As a person who is a social worker and someone who uses tarot for self-reflection and self-empowerment, I have unknowingly integrated the social work principles into my practice every time I do tarot conversations [chikahan] with others. And I loved it!
Now, I know every tarot reader has their way of tarot practice. I’m just sharing here the principles I’m incorporating in my practice because I found these helpful to address the dilemma between me and the Seeker’s values and beliefs. These also ground me to present, as I do not use tarot to tell the future and fortune.
Applying these principles to tarot reading is in no way making tarot a kind of therapy. Tarot reading is not a therapy or form of medical or psychological intervention no matter how therapeutic the session might be for Seekers. It is not a replacement for therapy and medical advice. And as a person who is a tarot reader and a social worker at the same time, I don’t hesitate to tell my Seekers to seek professional help if I feel like they need it.
I. Principle of Acceptance
All people coming for help are accepted and not judged in social work. The survivor and the perpetrator, for instance, are both clients needing help. In social work, acceptance means admonishing what was done and the behavior but accepting the person who is asking for help.
For example, a person who cheated or someone who did something bad reached out for a tarot reading for clarity. I treat them with the same respect I give those who are in the opposite of the spectrum. If I know their story, I take time to process my feelings and thoughts to take out my prejudice. More of this point in the non-judgmental principle.
I created boundaries in accepting clients in my tarot practice. Boundaries are an essential part of preserving my energy and my truth. And I think it is just right to protect myself, too.
If I can’t take out my prejudice or the Seeker is asking me to answer a question that is against my personal beliefs or beyond my limits, I don’t hesitate to refuse the request for a reading.
II. Principle of Individualization
Humans have individual differences. No specific intervention in social work or any therapy is absolute and applicable for all. Same as no single card meaning or guidance is absolute and applicable for all Seekers. As such, my tarot practice has evolved into a two-way process of communication. I read the cards (as in providing the general meaning) and the Seekers provide the context. Together, we weave a narrative that applies to the specific concern. The Seekers also answer their questions based on the guidance of the cards. Consequently, I consciously try not to use generalized positive words to uplift a Seeker’s feelings. It doesn’t feel right to me.
Example: “We all go through difficulties in life. A lot of people survive this phase so you will and you should, too.”
Providing positive words by generalizing an experience is detrimental. I’m talking about toxic positivity here. When we generalize the Seekers’ experiences and do not consider their individuality, even if our intentions are good, we will just throw empty words of positivity that are unhelpful and nonresonant at all.
III. Principle of Communications
Communication is a two-way process. My practice as a tarot reader is a conversation through tarot. Before I interpret the cards, I ask the Seekers about their general thoughts about the cards. When I give my interpretation, I also ask them how the meanings relate to them or if they find useful information to it.
At the end of a reading, I always ask the Seekers if they can answer their questions based on our tarot conversation: “What do you think the cards are telling you now?”
This is also a way for me to check if they gained insight or they realized a different interpretation of the cards. And for me, if they interpret it differently or they noticed something that evoked insights, much better! That’s the whole point, at least for my practice.
I also let the Seekers share their experiences if they want to. My goal is to help them release and vent out emotions and thoughts that burden them so that we can empty that space. When everything is released, there’s already a space for clarity.
IV. Principle of Confidentiality
When Seekers reach out to me for help, they usually hesitate to provide the full context of their concerns because they are ashamed or afraid of judgment. When I say that my tarot sessions are safe and confidential, I mean it.
I’m sharing a little secret. I immediately forget the questions and concerns of the Seeker after the session. I don’t know how it happens but I am thankful that I don’t remember it unless I read the conversations again. 😅
V. Principle of Self-Determination
Whatever I say to the Seekers during our tarot conversation, I always tell them in the end that what happens after the session is still their call and decision. In social work, change is best when it is not forced on a person. Change is best and long-lasting when clients decide to change for themselves and make effort for themselves. I believe that’s the case in a tarot reading, too.
Whatever insights we get from the tarot sessions, things will only work out when the Seekers decide so and work for their betterment.
VI. Principle of Non-judgmental Attitude
Yes, we are human and we tend to always judge the person in front of us. But remember that the Seekers were already judged by others. They already judged themselves, too. They come to us in confidence that we can help them in their situation.
If I have an unconfirmed idea or thought about the Seeker that is essential for the tarot conversation, I politely validate my thoughts with the Seeker. This helps with building rapport with them and a tarot reader’s honesty will encourage Seekers to trust more and be comfortable with the session.
VII. Principle of Controlled Emotional Involvement
When the Seekers share their stories, it is somehow easy to be so much involved with them or give side comments and unsolicited advice. It is easy to feel anger when the Seeker consults about an ending relationship because of cheating and infidelity. I know we want to protect our Seekers. But here’s a piece of unsolicited advice, we are still tarot readers wearing the tarot reader’s hat during the session. So it is best to remain professional at least while the session is ongoing.
When I have side comments especially for friends, I make sure to point out that my comments are coming from my point of view as their friend and no longer the tarot reader. And as much as we want to curse those who have hurt the Seekers, those circumstances are not our battles to fight and not our lessons to learn.
Final Thoughts:
Again, this is just how my practice turned into at present. Being a person who is a social worker and a tarot reader, I am happy that I found a common ground for both of my personas.
Have you learned something? Or find a principle that you also incorporate with your practice? Want to add more principles to the list? Let me know!
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