I got my first Tarot deck when I was around 13 years old. I don’t remember telling anyone that I wanted a deck, and I bought my own at a New Age shop that I adored (but sadly doesn’t exist anymore).
Thirteen is an awkward age at the best of times, and even though I immediately fell in love with the cards, I would have rather died than try to read for someone else.
I carried that feeling with me for many years. Tarot was something that I kept for myself, the thought of reading for someone else was terrifying.
I’m not sure where that comes from. I guess I was afraid of being made fun of, of being told I was talking nonsense and had no talent or ability. Perhaps I thought if I kept it to myself, no one would be able to destroy my illusions or aspirations when it comes to reading Tarot.
Of course, I got over it. In a big way. But I remember that feeling. I remember the sweaty terror before I did my first paid Tarot reading. And the euphoria after it went really well.
[bctt tweet=”I remember that feeling. I remember the sweaty terror before I did my first paid Tarot reading. And the euphoria after it went really well. #tarot ” username=”InnerTarot”]
I see this phenomenon in many of my students. They don’t want to read the cards until they know they will do it “right”. The irony, of course, is that the best way to up your skills and confidence is by reading for yourself and others as much as you can.
You don’t have to read for other people. Tarot can be just for you. But, don’t let fear make that decision for you.
[bctt tweet=”You don’t have to read for other people. Tarot can be just for you. But, don’t let fear make that decision for you. #tarot” username=”InnerTarot”]
Here are some suggestions on how I moved past the fear of reading for others:
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Let go of expectation when you read. Don’t worry about being “right”, and you don’t have to shock and amaze the person you are reading for with your psychic ability. Trust that you are delivering the message that needs to be heard, even if the person doesn’t get it at the time.
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Have fun with your cards. Approach them with a spirit of curiosity, exploration and optimism. You can respect the cards and the divination process without being solemn and serious all the time.
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Just take the leap of faith and read for someone. Anyone. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get. What’s the worst thing that will happen?
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Read for someone you don’t know. Believe it or not, this will be easier than reading for your Mom, your best friend, your partner. They may not be able to see you as a mystic, no matter how mystical you are.
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Keep studying and learning about the cards. Knowledge will up your skill and give you confidence. But, don’t wait until you think you know everything before you read for others, that day will never come.
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Join a Tarot Meetup Group (and actually attend the meetings). A Tarot Meetup or club can be a wonderful safe space to get to know other people who love Tarot and a great place to learn new techniques. I love running the Toronto Tarot Circle. Our members are so welcoming and open, and their confidence and generosity when it comes to reading for others is truly heartwarming and inspirational.
Tarot is something that you can keep private, you can keep it as your own personal source of guidance and inspiration. You don’t have to tell other people about it, you don’t have to read for others. But, take it from me, something magical happens when you share your Tarot skills, and when you find your Tarot Tribe. If you aren’t ready to read for others, try taking a class or hanging out with other Tarot lovers, the universe will open up for you.
And, as a fellow introvert and devotee of the High Priestess, I’m here to help. I’m always happy to give you a push towards the spotlight, or to be a willing guinea pig or gentle critic.
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