Once in a while, someone will call or email me to request a tarot session right then or on that day, preferably within the hour. Their partner/spouse has just walked out, their kid has been tossed out of university, they’ve just been diagnosed with a medical condition they weren’t expecting, their court case is coming up that afternoon, or their stocks have suddenly gone belly up. “Can I see you right now for a reading?” My firm and gentle answer is, “No.”
My “no” is a compassionate one. Anyone who is in a flap will not benefit from a tarot consultation. Panic and attachment to specific outcomes will render them unable to engage in the interactive process I use and unable to hear what their inner teacher needs to tell them via the cards. In my practice, there is no such thing as an emergency tarot consultation. To say “yes” would be a disservice.
A tarot consultation provides time and space to slow down and contemplate questions and symbols in a conscious manner. It’s an opportunity to gain insight, discover options, wonder how one might evolve from a situation, and receive suggestions about what one might do or not do. This type of reflection is not possible if both client and practitioner are frenzied. Both parties will infuse the session with their most fearful and hopeful scenarios, often ignoring simple and helpful messages.
I often suggest that we can book a tarot consulation one to three weeks from the present time in order for them to calm down, gain perspective, come to at least some acceptance, and, in many cases, for the situation to at least partially resolve itself. The time between making the appointment and the actual meeting allows both of our psyches to do their homework and helps us both to prepare more attentively. When the client and I actually meet (or Skype or call), we can focus on what’s important for them to know and learn from whatever has occurred. The person has a more fruitful tarot experience and I can be more present for them as we engage in our exploration.
My “no emergency readings” policy is not meant to be a slam of the door, but rather is an act of kindness to the client, to myself, and to the process so that the best good of all is served through the delicious and sacred work of the tarot encounter.
Images: The Tower and The Star from the Morgan-Greer Tarot.
James, well put,In my years as a Social worker,I learnt that that clients crisis is not your crisis! and that often people could not be seen immediately , due to my’ busy’- ness or organisational processes. i would often find that once i did get to see the person the situation , had somewaht resolved by the clients own actions ( thus empowerment), often accessing other resources around them eg other family , friends OR from having to process, get perspective or gather further information ie get the full picture of the situation . Also they may have actually talked and communicated with the other person/s involved.!Many times blessings (Tower) came from the action taken. eg family conflict eased or support being offered from elsewhere. Then the person is able to reflect, and feel their own Strength.
Well said, Jenne. Your social work background, I’m sure, comes in handy when you work with people over the tarot and/or their charts. I feel that part of our work is to help people remember that at their core they are creative, resourceful, and wise. A bit of time to gain perspective helps us to help them to remember that.
I want my clients to learn how to tune into their own intuition, particularly during a reading. I urge them not to wear any shoes I throw at them that don’t fit and to use their own discernment. When someone is emotionally upset, it is more difficult to hear that inner wisdom. So yes, I agree.
The shoe fitting image is a good one, Ginny. Humans are blessed with the power of choice!
James, this is such a wonderful and compassionate post! I also refuse to do “emergency tarot readings” for the very same reasons you do. I have learned over the years that the readings are always more beneficial if both client and reader are calm + present. Panic rarely leads to a clear and accurate read. And doing a reading under that type of energy is like doing a reading with a gun to your head – stressful and pressured.
Waiting a few days usually allows the reading (and life) to unfold in an empowering way. 🙂
Good analogy, Theresa (the gun to head analogy). That’s exactly how it feels. Three or four times, people have called back in two or three days to say, “You know what? You were right. Everything’s OK now. Maybe I won’t need a tarot session about it after all, but I’d like to check in about something else” in a more centred manner.
Reblogged this on Readings by Arianrhod and commented:
This is an excellent post.
Thank for the words of wisdom. Good to start out as a newbie.
I always enjoy the energy and enthusiasm of someone who is just becoming acquainted with the tarot. Thank you for reading this piece. I wish you a rich and profound journey with your soul through the cards. Please stay in touch!
