Making tarot positive, interactive & empowering

Hello my friends,

I recently had the honour to host a class for The Ultimate Tarot Masterclass by Hay House. I took the opportunity to talk about how we can make the tarot more inclusive and empowering. So, I wanted to share with you the key points from the class and my top tips for making the tarot positive, interactive and empowering.

Over the last year, I have been selling tarot decks and doing tarot readings at various markets across London. Bringing the tarot to the public inspired quite a lot of different reactions! Most of the people who approach my table are positive and curious, but it has also given me an insight to the many reasons people think the tarot isn’t valuable to them.

Today I want to share with you the 3 key barriers and my 3 tips to break those barriers down. By doing so, we can get people excited about getting a tarot reading, or starting their own tarot journey.

The 3 barriers

1. Negativity

Many people have a preconceived notion that a tarot reading will only be a negative or uncomfortable experience. They may be put off by the idea of ‘bad cards’, dark themes or negative or disappointing predictions.

2. Fear

Fear is a very powerful force, especially fear of the unknown. When approaching the tarot for the first time, it’s easy to feel intimidated and nervous of doing or saying something wrong.

3. Disconnect

Traditional tarot is often perceived as not relevant to our lives today. Archaic images and language, a lack of diversity and bad tarot practices can leave clients feeling unheard and robbed of their power.

Let’s flip the script! To make the tarot more accessible, I’ve created three antidotes to these barriers. Positivity, Interaction and Empowerment (PIE):

Positivity

To counteract preconceived negative attitudes towards tarot, try working on…

• The environment
  Creating a warm, welcoming environment is key. Avoid dark or disconnected imagery and where possible, begin the reading with a prayer or mantra to seek inner wisdom, opportunities for growth and comfort.

• Preparing the client for bad cards
  It’s a great idea to introduce people to the tarot by finding your own creative way to explain how it works. If the client can understand the metaphorical nature of the cards, you can reduce the gasp moments when cards like “Death” are pulled. This way, whatever cards come up - the client can feel calm and optimistic about exploring them.

• Using positive language
  It goes without saying that kindness, tact and optimism goes a long way in a reading. Try using non-dogmatic ways of interpreting and communicating the cards meanings. Rather then saying “Difficult changes are on the horizon”, try saying “There may be some changes coming up, let’s explore how you can navigate them healthily”. Focus on the opportunity presented by events, rather than the challenge. Use affirmations throughout to inspire courage and self confidence in your reader, so they can feel empowered by the reading.

Interaction

The best antidote to fear is interaction. To help clients get over fears around the cards, try…

• Clarifying the process
  Be transparent about the process and explain what will happen during a reading. Ask the client if they have any questions and guide them throughout the proceedings, letting them know what you’re doing and gently prompting them when necessary.

• “It takes two to tarot”
  Make sure you level the playing ground at the beginning of a reading. This is because a tarot reading should be… playful! It should be collaborative, courageous and a 2-way conversation. Always warmly invite them to actively get involved with the reading, looking at the artwork and speaking up when they have thoughts, feelings or questions. Develop a balanced dynamic between the client and yourself as the facilitator.

• Making it a tactile experience
  If you’re comfortable, it really helps to let the client get hands on with the cards. Allow them to be part of the card selection process in a way you are comfortable with. It can also be great to supply the client with a pen and a notepad for notes or doodles, and something to hold or play with if they are nervous or like to fidget. Having a small pot of play-dough nearby can help some clients, or even simply offering a drink at the beginning gives the client a cup or glass they can hold. All these little tactile elements help the client to feel included, interactive and confident.

Empowerment

Finally, the tarot reading should always bring the power back to the client and never leave them feeling disconnected. Empower your client…

• Be mindful of their context
  Each client has a unique experience and identity. When reading cards, be mindful of how it might interpret differently for them. Often, tarot decks and surrounded language can be very gendered, or rooted in specific cultures. Think about how you can open up your language to make your client feel included regardless of their culture, ethnicity, faith system, gender or sexual identity, body or mind differences, social or economic background. Identity often acts as an anchor for us, so respecting eachothers identity ensured empowerment and a sense of safety.

• Celebrate their authenticity
  Encourage your client to feel self and welcome to be their authentic self with you. Pick up on their unique talents and strengths and highlight them when discussing how they face challenges or decisions.

• Affirm their power
  I like to verbally affirm that the cards are here to empower the client - not to dictate to the client. Remind the client that much of the wisdom revealed by the cards was already within them - the cards were just a tool to reconnect and clarify them. If the client has a lot to process, decide or action after a reading - reassure them that they should work to their own timescale and encourage them in their strength and capability to take control. They don’t have to take action on anything brought up in a reading - it’s for them, and they hold the power.

I truly believe the tarot could be helpful and empowering to so many more people if only we took steps to break down the barriers for them.

What do you think? What barriers have you faced when approaching the tarot for yourself, or reading for others? Let me know in the comments!

Much warmth,

Ari