Reading Tarot for Friends and Family

Reading tarot cards for friends and family can sometimes be tricky, especially for a new reader. The challenge lies in how close you are to the situation. If you know a lot about what someone is going through, it can certainly add clarity, but it can also mess you up.

For a useful tarot reading, impartiality is essential. And it’s not so hard to achieve when there’s a stranger sitting in front of you. You don’t know their story, you’re not attached to the outcome, and the relationship is generally confined to the reading itself.

With friends or family it’s not so clean. You often know at least part of their story, you might be attached to the outcome, and there’s every chance that you’ll be involved in their lives after the reading.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t read for those you know and love. To avoid the pitfalls, all it really takes is to remember the mantra of tarot card reading. Stay with the cards. Don’t assume you know anything more about the situation than the energy being described in the spread.

Of course, if you think a card indicates something specific about your friend’s life, go ahead and mention it. Just don’t take for granted that you know everything about what it means. You might know them well, but it’s likely they’re keeping some things to themselves. Let them.

And it goes without saying that whether or not you like what the cards describe, it’s not the tarot reader’s place to judge. Even if you’re reading for your child or partner. If you’re afraid you’ll react to a friend’s reading with negativity or anxiety, it might be best not to do it.

When trust levels are high, readings can be extremely powerful. But though there might be a lot of trust amongst friends and family, there can also be an elevated level of vulnerability. Sharing a reading can encourage closeness, but it can also make people feel too exposed.

If that happens with a stranger they just leave and there’s a good chance you won’t see them again. If it happens with a friend or relative, things can be uncomfortable for a bit. Being sensitive to personal boundaries and clear about your commitment to privacy can go a long way in easing potential fears.

Sharing tarot with people you love can be a great experience. Not to mention, if you’re a beginner, your friends and family might be your only guinea pigs. Just focus on the images and avoid projecting what you already know. The cards themselves will show you all you need to say.