How I help others mind, body and soul with beautiful pieces a cardboard that the uninformed have labeled as “Evil”
I LOVE my cards! Each and every deck I have serves a purpose and I have seen their impact with myself and others. Whether I am shuffling an Oracle deck, Tarot Deck, Empowerment Deck, or Angel Cards (yep…that’s a thing) I am always pleasantly surprised at the accuracy of the messages they deliver. I say “deliver” because the cards don’t choose the message, the human does! This is done by intuitive guidance that people also tap into when choosing lottery numbers, picking Bingo Cards, or anything that relies on “gut feeling”. For some reason, when you use the phrase “Intuitive Guidance” there is always a certain group of people who want to swoop in with religious beliefs and slap EVIL on as a label. Let’s just drop that silliness right here as I explain how completely uninformed those groups are and make some comparisons to things that don’t get that label, yet the same principle is applied, intuition!
First, some background…
I made my first deck of Tarot Cards when I was about 12. I didn’t know how many cards I needed to make, I had only seen pictures of some in an old book series my mom had on Metaphysical studies, and really had no idea what I was doing. I used index cards, painted on them with fingernail polish, and wrote on them with a marker simple things such as “Yes”, “No”, “Maybe”, “Don’t give up”, “Try harder”, numbers, days of the week, and I think months of the year. Sometimes they worked but mostly I would get a card like “Tuesday” when asking if a boy had a crush on me. Haha I kept them hidden from my mom because at the time her, my brother, and myself were avid church goers in the small town we lived in. My mom had sunk herself into the non-denominational, NIV Bible teachings for strength to manage a marriage to my alcoholic dad which served her well but didn’t give me the ability to share my curiosity.
During this time period I was told that MANY of the things I felt drawn to were “evil” or “sinful” to mess with. I just couldn’t see how items could be evil because they can’t actually DO anything on their own. I continued to listen to the sermons and teaching and just took what felt right to me personally away from them. Then there was one day my mom was listening to a TV evangelist. He said that he had found that if he held his Bible, prayed about an affliction, flipped pages until he felt led to stop and just pointed on whatever page he landed on, he would be led by the Holy Spirit to point to an answer. I then watched my mom try it and sure enough, what she pointed to made sense!! Unable to keep my excitement in I yelled out “That is just like using Tarot Cards!!” That was followed by a string of questions on how I even had heard about Tarot. (This was well before internet and our town definitely didn’t have anyone practicing metaphysical arts). I explained I saw them in her books from her 20’s and a bunch of other cool things too I was interested in. She wasn’t willing to discuss any of it and said she would burn the books if they weren’t collectable. TALK ENDED!
Fast forward and I am 24. I am staying with my mom and step-dad with my 1 year old due to my then husband loosing his job, thus unable to afford rent. I drove into the city to look at some apartments and ended up at a holistic fair. It was then that I said “Fuck it! I am buying a deck of Tarot Cards!” My mom was far removed from the church we had attended and had become more the woman I had as a mom in my younger years. (When she still felt her hippy soul) My grandmother was visiting so that could prove interesting but what the heck, I was an adult now, I could do what I wanted to! Imagine my surprise when I put the cards on the table and grandma says “Oh those are pretty! Aunt Katie had some that looked similar but not as colorful.” WHAT!! I then got a family history lesson on how my great grandfather was more than likely a witch & found evidence on moms dial up internet that a family member was burned at the stake in Chelmsford England for being one! (She made herbal teas…Literally God forbid!)
That night began my journey with cards and I have never looked back. I love seeing the look on peoples faces when they tell me they are evil yet they are the same people who are saying “Guns aren’t evil, the people who use them to kill others are.” If that is your belief, then you logically CAN NOT believe that cardboard is evil. PERIOD! A knife isn’t evil, but can be used to harm others. A truck can be driven to work but has also been used to intentionally hit someone. It is ALL in the intent and although I have racked my brain to the point of a migraine, I just can’t see how cards can be used with ill intent. I guess you could paper cut someone…but that’s a BIG stretch.
Now, let’s get to the actual ins and outs of a typical reading…
*** IMPORTANT Disclaimer: The following information is how I PERSONALLY read cards for others and myself. PLEASE do not go to a reader and tell them they are doing it wrong or make judgements about another reader based on my personal style. Just as every Dr, Counselor, Astrologist, or Yoga teacher has different ways and styles of implementing their skills, the same pertains to Card Readers. Each interpretation, depending on the type of deck chosen, is unique to the reader and your vibe at the time of the reading. I have been called fake and had my clients accuse other readers of being fake based on the style and context of a reading they JUST received moments, hours, or days before. It has been my experience that if you are jumping from one reader to the next for a magical fix to your life, you need to be working with YOURSELF and I will refuse readings and offer one of my self empowerment services instead. Also, I advise my clients to NOT run out after a session and make major life decisions based on the reading they just received. Sit with what you heard, saw, and felt during the reading. Know that your energy in the moment was leading the message you chose. (Don’t go get a reading about purchasing a new house right after you fought with your partner and are still upset. Clearly your intuition in that moment will guide you to a big message of NO WAY when your spat was about them not picking up after themselves or something mundane. See what I am saying here?) When I have clients who are upset and request a reading I will offer a moment of mindfulness breathing to them just to calm a bit. If needed, I will do a follow up intuitive reading for them after they leave just to see if there was anything more needed to come through with my intuition. This is not something I know of many readers doing. So see how each reader is unique! Explore until you find the one who jives with you and one who is willing to tell you others who you may work better with. We are all guides and I feel competition shouldn’t even be in play.
