The Tarot Reading Disclaimer

So you’re considering a tarot reading?  I’ve constructed this disclaimer style listing as a means to give you a fair idea of what you should expect during a tarot reading (and this goes for any reading, not just mine).  What is listed is not meant to discourage you from wanting a tarot reading.  It is rather to discourage misconceptions as well as discourage repetition of undesired situations that have come up in the past.  If there are any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to get in touch with me about it.

Things To Consider Before Your Reading:

• SECRETS
• The card reader is not held responsible for any private information that comes up during your reading.  That being said, please understand that there is always that possibility that sensitive topics will arise during the course of your reading.  The reader is merely translating what the cards have laid out.
• This means (for example) that if you are cheating on your partner, it isn’t the brightest move to have them within earshot of the reading.
• If you’ve been purposefully avoiding something, don’t assume the cards will acknowledge this and graciously move on.
• QUESTIONS
• The querrent is welcome to ask any question.  However, there is no commitment on behalf of the cards to respond in any expected manner.
• While they may choose to answer exactly what you have asked, there are many ways which are also considered valid responses to a question.  These responses may include:
• Refusing to give any type of response
• Ignoring the question and giving you unrelated information
• Usually this is still important information
• Replying with an insult
• This is especially the case of belligerence
• CONDUCT
• It is strongly recommended that, even if you see a tarot reading as nothing more than novelty, an attitude of professional politeness is maintained.  
• At the very least, this is considered a kindness to the reader that has taken time out of their day to read for you.
• It is also good form to provide undivided attention.  
• This means no cellphones, 4Chan, solitaire, texts, IM’s, or screaming children.  
• If you feel you are in some mitigating circumstance here, ask the reader before you begin.
• COMPANY
• It can be intimidating for some to receive a tarot reading.  While some tarot readers prefer the readings to be private, many will allow you to bring “moral support”.  It is general good form to ask before hand.
• If you bring them, or allow them to follow you...you are then vouching for their behavior.
• Your companies behavior can have repercussions on your reading.  It is advised they follow the same guidelines as well
• It is restated that if you do not want someone to be aware of some of the darker aspects, it is wisest to leave them at the proverbial door. 

• COMPENSATION
• It is reasonable for the reader to ask for payment.  This can be in the form of a monetary agreement or trade in the form of items or service.  You also may offer compensation if one is not asked for as a sign of appreciation. 

If you’re okay with all that...

What To Know Before Your Reading:

• CARDS
• All card decks are different and have slightly to greatly different meanings compared to other decks.
• Do not assume that you can interpret another’s deck because you have one (or many) of your own
• Not only is this fairly rude, but it can end up being frustrating for all parties involved when you are incorrect
• Do not assume that because you’ve read a general book on tarot, that you can interpret another’s cards
• Some readers have more than one deck.
• It is an option for the querrent to request any of these decks.  But it is at the discretion of the reader (if not the deck itself) to accept.
• SPREADS
• Everyone does their spreads differently.  Sometimes there are set places for strict layouts.  Sometimes there are very organic, free-form layouts.
• One is not better over another
• One does not show more expertise as a reader than another depending on their spread
• Just as in the cards, do not assume that because a spread resembles another (or one that you use) that you are free to correct them in their translation of the reading.
• QUESTIONS TO THE CARDS   
• The cards are not free for the first ten minutes and $0.99/minute after that like a 1-800 number.  Nor are they card trick magicians or trained dolphins.
• This means that they are under no obligation to perform any other way than the way they choose.
• Before considering a question like what number you’re thinking of, your favorite color, or what you’re going to have for dinner...think on this:
• If you put up three fingers in the face of a blind man and ask him how many fingers you’re holding up.  Chances are his senses are heightened enough at the very least to tell where you and and where your hand is.  He can therefore grab your hand and feel for himself.  HOWEVER, it is just as easy (if not more satisfying as well) to reach out and smack you upside the head.
• If the cards have not answered your question, but proceed on a different topic; consider this the cards way of saying “What you asked doesn’t really matter...but here’s what you should be focusing on”
• QUESTIONS TO THE READER
• All tarot readers are different, but you should feel welcome to ask questions about what they are doing.
• While under no obligation to answer, many will try and explain to the best of their ability.
• This usually goes even more so for people with curiosity, and not so much for a snarky attitude looking for loopholes
• If part of the reading doesn’t make sense, feel welcome to question them on it.  While there is no guarantee, there is always they option they are able to elaborate.
• Sometimes things that don’t make sense are things that you’re just not yet aware of, or things you’re willfully ignoring.
• OTHER GENERAL INFO
• There are times when there will be explicit details given, and others when they will be intentionally vague.  It generally has little to do with the reader.
• Consider the reader as a translator for another person who speaks a foreign language.  The reader cannot produce a translated speech out of silence.
• Sometimes the cards will tell you only general information that you feel you already know.
• This is usually the sign to quit focusing on looking for something else, all you need to consider you already know...move along
• The cards should not be considered word from the heavens and be the last thing you consult before a major life decision
• They are for providing insight, not making decisions for you.
• Nothing in the reading is guaranteed.  From whether the reading will be positive, negative, talkative, condescending, helpful, vague, blunt, a single card, the whole deck, on sensitive subjects, or humoring you so you just shut up and go away.
• The cards have an attitude all their own
• If you’re looking for something more specific and easy to pin down, try fortune cookies or a Magic8Ball

