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Getting ready for a tarot reading, whether it’s your first or fiftieth, can be an exciting yet slightly daunting experience. You might be wondering what to do before a tarot reading to make the most of it or how to prepare for a tarot reading so you feel ready and open. Let’s cut through the noise and get you set up for a transformative session. Whether you’ve booked an in-person reading or a Zoom session with me, these tips will help you show up grounded, comfortable, and ready to dive into the cards.
What to Expect in a Tarot Reading
First things first: tarot isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about empowering you to create it. My readings are collaborative, grounded, and bullshit-free. We start with a guided meditation to help you centre yourself and connect with the present moment. From there, the cards reveal what you need to hear—not necessarily what you want to hear. Come with an open mind, and leave your expectations at the door. Trust me, the magic happens when you’re willing to explore.
This experience isn’t just about me interpreting the cards; it’s about creating a space for you to uncover your own insights. As Rachel shared, “Absolutely fantastic. Gord made me feel at ease. Would definitely recommend.” Whether it’s clarity on a specific situation or a more general sense of direction, the process is designed to help you leave the session feeling empowered and aligned. Remember, tarot is a tool for reflection and growth, not a crystal ball.
Why Preparation Matters
The right preparation can turn a good reading into a transformative one. Think of it like warming up before a workout: it’s not strictly necessary, but it helps you show up fully present and engaged. Preparing your space, mindset, and energy sets the stage for clarity, insight, and connection. It allows us to dive deeper into the reading, helping you get the most out of the time we share.
Preparation also helps align your intentions with the energy of the session. When you take a few moments to ground yourself, clear your mind, or even jot down a few questions, you create the foundation for a more focused and meaningful experience. Let’s dive into the 10 tips that’ll help you get the most out of your reading.
10 Tips on How to Prepare for a Tarot Reading
1. Clarify Your Intentions
Take a moment to reflect on what you want to gain from the reading. Are you seeking guidance on a specific issue, or are you open to general insight? Knowing your focus helps us dive right in. Not sure where to start? Write down a couple of open-ended questions like, “What steps can I take to feel more fulfilled in my career?” or “How can I align more closely with my purpose?”
Your intentions don’t need to be overly specific, but having a general direction can help guide the session. If you’re unsure, we can explore together—sometimes the best readings are the ones that evolve naturally.
2. Choose the Right Tarot Reader
If you haven’t booked yet, take the time to find someone whose style resonates with you. My approach is collaborative and grounded—no mystical nonsense, just honest and empowering insights. I believe that a good reader acts as a guide rather than an authority, helping you interpret the cards in a way that’s meaningful for you.
3. Meditate Before Your Reading
Even if meditation isn’t usually your thing, take a few deep breaths or spend a couple of minutes grounding yourself. Don’t worry if you’re new to it; my sessions begin with a guided meditation, so you’ll have space to centre and connect before diving into the reading.
Meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as closing your eyes and focusing on your breath for a few moments. As Tammy remarked, “I loved that they took the time to meditate with me before the reading and the reading was so good. The tarot and oracle cards they use are wonderful and they really take time to connect.” This simple practice can significantly enhance your focus and openness during the reading. For first-time clients, this can be especially beneficial in calming any nervous energy and helping them feel more present.
Taking even a short amount of time to ground yourself can enhance your ability to connect with the cards and receive their messages openly. This practice helps clear mental clutter, making it easier to be fully present and engaged during the session.
4. Set Up a Comfortable Space
- For In-Person Readings: Arrive ready to relax. My reading space is designed to feel calming and grounding, but feel free to bring anything personal (like a crystal or a notebook) to help you feel at ease. The goal is to create a space where you feel safe and open.
- For Zoom Readings: Find a quiet, private spot where you won’t be interrupted. Turn off notifications, grab a cup of tea, and set the mood with candles or soft lighting if that helps you feel comfortable. Ensuring privacy is key to creating an environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the reading.
Ell reflected on the importance of this: “Very relaxed environment and a clear reading that left me with the clarity I was looking for.” Their experience highlights the value of creating a calm, focused space to fully engage with the reading.
5. What to Do Before a Tarot Reading: Be Open-Minded
Leave expectations behind. The cards might not tell you what you want to hear, but they’ll reveal what you need to hear. Be ready to engage with honesty and curiosity. Remember, a great reading is a conversation, not a monologue. Your reactions and insights are just as important as mine.
Being open-minded doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything that comes up, but it does mean approaching the reading with curiosity and a willingness to explore different perspectives. This mindset allows for a richer, more rewarding experience.
6. Limit Distractions
Whether you’re at home or in my tarot sanctuary, create an environment free from interruptions. This is your time. Turn off your phone (unless you’re using it to record the session) and let others know not to disturb you. Honouring this space will help you stay fully present.
Consider small touches to make your environment more inviting. A comfortable chair, a glass of water, or even a cosy blanket can enhance your sense of relaxation and focus.
7. Consider the Type of Reading You Need
Think about whether you want a specific focus (e.g., love, career, self-discovery) or a more free-flowing session. I offer various spreads tailored to different needs, and you can check them out on my website. If your reading doesn’t have a set focus, that’s fine too—we’ll let the cards guide the conversation.
Exploring the different options available can help you feel more confident about what to expect. If you’re unsure, I’m always happy to help you decide what might work best for your goals.
8. Bring a Journal or Recording Option
Sometimes, the insights come fast and furious. If you’ve opted for an add-on recording, you’ll have everything saved for later reflection. If not, consider bringing a journal to jot down key messages, themes, or ideas that resonate with you.
Journaling can be a powerful way to deepen your connection with the reading. Writing down your initial impressions, questions, or even doubts can help you process the messages more fully over time.
9. Check In With Your Energy
Notice how you’re feeling before the session. Are you anxious, excited, sceptical? It’s all valid. Acknowledging your emotions allows you to better understand how they might influence the reading. This self-awareness helps set the tone for a more authentic and connected experience. Emily highlighted the value of this connection when she shared, “Gord is such a wonderful and insightful reader. I felt safe in their presence and will definitely be back for another reading soon.”
Recognising your emotional state helps set the tone for a more authentic and connected experience.
10. Post-Reading Reflection: Be Ready to Process Insights
While this article focuses on preparation, the real magic often happens after the session. Plan some time afterwards to sit with what came up, journal your thoughts, or meditate on the insights. Holly’s experience illustrates this beautifully: “This reading was amazing. Everything was scarily accurate, and after the reading, I had so much more clarity and felt a weight lifted from my shoulders.” Taking this time to reflect with specific questions can deepen your understanding and allow the insights to unfold more fully. This is where the work of integration begins.
Conclusion
Preparing for a tarot reading doesn’t require much effort, just a bit of intention and openness. Whether you’re new to tarot or a seasoned seeker, these tips will help you walk away with clarity, confidence, and actionable insights. If you haven’t booked a session yet, what are you waiting for? Check out my offerings, and let’s uncover what the cards have to say.
