Impromptu Photos of Tarot, Crystals, Pendulums, and More for the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge
A special thanks to Lady Aconita for joining us in the challenge!
Impromptu Photos of Tarot, Crystals, Pendulums, and More for the #30DayDivinationPic ChallengeThank you all for following along in our first ever 30 Day Challenge here on the blog and on our Twitter and Facebook pages. A special thanks to Lady Aconita for joining us in the challenge!
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Day 28 of the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge is Stars Above are cards from the Rider-Waite, Steampunk, Hidden Realm, and Chrysalis decks. Are you New to our #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Be sure to check out the details of the challenge on the Day 0 post and browse some of our other photos! :
Day 25: Fairies Day 24: Priesthood Day 23: Tarot Spread Day 17: Jewelry Day 13: Death Day 10: Tarot Collage Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Tarot readers have a really interesting job. Even the ones that don't get paid sit in this odd in-between of mystique and counselor, entertainer and wise advice giver. We hear client's problems, their worries, their dreams. We develop relationships with them and can even find ourselves invested in the outcome - wondering if everything will turn out alright for them and if they are doing ok days and weeks after a reading. Sadly, this position that we are in can put us in a precarious place in the minds of some clients. We start to become, in their minds, a friend, a therapist, or someone responsible for their happiness. This is not only unhealthy but can be down right dangerous for some readers who have attracted a client who isn't quite stable. How do we deal with this? Setting BoundariesThe creation of professional boundaries not only help protect readers from needy or unstable clients but also protects clients from overly curious or prying readers. (I mean, what cleint wants to run into a reader at the super market and get bombarded with questions about their marital problems in front of their kids or strangers in the produce section?)
In the end, I had to cut them off. I told them I would no longer be reading for them, that our professional relationship was becoming a struggle for me. I dealt with tears, name calling, and more. I'm sure these clients have nothing kind to say about me now, and partially I am responsible for what happened because I didn't set healthy, professional boundaries. Sure, cutting off clients is somewhat drastic, especially for tarot readers who make a living off their craft. I want to say first I don't think cutting off an annoying or strange client should be your first step at all! This was simply something I had to do in order to regain control of that part of my life. Since then, I have changed a number of ways in how I handle clients. Clear Company PoliciesBe clear on when and where you will provide discounts, refunds, and, if you do bill or invoice a client, how long you will wait for a payment. Sadly, even with clear policies, you might still run into those clients that will push for a "friendly discount." Each person must figure out what is comfortable for them in how to deal with these matters just as each situation will depend on your relationship with that customer. Another matter regarding policies is a Privacy Policy that keeps the client safe. Set Office HoursBy making it clear what days and what hours of the day you are available to clients, you can prevent them from contacting you during personal hours when you are with family, friends, kids, sleeping, appointments, etc.
Keep your Personal Life & your Business Life separate.(Oseaana has a great video about this on her Business Alchemy series on YouTube). Putting out there when you're having a bad day or even a bad week gives the message that you are a mess and that will draw in people who are attracted to chaos and messes, not people who want clarity and calm via your spiritual practice. This doesn't mean that you can't write your personal story or blog posts about how you've overcome difficulties. It simply means don't complain about the issue in the moment and then plaster that complaint all over your business social media. If you're gonna share your life issues, share them in a way that you're showing how your practice helped you overcome your problems. Be Both Professional AND CompassionateIn businesses where the services are of a spiritual and emotional nature, whether its tarot reading, reiki healing, or life coaching, creating boundaries can be very difficult when it comes to emotional attachments between professional and client. In one direction, the professional can become too involved in the client's life, problems, and worries. Taking these matters to heart can cause stress and unnecessary worry for the professional and cause them to either go over a client's boundary by being nosy or pressing matters or allow clients to cross boundaries and take advantage of the professional's sympathies. In the other direction, the client can come across as cold, unfeeling, and hard. Clients want to be able to connect with those they hire for their spiritual services and if they cannot connect, they won't return. Finding the balance takes practice and can be difficult to find with some clients. In the end, we can fall back to our boundaries and policies to help us when we find ourselves lost in our sympathies for a client. Be Wary of Who You Have in Your Support SystemEveryone needs a support system. People who encourage you, who you can go to for advice, who you can bounce ideas off of and just outright be yourself first and your business second with.
