I’ve used tarot readings a few times in my life before becoming a tarot reader myself. The first time was when I was in the throes of a divorce and wondering what exactly my life had planned for me! A friend recommended visiting a tarot reader near me and off I went.
It was a strange meeting but thrilling at the same time. I met with this gypsy lady (I kid you not!) in one of the most expensive office buildings in Johannesburg. Her office was empty except for two office chairs and a small coffee table. It was a very bleak and weird setting but her tarot card reading blew my mind.
My next foray into tarot readings was when I met my shaman teacher. This time I had to travel to one of the poorest (but vibey) areas of Johannesburg. The reason for this tarot reading?
To understand what was missing from my life and to explore my life purpose. This tarot reading not only got me onto my true path but it opened me up to the magical world that is the Universe.
You’ll notice that all my tarot readings were done at places near me, in person, face-to-face. All my clients also received tarot readings one-on-one. And, then a pesky pandemic interfered with my business and I was finally forced to do online tarot readings.
How Does an Online Tarot Reading Work?
Online tarot readings aren't something new. There are many psychic websites designed specifically to offer online tarot card readings. Once you book online with one of these platforms, you have the option of getting your reading done over the phone, via live chat, through an email, or sometimes, face-to-face, on a video call.
The oldest psychic site has been in operation for 30 years!
But, for many people, the thrill of walking into a room and sitting down with a tarot card reader opposite you is quite exciting. What’s more, seeing your cards being pulled and laid down, one by one on the table, is like watching all the messages unfold before your eyes (even when you don’t know half the time what all those bizarre images are actually telling you!).
And, of course, you can’t discount the “rebel” in you reveling in doing something most people tell you is dangerous and playing with the devil!
So, how does an online tarot reading give you the same thrill? Amazingly, it does it quite well. More so than I ever expected. It took me a whole year of denying the benefits of using 21st-century technology to continue growing my business.
All it took, though, was a virtual tarot reading with my own shaman teacher and I was hooked. Online works and it works well! So, at the onset of 2021, I ventured into online tarot readings. And, it works quite simply.
I use Zoom and Skype as my platform to do readings. I was nervous the screen would act as a detrimental barrier to the energies I needed to tap into but it didn’t. Within minutes, I was able to ignore the fact that I was online and I believe the experience is the same for my clients.
While my client can’t see the whole card spread, I do show them each card and talk them through their messages and significance. And, based on the responses I’ve had to an online tarot reading, the clients are getting the messages loud and clear! No different from if they were sitting, in-person, opposite me in my consulting room.
I use the Osho Zen Tarot: The Transcendental Game of Zen for most of my readings while turning to The Mythic Tarot With Cards by Juliet Sharman-Burke and Liz Greene to support many of my online and in-person readings. Both decks are powerful and empowering and I love using them for myself and my clients.
What Are the Pros and Cons of an Online Tarot Reading?
There are always pros and cons to anything you do in life and it’s no different from an online tarot card reading. Based on my own personal experiences and those of my clients, here's a list of both the pros and cons of having a virtual tarot card reading.
Pros
You get to stay in the comfort of your own home.
You save time and money on traveling and petrol costs.
You can stay in your pajamas!
Your reading will give the same messages virtually.
You can have a recording of your reading.
Cons
You don’t always see all the cards in the spread.
Low bandwidth could force you to go audio.
I love the one-on-one interaction with my clients and if I was asked what I miss most about living through a pandemic it would be this physical contact. This is why I held off for so long doing online tarot readings and coaching. However, I’ve amazed myself by how much I actually enjoy this form of virtual communication.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Online Tarot Reading
There’s not much difference between what you need to do for an online tarot reading vs a tarot reading in person. However, people are more aware of the time being used when online. This could impact the type of questions you ask. So, I always ask my clients to think carefully about what they want out of a virtual tarot card reading.
Making a list of all your questions beforehand is a good idea. This way, you can be concise when asking your tarot reader for clarity or solutions to the problems you’re facing. You’ll also be able to ask all the questions you need to ask when they’re written down in front of you.
Find a quiet location when you start your reading. The last thing you want is your dog barking or the neighbor’s raucous children interfering with your online experience. Keeping your side on mute, when you’re not talking or asking questions, also makes it easier for the tarot reader to concentrate on your reading.
It’s easy to forget you’re having a magical experience when you’re sitting on your couch back at home so make sure you’re fully prepared, emotionally and mentally, for your spiritual reading.
You want to enjoy the session and fully embrace the energies taking place. The best way to ensure this happens is to close the door and make sure no one disturbs you.
You can take it a step further and light a candle in your room. Burning some incense is also a nice way of honoring the reading as it takes place.
If you decide not to record your session, have a pen and paper on hand. This way you can capture all the messages of your tarot card reading.
Final Thoughts
Having an online tarot reading is exciting and it’ll give you the clarity you seek when searching for solutions, direction, and advice. Doing it from the comfort of your home is often more relaxing than sitting in someone else’s home you spent time and money to get to!
It takes a lot to beat the thrilling experience of an in-person tarot reading. However, an online tarot reading can be just as meaningful and rewarding so don't discard the world of possibilities this option gives you. Instead, book your next tarot reading online and find solace in the experience.
This post was originally published on April 13th, 2021, and updated on May 27th, 2022.