Tarot Tips: 17th Birthday Issue
Published: Wed, 02/01/12
If you have trouble reading this issue of Tarot Tips, you may see it and other back issues at http://tarotschool.com/Newsletter.html
![]() Vol. 4 #2 / February 1, 2012
In this Issue: - Welcome
- Tarot Tip: What To Do When a Querent Misunderstands a Reading
- Tarot Card Showcase: Eight of Cups
- Upcoming Events
- Best Practices: Client Testimonials - Do They Really Work? - Featured Tarot Blog: Tap Your Vision Welcome to a special issue of Tarot Tips!
Today we celebrate The Tarot School's 17th BIrthday!
![]() This is a very exciting time in the history and development of tarot, and we're grateful for the opportunity to keep exploring and sharing it with you.
It's been a tradition of ours to offer a gift of thanks on this occasion. This year we're giving away the mp3s of our recent 2-hour class on The Pentacle. The cards themselves get lots of attention, but we also like to focus entirely on the suit symbol itself. It's a little different and a great way to understand the entire suit. To pick up your present, go to http://tarotschool.com/store and click on the birthday cake. (Good through the month of February.) Enjoy! And now a bit about what you'll find in this issue... In The Tarot of the Magicians (Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1985), Oswald Wirth explained how "masters" introduced tarot as a unique tool that teaches us to uncover
the truth and understanding of ourselves. Unfortunately, in today's world many want instant gratification and try
to find a shortcut to self-understanding.
This issue takes a look at how readings can be frustrating for both the querent and the reader. Reevaluating your approach to reading the cards is an ongoing process, and often leads to relinquishing what you previously learned about using tarot. Among the many ways to improve on what you know is to learn to simply listen to you inner voice, as well as the outer voice of the querent. The Best Practices column talks about how to use client testimonials. Using feedback from others will help you put what you do as a reader in perspective. Are more of your querents experiencing isolation or
frustration because they lack of direction? Our Showcase
Card, the 8 of Cups, may make an appearance in their
readings. See how the traditional interpretation of this
card "speaks to their condition."
And one more thing (actually, two things)... You may be aware of the exciting new tarot film
being made by Chris Deleo and Kimberlie Naughton.
Production on Tarology will be completed in July,
but we'll be getting a sneak peek at Readers Studio,
along with a Q&A session that will feature a rare
in-person appearance by Enrique Enriquez. You
won't want to miss it!
Also, the filmmakers have put together a wonderful
Readers Studio movie short with interviews and
scenes from the conference. We'd love you to
watch it and share it with your friends!
(And of course, register if you haven't already.)
Click the Movie/Slideshows link on the navbar at
Yours in celebration,
Ruth Ann, Wald & Gina Tarot Tips is here to help you with the practical side of your Tarot journey. In order to take the greatest
advantage of this newsletter, please send us your
questions regarding any aspect of your tarot study
or practice and we'll do our best to answer them
in an upcoming issue.
Spread the experience of tarot - share this newsletter with other Tarot Enthusiasts! Tarot Tip
WHAT TO DO WHEN...
A QUERENT MISUNDERSTANDS A READING
Question:
I've been doing tarot for some time now, and there are
those who don't understand a reading. I use tarot in a
therapeutic way to help querents understand themselves
from the inside out. But when I try to clarify what I said,
it's a bit of a challenge, since some spiritual concepts,
like self-love etc. are hard to explain.
How do you handle such an instance?
Even if I clarify, the client still may not understand and it's very frustrating! Blessings and joy, Veronica Answer:
Thanks for your question, Veronica.
It is undoubtedly frustrating to not be understood when trying to communicate mystical principles. Dealing with querents is a complex topic because no two are alike. It is a given that a reading can answer very practical questions, but the spiritual lesson for the querent may need to be left to their experience rather than your explanation. In our approach to teaching tarot, we find it important to be able to seek and gain understanding of the self through the cards. Tarot truly is about looking in the mirror and reflecting on what you see. It's reasonable to expect that you may in turn be able to help others, but that is not always the case.
