Tarot Bytes (Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady)

Episode 1: Please allow me to introduce myself...and tarot. In this intro to Tarot Bytes, I'm talking about why I started this podcast, what to expect in future episodes, plus what tarot is...and is not. If you're tarot-curious but totally intimidated by tarot, this podcast is for YOU. 

Episode 17: The Chariot. Let's get rolling with The Chariot! In this short tutorial, we're looking at the symbols and some possible interpretations. 

Episode 18: Strength. In this little tarot tutorial, we're looking at the Strength card. We'll cover symbols, possible interpretations and the controversy surrounding Strength and Justice!

Episode 19: The Hermit. The Hermit may seem to say "I want to be alone" but there's more to this wise guy. We'll explore symbols and inerpretations in this quick tarot tutorial.

Episode 20: The Wheel of Fortune. It's not about a game show although it can indicate luck. I'm talking about tarot's Wheel of Fortune! Learn more about this card in this teeny tutorial. 

Episode 21: Justice. When Justice arrives in a tarot reading, you know things are as they need to be. In this brief lesson, we'll cover some of the symbols and meanings behind this card.

Episode 22: The Hanged Man. This guy isn't just hanging around. He's letting go and keepin' the faith. Learn more about this tarot card in this little tutorial. 

Episode 23: Death. The Death card is the most feared of all the tarot cards. But this guy isn't about physical death - he's about change. We'll explore that in this speedy lesson. 

Episode 24: A quick lesson about Temperance, the chill healing card in the tarot's Major Arcana. 

Episode 25: The Devil. In this tiny tarot lesson, we're covering the boogey man of the tarot, The Devil. You'll see he's not so scary after all. 

Episode 26: The Tower. The Tower card is a bit scary to see but it's actually a card that symbolizes a necessary change - one that leads to liberation. Let's explore the symbols and some possible interpretations in this little tarot lesson!

Episode 27: The Star. We're looking at the symbols and possible interpretations of tarot's favorite card of hope: The Star. 

Episode 28: The Moon. This wee tarot podcast will look at the symbols and possible interpretations of The Moon.

Episode 29: The Sun. In this teeny tiny podcast, we're covering The Sun, my favorite card in the tarot deck. The tarot reader mentioned is Arwen Lynch of Tarot by Arwen. 

Episode 30: Judgement. In this little tarot lesson, we're exploring the symbols and some interpretations behind the Judgement card. Plus, I'm sharing the song I think about every time I see this card!

Episode 31: The World. In this little lesson, we're looking at the last card in the Major Arcana, The World. 

Episode 32: The Minor Arcana. This short episode is a refresher on the Minor Arcana. 

Episode 33: Numbers in the Minor Arcana. In tarot, numbers hold clues. Learn what those numbers symbolize and you have the ability to read any tarot deck - even ones without illustrated pips!

Episode 34: The Aces. In this short but info-packed tarot tutorial, we're examining + comparing the Aces.

Episode 35: Two of Cups. In this little lesson, we'll look at the symbols (what's that lion thing-y?) and possible interpretations for the Two of Cups. 

Episode 36: Three of Cups. This card isn't just about having a party. In this episode, I let you in on something I learned from tarot legend Rachel Pollack last weekend. 

Episode 37: Four of Cups. In this little tutorial, we'll take a look at the Four of Cups, the "meh" card of the tarot deck. 

Episode 8: How to ask a good question. Your tarot reading is only as good as your question. In this short tutorial, I'll explain which questions are helpful...and which are not. Plus how to formulate empowering questions - and the questions you should never ask...and why. 

Episode 11: The Magician. What's with all the tools on his table? What's this guy all about? (Hint: skill and will.)  In this little lesson, we're covering the Magician - right side up and upside down! 

Episode 15: The Hierophant. In this little lesson, we'll cover the symbols and possible interpretations of The Hierophant, a card that I found to be quite challenging when I first began learning tarot.

Episode 5: Caring for Your Tarot Deck. In this episode, I'm giving you tips for keeping your deck in good working order. From protecting the deck to cleansing bad vibes, you'll learn how tarot pros take good care of their decks. Blog post mentioned in this episode is Briana Saussy - How to cleanse, bless and consecrate a tarot deck. 

Episode 4: Breaking Down the Tarot Deck. In today's episode, we'll cover the main parts of the Tarot deck: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana and Court Cards. I'll also briefly discuss decks with "extra cards." 

Episode 14: The Emperor. In this short lesson, we're looking at the big daddy of the Tarot, The Emperor. Learn about the symbols and interpretations behind this stern fella. 

Episode 9: Reversals. Should you work with reversals or not? Are they necessary? And, if you use them, how do they work? I answer all of these questions in this short tarot tutorial on reversals. 

Episode 7: How to do a one-card tarot reading. One-card readings are simple, quick, and effective. And perfect for total beginners! In this short tutorial, I'll tell you why they're great, how to do one, plus some tips for journaling. I'll also demo two super-fast one-card readings. 

