Tarot Reading Dos and Don’ts

One of the many great aspects of psychic readings is that there’s a ton of variety — and we’re not just talking about the number of qualified advisors on-hand. Thanks to the different skills that psychics possess, each session isn’t a cut-and-dry experience. With that said, if you’ve never had a tarot card reading, it’s about time you familiarize yourself with this popular divination tool. 

The tarot practice is used to predict potential outcomes while assessing various influences connected to a person, circumstance, or both. A reading can help with every aspect of one’s life, to include personal growth, relationships, self-care, healing, major changes, goal-setting, and more.

While this concept may excite and intrigue you, slow down for a sec. Before you book a session with a spiritual advisor, here are some very important dos and don’ts you should be aware of if you want to get the most out of this tried and true psychic experience. 

DO…

familiarize yourself with the cards

No, we’re not suggesting you delay your reading until you’ve memorized all 78 cards in the deck, but it can be helpful to become familiar with the general meanings behind some of the most important cards — particularly the 22 major arcana as they influence the bigger things happening in your life. Getting to know the cards can also help you understand your reading better so that when the psychic blurts out “High Priestess” you already will have a general idea of what’s in store for you. 

be in the right frame of mind

This truly is one of the keys to the psychic kingdom for any reading you receive. If you’re under the influence (alcohol, drugs, or other illicit substances), stressed, in a bad mood, or simply don’t have your head on your shoulders that day, reschedule your reading. You’ll only be bringing negative energy into the session which the tarot reader will undoubtedly pick up on. Unfortunately, it’s apt to affect the outcome of your reading. 

ask open-ended questions

As with all psychic readings, tarot questions should be open-ended. So, basically not phrased in a way where you’ll get a basic “yes” or “no” response. The goal of tarot is to receive advice and insight that you can use to your advantage so choose your words wisely. A couple of examples of good open-ended questions include “How can I discover my soul purpose in life?” Or, “How can I get over my divorce so I can learn to love and trust again?”

believe that online tarot readings are effective

If you go into a reading filled with skepticism and doubt then you’ll never believe that what the reader is telling you is true. The reality is, the practice of tarot has been around for centuries and it would not have lasted this long if people did not find it to be beneficial. Only book a tarot reading if you’re ready to go in with an open mind and an open heart. 

find a quiet  place to receive your reading

Online tarot readings in the privacy of your home definitely have advantages (like anonymity, for example), but make sure you set yourself up in a quiet, distraction-free area — especially if you have a family or roommate. Along with privacy, you want to make sure you’re in a place where you can completely tune into the psychic. Take it a step further by lighting a candle or two, burning incense, and dimming the lights. If you’re alone or have a truly private place to yourself, consider putting the psychic on speakerphone so that you can record the conversation. That way, you can go back and review anything you may have missed the first time around. 

DON’T…

look at card meanings in a literal sense

No, the Devil doesn’t mean you’re going to Hell and Death doesn’t mean you’re going to die. While these cards do have some negative connotations, they are also about closing one door (typically one with something bad behind it) in order to open a new one. While a tarot reader will also explain the non-literal explanation as it pertains to your current situation, it’s still not a bad idea to have a general idea of what the cards mean as noted above.

assume all tarot readers are the same

Every reader possesses their own set of skills, unique personality, style, and special gifts, so no two psychics will deliver information in the same manner. The great thing about this is that you can obtain a wide range of guidance by changing up psychics once in a while — even if you have an absolute favorite. 

let a tarot reading rule your life

Never make major decisions solely based on intel provided in a psychic reading. Rather, take into account all of the information that was given to you in order to make the best decision for you. In other words, the reading should empower you, not take away your power. Don’t wait for things to magically happen in your life based on what you were told. 

do a reading for another person

While it can be tempting to want to do a reading for a sick parent or depressed friend, this is an absolute no-no. For starters, such a reading is unethical as you’re invading someone’s privacy without their consent. To be honest, most psychics (especially if they are ethical) wouldn’t even go there. Also, even if you were to find a tarot reader to agree to such a scenario, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive accurate information. If you really want to try and help a loved one, incorporate them into your reading with questions such as, “What can I do to make my mom feel more safe and calm during her illness? Or, “What are the best ways I can support my friend who is going through a difficult time?” See what just happened there? The answers you receive will support your behavior, not the other person. 

believe in superstitions

We get it, tarot is a bit mysterious, but silly superstitions such as being cursed from touching a deck of cards will only hold you back by creating a roadblock. Once your energy and thought process is off, it can be difficult to get yourself to believe the practice truly does work.