My first Tarot card reading

Ever since I decided to be open to new experiences and step outside my comfort zone, I keep being presented with opportunities to do just that. Saturday night a friend hosted a “Tarot Card Soiree” at her home. I’ve never had my cards read before but this seemed like a good opportunity.

My friend, Roz, came down from the city for the party and spent the weekend at our house. I was really glad she went with me because I was a little nervous about the whole thing. David had another couple of events to attend Saturday but he came a little later to keep the other two men company while the women had their cards read.

It was an intimate gathering. Lindsay, the hostess/card reader is a good friend, also. Her home was cosy and inviting with lots of candles, music, light hors d’oeuvres and wine. I knew several of the women there but not all of them. We mingled for awhile first and then the readings began. We gathered around the table and quietly observed one another’s readings. I really had no idea what to expect. I’ve seen Tarot readers in New Orleans, of course, but have never stopped to actually watch.

One by one, Lindsay read each woman’s cards. She allowed plenty of time for each. There was no rushing. Everyone seemed to feel that the readings had value and provided some important insight or confirmed something they needed to hear. There was one reading which which felt intense although I can’t explain why. Most felt fairly positive, though.

I watched each reading, trying to decide what type of reading I wanted and what I wanted her to address. My reading was last because others needed to leave and I was in no hurry. I was glad it worked out that way because the only other woman left at that point was Roz. David asked if he’d like me to step outside during the reading. He and Lindsay’s husband went out on the patio leaving just the three of us – Roz, Lindsay and myself.

I won’t go into details about the reading. I’m not sure I could explain it if I wanted to. Some aspects of it confirmed things I knew, at least on some level. Some of it was encouraging. One or two parts were a bit disconcerting. It’s given me a lot to think about and I’m still processing it all.

Now, I know I’m opening up myself to criticism for having my cards read. As a Christian, I grew up hearing that Tarot is evil, dangerous and of the devil. I suppose that’s why it has never crossed my mind to have my cards read in New Orleans even though Tarot readers are everywhere. The only reason I felt comfortable doing it is because of the setting and because Lindsay is also a Christian. She prepared herself for the event with meditation and prayer.

We talked a little about the history of Tarot and she told me a bit about Christian influence in the development of it. I had never heard that so of course I had to do a bit of research myself. I’m not going to share any links here because there are differing opinions about it all. The history is actually a bit murky and I don’t know enough to have any firm opinions on the matter.

I went into it with an open mind and I feel that what I got out of it has some value for me. If nothing else, it has given me some food for thought and that’s always a good thing.