Now let’s get into it! I take a few moments to visit with the client so they feel comfortable, especially if they have never seen me before. In that visit I let them know my reading style and how I don’t sugar coat but never intend to come across harsh. (Your intuition has a tendency to call you out on your bullshit. I just deliver the message you already know!) I IMMEDIATELY let them know if the “Death Card” in Tarot comes up it IS NOT A SIGN that they or anyone near them is going to die!! This is so so so common especially with those who have never had a reading and are basing their knowledge off of cult classic movies. (Death is the end of something and can signify new beginnings! Not a bad card at all!!)
Then we have choices to make, Tarot or Oracle?
Some clients let me know what they are seeking guidance for and ask what would be best. My regular clients usually have a fav they like readings with. Others just want me to use what I am being led to use. Some are clearly testing me and are shut tight like clams with full intentions of telling me everything I am telling them doesn’t apply at all. (Please don’t go into a reading with that mindset. It is a waste of energy for you and the reader. If you don’t believe in your own intuition, don’t make an appointment. It is actually insulting). The deck you choose and what type of deck depends on what you’re looking for. Tarot cards are roughly the same and are based on the original Rider-Waite deck comprising of 78 cards. There are 4 suits called the minor arcana all representing different facets of life such as family, money, creativity, and intellect. Each suit has 14 cards and it is possible to do a reading with a regular playing deck of cards with only minor arcana interpretations. Then there are major arcana cards which depict 22 life themes or lessons we all face in our karmic journey. They are the most recognizable with cards such as the before mentioned Death, The Fool, The Moon, The Lovers etc. Tarot cards, regardless of the deck and artists rendition of each card, basically have the same meaning and the only differences are the way the reader delivers the interpretation using their own intuitive gifts.
Oracle Cards are much more free flowing and varied depending on the deck and its theme. Each deck is unique to itself and each card has a meaning that the creator/artist assigned to it. They are accompanied by a guide book with meanings and sometimes journal prompts or suggestions into ways on how to dig deeper into the context to assist you with the situation you are inquiring about. There are Oracle Cards based on the moon, angels, feminine energy, saints, fairies, unicorns…and the list is endless. The reader reads the card meanings to you and then stitches them all together at the end to give you a big picture.
BOTH are great and it really is up to personal preference. I have done readings where I use both Tarot and Oracle together if I feel the Oracle is just too vague. Throwing a few Tarot cards has brought more clarity and gives specifics. (This has happened when the client, or myself, is just confused over what exactly it is they are looking for) Absolutely choose a deck that you “just think is pretty”! You want to enjoy looking at the cards being read for you and if you’re attracted to a deck based on looks, that is perfectly acceptable! You will intuitively choose cards with the message you are meant to have regardless so have fun with which deck you choose!
After the deck is chosen the client shuffles if they are an in person reading. This can be done in the traditional way, spreading the cards on a surface and just mixing them up, or holding the deck in one hand and grabbing portions of the deck from the back and bringing them forward to the front a few at a time. This is done while focusing on the situation you’re looking for clarity on, and that energy is transferred into the deck. If it is a virtual reading, which is primarily what I do now given I am nowhere near people, the client still focuses on the situation needing clarity and I shuffle until they feel I can stop. (Their intuition or gut feeling guides this. Not the cards, not me.)
When shuffling is complete I ask them to draw a certain number of cards based on what spread (Or way of placing them for the reading) we are doing. There are spreads that are common such as the classic Celtic Cross Spread which covers a wide area of the circumstances leading you to book a reading, and the 3 card Past, Present, Future Spread which is pretty cut and dry. There are also spreads that the deck designer or your reader may have came up with on their own. Each one places a certain number of cards in a pattern that gives meaning behind each placement. If in person the client can choose these cards in whatever fashion they want. I have had clients throw cards in the air and choose only from ones that land face down or up! Lol (These turned into awesome readings surprisingly! Lol) If I am meeting with them virtually I like to thumb through the cards at the corner and the client says “stop” and I pull out the card I stopped at then repeat for the remainder number of cards. (Again, THEIR intuition or gut feeling. Not me, not the cards) ANY cards that fall out during shuffling are held back to be read at the end as like a P.S. to the reading.
