My friend Beverly asked for tips and techniques for reading for one’s self. I’m not sure about you, but reading for myself can be an exercise in frustration. I used to throw down some cards, hoping desperately that they tell me what I want to hear, and look at them for a nanosecond and scoop them up with a heavy sigh, thinking “I have to do it again. I’m not centered enough (or I wasn’t clear on the precise wording of the question or some other excuse).” Now, I have better habits for self-reads. One of the first things I do to insure a good reading for myself (by good I mean useful not necessarily what I want to hear) is to commit to doing the reading. This means

Nancy Antenucci’s book Psychic Tarot is filled with great ways to enhance your connection to the cards and to spirit. It is also filled with practical tips for each of the six steps or, as she says, principles of a reading. For example in the chapter on Closure, Antenucci offers this gem: “I suggest my clients refrain from making any decisions about the reading right away. Instead, they should let the dust settle over the next forty-eight hours, to see what new connection have been made.” For me personally (and my clients as well), this is part of closure and a transition into integration (the final principle). We are so used to thinking and also (although sometimes

Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone have a wonderful book called Tarot Tips. It is filled with bite-sized tips that are perfect for dipping in and adding something new to your practice or to bring to a Tarot Meet Up or tarot play date. Reversals are always interesting. Every reader has their own perspective. One offered in this book comes from Tip 30: Secret Paths. It is called The Reversed Major Secret Path and it goes like this: The next time a Major Arcana comes up reversed, take a look at its numerological partner. You may find the information you need is found there: 21 World/ 3 Empress 20 Judgement/ 2 High Priestess 19 Sun/ 10 Wheel 18 Moon/ 9 Hermit 17 Star/ 8

Taken from Tarot Spreads: Layouts and Techniques to Empower Your Readings by Barbara Moore. The Judgement card is about, in part, hearing a calling. It is a moment when you feel compelled toward something larger than yourself. These callings can be difficult to respond to, as they can be powerful but sometimes vague or very different from your current way of thinking. This spread helps clarify the calling and gives advice on how to respond to it. 1, Calling: The nature of the call. This is the heart of the matter, the focus of change, the major energy being communicated. 2, Spiritual response: This is how you are being asked to respond spiritually to this call. It can show