Thank you very much James.
Much appreciated with your help.
I am in total support of the no emergency readings. I once had a lady show up at my home begging for a reading trying to pay me double. I still said no and told her when she calmed down to make an appointment. I find that providing consultations to people who are emotionally vulnerable to suggestions puts me in a panic energy as well. However, providing some kind words explaining why does add healing energy to the situation. Glad you shared your thoughts.
As if bribery overrides authenticity. Please! I like that you brought to the woman’s attention her vulnerable emotional state and that she was highly suggestible. It speaks well of your ethical practice.
James, thank you for sharing this.
You’re welcome, Leah. Thank you for reading it and for commenting here.
Guess that’s what the Lennies are for…
I’m not sure since I don’t really use the Lenormand cards. My sense is that no form of reading should take place until the person is less frantic.
I’m curious, Ivy. How do you see Lennies playing a role in an “emergency” situation? This is a sincere question. I’d love to hear about how a Lenormand card session might be of value to someone who’s a bit frenzied. 🙂
Thank You! I have a standing rule if a client insists they must see me right away, they don’t. They want me to “fix” the problem rather than deal with the issue. I know some readers who think I am being harsh. It is nice to know others understand that as readers, we are there to help others find their own clarity. This is not possible in a panic situation.
Exactly, Paula. Panic and clarity can’t co-exist. If someone insists on an “emergency” session, then they’re probably not someone I’ll ever work with. It’s good to meet people where they are, most of the time, but a tarot consultation is a relationship and people need to meet us practitioners where we are, too.
Absolutely. In our super fast-paced technology life, it seems as if everyone feels like they need answers NOW “or else” !! Think about how many times people dash off angry emails and then regret it after sleeping on it, or waiting a day or two (myself included! I’m learning just as much as the next person!) I think it’s really excellent for a reader to have a coherent policy on this, however, because that makes it easier for both reader and client to know and respect boundaries. Thanks for your eloquent take on this.
One reason that I don’t have a mobile device of any kind, Shelley, is that I don’t want to get caught up in the 24/7 quick-fix whirlwind. The tarot isn’t an iPhone. The inner teacher doesn’t do all-hours booty calls. As Christina Baldwin says in one of her books, The Seven Whispers, “Move at the pace of guidance.”
Thanks James for underscoring reasons for pause. The tarot can be empowering and supportive but only when we experience it as looking inside of ourselves for guidance. In crisis or emergency it is so easy to look outside and still be blind.
You’re welcome Susan. One time, a client actually grabbed the deck and began to fling cards onto the table and asked, “What else is there? What else do the cards say?!” in a moment of losing connection to that inner guidance. I gently took the rest of the pack from her hands and said, “I think we’re done now.” This person became more caught up in the events rather than in the exploration of them. If that’s where someone is, that’s OK, but to obsess about what’s “being done to us” doesn’t help, does it? Thank you for your input.
James, you are compassion and you convey that in decisions such as these. I do something similar. Because most of my tarot work is in the context of a Wiccan High Priestess, I usually steer them away from a card reading and concentrate on inner calm, connections with Mother Earth and the Universe in order to help them find their center before they act on further information. With any luck, the fear, panic, and terror they feel because they are, as you delightfully put it, “in a flap,” may get in perspective. Before you can understand what the cards tell you, you need to learn how to breathe in the new situation. Cheers and hugs.
Breathing in a situation and/or taking a bite of a situation and doing one’s best to digest it is so helpful and often gradual, isn’t it, Gail? Some things can be taken in on the spot while other things require slow, deep breathing or tiny bites and lots of chewing. I appreciate the way you assist people to remember their centre. What a valuable gift to those who entrust their situations to your great care.
lovely to read all the comments. I am new and do not use the tarot for others that much. I do have a question. For someone like me who is a rescuer type, if this ever happens to me, could I suggest that we meditate? Then I lead them into a calming meditation and say ” see you in a week” Would that work or be a good idea?