Episode 6: How to set the mood for tarot reading. Today, I'm talking about the importance of your environment - both inside and out. When your outer surroundings are calm and you're peaceful inside, you can focus better - and that allows you to deliver a centered, rock solid tarot reading!

Episode 16: The Lovers. Think The Lovers is solely about romance? Think again. In this quick lesson, we'll look at the symbols and possible interpretations. Hint: choices. 

Episode 10: The Fool. We'll be going through every card in the tarot deck in future episodes. Naturally, we're starting off with The Fool, the first card in the Major Arcana. Learn about the symbols, how to interpret, and the reversed meaning. No foolin'! 

Episode 13: The Empress. In this little lesson, we'll discuss some of the symbols and interpretations for the mother of all cards, The Empress. 

Episode 3: How to shuffle your tarot deck. In this episode, I'm talking about how to shuffle and cut your tarot cards - plus whether or not other people should handle your deck. I'm also giving you the straight talk on whether a client really "needs" to shuffle your cards to get a good reading from you.  

Episode 12: The High Priestess. In this little tutorial, we're exploring the symbols and interpretations for tarot's lady of mystery, The High Priestess. 

Episode 2: Choosing a Tarot Deck. Confused about which deck to buy (there are soooo many)? Wondering if your first deck needs to be "gifted" to you by someone else? Let me dispel the myth about "gifting" and share some practical insights for getting a tarot deck you love. 

Episode 38: Five of Cups. In this little tarot tutorial, we're looking at the symbols and possible interpretations for the somber Five of Cups. 

Episode 188. Keeping a journal is one of the best practices for self-care. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Gabriela Herstik teaches how to add astrology and tarot to your journaling. Learn how Gaby blends these sacred arts into her own practice - and how you can add them to yours. (Psst...Gabriela's new Embody Your Magick journal is a fab place to start!)

Episode 227. What is Cardology and how does it differ from Tarot? In this episode, Laura Haehl talks about Cardology, an ancient divination system using playing cards and astrology. You can learn about yourself, your loved ones, and so much more from a simple card!

Episode 214. What makes a reading empowering...or not? Neil from Must Be A Gemini Tarot joins me to answer that question. Learn how to approach your tarot readings with the right mindset and questions, whether you're getting or giving the reading.

Episode 159. A few years back I wrote a blog post about six mistakes tarot readers make. I thought we might want to visit that again here on the podcast. Here are the six things to avoid when reading tarot:

1. Depending too much on the “little white book." At some point, you gotta ditch the training wheels.

2. Becoming enamored with your newfound “powers." It's not about you - it's about serving the client.

3. Giving a prediction without strategies to change the outcome. If the outcome looks dicey, you need to show what can be done to navigate the situation.

4. Not keeping healthy boundaries. Boundaries keep you sane.

5. Taking on the role of a doctor, therapist or lawyer. Leave that to the professionals. 

6. Thinking you got it all down.  Keep learning, always.

Episode 204. What's a spirit guide? Can tarot help you connect with them? Glad you asked! Intuitive tarot pro and author Arwen Lynch joins me to answer my questions about tarot and spirit guides. Learn how to find out who's guiding you, and what tarot spreads to use for this type of work (it's actually easier than you might think!). You'll also learn which tarot decks Arwen thinks are best for spirit work! 

Episode 157. There will be times when you’re reading for someone and suddenly you lose your sense of objectivity. For example, you’re reading for a loved one - and you see something bad and don’t want to tell them so you sugarcoat your delivery. Or perhaps you have someone at your tarot table that you don’t like. Maybe they are doing something that you feel is morally wrong. In that case, you may find yourself looking for the so-called bad cards because you feel some type of way.

If you ever find yourself in one of those situations, don’t feel bad. It happens to all of us at one time or another. BUT if you don’t get out of your own way, this will hinder your ability to deliver a helpful reading for the person at your tarot table.

Remaining objective isn’t easy but it can be done. The key is to keep a neutral mindset at all times, no matter who is in front of you, what questions are being asked, or what cards show up. This Tarotcise involves role-playing and can help you learn to get centered - before you're actually in a real-life situation that makes you squirm.

Episode 160. Awhile back, Erin Aquarian joined me on Tarot Bytes to talk about Tarot as a tool for liberation. She's back and this time we're chatting about the wisdom codes in the Major Arcana that trigger our evolution. Erin has been downloading this information for some time and shared this with me: 

"The messages I've been getting clearly especially from the Empress/Emperor years is that we are being initiated into mental/emotional/spiritual adulthood, all the work that is happening around deprogramming/healing/unlearning problematic conditioning, etc, is ultimately about becoming an empowered adult who is actively participating in creating a better world, rather than passively accepting the one we've been given.”

Wow.

We discuss this and more in another deep dive Tarot lesson!