...still interested?

A Final Word From Me:

    Whether or not you truly believe in tarot cards, or fortune telling in general; I have had too many experiences not to give them credit.  While I laugh and joke, I do take these with a level of seriousness.  

I’ve been doing readings over Skype as well as in person.  This allows me to take a photo of the reading so you have a reference being I don’t use traditional spreads.  This also means that when using Skype, I’ve generally been in a group with a few friends that have either been on the cast or fans of the PaganCenteredPodcast.  The exact group is never set, but just be forewarned that there may be others in the chat if you tag me randomly.  While I’m not going to invite you into a group with people that will make inappropriate comments beyond normal, let me know if you want a specifically private reading.

I have several decks that I use most frequently, and I’ll give a brief note on them before you set up a reading with me.

Archeon Tarot:  This is the deck I use most often.  It’s know as the asshole deck, the terror deck, the deck of death, and so on, by the PCP crew.  I’ve been told by at least one person, they couldn’t decide whether to feel impressed or violated after a reading...and this is not always an uncommon reaction.  It doesn’t like to be touched by other people without direct invitation, and I’ve been witness to people getting “bit” if they touch it without it.  I’ve worked with this deck the longest, and it’s given people readings that equal everything from a sigh of relief to the brink of emotional crash.  This is not because they are unnecessarily cruel, but rather they have an affinity for blunt truth.  If that blunt truth happens to be painful, they are quite alright...if not a little bit amused...with that.  They’re unconventional, and have a major attitude.  They have also been known to refuse readings for whatever reason they hold.

Shadowscapes Tarot:  This deck has a completely different attitude.  It is more light and spiritual, though not always comfortable and pleasant.  It usually tends to deal in more soulful readings.  This is a fairly new deck for me, and we’re still getting used to each other.  While they are not as blunt and unforgiving as the Archeon can be, they are more likely to decline readings.  These cards also do not like to be touched by other people very often, but I have yet to see them “bite”.

Gypsy Witch:  These are a set of cards set up like playing cards, that have a definite layout to them when used.  They are the most unbias deck I have, with the least amount of personality.  I’ve never known them to be inaccurate, I just choose not to use them all that often.  While they’ve never refused a reading outright, they can sometimes just disappear and reappear as they please...making sure that the day I need them they’re nowhere to be found.  They’re not supposed to be handled by others, but have never “bitten” anyone who picks them up either.

If you’re cool with all of that, let me know so we can plan a good time for your reading.

    ~AmberRose the Red Tailed Coyote

    ambertreeflower@gmail.com