AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve written numerous essays on the subject of tarot techniques and methods, usually in the form of criticism aimed at those practices of modern “pop-metaphysics” that I find especially pointless or unfounded. This time I decided to turn it into an exhaustive but simplified “question-and-answer” checklist that lays out my preferred approach and covers everything I can think of in one place. It’s based on my decades of experience and also on years of responding to online inquiries. (It should be obvious that I’m very much a pragmatist and traditionalist but not a total secularist although I’m no fan of mystical “woo.”) You may find it useful for your own self-understanding. Have fun!

1. Type of shuffle: Overhand, riffle or other? Overhand; sometimes “casino shuffle”
2. Querent handles cards, Yes or no: Yes, shuffles whenever possible
3. Reversals used, Yes or no: Always, usually, sometimes, never? Yes, usually
4. Prep for draw: Cut, fan or other? Cut, with the left hand to the left*
5. Method of dealing: From the top, random (from fan), other? From the top
6. Lays all the cards face-up or face-down? Usually face-up
7. Sitter’s position at the table: Across, beside or oblique? Beside me or oblique
8. Uses “clarifiers” and “jumpers:” Always, sometimes, rarely, never? Never
9. Uses “shadow/base” cards: Always, sometimes, rarely, never? Rarely
10. Uses published aids: Always, sometimes, never? Never during a reading
11: Favorite deck type: RWS, Thoth, TdM, other? Thoth
12. Returns deck to original upright order? Always, occasionally, rarely, never? Rarely
13. Randomizes cards for sequence and orientation, Yes or no: Yes, between sessions
14. Uses positional spreads: Always, usually, rarely, never? Almost always
15. Preferred reading environment: In-person or remote? In-person
16. Remote platforms used: Skype, Zoom, email, IM, text, etc? Email with conditions
17: Uses “clearing” methods (prayers, incense, crystals etc), Yes or no: Not often
18. Performs periodic deck “cleansing,” Yes or no: Never, not necessary
19. Concerned about non-reversible backs, Yes or no: No
20. Will do “third-party” readings, Yes or no: Generally no, except for public figures
21. Will do binary or “yes/no” readings, Yes or no: Yes
22. Will answer “thinks-or-feels” mind-reading questions, Yes or no: No
23. Will answer health-related questions, Yes or no: Generally no, with exceptions
24. Will answer financial questions, Yes or no: Generally no, with exceptions
25. Will answer legal questions, Yes or no: Generally no, with exceptions
26: Will read without knowing the question, Yes or no: Yes if reading in-person**
27. Will offer follow-up advice, Yes or no: Yes, one free post-reading Q&A session
28. Uses a “Significator” card, Yes or no: Always, sometimes, rarely, never? Rarely
29. Creates own personal spreads, Yes or no: Yes, frequently
30. Performs professional (paid) public readings, Yes or no: Yes
31, Certified or licensed as a professional, Yes or no: No, not required in my state
32. Trained or schooled in tarot reading, Yes or no: No, self-taught since 1972
33. Uses other divinatory arts with or alongside tarot, Yes or no: Yes, numerous***
34. Reads literally or intuitively, monologue or dialogue?: 70% literal; dialogue
35, Has a logical theory of “How tarot works,” Yes or no: Yes, subconscious induction
36. Uses esoterica, Yes or no: Often, occasionally. never? Often but limited in scope
37. Engages in psychic or astral techniques: Sometimes, rarely, never? Sometimes
38. Engages in social media: Daily, occasionally, never? Daily, but only forums****
39. Uses tarot for “psychological profiling,” Yes or no? Generally no, natal astrology
40. Ongoing learning methods: Practice, books, online, classes? Practice and books
41. Embraces philosophy, psychology and/or religion? Philosophy and psychology
42. Length of metaphysical study and practice: 53 years (professional since 2011)*****

*This is part of what I call the “theater of tarot.”
**This may render some of the other questions moot.
***Horary astrology, Lenormand, I Ching, geomancy, dice, dominoes, board-game spinners, minor magical ritual, crystal ball, pendulum, etc.
****I avoid video chat, YouTube, TikTok, IM, generally all “talking-head” venues run by “influencers,” frequenting only Facebook, reddit and other discussion platforms.
*****According to Douglas Adams, 42 is “The Answer to the Meaning of Life, the Universe and Everything,” so I’ll leave it at that.