Episode 164. Do you read reversals? If so, do you only see them as the "opposite" of the upright meaning? There's more than one way to look at a reversed tarot card - and in this episode of Tarot Bytes, Emilie Muñiz teaches all the different ways you can read them.

Some of her methods include the shadow, weaker, blocked, or the wakeup. If you want to work with reversals and are stuck on the opposite only, get ready to amp up your interpretation skills with Emilie!

Episode 180. Have you ever asked this question: do I really need to use a tarot spread? Tarot spread creator Melda Hughes has the answer to that. She believes a layout can help you learn tarot and deliver a more direct reading. In this episode, she shares her thoughts as well as her simple process for creating spreads. 

Episode 183. Long time tarot readers know that the cards can be a potent tool for transformation. Combine them with folk magic and you've got a recipe for healing and radical change. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, folk magic educator Lex Ritchie joins me to talk about how tarot and folk magic create the perfect blend for an empowered life. 

Episode 171. Do you ever find yourself getting hung up on supposed "tarot rules," and losing your own voice in the process? This happens to all of us, especially when we're first starting out. Rote memorization of what each card "means," can have you sounding like a tarot automaton...and that's no good.

Tarot is a lot like music - while there are certain rules, individual expression is what creates the most interesting harmonies. Majorie Gatson, also known as The Punk Priestess, joins me in this episode of Tarot Bytes to talk about how to break free from the tarot rules that stifle your creativity...and your voice.

Episode 236. Did you know meditation can help your tarot practice? It's true. Many tarot readers are meditators. But it can be hard to know how to begin. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Keziah Gibbons joins me to talk about the benefits of meditation for tarot readers. You'll also learn how you can use the tarot as a tool for meditation.

Episode 209. If you are looking to find a great tarot reader, you’re in luck. Thanks to the internet and tarot’s popularity, you don’t have to dig hard. Modern times have made it easy to find talented tarot pros - and it’s also made it much easier for those professionals to put their work out there.

Even so, how can you ensure you’re going to find the right one? In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'll share a few tips for discovering your next tarot fave - and the red flags you need to watch out for. 

Episode 232. Do you struggle to learn the Court Cards? You're not alone. Most Tarot readers feel the Courts are tricky to interpret. Thomas from Hermit's Mirror has written a workbook called Awaken the Court Cards and he's sharing some of his best tips from the book. Learn how correspondences can help you develop a stronger relationship with the members of Tarot's Court.

When people come to a tarot reader, the two most common queries are about getting paid...or laid. So which cards might indicate sexy times? Gabriela Herstik, the author of Sacred Sex, joins me to discuss the sexiest tarot cards. 

Episode 178. If you've decided to start a tarot business, then you need to go pro from the jump. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Gina Thies, who has been writing the business column for the Tarot School’s Tarot Tips Newsletter for years. Gina shares her thoughts on professionalism and gives tips on how tarot readers can up their game.

Episode 192. What's intuition all about - and what role does it play in tarot? How come some readers don't like the word "psychic?" Mat Auryn, the author of the best-selling book Psychic Witch, joins me today to answer those questions and so much more. Mat has been teaching intuitive tarot skills for many years and shares some of his techniques for tuning in and delivering helpful, accurate readings. I love his wise point of view - and think you will too. (Psst...if you want to be more psychic, get his book!)

Episode 163. The elements play an important role in the Tarot. Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit - each one holds clues to the cards. For example, the suit of Pentacles is ruled by the Earth element, which signifies the material world. Pentacles are therefore our foundation, the things that make us feel secure. Not just money (although that's a big part of Pentacles energy), but also our homes, values, and boundaries. Once you understand the Elements, you have a better connection to the cards.

In this special episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by author and witch Gabriela Herstik for a deep-dive into the Elements in Tarot. We explore each suit and corresponding element through cards she chose for her upcoming book, Bewitching the Elements: A Guide to Empowering Yourself Through Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit (this is a must-have book for every Tarot reader and witchy person!). Gabriela shares different ways to tap into the elemental energy of the cards, which will add an extra layer of interpretation possibilities to your Tarot readings. Get ready to look at the Elements - and Tarot - through new eyes! 

Episode 212. In order for there to be justice and equality in the world, we need activists. They have always played an important role in creating freedom for all. But activists need support - and tarot can provide guidance and healing for those who stand up, speak up, and make a difference. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Corinna Rosella of Rise Up Good Witch joins me to talk about tarot as a tool for social justice work, healing, how tarot needs to change to better support folks, and more. Corrina also talks about their new class, Tarot As A Tool For Liberation. 

Episode 234. The elements play a vital role in Tarot. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, artist Kim Krans of The Wild Unknown Tarot talks about the elements, alchemy, and her newest deck, The Wild Unknown Alchemy Deck.

