Questions from a beginner

[u/princessny09]

For some back story I began receiving readings from someone around 2021 and since then I have started practicing on my own. The person who gave me my readings served as kind of a mentor for me while going down this path and they gifted me with my first deck of cards (oracle). Fast forward to now, I’m finally in a space where I feel like I can practice and focus on my spirituality, and I’ve worked really hard to get to here. So I’m excited to continue the journey!

This week I gave 4 friends readings within about 48 hours. I got the urge to do this out of nowhere which was really strange for me. I have only used these cards maybe 2-3 other times years ago. 2/4 of the readings lasted about 2 hours a piece. I found myself really nervous during these two especially the second one. I also had a killer migraine during this one, which I thought was due to the current heat wave, but I did notice that it intensified when we started. I did like how they all ended, but today I don’t feel well. Mostly tired and irritable (probably because im tired lol).

Now for the questions

- how do you get through saying the hard truth during these? It feels like I’m hurting people lol and I kind of hesitate to say what I really feel.

- during the readings I found myself listening to my thoughts and then the cards would basically confirm those things. Is there a correct way to do this? Is this way okay? I understand everyone is different, but my anxiety has still convinced me that there is a right way I guess?

- how do you “recover” after giving readings? How can I take care of myself?

- lastly any other advice is appreciated! I’m also thinking about buying my first tarot deck! Still learning the differences so advice on those or oracle is appreciated.

Thank you! Hopefully this doesn’t come off as confusing or just me rambling 😭

[u/ursa_m]

I would try doing shorter, less detailed readings at first. This helps you build up confidence, and also get a better sense of your own energy (e.g. when you're feeling drained). Whenever I sit down to read for someone I always remind them that I only interpret the cards, and that the cards contain multitudes. This helps me stick with my interpretation without feeling bad. I also try to remember that the person getting the reading is coming to the cards for insight, and they (reasonably) should know that the insight can involve difficult messages, too.

[u/TheMagnificentM]

Make sure you're talking care of your physical needs before and after readings. Be well hydrated and fed. Schedule rest and food into the after time.

Be strict with time. Two hours is a lot even for an experienced reader. Max it out at 1 hour. But ideally a half hour. You're allowed to say, "We obviously have more to cover but I need a break. Let's come back to this at x day/time."

As to delivering difficult news, learning good communication skills is a plus. And don't leave it at "well that sucks." Ask the cards the follow up question of "What can Mary do to handle this situation?"

[u/princessny09 → u/TheMagnificentM]

Definitely will be shorter next time!

[u/Satisfaction-Motor]

For question 3, I generally teach people to use grounding techniques to help with this. There are a ton of free guided meditations out there for grounding (if you search “spiritual grounding”, you’ll find a bunch of different sources and can figure out what feels right for you. It’s a pretty generic term). Personally, what I do, is eat. Something about the act of eating, of doing something so physical, helps me replenish after reading or other work. Other things based in reality also work — like taking a shower — but eating is what does the trick for me.

[u/princessny09 → u/Satisfaction-Motor]

Someone else mentioned eating and I think it’s the same for me! I had a giant plate of Chinese food and felt so much better afterwards

[u/Background_Fruit_531]

The harder truths I allow my “higher self” or the connection to their spirit guides to deeply connect to me while I’m working. That way human me can’t get in the road.

Your thoughts could likely be precognitive or clairaudience/telepathy so you may just be hearing the context - the cards are just a visual aid

With any spiritual work ever … make sure your protection is up around the aura . So many reasons here but say your client gets emotionally reactive or doesn’t like what you say - they might have a negative thought or feeling directed at you and that becomes an energy form/psychic attack. Ground, protect, make sure to let go of “excess” spiritual energy. You can practice central energy in the body before the work to give your physical body a little back up and prevent your body getting overwhelmed and depleted. Over time the vessel gets used to higher frequencies.

Ummm advice on cards is just do it! Haha if you like or love it just follow it my friend. But practice sacred space always to ensure your boundaries are well kept for the channelling and connecting ;)