Tarot cards are a valuable tool to use as part of a journey to self-discovery. I don’t pretend to be able to explain the alchemy behind the magic of tarot cards and how they mysteriously reveal the information we need to know exactly when we need it. I just know they are a tool that has worked for me in times of struggle or when I need clarity.
When handled with pure intention and loving kindness, tarot cards can provide tremendous benefit for gaining insights into situations or helping to gently uncover personal stumbling blocks that prevent us from living our best lives.
Tarot cards can give us a glimpse into what is coming, giving us a chance to be better prepared for the challenges or inspired by the wondrous surprises that are in store.
Let’s take a closer look at how tarot cards can work for you.
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Professional By Day – Tarot Card Reader By Night
When I first decided to offer tarot card readings, I wasn’t sure how people would receive me. I realize that some people view tarot as something indicative of evil or darkness, or they have heard of or have had very bad experiences around tarot readings that predict gloom and doom.
Because I have used tarot with positive outcomes in my own life, I’ve decided to offer the service to others and let the universe sort the rest out. I am now proudly and unapologetically offering private tarot readings to anyone who is open to the experience.
My Personal Experience with Divinity
When I was very young, maybe ten years old, my mom took me to a palm reader. I remember that experience vividly, and the reader predicted the direction of several things in my life. All but one has come true (there’s still time for that last one, I’m only 49!). I’ve had a fascination with the concept of divining knowledge from the universe ever since.
I lived in New Orleans for many years where tarot card reading is readily available and that is where I had my first reading. If you are wandering through Jackson Square in the French Quarter, it’s an easy temptation. The French Quarter tarot community is a bit of a mixed bag though, so if that has been your only exposure to tarot it might be time to try something more mainstream. Remember that the entire identity of New Orleans is to play up the voodoo vibe.
Tarot cards came back into my life during a time of self-reflection. I love the instant-gratification factor. You ask the question, you get the answer. Once I had been reading tarot for myself for several years, I decided to get more serious about studying the cards. My approach to tarot card reading is combination of understanding how to interpret individual cards, patterns within card spreads, a little numerology and a healthy dose of my own intuition.
History of Tarot Cards
What exactly is tarot? Tarot card reading originated in 15th century Italy where card decks illustrated with various court characters were used as entertainment for the elite. They were early versions of the standard 4-suit card decks we see today and purely a form of entertainment.
Tarot decks were also a form of art, and wealthy families commissioned customized decks that were often hand painted. Examples of these can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and several museums in Italy and London. Salvador Dali even developed his own deck in 1984. The originals are now in private collections, but you can get a refurbed version on Amazon.
From the 15th to the 19th centuries, tarot cards made their way through the world and imagery was adapted to have more symbolic meanings, which led to more occult uses. Since then, tarot has become a more widely accepted and popular tool for self-discovery, personal growth and gaining insights into the human condition.
Tarot Card Decks
One of the best things about tarot is the variety and beauty of the different card decks. It’s like another form of fashion for me and I’m quickly becoming a collector.
My two favorite decks are both by the same artist.
The Light Seer’s Tarot has colorful imagery and a balance of masculine and feminine energy. I find the illustrations resonate with the card’s meanings or possible interpretations about 90% of the time. This is the deck I typically use in my readings.
The Muse Tarot is a more whimsical deck full of feminine energy and power. I was introduced to this deck by a wonderful tarot card reader named Shannon Cooley who was the resident reader at The Golden Door in California during the time of my visit. It was the first deck I decided to buy for myself.
I use this deck when the situation calls for more gentle messaging and a need to tap into the vast well of feminine healing energy.
What Happens During a Tarot Reading?
For a private tarot reading, you will need about an hour. I am currently doing private tarot card readings at The Health Collective in Dallas, Texas for those who prefer in-person (these always feels more fulfilling for some reason). I also offer virtual readings.
We start by clearing the cards of any previous energy, either with palo santo or crystal quartz. Next you will take a few moments to get yourself centered and to bring yourself into the present moment. I sometimes use a Tibetan singing bowl to set the tone and assist with focus.
You will take the deck of tarot cards into your own hands and spend a minute or so shuffling, playing and transferring your energy into the deck.
Once you return the deck to me, we’ll begin selecting cards based on which spread we have decided to use.
Tarot Card Spreads
There are dozens of different spreads that can be used to read tarot cards. I have a few go-to spreads depending on the goal of the reading.
- Past, Present, Future – Exactly what it sounds like. We start with a 9-card spread that looks at your recent past, present and near future. This can be a general outlook or can be read based on a specific question. Additional cards are drawn if the story is not complete with 9 cards.
- Celtic Cross – The Celtic Cross spread is a very traditional 10-card spread used for diving deeper into a specific problem, conflict or situation that you need clarity on. We look at what is underlying the issue, the issue itself, how you got there, and what is likely to be the outcome. This spread allows for insights into your current state of mind, outside influences and shadows that may be giving shade to the situation.
The goal of a private tarot card reading is always to ensure you feel you have a complete picture of the situation before you leave.
How Much Do I Have To Say?
You can tell me as little or as much as you’d like during your tarot card reading. I usually ask very simple questions to understand why you have chosen to get a reading, mainly so we can pick the best spread. I’m very comfortable doing a reading without knowing any intimate details.
That said, as the reading unfolds it is typically helpful if we can work together to ensure we are getting the right interpretation. Cards can have different messages depending on the situation, and sometimes the card chosen represents someone influencing the situation and not the client. I can usually read your energy and know if we are on the right track, but I will ask you occasionally if the interpretations resonate.
Can I Take Pictures or Record the Reading?
Of course! Photos of the spread are great to add to your journal so that you can remember exactly what your state of mind was at the time of a reading. It’s exciting and tremendously educational to look back on a reading a few months (or years) after and see how things look from the other side. You are welcome to record the session. Virtual sessions will be recorded and sent to you after the reading.
What If I Get the Death Card?
If Death shows up in your reading, we’ll celebrate. Why? Death is one of the best cards in the deck. Life is just like the seasons. The leave must dry up and die, float to the ground and be re-integrated into the earth in order for a new tree to grow. The death card is indicative of the end of old cycles and fresh, new beginnings. How exciting!
Ready to Schedule Your Private Reading?
I still have a full time job, so private readings have to be scheduled around that. Use my scheduling tool below to make an appointment. If you can’t find a time that works for you, email me a followfrittata@gmail.com so we can work something out. Please indicate in your appointment if you prefer in-person or virtual.
I offer a combination session that includes both a private tarot card reading and a 30-minute reiki session to help reset and restore your energy. Read more about reiki here or by jumping to that page below. At this time, I only offer reiki as an in-person session.
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