Hi, Gina. In my experience, most people who are in a flap who hear the words, “Let’s meditate” would like to scream and throw something at the person who says it because they’re not in a space to even consider that option. However, you could try it a couple of times and notice what happens. Perhaps it’ll work for you. Or perhaps simply being a willing ear (for a limited time!) over a warm and welcoming beverage is helpful. That said, I still believe that giving the person time to simmer down is best. Thank you for being here with us on the blog!
I am glad to read this, James. I also will not do a reading under the gun…for all the reasons that have already been stated. The cards, in my experience, will only mirror the dire energy. Nothing useful will come of it, for the querent or the reader.
The tarot tends to reflect where we are, doesn’t it, Darla? And that’s a good thing. But if someone is freaking out, they can’t even look at being freaked out, never mind any other concepts that they need to be aware of at the time. Thank you for your comment here!
How fortunate I am to have found this! The universe is so wonderful to provide answers to my questions from people who do not know me and didn’t even know I needed an answer to this. Thank you all. Everyone’s comments has been so helpful!
The people who connect here are generous and wise, Gina. I’m happy that you’re one of them.
Hello folks
I read with interest everyone’s ideas and feedback and agree that within the heavy energy of the crises is not the best time to look at the cards and share within a reading.
But what I do in situations like this is during the call I start to pull some cards just for myself asking if there is any info. from spirit that will guide me during the conversation of trying to alleviate some of the clients anxiety. I have found within this process I am often guided to just listen and hold sacred space around them and they often respond with feeling calmer even during the call.
I love your thought provoking blog James, and appreciate everyone’s comments contributing often in my own tarot growth.
What a helpful way to check in with your inner wisdom as a tarot reader, Sally. I know tarot consultants and psychotherapists who pull a card(s) before a client’s session to find out how or who they need to be during that person’s session. Thank you for this!
I have done these emergency readings in the past. Reading your post has made me rethink this. Thanks James!
What was the experience like for you, Amy? We could all learn something from hearing about it, but only if it feels right to share.
[…] perform emergency readings and that is what got me thinking of this topic. You can read his post here. I admire him very much for saying no in these cases. Sometimes I would like to say no to people […]
Mostly the client seems disappointed. Often the reading is not what they want to hear. Often they ask for another reading or to pull more cards. There have been times where I believe the readings have helped them calm down and regroup too. It really depends on where the person is emotionally.
Thanks for telling us this. Perhaps trying to get a reading temporarily takes their minds off what’s eating them. And that can be helpful in a different way. They might not get what they consider to be information they want, but it’s the beginning of some calm. What would you do if a panicked person called your for a session now?
James… I so agree with your philosophy and practices… You are a good tarot consultant and a wonderful soul…
You’re very kind to say so, Denise. It’s also OK to disagree with me 🙂
I hope you continue to contribute to discussions here.
Oh dont’ worry… if I do disagree you will know… I’m not one to hold my tongue if I have an alternate perspective 🙂 I hope to contribute more to these discussions… when time allows… seems the internet is starting to absorb quite a bit of my life and I am feeling a sabatical coming on 🙂
Well said James! Might borrow that explanation 🙂
Please do, Louise. It’s meant to be used.
How wonderfully expressed, James…! Thank you so much!
It is a familiar path to get caught up in emotional charges and allow a snowball of rising and extreme reactions. And it is the familiar which hides the answer!
Indeed, as has been said, “Miracles are everyone’s right… but purification is necessary first.”
Thank you for the gentle touch!
Warm regards,
Mohini
Thanks you, Mohini, for your comments. Certainly the part of us that wants approval, that wants the person to like us, will sometimes kick in and want to do the session right then and there. That’s when we need to stop ourselves and be compassionate to ourselves and the other person by saying “no”. I love what you say about purification. Certainly in days of yore when supplicants visited the healing temples of Asklepios or went to consult the Delphic oracle, they purified themselves, prepared themselves, took time to make the pilgrimage to the holy site. They didn’t just show up and say, “Heal me” or “Tell me something”. Excellent point, Mohini!