Episode 206. You might have heard of Reiki and wondered how it works. Reiki Master and Tarot reader Debra Lugo Pasquale of Golden Bee Tarot and Reiki joins me to talk about the benefits of Reiki - and how you can use it with your tarot practice. Learn how Debra incorporates Reiki into her client work and how you might use it to charge your deck...and more.

Episode 208. Ever had a tarot card "leap" out as you're shuffling? Tarot readers call them "jumpers" and Kimberly Cooley of Abundant Life Tarot reads solely with them! When I heard this, I knew I had to talk to her and learn about her method. In this episode, Kimberly shares her techniques, thoughts, and philosophy around reading with jumpers. You'll also learn what's up when no cards seem to jump out. This episode might get you looking at your readings in a whole new way!

Episode 207. Tarot has astrological correlations - and in this episode astrologer Debra Silverman explains how you can use tarot to understand your natal chart. As you start to see astrology through a tarot lens, you'll begin to understand yourself (and your chart) in a whole new way.

Episode 169. A few episodes back, Seth Vermilyea of Coming Out Tarot discussed tarot patterns with me. He joins me again today to talk about cards and patterns that might indicate the coming out journey. We also chat about how tarot can support someone before, during, and after coming out of any life closet. Seth is an amazing teacher and tarot reader - I learned so much in this episode. 

Episode 219. The Major Arcana is associated with the bigger picture and spiritual lessons. In a way, it can be compared to The Hero's Journey, a myth about a hero who embarks on a journey and must overcome challenges along the way. This transforms them on a deep level. Tarot reader Maisy Bristol joins me to talk about the hero's journey in the tarot cards. 

Episode 211. What happens when you bring a chef together with a tarot reader? Answer: divination + yummy things + a cookbook. Chef Courtney McBroom and tarot priestess Melinda Lee Holm join me today to talk about two of my favorite topics: tarot and food! They also share the deets on their new cookbook, Divine Your Dinner: A Cookbook for Using Tarot as Your Guide to Magickal Meals.

Episode 213. Do you wonder how tarot readers get started? Curious on how some make the transition from tarot professional to writer...or deck creator? Sarah Potter joins me today for a fun and frank discussion on our tarot journeys. Learn how we made the leap from hobbyist to pro - and author. Sarah also gives the inside scoop on her new deck, The Cosmo Tarot!

Episode 205. When you’re first beginning your tarot journey, there may be times when that old friend doubt starts creeping in. What if I’m wrong? This is common when you begin but I will say this: every tarot person worries about this same thing, even if they’ve been at it a million years.

Reading tarot - and trusting your gut for that matter - is risky. Intuition is that sense of knowing something without facts - and we live in a culture that demands facts. So keeping the faith in your instincts or your tarot reading capabilities? That’s not easy.

So first, do know you’re not alone if you are having those moments of doubt. It’s natural. We all feel that.

But one way to begin developing confidence is to simply start keeping track of your readings and flashes of intuition. This is something I recommend in Tarot: No Questions Asked. Listen in and learn more. 

Episode 199. Do you tend to read the cards in the order of the spread? For example, does a Past, Present, Future reading need to be read that way - or is there a deeper, more intuitive method? Jenna Matlin joins me today to teach how she "pivots the table" and squeezes as much meaning as possible by passing back and forth over the cards. Intuitive hits and critical inquiry provide new details that might be missed if you simply read the positional meanings in a spread. She describes this as creating a "layer cake of meaning," a three-dimensional reading that goes further and provides more detail. 

Jenna's method will get you spinning the spread in new directions - and igniting your intuition like never before! 

Episode 228. There has been an uptick in internet tarot scammers, especially on Instagram. I've had countless imposter accounts - and so have many of my peers. Sabrina Scott and I talk about our experiences with online scammers - and how metaphysical practitioners and followers can combat the problem. If you're a professional tarot reader, astrologer, healer, psychic, or sacred artist, this conversation can help you navigate this rising problem. Fans, followers, and clients can also listen and learn what to look out for so they can stay safe and avoid getting ripped off by these predators.

Episode 196. In our daily lives, colors influence our actions. For example, certain shades of orange and red are used in fast-food restaurants to get us hungry...and moving along quickly. Does this same thing apply to tarot? 

The colorful images in the tarot deck certainly capture our imaginations. But were the colors chosen deliberately for interpretation reasons? Or not? And what might the colors convey in a tarot reading? Color Magic practitioner and tarot reader Sarah Potter joins me to talk about how the magic of color adds so much to the cards...and how we interpret them. 

Episode 176. If you've been reading for yourself or loved ones, you might be wondering: what is it like to read for strangers? Jenna Matlin joins me to talk about reading tarot for the general public. Jenna shares her tips for delivering a rock-solid reading, and handling challenging querents. We also talk about the difference between readings for family versus the general public - and how folks should prepare for a session so they get a helpful tarot reading.