From this point the cards are placed in the spread in the order picked. Oracle cards meanings are read from the book and depending on their placement and the spread they are in, I interpret what the card is saying for that area of their life. For instance, you choose an Oracle card that speaks about listening to your inner voice and trusting yourself more to push through fear and in order to reach your goals. This card is in a placement in the spread that pertains to your work. I may interpret that to mean go for the promotion, trust your gut to begin your own business, or have the scary talk with the boss about an issue that is making life hard there. Or the 3 of Wands in Tarot in that placement would tell me you’re not showing your true work quality and are not standing out at your job. You may be frustrated for not being recognized when you are the one holding yourself back. Each card is read as an individual meaning and then in the end I tie it all together for the big picture. If your lucky, some of my other gifts show up too but lets stay focused on the fact there is NOTHING “evil” going on here. If religions can speak in tongues and have the holy spirit communicate through them, your Uncle can definitely give me a message for you from the other side. If one belief system can do things than lets not judge others for doing the same! If my mom’s TV preacher can talk about flipping through the bible and stopping when the holy spirit leads you to, then pointing on a page with your eyes closed for answers, you can have your cards read and not be thrown into hell.
I close the reading when done with my full interpretation and give the client an opportunity to take a picture of the spread or even write things down. One client takes a picture and makes notes throughout the entire reading. She usually even has questions prepared because intuitively, she already knows what may pop up in the spread. Clients that are involved in such ways are almost always going to get the best of me because of the energy we exchange. I also know they won’t be hitting me up in 2 days because they think they need more or they feel cards will solve all their problems. This is not and will not ever be the case. As with most things, YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION!
Think of Tarot or Oracle Cards as a road map that gives basic instructions based on your feeling in that moment. You download the map and hit the road. As you go, you get a weather notification and learn the road ahead is closed due to snow. The map was downloaded to go from point A to point B as fast as possible. Now it is up to you to find the detour so you have to switch things up a bit. You’re still on that downloaded map, still going to the place you typed in as your destination, but small details are being adjusted by you because you have new information. You book a card reading surrounding your work and a fellow employee that you struggle working with. Your card reading states that communication is key and sometimes we have to have uncomfortable conversations in order to make things more comfortable afterwards. You psych yourself up for that confrontation and walk into work with confidence and excitement because you are ready for things to be better when that talk is over. Then the boss announces that this coworker was in an accident on the way to work and is fine but will be late due to waiting for someone else to drive them. You should clearly NOT have that conversation that day! Were the cards wrong? Nope! You just got more information. So now it is up to YOU, not another card reading, to make choices and decisions on how to proceed. You should NEVER let an inanimate object take the place of your own critical thinking skills. You have the map, find the detour of YOUR choosing!
I hope my explanation of these invaluable metaphysical tools has at the very least, made you 2nd guess any negative feelings you may have been conditioned to believe. I have read cards for people of all faiths and upbringings and rest assured, they are not damned to a pit of fire, lightning didn’t strike them down, and their lives are not suffering the wrath of a God who is supposed to be all loving and accepting. If you believe you will go to hell or be punished in some way for a card reading but also believe murderers and rapists can repent their sins and be forgiven, than I just don’t know what more I can personally say to you. There are legit cards on Hay House Publishing’s website that are bible versed based so…it seems my moms TV preacher’s idea has made it’s way into my belief system. Go figure. Here are some images of decks I go to more than others. (Obviously you can tell Star Temple Oracle is currently in my intuitions favs! Haha) I have also included shopping links below. Remember, it is YOUR intentions that dictate the energy created here. If YOU are not “evil” neither is the cardboard!!
Some of my favs and favs of my clients… (Enchanted Tarot not included in this pic. The box died long long ago and its home is now in an Ipsy purse! Haha)
I love talking cards and answering questions so please feel free to drop a comment or ask a question! If I have read your cards I would love it if you commented your experience and how it sat with you. Did you feel as if you were doing something “evil”. Did bad things happen afterwards? Did you gain valuable knowledge? Did you get clarity and then have to find a detour? How often as a client do you recommend someone get a reading? I would love to interact with you below!! Are you interested in bring cards into your life? Here the Amazon shopping links to the ones I have feature here!
Enchanted Tarot- https://www.amazon.com/Enchanted-Tarot-Book-Deck/dp/1859061478
Wisdom of the Divine Feminine/Wisdom of the Shadow- https://intuitiveartandalchemy.com/shop
(I make no money off of purchase of these cards. Although I should because I shout them out A LOT! Lol)
***As my husband and I live our full time RV life, we use donations and money earned from his photography and my holistic services to help support the community we are closest to. This includes farmers markets, independent businesses, and local folks selling their stuff. If you feel moved to do so, please consider donating to this blog as a positive exchange of energy for the time I put into my content. Also check out my services page for more information on what I provide virtually and shoot a message to me with any questions or info!
If your not subscribed yet, please do so! I would love to meet you in your inbox as soon as a new post goes live!
If Payment apps are more comfortable, scan one of the below codes!
Mystikal Musings 