Thank you, James….
And, much blessings!
The preparation for Asklepios or Delphi is a profound reminder of the sacred in all we do. this discussion has been likewise, profound and insightful.
One of the reasons I send people a few questions to respond to before their session is so that both they and I can — both inwardly and outwardly — get ready for the tarot experience. They end up with greater focus before arriving, calling, or Skyping and I can reflect on what’s on their minds and create a spread or process for us to use when we’re in the appointment. It’s a different form of “purification” or pilgrimage, I guess.
yes i agree as readings are terrible when done in panick for the person giving reading i do phone line work but have had to pull back as its taken it out on my health drained as callers are rude and talk wont let u relax read ive tried to relax them telling them to take 3 slow deep breaths its often question question question one after other. Tarot does not answer everything or make decisions. Another problem is they think we can see what folk think feel about them due to some saying they get in their heads tarot does not show these things where do they believe all this from i ask
Other people I know who have work for the phone lines have also said how draining that form of the work can be, Carol. Good for you for looking after yourself by pulling back. And thank you for joining this conversation.
Very good article, Its very difficult indeed for Tarot to be effective when focusing upon such attachments and aversions on the Astral Plane. Tarot requires a quiet stable mind to take in subtle areas of transformation. If one is bleeding to death its difficult to talk about preventative maintenance
Indeed, Tim. We need to discern whether the chanting monk or the paramedic will be best in the moment. One is not better than the other, simply more appopriate. Post-emergency, we can do the deeper work, should we choose. Thank you for chiming in here.
Well said! I don’t do them for the same reason. Im not as eloquent as you though (I’m not rude!)
We each have our style, Cheryl, and each one is perfect!
Reblogged this on Turtlemoon Tarot and commented:
I do not do emergency readings either, for the same reasons. A confused or over emotional person may not benefit from a reading under stress
Whole lotta wisdom here from James and all the responses. I completely resonate with what has been shared. Panic is an emotional state that may freeze the mind from the flow of input a Tarot reading may provide.
But, as Sally Clark contributed, it may be an opportunity to support a shift in energy, emotion, focus for the client so they may better face their dilemma. Especially if they are up against a deadline that would be better served by preparation, as in the example you offered about a court case coming up that afternoon. I may reframe their question to explore what is the best approach for them in this situation. This is not outcome focused as much as developing a confident presence.
Ideally, we educate our clients to prepare for their session in a way that matches our style and talents. Delayed gratification is a powerful message in itself and speaks to the potential “tough love” approach some readers may have, such as myself. It honors the time and focus each brings to the reading. That in itself could be the message a client needs to receive, that they are valued.
In my counseling practice, I have instructed my clients to make appointments, but feel free to check in with me by email or phone, for a specific limited time, free of charge, in the case that something urgent arises. Clients are very respectful of this contractual agreement and do not abuse the free “check-in” option. This is not the arrangement with my Tarot clients for we are not meeting on a regular basis, but the attitude of caring for unexpected emergencies in the most effective way remains in my heart and mind as an option. I have healthy boundaries and am not concerned about my service being abused.
In conclusion, yes, most of the time (twice this week) I will request that we make an appointment for another time when we can both be more present. Yet, there are times when my presence is needed to help the other shift their focus, just enough, to make their next step.
Thanks for addressing this important Tarot Counseling and boundaries topic.
In Spirit,
Katrina
Wonderful points, Katrina. There may be an occasional person whose maturity I know can shine through the panic and we can work together. Then it may simply be part of a flow we can both engage in. Alas, most spur of the moment calls don’t possess the awareness to look beyond the charged feelings. I don’t get a lot of “emergency” requests, thank goodness. It’s so great that you and your clients have such incredible respect for one another’s boundaries. Hooray!