When we think about tarot, we usually associate it with divination. Tarot isn’t just for looking at the future. In fact, there are many ways you can use the Tarot in your everyday life.

Before I explore that, I also want to remind you that Tarot wasn’t originally intended for divination. It was created as a trick-taking game - and it is still played as a game in many parts of the world. If you want to learn how to play Tarot games, a quick search of the web will lead you to tutorials. Be sure to check that out.

Now, on to our subject. Listen in and check out some of my favorite ways to to use Tarot in your daily life.

Episode 182. Tarot spreads can add structure to a reading. But are they necessary? Desiree of Intuitive Gems doesn't think so. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Desiree shares why you don't need a spread to deliver a great reading. Her techniques for reading without tarot spreads will make it easy to give up the structure and find your free flow!

Episode 216. In this episode, I am joined by Veronica Varlow, author of Bohemian Magick: Witchcraft and Secret Spells to Electrify Your Life as she shares how to work with "spirit cards," a technique she learned from her grandmother Helen. This simple method will add a lot of depth and magic to your tarot readings. Veronica also talks about her new book, witchcraft, her cool family lineage, and so much more. Listen in and learn how to add spirit cards to your readings (thank you, Grandma Helen, for teaching Veronica so she could teach us!).

Episode 221. Crystals, tarot, astrology, yoga...these wellness practices seem to be getting hotter by the minute. But for too long, the metaphysical industry has been centered around white, cis-gendered, able-bodied, heteronormative folks. Thankfully, that is changing. People want inclusivity - and when it happens, communities thrive. While there is more diversity than ever before, we have a very long way to go. Artist Krystal Banner joins me to discuss why representation matters in wellness practices - and what we can do to make sure everyone gets a seat at the table. We also discuss her new Absolute Affirmations deck, one of my fave new spiritual tools.  

Episode 226. If you work in the coaching industry, you might find the tarot to be a useful tool for your clients. But it can also serve you well. For example, you can sort out what a client needs from you - or you can reflect on what you need to show up as the best coach for your community. In this episode of Tarot Bytes life coach and author of Holy Heathen: A Spiritual Memoir Katherine North joins me to talk about how she uses tarot in her personal practice.

Episode 189. When you have an idea of what's up, you can make better decisions. Tarot can help with that. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, actress and tarot reader Rachel True talks about how tarot can be used for confident decision-making. Rachel shares some of the ways tarot has helped her - and how it can help you too. We also talk about her uh-may-zing new True Heart Intuitive Tarot, a gorgeous new deck filled with modern interpretations and stories from her life. This is a must-have deck for tarot lovers and fans of Rachel's work. 

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, author and genealogist Nancy Hendrickson joins me to talk about using tarot for ancestral work. Learn why you might want to use tarot to connect with your departed loved ones, what to do when those relatives aren't nice people and more. Nancy also shares her experiences about ancestral tarot work and talks a bit about her upcoming book on the subject. This topic fascinates me - and I think you'll find it intriguing too!

Episode 175. Reading tarot for loved ones seems like a great idea, right? After all, who knows you better than a close friend or family member? While there are benefits to getting a reading from someone you trust, there are challenges for both the reader and the querent. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Melissa Cynova, author of the upcoming book Kitchen Table Magic and cocreator of The Scorpio Sea Tarot, for a frank discussion on what it's like to read tarot for those who are near and dear.

We talk about the pros and cons of getting a reading from someone who knows you well - and what both reader and querent need to do to ensure the reading is unbiased and helpful. Learn when we think you shouldn't read for a loved one too.

Episode 173. Although tarot is primarily associated with divination, modern readers know that it can be used for so much more. Jerico Mandybur, the creator behind Neo Tarot, sees tarot as a tool for nurturing yourself. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, we're talking about how tarot and self-care go together beautifully. 

Jerico shares various ways to incorporate tarot into your personal spiritual practice. Methods such as affirmations, journaling, and her fave spread for "checking in" help you take good care of you.  You'll discover the tarot might be the perfect companion when you need a little TLC (tarot loving care). 

She also dishes about her fascinating new podcast Beyond Belief - which explores spiritual beliefs such as stigmata, satanic feminists, and other belief systems in a curious, non-judgmental way. 

Episode 161. So you've read all the tarot books. Now you have a database of tarot meanings, and you're good to go, right? Not quite. While the books can give you a solid foundation, you may find that over time you start to develop your own tarot meanings. This is important because everybody's relationship with tarot is different - and that means everyone will have unique ways of interpreting them.

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Mantis, the author of Truly Easy Tarot,  joins me to talk about creating your own tarot card meanings. Learn about the tools and methods he recommends to find interpretations that come from your heart.

Episode 185. Most of us have heard about the "Law of Attraction," the belief that our thoughts create our reality. Chantele Francis is a Law of Attraction Life Coach who uses the Tarot to help her clients manifest their biggest dreams. She joins me today to talk about what you need to know about the Law of Attraction and how to bring it into your Tarot practice to create the life you want. 

