and work with the information the querent gives.

tarotbear	26 Apr 2005
I do best with a 'cold reading.' Knowing the question ahead of time influences me by influencing 'how' I perceive the answer from the tone of the question, and also to what kind of answer the Querent is expecting. It is all a matter of personal style and taste. I like the challenge! :smoker:

Marquise	26 Apr 2005
I agree about the challenge but it is harder to understand IMO without knoqin the question. The interpretations an be way to general without knowing the question.

psychic sue	26 Apr 2005
When I first began to read the cards, I never thought to ask for a question! My friends used to just shuffle them, and then I would read them - usually one particular suit would stand out, and we would assume "the cards were talking" about money, or emotions, or whatever. As time went on, I developed a little psychic link, which would generally tell me from the first couple of cards, what we were talking about. Now when I read, people usually tell me before hand what they want to know, and if it is something specific, then I look through my spreads and find one that suits their question. It's a matter of what works best for you, I think (as with any tarot question). So, my short answer is - I do both. Although I agree with Tarot Bear that "cold" readings can sometimes be more accurate. Sue x

Kaylee Marie	26 Apr 2005
I definitely vocalize my thoughts about the cards' meanings and connections to each other. I think it helps get the querant involved in the reading. But Mercury is strongly placed in my chart, so I just need to talk to think, it seems. Whether it be tarot, life problems, or creative writing, I can "see" much more clearly if I talk it out with another person (even if that person is mostly just listening to me ramble). Not everyone is this way though. I know others who will just sit quietly and then come out with a full-blown conclusion. Our minds all work differently and you just need to find out how yours works best, then flow with it. Cheers, Kaylee

Gwynne	26 Apr 2005
I like to have a question ahead of time, but a lot of my readings lately are spur of the moment "Oh I see you do readings..." sort of thing when I'm sitting in the shop in the middle of the mall... So they don't really have a question, just want a general reading. I have a spread I use for that, gives general info about all areas of life. As I talk and touch on various things, that's when the questions come up.

Vadella	26 Apr 2005
I did for my friend. It was only because she is a very curious person and always, always asks why to anything. haha

manuel ruiz	27 Apr 2005
well when i do a general reading, i dotn ask a question to the consultant, but i explain him, each and every card, and then the answer

The When Reading For Others... thread was originally posted on 25 Apr 2005 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.