This shows a considerate decision, made not only with empathy but foresight & insight, on behalf of someone who at that vulnerable time is unable to do so themselves. Thank you for pointing this out 🙂
That time of vulnerability is something for the person to be with, honour, and work through in hir own way. There are some so-called readers who take advantage of that emotional state, telling them about “curses” that need to be removed for $5000 and such nonsense. The ethical practitioner respects the fear and anxiety by NOT taking advantage of the person. Thanks for visiting here, Vanessa.
Reblogged this on Tarot Taxi and commented:
Reposted from James Wells blog: Someone calls in a panic wanting a tarot session right then. Why do I say, “No”?
I LA LA LOVE this post! AND the diversity of the answers.
I very often do emergency readings. My boundaries are, I will not create a crisis in my life but I will squeeze the reading in while they are still in crisis. Why? Because I know that I can give them a little direction and comfort. If I can get my querent to stop the panic they will then be open to hearing from spirit. I let them know that while they are in such a state the energies are frenetic and there is still much change going on in the spirit world. This is not the time to ‘find the answer’ but rather, understand the energies surrounding them. I let them know that they will not dissolve in the puddle of their own tears. They will get through this crisis. The cards have always shed a little light and provided enough comfort to get to the next step. When the querent has calmed enough to hear more direction we do a more thorough reading.
For me, my readings are about empowerment. Helping the hopeless find hope, shedding light in the dark places, soothing painful emotions.
I totally support readers who say no for there is great wisdom there. But I think there is a place for readers like me who say, let’s have a cup of tea a cookie and a nice chat. Don’t forget to pass the tissues! lol.
Peace
Priscilla
I love hearing about this way that you work with “emergency” readings, Priscilla. It’s great to get a variety of ideas here. The tissues are often on my table, too.
Holy smoke, look at all the replies.
1) “The tarot isn’t an iPhone.” is my favourite comment of yours. I don’t use mobile devices either, they interrupt brain flow and focus.
2) People seem to look for others to save them, to make it better. A chat can make people feel safer and comforted, but no tarot reading is going to save them from emotional pain and crisis at any time. These dramas in life are something you have to work through. Similar to physical illness, we are often alone, in our terror and pain, and it must be faced and felt.
If people do not run away, or immediately look for succour, they find that contemplation alone, with all the turmoil and anxiety and awareness, is a way to inner strengthening and fortitude. As you say, once such initial settling takes place, a reading can bring helpful awareness.
No human or card deck can stop the pain in life, it must be faced when it comes by for a time.
It certainly seems to be a hot topic, JJ.
My own lack of mobile device is rooted in savouring my personal time.
I love what you say about the strengthening capacities of contemplation. Lovely! Then we can use our tools and processes of insight. Glad you joined this one.
most of my clients who want an emergency reading, and get one, usually do what they want to anyway. they just want verification that their love interest wont treat them the way they did before (they will) the move to another city wont be in vain (it will) or leaving the job or school is a good idea (it probably isnt.) recently had a client who asked for a reading from a good friend who got such bad vibes from it he asked me to do a remote viewing. (no information was provided in advance of the viewing, i was just given a target number.) so i did, and real physical danger was indicated from the individual in question…did the warnings of the two psychics who he sought out for this emergency stop him? no…he’s headed cross country to meet this stranger and go camping in the backwoods {true}…so i agree with you… if you catch them in the middle of their impluse/emergency they wont accept the taort’s guidance anyway. you are doing a far better service to make them cool their heels waiting and give the situation some thought on their own.
Thank you for this story, Patty. It illustrates so much about “emergency mind”.
[…] some simple ground rules, I never read for anyone in an emergency situation, I’ll link you to Circle Ways to explain why, (James Wells explains better than I ever could). Also, I never read for someone […]
I am loving traveling through these pages..it has refocused me on what I’m here for as a tarot reader….x
I’m glad to hear this. There’s a lot to look at. Enjoy!