Episode 179. We are living in uncertain times. Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on many business owners, including professional tarot readers, many who rely on face-to-face interactions through events and metaphysical storefronts. With shops closing and the safety concerns that come with in-person sessions, tarot pros are being forced to adapt - and so are their clients. But how do you do that? What might an in-person reading look like now? Will everyone be masked up? How do you read tarot when sitting six feet apart? Is it even safe to welcome clients into your home or office? And if you don't want to offer that, how do you deal with customers who insist and try to push past your boundaries? 

Liz Worth joins me to discuss all of that and more. Reading tarot in a pandemic can be totally doable and safe. We share our thoughts on what to do, how to stay safe, setting boundaries, and why we both think phone sessions are always a better option, pandemic or not. If you're a tarot professional or a client, you'll want to listen in to this episode. 

Episode 165. The interpretation process can be daunting, especially for beginners. But what if you could look at the tarot cards through a different lens, one that views them as individuals functioning together in a situation? Melinda Lee Holm shares her genius method with me in this episode of Tarot Bytes. When you start reading the cards as personalities in a room, your interpretations will flow like never before! Melinda also talks about why she focuses on the difficult cards first in a tarot reading (you will love this piece of advice).

Episode 168. Every tarot reader or enthusiast has at one time or another come across a family member who doesn’t support their tarot passion. Sometimes it’s due to ignorance while other times, there are other emotions behind the haterade such as embarrassment, fear, a lack of understanding, or it goes against their beliefs. In some cases, it’s because they’ve had a bad experience with a tarot reader or know someone who did.

For example, my parents didn’t seem to care much when I was experimenting as a teenager. But once I made tarot my livelihood, they were freaked out. My mother was so embarrassed that she wouldn’t tell people what I actually did for a living. She told relatives that I worked for some corporation. Which is crazy because anyone who knows me knows that I would never do such a thing. But to her, the work was so bizarre that she couldn't admit it until years later. I’m sure she’d have a different mindset now because I’ve been doing it so long - and have a few books under my belt. Also, tarot is more accepted than it was back in the day when I first began.

I can tell you though, that it does hurt when your family isn’t supportive. It can take the wind out of your sails and make you feel like putting the cards away for good. Over the years I’ve talked to many other tarot lovers who have shared stories of having to practice or get readings in secret due to a family member who doesn’t like tarot. It doesn’t have to come to that.

In this episode, I'm sharing my best tips for how to deal when your family doesn't support your tarot passion.

Episode 225. Over the years, there have been some common tarot reading problems I've experienced...and others have as well. Some of the most typical: drawing a blank, skeptics, vague questions, relying on the little white book too much, being ungrounded, and more. I'm sharing some quick tips on how to avoid these tarot reading problems so you can keep reading with confidence! 

Episode 158. 2020 marks the universal year of the Emperor. The themes for the year: security, protection, and the patriarchy. While the Emperor can symbolize the father figure, the shadow side is the dictator. In this week's Tarot Bytes my co-author of Tarot for Troubled Times, Shaheen Miro, joins me to talk about how to find the yearly number, what the Emperor year means for us on a collective and personal level, plus how to deal in a way that makes sense for you based on your birth card. 

Navigate this year's vibe with tarot - and Shaheen!

Episode 137. I use this spread with a specific question in mind. It’s not for general outlooks - the Past Present Future spread (or the Celtic Cross) is better suited for that. Here are the positions:

The Situation, What You Need To Know, Advice

The Situation looks at the current energy around the question.

What You Need To Know covers those blind spots or things you may be choosing to ignore.

Advice offers guidance so you can make good, conscious decisions.

Useful as can be and easy to work with. You'll defo want to add this spread to your tarot toolbox.

Episode 155. If I had to label my style of reading, I would definitely fit in the "intuitive tarot reader" category. While the traditional meanings of the cards form a framework, I like to let my sixth sense lead the way in the interpretations. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm sharing one of my simple "Tarotcises" for intuitive tarot reading.

This is an easy, effective way to get out of your head and into your gut. (By the way, Tarotcise is a term I coined for Tarot Exercises. I think it's cute.)

Episode 166. There are a few Major Arcana cards that tend to spook people, namely Death, Devil, and The Tower. Pull one of those bad boys in a tarot reading, and folks freak out - and fear the worst. Those Majors aren't the only "frightening" tarot cards in the deck. In fact, there are a few scary Minor Arcana cards that trip people up and stress them out. Cards such as the Ten of Swords, or Five of Cups. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Meg Jones Wall of 3am Tarot for an enlightening conversation on how to deal when the Minors you don't like show up to your tarot party.

Meg shares her technique that combines Numerology and Majors to find the wisdom and healing potential in tarot's least happy Minors. You'll start looking at those unpleasant cards with fresh eyes - and they won't seem so scary anymore!

