When to Read for others

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Jun 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Moonchild1721	14 Jun 2005
At what point do you start reading the Tarot for others? I have been studying Tarot on and off for 5 years, and have done occasional readings for friends, but I haven't really felt comfortable doing it. How long did it take for most of you to get to the point where you felt comfortable doing readings for others? Thanks for any input you may have! Samantha

Alissa	14 Jun 2005
Psssssst~! ;) (Alissa whispers dramatically) "It never really gets easier, you just get used to it. And the only way to "get used to it" is to start doing it... and then keep doing it!" ;) I read for myself and friends for about 10 years, the first 5 informally and the last five, I was using one deck, and learning to open to the imagery. If you think proficiency comes from books, you may not be ready. Believe in Yourself. Believe you can receive the message that's meant to be spoken. See if it doesn't happen.... I didn't learn about Real Tarot Reading until I read for strangers. Suddenly, you realize you have no touchstone of familiarity, that you can sink or swim, utterly and completely... and therein lies the true education of Tarot. It is a bit scary, and awe-inspiring. Believe in Yourself. It's scary, and you're wondering if you just failed miserably or not in front of this stranger, no matter how "on" it feels at first. Confidence takes building, and repetition build familiarity to your cards' voice in a whole new way. Your imagery may change as you are forced to open yourself into new avenues of Tarot reading. The biggest lesson I've learned, when reading for the public, is to always remember: They Will Remember. They may sit at your table, and laugh at what you do. They may sit at your table, and listen to you with big eyes, enraptured. They may look bored, or they may hang on your every word. Regardless... Regardless... They Will Remember What You Say. This leads to the responsibility of realizing what comes out of your mouth can Profoundly affect the life of another - whether you like it or not, they may take your words and make serious decisions based off your cards' advice. Or they may remember what you've said, and live their life proving "that psychic" wrong. I believe that by remembering and honoring this simple message, They Will Remember, we act responsibly as we hold their hands and escort them into our own world of Tarot. That is, to me, our most sacred duty to the public. Umbrae says, "Why do you read Tarot?" Knowing this helps a lot in setting your intention for public reading. (And the world desperately needs every light worker upon it... none should hide their gifts when the Universe so desperately needs you. To thine own Gifts, be True).

tarotbear	14 Jun 2005
You start reading tarot for others whenever you feel comfortable about doing it. And can accept the responsibility for what you say. Many of my students say 'Oh, I don't want to read for others! I'd be/get too (fill in the blank)! I only want to read for myself! Someday, somewhere, someone will find out you read Tarot cards, and is going to ask you for a reading. They won't be pulling your leg, have been put up to it by someone else, or just curious. They will be asking for your help. On that grand day, no matter how much you protest about your lack of (fill in the blank), you will pull out your cards and do a reading for them. And you will wonder what took you so long to do it. :smoker:

Fulgour	14 Jun 2005
Read together with people, or have others read your cards for you as they see them. A "reading" can be mutually revealing too!

Umbrae	14 Jun 2005
I have to agree with everything said. Alissa, Tarotbear, and Fulgour give good advice. I only have one thing to add – when you first start, you’re gonna be scared, nervous – the little voice in the back of your head will yell, “What are you doing?” So ya suck up and do it. The sooner you get over that fear, the sooner you’ll find yourself in a position to assist those that come to you for real help… If you’re filled with fear of being (insert proper verbiage here), getting the message that they so need to hear across to them may be… …they might miss it… Get out there! Read for others! Ride on the tide of chaos, where the past meets the future…

tmgrl2	14 Jun 2005
tmgrl here.... still riding on the tide of chaos... and I still have that not-so-little voice inside when I set up a reading...that says... WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE THAT YOU ARE DOING THIS??? This is part of what it is to be human no matter what we do...even in our professional lives. Then... I do it. I love it! I am beginning to see the "doubter" and the "questioner" as challenges.... Also, they are coming to you for a reason...they want something... In my limited experience reading live, I have felt at the end that I have done my best....and the interaction during the process usually gets the sitter engaged in the topic they need to explore..... I said this in another similar thread...but start by telling people...friends, family, friends of friends, work colleagues ........... "I read Tarot." I love to watch their faces.... Some laugh Some say...."Aw, you don't really believe in that stuff do you???" or "Get outta here....since when???" But usually, there is at least ONE person who comes to me quietly and says... "Could we set up a time ...I really would love a reading." Go from there...trust yourself, the Tarot and believe that As it is above, so it is below...I believe this.... And share your experiences with us here, if you choose to do so...we all learn from each other. It's really all about love and hope....which send fear and anxiety marching. terri

dadsnook2000	14 Jun 2005
Go to a bookstore-coffeeshop with a couple of friends that also read Tarot. Pull out some cards, do readings for each other. Someone will quickly show up at your table and ask for a reading. Do a group reading, let one read and the others comment, or each do a card in sequence. Me, I just started reading when I knew (or thought I knew) what I was doing. There is nothing like experience and life isn't a spectator sport. Ease in, jump in, just don't hang around and wish. Good luck. Dave.

Moonchild1721	14 Jun 2005
Thanks, everyone, for all your advice! It's true, I will just have to suck it up and start doing it! Samantha

The When to Read for others thread was originally posted on 14 Jun 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.