I apologize if this topic has been addressed before, but the search won't work at the moment and I'm really curious.
I recently read for a friend... three times in a row. There were two different matters to read about (work and relationship), and I don't mind that. However, I did mind that she didn't like my reading about her love life and made me do a second reading about it. She wouldn't have asked a professional that she was paying to do that.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had any tips to gently end a reading for someone. I did recently buy an oracle deck so I can sum up a reading with a card from that deck if I need to, but any other suggestions are more than welcome! Thanks in advance!
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When reading in public, I developed this routine: finish reading, stand up, thank the querant, hold out my hand and shake his/her hand, bid farewell and they leave. When reading at home, be clear when the reading is over and 'sufficient' amount of Q.s after-questions are asked and answered. Stack the cards up and put them an arm's length away.
You are having trouble with a 'friend', who thinks she can just make you do more readings until she hears what she wants. Tarot doesn't work that way nor should you.
This could go on for years.
The first few years (back in the Primeval swamp) when I was learning Tarot I noticed that my cards, when asked the same question repeatedly, usually spat out increasingly ugly hostile cards....like "Enough!". (mine got irritable when misused, threw high Swords and the Tower at me).
My advice is, explain to your friend that you don't manipulate or choose the cards that come up, you are merely the conduit who interprets the cards that appear in answer to her question. Clearly explain that each person is the best one to decide how to manage their life, understand their circumstances and make common sense choices...not a reader/ psychic or cards. If the cards shine illumination, objectivity or offer useful guidance on a question, well and good. If the querant feels that your reading and the cards are wrong, then by all means disregard them.
There are people, friends at home or members of the public who come to fairs for readings, who demand more and more of the psychic/ reader....in the metaphysical community in K.C., we called them 'Vampires'. These are often quite pleasant and piti-ful sweeties who we really wanted to help. They try to pull more and more, your effort, time and energy...even after the reader is finished and has explained everything three times. In trying to please, the reader can end up exhausted and/or with a headache. (I know from experience.. when I was 'new', an elder psychic had to tell me what I'm telling you). Give the reading, then announce that you're finished. Put the cards away.
Stand up and invite said friend to come to another room, see the garden, eat a cookie and change the subject. Done is done. if necessary, say the 'channel' has disconnected.
There is no time like the present to learn to say, 'NO' if you haven't already done so. I hear in your post that you're aggravated, justifiably so, over reading for that friend and being manipulated then insulted. Just don't read for her again in the near future. (that means a couple of months, not days/ weeks). Not as 'punishment', but to prevent her
wanting to be dependent on anyone but herself.
Pen
