Every time I tell someone I am a Tarot card reader, the first question that they ask me is: “Do Tarot card readings really work?”
While this question does bring a lot of snarky, smart-alec-y answers to my mind, I normally try to explain some things to these people. I thought I might just share my thoughts over here…
Well, the short-and-sweet, one word answer to this question is: “Yes!”
Tarot card readings do work. And when done correctly, the Tarot cards can be a huge source of guidance and help. They can also be a great way for exploring a variety of creative thinking processes, which do deliver out-of-the-box answers that make you think along a line that you may never have thought on before.
That being said, lets explore the different reasons why I keep saying that Tarot readings do really work.
Synchronicity
[singlepic id=25 w= h= float=left]It is a well-known matter of fact that the cards popping up and telling us what is going on is just plain and simple ‘Synchronicity’.
Synchronicity can be defined as “the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.” Carl Jung first described this concept in the 1920s.
Essentially, there are no coincidences.
And no, this isn’t some kind of mumbo-jumbo-weird-magic-type scene either. The cards are simply a reflection of the unconscious mind of the client.
Whatever is going on in the unconscious mind of the person you are reading for will always be accessible through the language of symbols (like in dreams for example) and thus the Tarot cards can be yet another means for accessing this information.
Pictures Speak a Thousand Words
[singlepic id=27 w= h= float=right]The Tarot cards, as you all may be aware, are full of pictures. The more modern decks (especially those based on the Rider-Waite-Smith pattern) often have pictures of people doing something or the other on them. Plus, the cards are full of different symbols that convey a wealth of meaning.
Even without any knowledge of symbolism, a normal human being can simply see a picture and can often relate what is going on in that picture to something similar going on in his / her life. With a minimum of fuss, these pictures convey a story – they can make one look deep within the intricacies of the situation and help us understand our situations and environment much better.
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Now, when you put the two aspects of synchronicity and picture-language together, you can easily see why Tarot readings do really work. Not only do they capture the here-and-now scenario of the client’s life, but they also put it in front of you in a symbol-picture format that makes it easy to understand and interpret.
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And yet, there are some situations where many experience that Tarot card readings haven’t worked. Let’s examine those experiences as well.
Interpretation
[singlepic id=26 w= h= float=left]As I have mentioned before, the Tarot cards speak in the language of pictures and symbols. And the Tarot card reader interprets them. Each Tarot card reader has her own method of interpretation. He / She is a unique person with different life experiences – which contribute towards shaping his / her voice as a Tarot card reader.
All of this contributes towards creating a very interesting scenario. Every Tarot card reading times every Tarot card reader equals to so many different, and unique interpretative voices.
Amongst all this, it is can happen that a reader might interpret a symbol differently from another. Or a reader can make a mistake. We are all human after all, and this can often lead to a scenario where a Tarot card reading might not be as helpful as one thought.
Scam Artists
[singlepic id=28 w= h= float=right]This is something that bugs me to no end – especially as a Tarot card reader. I have often visited Tarot card readers to get a reading done for myself. And several of them have tried to get me to pay more money so that they could burn a candle or two to get rid of some ‘bad spirit’ that they see hovering about me. And they didn’t even come close to guessing that I was someone who was also in a similar field of work.
It pains me to say it, but not all Tarot readers are genuine. Some of them are scam artists who just want to rip you off. And if you end up going to them for a reading, you might experience that the reading just did not work.
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Either an honest mistake in interpretation, or an encounter with a scam artist that will result in a Tarot card reading that just doesn’t work.
Your Turn…
What are your experiences with Tarot card readings? Have they worked in helping you and guiding you towards a better life? Have they been able to help resolve your issues or problems?
Have you had any weird experiences where a reading just hasn’t worked for you at all? What do you think might have been the reason for that?
Lets talk about it in the comments section below.
I have a friend who loves to see psychics and I go with her sometimes, but I’ve never taken it seriously. I did however, have an interesting and fun reading a few months ago. The psychic asked me what I wanted to know about and I told her my love life. She asked about a brown haired man and I told her that I was seeing a brown haired man very casually. Then she asked about a white haired man and I told her that I had a huge crush on a man with white hair. She asked me if I would be seeing the white haired man that night and I told her no, I was seeing the brown haired man, in fact right after the reading, my friend and I were meeting her husband and the brown haired man for dinner. She seemed very skeptical about this and kept asking if I was sure. I told her completely sure. She did a reading and the white haired man kept coming up. Long story short, through a series of unexpected events, my friend and I ended up by ourselves in a totally different restaurant…and the white haired man was there!
How interesting! I think you really lucked out and met someone who was the ‘real deal’! ☺️
I meant the psychic…. ☺️
I had a reading a few years ago, about a break up, the person told me the guy in question would come back and also gave me a timeline. It never happened. I had another reading about a similar situation (today actually) i was told i will hear from him again, no timeline this time. She said she saw the magician card and something about “reconstruction”. At this point im thinking last time i was told i would hear from him again,it didn’t happen,so imthnking the same about this one. Im kind od skeptical. Help please.
