I’m embracing tarot as a lifestyle at this dark moon in Pisces.
What does a tarot reader bring to a session with a client? These seven ideas were curated with a professional scene in mind, but they work for informal sessions as well.
Spread scarf
Wrap your deck in a spread cloth to keep it from getting damaged during your travels or to keep it free of dust while not in use. I collect scarves from the Goodwill bins. It’s fun to have a variety, but a trusty favorite also works well. Spread this same cloth between the cards and the surface to maintain sovereignty.
Note: If reading for yourself, you may choose to wear the spread scarf afterward to take the magic of the
reading with you in a powerful way.
Charged crystals
Keep crystals rotating through a charging bowl that lives in the sun and moonlight and take some palm-sized ones with you to sessions. They’re ideal for giving to nervous clients or for holding in your own palm for grounding energy and power.
Sunglasses
I like to wear sunglasses after a reading, so I can put a cap on my energetic output for a while. My senses become heightened and I’m more vulnerable during and after sessions, and I look people in the eye which can be draining depending on the interaction. Dark glasses let you gently shield yourself from some types of stimulation while out and about.
An hourglass
A mini hourglass lets you begin readings with luxurious meditation sessions where you and your client can keep time without disturbing the other – or looking at a phone or clock. This habit shifts the energy of both participants from ‘flight or fight’ to ‘chill’ while allowing a clearer energetic opening for messages from the universe during sessions. A ten-minute hourglass is my favorite.
Ambiance
Sometimes a reading space needs a touch of doctoring. A tea light and holder casts an amazing glow, while a stick of incense creates a reverent vibe and calls the ancestors.
A journal
One’s grimoire is an excellent place for keeping notes about clients. Do not try to decide whether you think they’ll become regulars or not – you never know! Jot notes about each reading after sessions. I like to take five minutes to myself (often in my car, in the sunglasses) to jot notes and feelings to myself. It’s quite a soothing exit from the potentially heightened energy of readings.
A fabulous satchel
This might sound corny, but I like to imagine Mary Poppins as I’m packing for readings. She’s the kind of professional I aspire to be. My costume, my entrance, my scent, my vibe, etc. – it’s all part of the ritual. As a healer, it’s my job to show up having already stepped into my role as an energetic leader. I do so first with my presence and presentation, and this includes an excellent bag for pulling tarot cards and other magical surprises from.
Featured deck: Dark Days Tarot; also available on Little Red Tarot. This post was originally published on the Dark Days Blog.
Inspired to create her way out of complacency surrounding a wary political climate, Wren McMurdo published the Dark Days Tarot deck in late 2016. This deck is inspired by the dark side of the lunar cycle, when gravity and tide unearth deeper truths. Wren has studied art and the metaphysical world for as long as she can remember.
She’s also a feminist queer and lives with her wife in Seattle, Washington. Her Dark Days Tarot Deck and the Dark Days New Moon column can be found at Little Red Tarot, and more information can be found at darkdaystarot.com.
got some juicy tidbits from this blog. thanks!
LOVE the sunglasses idea!
Yes, thank you for the sunglasses suggestion! My eyes came up in an aura reading recently as a place that currently needs protection and it hadn’t occurred to me to give them literal, physical protection. It’s also a good excuse to dress glam haha. So really, this is helpful! Thank you very much Wren.
Thanks so much for your comment! That is so interesting. I need to get one of those aura readings ??
I’m new to tarot so this is the first I’ve heard of a charging bowl. is this a specific item or can I Goodwill it like scarves?
Hi Eliza,
Yes! A charging bowl is such when you name it as such. Try keeping a special bowl (the Goodwill would totes have these!) for putting crystals in with a little water, keeping the bowl in the sun or moonlight. Depending on the astrological vibes of the day, your crystal will be infused with the energy of that light!
Blessings ~~~