As far as techniques using the cards, when a querent has trouble understanding a reading, it may require changing your approach. We know readers love to be in control of the reading itself, but it also works to allow the cards to speak to the querent. Here is one method:
1. Ask the client to pick a number from 1 - 5 or 1-10. 2. Count down that number of cards, lay them aside, and choose the cards for your spread beginning with the next card in the deck. 3. Lay the cards out for the querent to review. 4. Ask them to talk or tell a short story about the card(s) that seems to address their issue.
5. Add your interpretation or additional card meanings to complete the consultation. 6. Don't forget to ask if they find the reading useful and if they really understand it. 7. If the issue persists, it may be time for both you and the querent to move on. Other Suggestions: + Too many cards Steer away from long and complicated spreads with too many cards. It can be overwhelming and intimidating for some to see a huge spread. + Too many questions and issues The client may have difficulty articulating what they want to know, or may ask for something general and vague. Then the reading becomes general and vague, and may be confusing. Help them clarify one or two key questions and focus on those.
+ Beliefs and Vocabulary Avoid using a terminology that is unfamiliar to your querent and making assumptions about their belief system. Keep in mind that your querent may not share your approach to soul evolution or spirituality. + Expectations Be aware that some people have expectations of what a reading is and what a reader can bring to a reading. Explain your technique or approach to tarot. They may want a psychic and not a therapist, or the other way around. + Listening Take a moment to actually listen to your querent. They may want some objective advice on something very practical. If you talk about self-love or other "higher principles," that could seem confusing to them.
+ Re-evaluation If there are several clients who don't understand your readings, what is the common denominator? This may be a good time to re-evaluate your approach to tarot readings.
There is no harm in going back to basics when you are a seasoned reader. Tarot takes everyone -- reader and querent alike -- through a process every time a consultation happens. The experience teaches everyone involved. The message you are giving to the querent is sometimes a message/reminder for you. Using tarot to advise people is a special skill. In order to successfully transmit information to others you should be conscious of how they receive it. Bear in mind that everyone learns differently. For more on this, see our previous article on communication styles in the Tarot Tips archives at:
There is a theory in psychology called Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. At the top of this ranking is self-actualization. In describing yourself as using tarot therapeutically, we could say that you are helping your querents to become self-actualized. But if a querent is focused on a basic practical need, it is highly unlikely that telling them about self-love will be well-received at the reading. However,
a reading can still be an opportunity to "educate" if you
find that the querent is receptive.
Tarot Card Showcase In this section we will feature tidbits on a specific tarot card. While there are many systems and decks to choose from in
the world of tarot, here we use the Universal Waite Tarot
images and symbols.
Copyright 1992 U.S Games.
![]() EIGHT OF CUPS
Astrological Attribution: Saturn in Pisces
Qabalistic Attribution: Hod in Briah
Esoteric Title: Lord of Abandoned Success
The Eight of Cups depicts a lone red-cloaked figure
ascending a hill. Under the glow of the moon, he crosses a river leaving eight cups behind. Waite's card portrays a
long quest or journey. The journey takes the seeker on
rocky and uneven paths.
Saturn in watery Pisces can produce an environment and mood of discontent, of disinterest, of abandoned success.
The moon is shown in this card in both full and crescent phases. The moon represents the ebb and flow of emotional currents of Pisces. This creates an energy that urges the seeker to higher attainment. Liberation is sought through the Eight of Cups. Eights generally show movement, progress and attainment in the world. However, with this card we see moving away from or disinterest in the past, even when that past has been filled with success, facing the unknown with the need for something better. In a reading, the Eight of Cups may mean disinterest in what was once stimulating. Relationships with certain people can be draining, resulting in a desire to hide out or withdraw. On the other hand, the card may indicate intentional isolation or retreat in order to do some deep soul searching on a matter.
