You've decided to get a tarot reading. Maybe you're facing a big decision, seeking clarity on a relationship, or simply curious about what the cards might reveal. Whatever brought you here, knowing what to expect can help you get the most from the experience.
Before Your Reading
Choosing Your Reader
Not all tarot readers work the same way. Before booking, consider:
Their approach: Some readers are purely intuitive, others follow traditional card meanings closely, and many blend both. Neither is better—it is about what resonates with you.
Their specialty: Many readers focus on specific areas—love and relationships, career guidance, spiritual development. Look for alignment with your needs.
Reviews and testimonials: What do past clients say? Look for specific feedback about accuracy, communication style, and how the reading felt.
Their ethics statement: Professional readers should be clear about what they will and won't do. Be wary of anyone promising to "remove curses" for additional fees or guaranteeing specific outcomes.
Preparing Your Questions
You'll get more from your reading with thoughtful questions. The best tarot questions are:
Open-ended: "What do I need to know about this job opportunity?" rather than "Will I get the job?"
Empowering: "How can I improve my relationship?" rather than "Does my partner love me?"
Focused on you: Tarot reads your energy best—questions about other people without their consent often yield unclear results.
Write down 2-3 questions you'd like to explore. You may not get to all of them, but having them ready helps.
What NOT to Expect
Let's clear up some misconceptions:
Tarot doesn't predict a fixed future. The cards show patterns, possibilities, and the energy around your situation. Free will always plays a role.
Your reader isn't psychic about everything. They're skilled at interpreting symbols and tuning into energy around your questions—not reading your mind or knowing lottery numbers.
One reading won't solve everything. Think of it as gaining perspective, not receiving a life manual.
During the Reading
The Setting
Readings happen in many formats:
- In-person at a reader's space, market, or private location
- Video call via Zoom, FaceTime, or platform-specific tools
- Phone for those who prefer audio only
- Chat or email for written readings
Each format has merits. In-person offers full energetic connection. Video balances convenience with face-to-face interaction. Written readings give you a permanent record to revisit.
The Process
While every reader has their style, most readings follow a general flow:
- Opening: Your reader may center themselves, shuffle cards, or invite you to do so
- Drawing cards: Cards are laid out in a "spread"—a pattern with positional meanings
- Interpretation: The reader explains what they see, often inviting your input
- Discussion: You can ask clarifying questions or request deeper exploration of specific cards
- Closing: Summary of key messages and any suggested actions
Your Role
You're not passive in a tarot reading. The best readings are collaborative:
Stay open but grounded. Come with curiosity rather than testing the reader or desperately seeking specific answers.
Share context when asked. Your reader might ask clarifying questions—this helps them give relevant guidance, not because they're "fishing."
Speak up. If something doesn't resonate or you need clarification, say so. Good readers welcome dialogue.
Take notes or record (with permission). You'll want to remember the details later.
Understanding What You Hear
When It Resonates
Sometimes cards hit home immediately. You'll feel a recognition—"Yes, that's exactly what's happening." Trust that response.
When It Doesn't Click
Other times, messages seem off. This could mean:
- The insight applies to something you haven't considered
- It relates to a future situation not yet apparent
- The interpretation needs refining—ask your reader to explore further
- Occasionally, readings simply miss the mark
A good reader will acknowledge when something isn't landing and try different angles.
Concerning Red Flags
Walk away if a reader:
- Claims they can only help if you pay for additional "curse removal" or "energy clearing" sessions
- Creates fear or dependency ("You must see me weekly or bad things will happen")
- Makes absolute predictions ("You will definitely divorce")
- Pressures you into additional purchases
- Won't let you ask questions or dismisses your feedback
Professional readers empower you—they don't create dependency.
After Your Reading
Processing the Experience
Give yourself time to absorb what you heard. Some people find it helpful to:
- Journal about the key messages and how they relate to your life
- Notice which cards or messages keep coming back to mind
- Observe how the themes play out over the following weeks
- Revisit your notes after some time has passed
Acting on Guidance
Tarot offers perspective, but you decide what to do with it. Consider:
- What practical steps could you take based on the guidance?
- What patterns were highlighted that you might want to change?
- What strengths were affirmed that you could lean into?
When to Return
There's no rule about frequency. Some people get readings monthly, others once a year or only at major crossroads.
Avoid getting multiple readings on the same question in short succession—this usually creates confusion rather than clarity. If you didn't like what you heard, that's information about your desires, not a reason to keep asking until you get a different answer.
Finding Your Reader
The right reader for you is someone whose style resonates, whose ethics align with yours, and with whom you feel comfortable being open.
On SpiriVerse, you can browse practitioner profiles, read reviews from other seekers, and find readers who specialize in the guidance you're seeking. Every practitioner on our platform has been vetted to ensure you're connecting with someone who takes their craft—and your trust—seriously.
Your first reading can be the beginning of a valuable relationship with tarot as a tool for insight and growth. Approach it with curiosity, realistic expectations, and openness to whatever the cards reveal.
If you're also interested in connecting with loved ones who have passed, read our guide on how to find a reputable medium. Not sure whether tarot, psychic, or another modality is right for you? Our guide to choosing between spiritual services can help.
Ready to find your tarot reader? Browse vetted practitioners on SpiriVerse and book a reading that fits your needs.
