If you’re curious about what to expect in a tarot reading, this post is for you!
However, it’s worth noting that all readers have different approaches and styles. So for the purposes of this post, I’ll be talking about what to expect in a tarot reading with me.
For me, tarot is about using my intuition and highly sensitive gifts to feel into your energy and the energy of the cards and deliver any messages that are meant for you.
Here’s what you can expect in a reading with me.
A little conversation (and help, if needed) to create a solid question
I want you to get the most out of your reading, so I prefer to start each reading with a questionnaire that gives me some idea of what’s going on for you, what brought you to a reading, and what you hope to get out of your reading.
I’ll also ask you what question you’d like to ask.
In most cases, this is the starting point for a conversation. Together we’ll hone in on what you really want to know from the cards and what’s the best question you can be asking to get the answers you’re seeking.
If you want to know more about this topic, you can check out this post on how to ask powerful tarot questions.
Confirmation, validation, and clarity
In some cases, a tarot reading may not tell you anything you don’t already know.
However, it likely will help you get clear on what’s going on for you so you can take confident, decisive action.
It can also bring you the confirmation and validation you need if you’re uncertain about the direction you’re headed in or what path you should be taking. If you’re feeling stuck or waffling on a decision, a reading can cut through the overthinking and tell you what you need to know to move forward.
It can also bring up some more subconscious truths and concerns that need to be addressed.
Some guidance, coaching, and channeled messages
I consider myself to be primarily a guidance and coaching style of reader.
I’ll look into the cards for guidance, advice, and any messages you need to hear to help you reach your desired outcome.
I have a deep interest in psychology and psychological research (I’m currently working my way through Brene Brown’s work). This means the messages and advice that comes up for me are typically equal parts spiritual and psychologically supported.
This doesn’t mean there aren’t any predictions or intuitive messages in my readings–there absolutely are! I would just rather focus my readings on how you can make something happen for you, as opposed to if something will happen for you.
A mix of tarot and oracle cards
I typically like to pull tarot cards and read those at the start of your reading. Then, I’ll layer in a healthy amount of oracle cards to add additional messages and clarity.
If you’re unfamiliar with the difference between these types of cards, tarot cards have a pretty standard structure. The direct meanings can vary slightly based on the deck and the images. However, there are predetermined meanings at the root of these decks.
Oracle cards are much more open. They often have phrases and images on each card. There isn’t any predetermined meaning to these cards. They often come with a guidebook, but I prefer to read them intuitively.
This adds an extra layer of conformation, clarity, and insight.
Very little spreads
I don’t often use spreads in my readings.
If you’re new to tarot, a spread is a more specific arrangement of the cards. For instance, if you have a three card spread, you may decide that one card represents your current situation, one card represents the outcome you’d like to achieve, and the third card is what you need to do to get there.
The size of the spread can vary and can be customized based on the information you’d like to obtain from the reading.
Spreads can be wonderful for unpacking a more complex problem, asking for some very specific guidance, or for a special occasion. These are instances where I’ll use a spread.
However, I found the downside of spreads is that they can sometimes be a little bit limiting. It can almost feel like we’re trying to control the messages that come out a little too much.
Because of this, I often prefer to pull a handful cards while concentrating on the question and allow the messages that need to be heard to come out.
This feels more authentic and fluid to me 90% of the time, which I think leads to a more helpful reading.
Bonus: What NOT to expect
You should not expect to know your future at the end of your reading.
Tarot can absolutely be used for predictions, and as I’ve said, you’ll get some predictions and intuitive messages from me. But Tarot is not intended to dictate your fate.
At the end of the day, we all have free will. Any predictions in the reading are based on the energy that’s present at the reading (yours and the card’s).
But again, this is a reading on the current energy. Which means if you make a different choice or something extremely unexpected occurs, the energy can shift and change your direction.
This is part of why I prefer to structure my readings around how you can create the outcomes you want and not what will happen to you.
If you’d like to see my style in action, you can check out the sample readings page.
Want to try this out for yourself?
If you’re ready to try tarot out for yourself, you’re in luck!
Foreshadow Intuitive Tarot offers a handful of tarot readings for you to try out. Some of these readings are built around a preconceived question, but everything can be customized.
I specialize in helping soul seekers, creators, and highly sensitive people break free from from society and create their best lives. But there are options for you even if you don’t feel like you fall into one of those camps.
For more on my Tarot philosophy, you can can check out the About page.
If you’d like to know even more about me, you can read my story here.
If you’ve had a reading before, what was your experience? If you haven’t, what are you most curious about? Tell me about it in the comments!