Sometimes our inner desires are reflected in the reading, and they can often be misunderstood as predictions. It happens often during readings, when our energies are especially anxious about what we are going to hear.
It is right of you to be skeptical. What I would like to say to you is “its over when its over. Just let it go.” and “You’ve got a wonderful life ahead of you – why are you interested in waiting for a guy who left you already?”
Anyhow, coming back to the reading — don’t focus on the reading if it doesn’t resonate with you. Next time, when you go in for a reading, just be calm and objective and see what comes up. Don’t bring up the past, and then you will very likely see the future unfold without the echoes of the past popping up.
Hi I have been watching general love readings on you tube and I recently went through a breakup and I took it very hard and still am but in several readings for this week say that he is coming back but a lot of the things that were also said haven’t happened. How do I find out if these events are going to happen?
Hi Vanessa,
Those readings on You Tube are very generalized. They are aimed for a very largish block of people (based on their sun signs for example). What you need is a personalized reading. If you resonated with the reader from the You Tube Channel who did that reading for you, then you might get in touch with him / her, and request a personalized reading from him / her.
Hope this helps.
~ M
I learned how to read tarot cards about 7 weeks ago. I have been studying these cards everyday and connecting with my cards…. So far, I have only done readings for myself. A lot of the readings haven’t come to pass because they are “future” based , so I’m still waiting for results. However, the other day, I went on a date. Before leaving, I did a small reading for myself about the date, since I had never met the man before. I asked the tarot, “how will this date go?”… From reading the cards, I got the impression that the guy will like me, but I won’t like him on a romantic level. For the overall outcome, I got the 10 of swords (which is a card of deception and defeat.) At the end of the date, he knew I wasn’t interested romantically as I seemed a bit “guarded” according to him. I believe the 10 of swords is the way he felt after the date?…. I also got the Ace of Pentacles (coins) card in reverse , and it turned out that the guy had payed for everything. I feel that the Ace of Pentacles reversed was telling me “you won’t need to spend a dime?” LOL… And then I got the Chariot card, which literally flew out of the deck. The chariot card is a movement card, a transportation card. Let’s just say that it was definitely a warning lol.. I ended up driving to the train station, then I had to take 3 trains, and 2 uber rides to get there and back. The chariot was foretelling me about all the transportation issues I will be having that day… Just sharing my reading. Hope someone finds it interesting how the cards manifested in the actual situation.
Wow! The cards in your reading manifested in quite interesting ways for sure! I like how the Ace of Pentacles came up for you – that’s an interpretation I’ve never thought of… And the Chariot – brilliant! Simply brilliant! Plus the 10 of Swords was spot on… I must say, the cards have guided you well…
Good luck with your Tarot Journey… ???
I would love to learn how read cards. It fascinates me and i am a person who needs guidance with my life. How can I learn how to read cards
Hi Charlotte,
I’ve got a list of resources on my site, if you want to pursue the self-learning approach. Have a look at: https://www.taroticallyspeaking.com/begin/learn-tarot-on-a-shoestring-budget/ to find a step-by-step approach along with links to books and other resources that you might need.
Alternatively, if you want to learn directly from me, we can figure things out as well. Have a look at https://www.taroticallyspeaking.com/learn-tarot/ to find out more about how I teach Tarot, and the course contents and other relevant information.
I hope you find a path that resonates with you, and that you are able to discover the wonderful world of the cards. Good luck!!
Hi madhavi
I’ve had two tarot readings and a reading after reiki. All readings are almost identical and they have all picked up on the same issues. Although… Actions in real life don’t seem to match the readings (ex love interest)
Could it be I’m being far too impatient? I’m
Not entirely sure how they work?
Many thanks in advance for your reply
Hi Zara,
There can be two things: (a) yes, you may need to wait a bit and allow these things to happen, or (b) your feelings may have clouded the energies of the reading.
Give it some time. If things still don’t work out, get another reading – but make sure that you have a clear head and that you aren’t desperately hoping / wishing for a particular outcome when you go in for a reading. That way, the energies won’t be so clouded, and you will get a clearer picture.
Hope this helps..
~ Madhavi
I had a reading recently and I was not asked to shuffle the cards. She simply asked me to put my right hand on the deck and state my full name and date of birth. Is this normal? I’ve only had one reading prior to this years ago and that person had me shuffle the cards.
That is totally fine Shelly. Different readers have different styles or ways in which they do their readings. Nothing wrong with this style too – in all probability, the reader may have already shuffled the deck before you saw her.
I recently got a reading done. The lady kept going on about how the cards showed negative energies around me, some demonic forces, and negative pressures. She said how because of that negativity my past relationship has not worked and is hindering my life. When she said that I knew it was all made up as I had not been in any relationships at all. She also said my aura needed cleansing!
