There isn’t a one size fits all for preparing your space and energy in readiness for a reading. However, it is important to set those intentions. Illustrated below is a four step process that I suggest to move you into that sacred space for conducting readings. Once you are in this space you can ask ‘spirit’ or the Divine to help you serve to the best of your ability.
PREPARING FOR THE READING
Clear the space of all clutter, lay your cloths and prepare the reading table. Light a candle or incense if you prefer. Claim the space for the sole purpose of enlightening the client.
Raise the energy for the table and yourself. An amethyst crystal is a great tool to calm the area. This is a good time to also set your intention with your palm crystal if you use one for focus.
Sit and quietly shuffle your cards. Thank them for their place in your life and allowing you to serve. Mentally call their wisdom and energy towards you.
Quiet your mind and spend some time with your Spirit Guides or in the silence. This step alone can be very enlightening as a message can sometimes pop in to your mind
DURING FOR THE READING
Familiarise yourself with the Tarot Etiquette information HERE, and follow these guidelines during the reading:
Create a Comfortable Atmosphere
Value your client. Help them relax and feel settled as soon as they arrive. Reassure them if they’re nervous — especially around privacy or how the cards work.
Ask the Right Opening Questions
Ask if they have a question. If the answer is no, then carry out a Celtic Cross spread for a general six-month reading. Let the cards take the lead if the sitter doesn’t.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush the reading. Take time to study the cards before speaking. Think of each reading as a jigsaw puzzle — it’s your job to put the pieces together, not just read individual cards.
Go with the intuitive flow of the reading. Try not to sense check or second guess your client’s reactions. Let the story unfold naturally.
Listen Deeply and Close Gently
Listen carefully to the client. Don’t talk over them — even if you feel like you know what they’re about to say. Ask if they need clarification before closing. Quite often, this is when the real question comes out — and a quick three-card pull will cover it beautifully.
Keep your business cards to hand in case they ask for one. Always make sure they leave the reading feeling grounded, understood, and empowered.
BOUNDARIES
The time you spend with a client is sacred. As mentioned previously, they’ll often share their innermost feelings, thoughts, dreams, and trust. Afterward, it’s not unusual for them to feel closer to you. You’ve just created a trusted psychological bond.
When They Reach Out Afterwards…
Following the initial reading, many clients reach out for a little extra reassurance. Not everyone does this, but it’s not uncommon. A ‘quick question’ by email, a voicemail — it happens.
You may be viewed as a confidant and friend. Although that’s healthy, it does need boundaries. Otherwise, it can quickly become unhealthy.
As a general rule, I give the following advice to all beginners: cherish your clients — they’re important — but if you have a needy client, manage their expectations early on.
If you didn’t phrase something clearly and you can recall it, then offering clarity is a reasonable request. Another full, free reading by email is not.
So we simply say:
“I’m sorry, I’m in an altered state during readings which I shut down when you leave. This means I can’t remember a lot of what was said during the reading. Would you like me to book you another appointment?”
Empowering Your Clients
Try to gently discourage addicted clients from leaning too heavily on readings. Encourage them to buy a pack of Oracle cards instead.
As you already know — they do have the answers within them. They just can’t hear them yet. Oracle cards are a brilliant way to help clients develop self-trust and gain confidence in their own intuition, especially during periods of transformation.
I usually suggest a six-month gap between readings, unless there’s a very clear reason to revisit sooner.
Following the initial reading, it’s not unusual for any client to reach out for a little extra reassurance. Many will send an email or leave a ‘quick’ message on your voicemail. Not everyone does this but it’s not uncommon. You may be viewed as a confidant and friend. Although this is healthy, it needs boundaries or it can quickly become unhealthy.
As a general rule, I give the following advice to all beginners. Cherish your clients because they are important, but if you have a needy client, manage their expectations early on. If you didn’t phrase something correctly and can recall the information; clarity is a reasonable request. Another full and free reading by email is not! So, we simply say ‘I’m sorry, I’m in an altered state during readings which I shut down when you leave. This means I can’t remember a lot of what was said during the reading. Would you like me to book you another appointment?’
Always, try to discourage addicted clients from needing too much follow on support from readings. Encourage them to buy a pack of Oracle cards instead. As you already know, they have the answers within them, it’s just they can’t hear them. Oracle cards are fabulous for giving our clients a tool for self-empowerment during periods of transformation. An ideal time gap between readings is generally advised as six-months.