Make sure the people in your support system are trustworthy. This will change from person to person whether your support system is your mom, your husband, your best friend since high school, your business coach, or your reverend or high priestess. Be careful who you show your weaknesses and your ideas to. Don't leave chinks in the armor for someone who is unhealthy and who does not have your best interest at heart. Day 24: Priesthood The image above is of the High Priestess and the Hierophant from the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. These two cards are also called the Papess and the Pope. Often we match the Magician and the High Priestess together but I wanted to show these two because when it comes to priesthood and initiation into a group of study or practice, these two seem to go better. The Magician, I imagine, is more of a solitary practitioner - one who might join in a group ritual but is perfectly happy and able to practice on his own. He is also the trickster that is often not trusted in groups. The High Priestess and the Hierophant both rely on traditional methods of learning in that the HPS holds in her hand the book or Torah (some even say she holds the Tarot - seeing as the last letter is sometimes hidden depending on the image you are looking at). She may rely heavily on her own intuition, however, she does uphold the value of study, research, and traditional guidance. The Hierophant is the epitome of tradition - he is the teacher and guide of those who desire not only to learn but to rise up through a path of discipline and dogmatic structure. It isn't a coincidence that the High Priestess and the Heirophant frame the Empress and the Emperor. While the Empress or mother figure and the Emperor or father figure both relate to matters of the home, of child-raising and guiding the people - the High Priestess and the Heirophant separate from all of their children those who are worthy of initiation and study. On one hand we have religion, dogma, traditional study, patriarchy, and high ceremony while on the other hand we have mystery, intuition, femininity, and the border of chaos (the realm of the Magician). Neither choice of priesthood is wrong and neither is inherently good or bad - the outcome is in the heart of the student. New to the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Check out some of the the previous pictures:
Day 23: Self-Created Tarot Spread Day 20: Favorite Tarot Storage Day 17: Jewelry Day 13: Death Day 10: Tarot Collage Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Day 0: The 30 Day Divination Picture Challenge Day 23: Self-Created Tarot Spread Here is my favorite tarot spread that I have ever created. I collaged this piece for my book of shadows out of scrapbooking material and stickers - it is far more legible than my drawing/handwriting during the first draft of this layout. The purpose of this tarot spread is to help guide the querent when their free will or desires are at odds with the Divine Plan they were born into. Many of us have found ourselves in situations where we are struggling between what we should do and what we feel like doing. Sometimes the added issues of family, friends, or bosses/coworkers telling us what they think we should do also causes confusion. In the end, we are at a crossroads and often unable to decide without advice or guidance. This spread is made up of 7 cards The Significator (representing the querent as they are now) That which crosses them (the question or problem they are trying to decide on) The Divine Plan (what the Divine or the Universe/Fate has plotted out for them in this lifetime) Their True Will (what it is they want to do in their heart) Advice Outcome Often times, when we think our free will is at odds with the Divine Plan, we find that we were wrong and that our true will, that which we most desire in the world, goes hand in hand with what fate has in store for us - if we will only look to see. When we go against the divine plan, we might not always get what we think we want. That road tends to be rocky, difficult to see, and full of obstacles. I'm not saying the road that the Divine lays out for us is an easy one, but it does have the added help of knowing this is what you were meant to do. If you are interested in ordering a reading from me regarding your Divine Plan and True Will - please check out our Tarot Readings Page! When ordering, simply mention this tarot spread and we will work together to see what Fate has in store for you! New to the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Check out some of the the previous pictures:
Day 17: Jewelry Day 13: Death Day 10: Tarot Collage Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Day 0: The 30 Day Divination Picture Challenge Day 20 of the challenge is to post a picture of your favorite tarot box or tarot bag. Here is the box I pyrographed (woodburned) and decorated with rhinestones to house my Matthews Steampunk Tarot Deck. New to the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Check out some of the the previous pictures:
Day 17: Jewelry Day 13: Death Day 10: Tarot Collage Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Day 0: The 30 Day Divination Picture Challenge Day 17: Jewelry worn during divination Here are some pieces I wear very often when reading for myself and others - my wedding ring (of course), my charm bracelet, and my necklace that doubles as a pendulum. New to the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Check out some of the the previous pictures:
Day 17: Jewelry Day 13: Death Day 10: Tarot Collage Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Day 0: The 30 Day Divination Picture Challenge How do I read the In-Depth Tarot Readings that Clients Order on Our Website?In-depth Tarot Readings are a favorite way for us to connect with you here at Seer&Sundry. The readings are intimate, juicy, and always educational. We take these readings very seriously and dedicate quite a bit of time and attention to ensuring that when you receive your reading it is not only clear and full of advice but that it touches the core of your inquiry. For me, it’s super important that each and every client I work with has a great experience. So that’s why I have created a list of literally ALL the steps I go through with each and every client- from the second they book me to the very last e-mail after the reading and beyond. When You Place an OrderReceive a request for a reading Check Paypal to see that they did indeed pay. *If they did not, respond to the request with explanation of how the tarot reading works and the payment process via Paypal. Payment received Check the email to make sure I have a clear idea of what the tarot reading will be focused on (what is their question or what area of their life do they want to focus on). *If there is no question or the question is unclear, respond asking for clarification or focus. Question/Focus of the Reading is Clear Respond to the request, letting them know you received their order and will have their reading to them within 24 hours. I start collecting the tools I need for the reading by selecting a tarot deck. The deck is selected by intuition or relation to the querent's reading focus. For example I really like my Dragon tarot for family matters, my Moore Steampunk or Robin Wood for most relationship matters, and my Osho Zen for emotional/mental matters like dealing with depression, heartbreak, etc. At times, rare ones, I'll use 2 decks such as a tarot deck and an oracle deck from which I will draw a card to guide the energy of the reading. Once the deck is selected I gather it, a notebook, pen, and something to drink like tea or water. . . This is also the time when I make it clear that I will be busy for the next hour for the actual reading. Setting up for the reading I message Damon to let him know I won't be answering the phone then I turn the phone on silent. I turn off all distractions like tv and computer though I might turn on some low music depending on my mood. I also schedule these readings during a time of the day when I'm least likely to be interrupted by any visitors like the land lady or delivery men or Jehovahs Witnesses, hah!
Connecting with the QuerentOn the altar cloth is set a working candle that clears the space and adds protection and empowerment and the crystals I use for readings. The candle changes from time to time as each one is used up. Sometimes I use a white candle and sometimes its a red one or a black one, depending on what I've made or feel like using. The crystals are clear quartz, selenite, amethyst, and angelite. Each of these crystals has an energetic use regarding the reading whether its to cleanse the space, connect to higher self, protect, increase psychism, or to connect with the client across time and space and barriers. Connecting with the querent in spirit and energy begins the actual reading. Some clients are very confused about this particular part of the reading and I get more questions about this than almost anything else about tarot readings. Since the reading is done without the client present, some feel that there is no possible way for me to connect with them or for the cards to answer their questions because their energy isn't physically present. What I would love to easily get across is that energy isn't caged in by such boundaries as time, space, physical barriers, etc however that usually leads to a discussion bordering on Quantum Physics and I've yet to work out an easy answer, sorry. In the end, I just try and help them understand I can just as easy tap into a client's reading when their half way across the world as I can if they were a foot away from me and that, no, they don't need to touch the cards in order to have an accurate reading - in fact, many readers are very picky about not letting anyone at all touch their cards ever and yet give excellent readings each time. Choosing a SpreadEach question, querent, and energy dictates what spread I use for a reading. Some spreads work particularly well for business and finance situations while others work well for when querents want to focus on bringing something in particular into their lives and just need guidance as to how. Sometimes the spread will shift and change during a reading, when I feel drawn to pull another card for clarification. At other times I may be drawn by spirit to simply lay out the cards without a spread and read the situation intuitively. No matter what situation I am in or what spread I use, I always make a note of it and explain to the client why I laid out the cards in the manner that I did. Reading the ShuffleWhile shuffling the cards, I take deep breaths and focuson the client and theri question. The shuffle itself can often give me clues as to how this reading will go. If the cards have a lot of friction