I just regret paying her. 🙁
Also I wanted to ask in a tarot reading, who picks the cards; the reader or the questioner? In this case I did not pick the cards, she just asked for my name and birth month and started to flip cards.
Ah! Sanya.
Unfortunately, there are many such scam artists in the world. And it is because of them that the genuine practitioners suffer. Just chalk one up to experience and let that one go.
As for who picks the cards — this is a matter of personal choice for the reader.
Some prefer that the client pick out their own cards, while some readers don’t like it when other people touch their cards. Its just that. No big deal.
When I do a face-to-face reading with a client, I ask the client to pick out the cards for his / her spreads. But when I am doing a distance reading for a client (i.e. when the client is say over the phone, or Skype, or I’m just making an audio recording) and the client isn’t present, I pick the cards out for the client.
Don’t fret about the weird reading. Just live your life to the best of your abilities. The cards are there for guidance whenever you need it. But the decisions in your life are yours alone to make.
Hope this helps…
M
I’ve have had tarot readings and fiind them to be fairly accurate in some areas. I went to one last week and it was accurate and I felt the energy very strong. However, when she asked me to come back for the third time and wanted more money, I lost my energy and lost faith as I begin to see no end to her asking me to return for more information. I would like a good sound reading about my future. Is that possible?
Yeah! Its readers with tactics like these that make it rough for the good readers out there…
To be honest, it’s tough to find a genuine reader, and also someone who can tune into your energies. You may have to spend some time finding the right reader for you, but once you do, it’ll be better.
Also, I would listen to my gut instinct every time I meet a new reader… Your instinct / intuition will be your best guide.
And yes, it is possible to get a good reading.
Hope this helps…
I have recently started tarot reading. I’ve spent hours studying every day and I’ve done readings for my boyfriend that usually shock at him at how accurate they are. So I know that I’ve got a good start, but I was wondering if anyone can really be a good tarot reader? I’m dedicated and I study hard and although I hide good readings I just don’t feel that connected when doing my readings. The cards really don’t speak to me, I just do my readings based on what I know the card means.. Any way to get error corrected and get better interpretations from my cards?
Hi Destiny,
(I like your name. It is cute!)
To be honest.. What you are doing – the practice part – is exactly what you need to keep on doing. Keep practicing, keep on doing readings for other people. It will get better over time, I promise you that.
Even if you feel that you aren’t connected to the cards etc, trust me, you are. Otherwise your readings wouldn’t be so accurate like you described. There is no reason to hide the ‘good readings’. But yes, over time, you will gain the confidence in your reading skills.
To get better interpretations from your cards, and to feel more connected with them, you may try doing the journaling, meditation, and storytelling exercises I’ve mentioned on my blog. Also, you can read this post to develop your reading for yourself skills.
And most of all, be patient with yourself. You will get better. Give it time. Good Luck!!
I just started reading my own tarot, and when I pick the cards, I find that there’s this tingly feeling in my arms. I used to believe it was just a freak accident of some sort, but it still happens. Is this normal?
I suppose you could say that… When I feel connected, I get a tingly sensation too… 🙂
I wouldn’t worry so much about it. Its just your body reacting to the energies…
I went to see a tarrot card reader today. I was a bit upset because she was telling me that my past life is come Bach and haunting me, it impacting my job, family relationship, and financial. She said if I want her to help to get rid of these bad omen then I need to pay her. I decided to leave and regretted paying her for the reading.
I think you did the right thing by leaving Kat. Scamsters like these put the genuine occult art to shame.
Tarot card readings between friends is great for delving into deep conversations and out if the box thinking. Problems and issues rise to the surface for solutions.
HI
I recently have started reading tarot cards from a set that i bought from a book store its quite interesting and i highly believe in it, however i find it hard in interpreting some of the cards such as the “Fool” and the different cups and sword cards. Can you give me some guidance on how these work?
Hi Anusha,
Its simple really.. You need to learn how to read and interpret these cards! 🙂
I know, easier said than done, right?
My suggestion: either find a good teacher and do a proper course, OR, pick up some really good books like the ones I’ve reviewed on my site, and start your studies…
Hope this helps…
Madhavi
I find Tarot card reading to be very cool but i came across websites that don’t make no sense or the want more money. i just want to know my true Tarot readings, any ideas
?
Hi Reba,
To be honest, I am a little leery about the automated Tarot card readings myself… Because all they are are a bunch of code and programming… Still, if you believe in the randomness of synchronicity, you might think it useful… But the advice from such readings is always pretty much generic…
I would prefer to go for a reading with a real reader…
But yes, you can find many who aren’t all that great, or as you said, cheating people. Unfortunately, that is most often the case…
I would say, use your intuition – listen to your inner voice every time you go for such a reading. If you meet a Tarot card reader, and don’t feel the vibe, then just don’t do the reading… 🙂