Each reader will have their own method for preparing themselves and their cards for a reading. For some it is very important to spend time meditating. For others it is performing a ritual such as clearing the energy of their cards and surroundings with crystals or incense. At a minimum, you should take time to focus on the service you are about to perform, and mindfully set an intention to see clearly the insights that will be most helpful to the inquirer.
I don’t believe there are hard and fast rules for doing readings but, in general, my process is as follows:
1.Quiet my mind: I focus on letting go of my own thoughts, preoccupations and preconceived notions. I take a few deep breaths and open up my heart and mind to that which is beyond myself.
2.Listen: I ask the inquirer what they would like to know and then allow them time to describe their question, problem or situation. I shuffle the cards while listening, setting the intention that the right cards will appear to enable me to provide assistance. I ask clarifying questions to make sure I’ve understood the inquiry.
3.Deal the spread: After I’ve heard the inquiry I choose which spread I will use. I do a final shuffle and deal the cards with both the question and the spread I have chosen clearly pictured in my mind.
4.Read the cards: I take notice of which cards have appeared, evaluate their individual meanings, their position in the spread, and how they relate to each other. I allow myself time to take in the picture that the spread makes, the emotions it captures and the general feeling I get from the combination of words and images that have appeared.
5.Speak from the heart: I describe the cards and the picture that I see emerging to the inquirer. I may ask further questions to be able to be more specific in my reading.
Whatever process you choose will be the right one for you if it results in you being able to serve those who come to you with questions.
One final piece of advice; don’t be afraid of negative or harsh cards. Be gentle in delivering difficult or unhappy messages, but do not avoid them as they may be just the right warning or advice that is needed in that moment. Trust that the cards have appeared for a reason and that their appearance is not a bad omen, rather guidance and support to help the inquirer face what challenges lie in their path.
Any reading conducted with an open and loving heart will be a good reading.
About the Author
Jacqueline is not easily defined. She is a scientist, business professional, photographer, musician, and now author with the release of her first book. Jacqueline’s breadth of passions results from her curiosity, fearlessness and open mind which fuel her desire to experience new things, explore new places and be constantly learning.
From an early age Jacqueline had strong emotional responses to people and situations. She was encouraged by a dear friend to nurture and develop these instincts with the Gypsy Oracle Cards as a means to channel her intuition. Perhaps due to her Italian heritage, Jacqueline connected immediately with these cards. The desire to develop her intuitive gifts combined with her scientific approach led Jacqueline to begin researching and documenting both her personal understanding of the cards along with the traditional meanings used by readers around the world, in particular, those in Italy where these cards have been used for generations. This work also lead to the realization that there were few good references in English for these cards and inspired Jacqueline to develop her folders of notes and research into this book.
Jacqueline has advanced degrees in both science and business and is fluent in several languages. She gains inspiration from travel and divides her time between her homes in the USA, Italy and Canada.
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