How Seriously You Should Take Your Tarot Reading, According To An Expert
I've been to tarot readers all the way from New York City, to New Orleans, and even Los Angeles, and I've been learning to read my own cards as well.
While I'd consider myself an experienced tarot reader, I wouldn't call myself an expert at an art which is largely interpretive, and maybe that's because I'm pretty logical for someone who's into this kind of sh*t.
But I've had friends, and even readers of my articles, contact me to say they are literally scared of a tarot reading they got somewhere, so I figured I should probably clear a few things up.
Tarot Readings Are About As Serious As A 30-Day Weather Report
Monthly weather reports are predictions that say, "Based on the way things are going now, in a month they could look like this..."
Every card you pull and every piece of advice you get in a tarot reading is subject to change, and ultimately, that change is up to you.
Tarot isn't so much defined as a prediction of the future, as much as it is an indication of where you stand now, and where your own inner voice is leading you.
Tarot Readings Are Not Literal
Tarot, like astrology, is laden with symbolism; it's not literal.
If you take it that way, you will appear insane on the outside and feel insane on the inside.
The meanings and the pictures on the cards are meant to be symbols, in spite of the fact that the words on some of them might seem pretty straightforward.
You'll probably be relieved to hear that, if you've ever pulled the "Death" card, it's actually more of a representation of transformation -- a symbolic death, and a period of rebirth that follows.
In an interview with Elite Daily, Kate Wolff, a professional tarot reader and practicing Kabbalistic Healer at Society of Souls in New York City explains,
Humans LOVE precise explanations of how our lives are supposed to end up. Try to hold loosely whatever it is you were told. When I read for people, I try not to tell them what's coming, because they forget the present moment. So whatever it is you are hoping for, try to come back to your body and remember that the universe always has big gifts for us around the corner even if they don't look the way we think they should.
Tarot Readings Can Empower Or Disempower You, If You Let Them
Because the philosophy of the tarot is based on inner wisdom, the number one message of any tarot reading should be that you have the power to heal yourself, and the path to a better life begins with you.
The tarot simply offers advice for moving forward, but that advice is actually coming from within yourself, because you (or the reader) is the one interpreting the cards.
This is why it's particularly fun to get a reading from someone you don't know, but you should never take it too seriously. A good tarot reader builds trust with their clients and has a relationship with them.
Wolff says,
Only take in the information that feels right in your body. If something felt off or harmful in the reading, do not take it in. Some readers unconsciously skew the information they pick up on because of their own wounds or misperceptions. It's always crucial to follow your own instincts on the healing path.
Think of it this way: If you were to walk into a salon you'd never been to, and you allowed a stranger to cut your hair, it'd be nice if they did a good job, but would you be surprised if you looked like sh*t walking out?
No, because you know that a good hair stylist is one you know and trust.