Episode 215. Sometimes a tarot reading doesn't make sense. When that happens, readers will often choose a "clarifying card." A clarifying card can offer additional guidance and so much more. Victoria Constantino, author of Tarot by the Moon: Spreads & Spells for Every Month of the Year, shares her thoughts and techniques about clarifying cards. 

Episode 194. In past episodes, we've looked at postures, gestures, and even the hands to glean information about the tarot cards. What about the faces on the figures? What do they reveal? A lot...and not a lot. Here's the deal: some cards have obvious associations with different emotions while others are rather neutral, leaving the reader to interpret what the figure might be feeling or conveying. Look at the smirk on the Five of Swords - that tells you there is something shady going on. But the inscrutable face of the Queen of Wands leaves your imagination to do the work. Different decks also have images that could give whole new interpretations based on the artist's rendering. I'll talk about all of this in the latest episode. 

Episode 191. I've said this again and again: tarot is not just for divination. It can be used in many ways. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, my favorite dynamic duo, Leeza Robertson and Pamela Chen teaches how tarot can be a wonderful tool for healing. We talk about chakras, tarot, Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), and more. If you're curious about how tarot might be able to assist your healing journey, you'll love this episode. 

Episode 187. In a previous episode of Tarot Bytes, Mary Greer talked about "birth cards," a numerology technique where you add up your birth date and connect the final number to a tarot card. This can tell you a lot about yourself and your destiny. Mary joins me again to explore "yearly cards," which connects each year to a Major Arcana. We discuss personal year cards as well as yearly cards for the collective. 

Episode 190. Tarot readers are so focused on serving others, that they often lose sight of their own needs. What happens when they use their spiritual gifts to heal themselves? In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Shaniqua Leach teaches how tarot readers can work with tarot to give themselves the same loving care that they give to others. Shaniqua talks about how to deliver a helpful reading to yourself in the same way you'd deliver one to a client.

She also discusses what to do when you get stuck on a tarot card meaning, cards that keep popping up in the client's readings (there might be a message for YOU), plus some things you can do to get out of your headspace and back to your heart. This conversation is going to help every reader learn how to serve themselves as well as they do everyone else. 

Episode 230. Can you be both skeptical and spiritual? GOOD QUESTION. The answer: yes. Rachel White aka The Skeptical Shaman is both (psst...so am I). In this episode, we talk about skepticism, spirituality, and how the two can go together - and should. Learn more about Rachel at her site: Totem Readings. 

Episode 121. Boundaries for Tarot Readers with Sarah Barry. If you're going to read tarot for the public, it's not enough to have a trusty deck and great tarot skills. You also need boundaries. Boundaries will protect your energy - and your business. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Sarah Barry aka Psychic Sarah for a frank chat about boundaries for tarot readers. Sarah shares tips on how to handle aggressive clients, freebie seekers, and all sorts of other challenging situations. This is an essential lesson for tarot professionals or for anyone who works in a metaphysical or healing industry.

Episode 223. If you want to feature guests on your tarot podcast or live stream, you need to know how to conduct a great interview. Onareo has a knack for getting people to open up and talk. In this special episode of Tarot Bytes you'll learn how he prepares for an interview, selects guests, and shines the spotlight on them. We also talk about originality and kindness - two things to keep in mind when you're hosting anything featuring authors, artists, and tarot folks. 

Episode 235. You've probably seen the stereotypes portrayed in popular media: fortune tellers with scarves in dark rooms, turning over the Death card and exclaiming imminent doom. Or maybe you have other ideas about tarot readers such as assuming they can read minds. Author Michael Herkes aka The Glam Witch joins me to debunk these misconceptions. He also gives the inside scoop about his newest book, Astrology for Witches: Enhance Your Rituals, Spells, and Practices with the Magic of the Cosmos.

Episode 202. If you’ve been reading for a while, you’re going to encounter someone who is freaking out at some point. This can be challenging, especially for a new tarot reader. I’ve got a few tips for you - but I also want to share a few thoughts for folks who want a tarot reading and are in a state of panic.

Let’s start with that.

If you’re having a meltdown or are experiencing extreme anxiety, this is not the time for a tarot reading. Here’s why: you’ll have a hard time remaining grounded - and that may make it hard to receive an accurate reading.

From my own experience, I can say when I’m tripping out about a situation, I struggle to remain objective. I’ll tend to hear what I want to hear - or hear what I fear the most. I can assure you that even if I get a great reading that says “everything will work out,” that tends only to hold me for a minute when I’m in a bad state of mind about a situation.

If you feel frantic, I recommend prioritizing working with a therapist, healer, or health care practitioner. Extreme self-care needs to come first. A tarot reading can be part of your self-care, but it shouldn’t be the first thing you turn to, nor should a tarot reader ever take on the role of a licensed health care professional.

Now, if you’re a tarot reader and someone comes to you in a state of distraught, here are a few thoughts on that.   

