What’s special about Tarot & Totem? Most readings use the Medicine Cards (by Jamie Sans) and the Wheel of Change Tarot (by Alexandra Genetti). The animal guides and their medicine bring indigenous knowledge and folklore into the session that shares wisdom gathered over many thousands of years. The Tarot is steeped in temple wisdom traditions dating back thousands of years. I’ve developed dozens of original spreads and also use some wonderful layouts developed by others. I’ve personally found deep guidance in nature and her many forms of life. These experiences urged me to bring the animal cards to the Tarot table a combination that creates truly unique sessions.
What kind of questions and subject work best as the subject of a reading? Readings can give you insight, fresh perspective, and cause you to find wisdom and knowledge that has been hidden in your subconscious. Some readings solve mysteries or help in making wise decisions. Readings can predict likely trends in the near future. Frequent subjects are: Relationship, Career Development, Connecting to Spiritual Life, Harmonizing With Nature, Getting Closure on Difficult Issues, Developing New and Full Moon Energies, Finding a Meaningful Path, Handling Major Transitions, Achieving Specific Goals, Archetypal Psyche, Dream Interpretation, and predictions at times like New Years and Birthdays. I’ve done useful readings for everything from understanding what was depressing a dearly loved pet to how to best prepare the family to welcome a new child into the world to how to find the best divorce attorney to finding the meanings in strange omens. Interesting work!
Are there times when a reading is not appropriate? Some people are now suffering from “spiritual bypass” meaning they try to heal all problems through metaphysical and shamanic practices and “bypass” other parts of the healing journey. If you find yourself running from one healer to another, one modality to another, but consistently slipping back into the same problems or even feeling worse, it may be time to try something more grounded and practical. Don’t shame or blame yourself or allow anyone else to do so. Readings and shamanic sessions aren’t substitutes for basic self care and taking a balanced approach. Remember, it’s OK to seek medical, psychological, legal or professional help when needed, and it doesn’t make you any more or less spiritual to do so.
Note: Tarot & Totem Sessions do not take the place of, nor is there an intent that they be taken, as medical, legal or psychiatric guidance.
How To Prepare For Your Reading. The best way to prepare for a Tarot & Totem session is by listening deeply to your own heart, soul and mind. What would you most like guidance about, where do you crave change, are you stuck, is there something out of balance you seek to heal? Then schedule a session, come with an open mind and eat well before the session so you’re as relaxed and centered as you can be.
What Happens During a Reading? All readings start with a very brief guided meditation that helps you shift into a receptive and intuitive state of mind. We call on guides to protect and watch over the proceedings and set an intention that only benevolent and meaningful messages are welcome. During the session, you can talk and share as much or as little as you want. Expect to be surprised by some of the material that comes through. Expect to receive affirmation of what you already intuitively know. And also expect the unexpected. The consulting of intuitive and divinatory tools, such as cards, usually brings up creative and new perspectives.
Afterward: Within 2 days of your session, you’ll receive an audio recording and photos of the cards from your reading uploaded to a secure folder on Dropbox. It’s helpful to give yourself some time to reflect and go deeper in your understanding of the reading in the following days. Intuition and the subconscious are deeply touched by symbols and images and animals, and much can be seeded and born of a reading. And don’t forget: ,put some of your new found insight and wisdom into action!