and the shuffle feels forces, I can guess that there are some barriers that the client or the situation has up that I might have to work through when reading the cards. If the cards shuffle together smoothly and evenly, I foresee that the reading and the client's situation will also be smooth. If the beginning of the shuffle is smooth but then there is a bump, pause, or friction later in the blending of the cards then I foresee that there will be a bump in the road ahead for the client. I make a mental note of the shuffle to mark down later, set the cards on the altar, repeat the client's inquiry, and cut the cards. *Did a card fall out? Sometimes during a shuffle or even cutting and laying out the cards a card will fall out. I ALWAYS read this card in the reading. I take these random cards as messages from the Divine that need to be taken into account for the client and the entire situation. The Tarot Layout
Reading the CardsSitting with, soaking in, and reading the cards During this time while the cards are out, I look at the entire reading, taking the image in like a painting at a museum. The entire reading tells a story just like each individual card does. I consider what the story looks like - is it a romance or a thriller? A drama? I then go row by row, card by card and read into the details with my client and their question in mind. I have to admit, I often talk while I do this as if the client is there, mumbling over the cards and saying things like "Oh I see here that you've not be sleeping well..." and them nodding as if they've answered back. I often think back to myself, cradling my tea, squinting at tarot cards, and muttering away that most people would think I was absolutely nuts - but I know you don't dear client because we understand each other, right? Taking NotesI take notes the whole process of the reading. If anyone looked at my notes their initial idea that I might be nuts might very well be justified. My handwriting is scratchy and nearly illegible. The topic seems broken and all over the place. Short hand, symbols, and little sentences in the margins like "It'll be in the Fall. Probably close to Thanksgiving" fill pages. These odd bits of paper and writing will transform later, after another cup of tea and a long look over the tarot table, into your reading email. Your ReadingAfter I've digested the advice and messages of the cards, I take my notes to the computer. I begin typing up a comprehensive explanation of the reading with symbol explanations, broad stroke explanations, and, most importantly, what the cards say is in store for you and what you should do about it. This all adds up to 1000+ words that I combine with at least 2-3 photos of your reading. Before I send out the email, I re-read it and check in with myself. It is my biggest desire to make sure each client is getting as much information and advice as I can give. I then send out the reading with blessings and a welcome to each client to feel free to ask any questions about the cards I've laid out. Follow UpAfter the client receives the reading I like to do a small check in, especially if I don't hear back from them in the next few days. I want to make sure the reading went through as it should, that the messages were understandable, and that the images were easy to view. If the client has questions I take my time to review the reading and we work on where things might not be clear. However, if their questions range outside of the reading, we discuss either 1 or 2 more card draws for an additional charge or purchasing another reading if the topic is separate from the last one. Lastly, after reading is received and questions are answered, I send a thank you to the client for being such a great customer. A month or so down the road I often check in with my clients. A month is a great amount of time to have between in-depth readings. I've found that this gives clients enough time to really process and implement the advice of the previous reading, they are ready to take the next steps in their life and might be interested in seeing what the cards have to say now. I also love to see how clients are doing and how my reading has benefited their lives since we last spoke. This really reminds me of why I love my job - the results. We welcome all of our clients, and those considering becoming clients to read our Privacy Policy and our Tarot Reading page's FAQ's. If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact Us.
Day 10 Above is the tarot collage I did in my journal. New to the #30DayDivinationPic Challenge? Check out the previous pictures:
Day 9: 9 in Numerology Day 8: Crystal Ball Day 7: Cards & a Cup Day 6: Palm of My Hand Day 5: Favorite Oracle Card/Deck Day 4: Pendulum Day 3: Candle with Divination Tools Day 2: My Name in Runes Day 1: Selfie with Your Soul Card Day 0: The 30 Day Divination Picture Challenge Tarot Blog Hop |
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At the tarot table, he makes his clients question whether they sat down to have their cards read or to watch card tricks. He knows every way to shuffle and is one of the best card mechanics in the biz. He talks fast as he moved the deck from one hand to the other so that the cards look like their flying. By the time the deck is cut, the clients are mesmerized by the movement of the shuffle and the glint of his cuff links. |
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