Your job is to deliver a kind, helpful tarot reading. That means you must remain calm, centered, and objective - even if the person sitting at your tarot table isn’t.

I will recommend that you have self-care practices that you do every day because that will help you remain grounded. For example, meditation is excellent for finding your calm. Physical activity such as yoga or a brisk walk before you begin work can also get you in the right mood for working with clients. Tarot readers need to practice great self-care to care for their clients without getting their own lives impacted by the work.

A soothing backdrop is essential for both client and reader. I always have gentle music playing in the background. Your working space should be clean and peaceful, whether you see people in-person or do your work over the phone. A tranquil atmosphere can make all the difference for both parties.

Ideally, you’ll have good boundaries in place so your clients can’t just show up at your door and demand an emergency reading. However, even with strict boundaries, there will still be times when your client has a rough situation creating anxiety. They may want to see you immediately. I’ll let you determine how you feel about that. But I will say this: if you are going to offer on-demand services without any boundaries, you risk burning out. And a burnt out reader isn’t able to help anyone for long.

When you’re working with anyone, you’ll want to establish control of the experience. This is especially important when you’re working with people who are freaking out.

Begin by doing something that helps the client take a moment to center themselves before you touch the tarot. I like reading an oracle card first. The one I use is the Power Deck by Lynn Andrews. Each card has a different spiritual meaning written on the back, and taking that minute to read the card will set the tone for the reading. Sometimes clients wonder why I begin with that oracle card. This is the reason why. It creates a sacred moment, so we’re both in a good place before starting to work with the cards.

You may have a different process to set the tone for the reading. Perhaps you pour a client a cup of tea if you see them in-person. Or maybe you take a moment for a little light meditation or prayer. An invocation over the cards could also help bring the room's energy into a still, chill place.

Next, you’ll want to practice slow, deep belly breathing. People will link their breathing to someone else’s. If you focus on deep breathing, often the client will tune in and slow their own breathing down too. This will pull them into a centered place and may take the edge off.

Another breathing technique I use is “color breathing,” where I breathe slowly but visualize inhaling a radiant white light and breathing out a cobalt blue ray. I envision that cobalt blue surrounding the client and calming their aura. This is another way to cool the energy and soothe the client.

Next, it’s time to listen. Give the client space to tell you what’s going on - and why they want a reading at this time. What is their goal? What are their expectations on how this reading will serve them? Sometimes allowing them to flesh out what’s going on and what they need will help take the energy down a notch. This reflection will also give you and them input on how to proceed.

Once you’ve established a relaxed mood, begin your work. It would help if you remained calm at all times. Sometimes a person who is feeling anxious needs a person to talk to. If that is the case, again, let them have the floor. In fact, I find that this is a good practice in general when people are approaching tarot in a panicky way. Talking it out will help process feelings, plus it can lend well to finding good, helpful questions.

I would recommend that you refrain from “will I” questions. These are disempowering and do not serve to help the client. Instead, you’ll want to reframe questions with the “what do I need to know about” or “how can I” so the client is in the driver’s seat of their situation. Often, panic sets in when we don’t feel in control. You always want to help the client find ways to take their power back.

Never take the person’s pain lightly. Even if you think they are dramatic, do NOT judge or dismiss them. That is not only disrespectful but also unhelpful. It leads to shame, and the client might approach the reading with timidity instead of being open to the help the cards may have to offer. Think about it: if your reader just diminished your concerns, how open will you feel discussing anything with them? A reader should never pooh-pooh what the client is feeling.

Never end the reading on a hopeless note. Help the querent find the hope and power in their situation. That needs to be your goal.

I also recommend keeping a list of referrals such as therapists, hotlines, free text services for mental health, and, in some cases, local social services to help the client get the proper assistance. Again, your tarot work should never take the place of a licensed mental health expert or doctor.

Once the reading is over, you’ll need to practice good spiritual hygiene. That may mean taking a walk, meditating, or something simple such as washing your hands, a practice my friend Brianna Saussy recommends.

I’d also recommend that you encourage the client to put space between each reading. Sometimes a person who is stressed may want multiple readings on the same subject. This rarely does any good. It’s like picking at a wound. Time is needed to gain perspective. You don’t want to encourage dependence because that’s never good for the client or the reader.

If they insist, I always refer to a health care practitioner or mental health expert. This is to protect the client, which is ultimately the goal.

These are a few of my tips. I hope this helps you, whether you’re the client or the tarot reader.

Episode 224. So you decided you want to start reading tarot. But before you start shuffling, there may be a few things to keep in mind. Such as picking the right deck for you (nope, doesn't need to be the RWS), cleansing, calibrating your cards to you, protecting your energy...and more. Lucky for you, Brittany Kennedy of Nefertiti Rising Apothecary is sharing her best tips in this episode of Tarot Bytes. Listen in and learn how you can get started on the right foot!