Positive Keywords: Detachment, liberation, release,
progress, regeneration, reevaluation, exploration, and solitude.
Negative Keywords: Disinterested, disconnected, alienated, empty, alone, weary, and blocked.
Tarot Affirmation: I am willing to walk away from situations that do not support my emotional well-being.
Upcoming Events:
Free Readers Studio Teleconference which is often surprising and always fun!
1:00-2:30 pm Eastern time
Sign up and get the call-in details at:
The Readers Studio East Elmhurst, New York Speakers include: James Wanless, James Wells,
Shawn Nacol, Nancy Antenucci, Marcia McCord,
Jude Alexander, Mary K. Greer, Barbara Moore,
Thalassa, James Ricklef, Courtney Weber, Frances Ktenas,
Paris Finley, Chanah Liora Wizenberg, Ciro Marchetti,
Sheilaa Hite and Mike Hernandez.
Best Practices for Professional Readers CLIENT TESTIMONIALS: DO THEY REALLY WORK?
By Gina Thies -
http://www.facebook.com/tarotreaders Before website testimonial pages, people made comments on
products or services they used in print ads and TV promos. Advertising and marketing firms used these comments as a stamp of approval so other potential customers would be convinced to whatever they had to offer. Typically you see testimonials in the form of endorsements by celebrities. Many sites display testimonials or use a rating system with client comments as a means of social proof to attract buyers. But do testimonials really work? There is general disagreement as to whether testimonials are effective. However, there is not a marketing pro or
copywriter who would say not to use them. But the question is how to use testimonials. A testimonial page for your site is highly recommended. Choose comments that offer a reason to purchase your services. For example, "Gina, is a fantastic reader!" is a great compliment. However, it is better if your prospects read, "Gina is a fantastic reader. The reading was accurate, thorough, and confirmed a lot of my own gut feelings. The approach she uses allowed me to feel confident in making choices for myself and I felt less anxious about my dilemma." The point of a testimonial is to use comments that will give others the "why" or the "because" factor to purchase your services. People often make decisions based on what others think. Testimonials can also give your potential clients an idea about your approach and reading methods. Testimonials are excellent to use for special offers, sales letters and other promotional items. To get your clients to participate in giving you feedback, send a follow-up email or thank you note and, of course, ask permission to quote them. Posting Negative Feedback You are probably wondering, "what about the not-so good
feedback?" Common sense tells you that you would never want to elicit or post negative feedback when you are trying to solicit business. In many cases you won't have control over negative comments, like when you work on a site that has a rating system. Negative comments are a way to improve upon what you offer. If you want honest feedback, use a survey to get customers to tell you about your service or make suggestions. Be warned -- most people use these as opportunities to really let you have it. Remain objective when someone tells you something less than ideal about yourself. You may be able turn that frown into a smile by being proactive instead of reactive. Questions arise when developing or transitioning
to professional Tarot Reading status to earn income. These can range from "How can I make money with Tarot?" and "How do I get started?" to more complex technical and business questions.
You may already be up and running and have
questions about how to enhance or ramp up your
business. We would love to hear from you. Send any
questions, or interest in a future class on the
Business of Tarot, to [email protected]. Join our international event as hundreds of tarot readers, teachers, authors and artists gather for three extraordinary days of tarot study and play. ![]() THE READERS STUDIO
April 27 - 29, 2012 LaGuardia Marriott Hotel, New York Visit ReadersStudio.com
for all the details! Featured Tarot Blog TAP YOUR VISION @ e-Tarocchi.com Tarocchi is the Italian word for tarot. e-Tarochhi.com is
for the tarot enthusiast who loves everything mystical.
You can find a full list of meanings for the Rider-Waite
cards and other interesting decks. Articles are written by
a variety of authors that include topics like astrology and
oracles. It is busy with lots of resources on ancient symbols
and tools for self-awareness. Tap your vision!
![]() Join our 3,785+ fans and join the fun!
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