Are Tarot Readers Psychic?

In December I was part of an event at local spiritual shop giving tarot readings alongside someone who does straight psychic readings. Some questions about the nature of tarot readings came up as a result. Are tarot readings different than psychic readings? Do you have to be psychic to read tarot? Can anyone read tarot?

Depending on who you ask, you’ll receive different answers, so today I am answering for myself. First of all, yes, I am a psychic reader. I am an empath and clairsentient (clear feeling). I have clairvoyant and clairaudient capabilities as well, but my most developed psychic skills are the clairsentient and empathic. These are most natural and consistent for me in everyday, walking around life. When reading tarot, my clairaudient and clairsentient capabilities kick into high gear and enhance the rest. Tarot gives me a channel to put the energies I sense into words. I do ask for guidance from Goddess, and from spirits, and faeries, to assist in the readings I give.

What is the difference between tarot readings and psychic readings?

Tarot readings are different than psychic readings in that psychic readings by themselves are simply the psychic channeling information and images through themselves, whereas tarot is a tool I use to ground the reading. I channel information through myself and put it into words with the tarot cards. I love having a focal point to my readings, and I love the interaction of having clients pull the cards and look at the same images I am looking at while I read for them.

So, tarot readings are different (for me) than straight psychic readings in that I prefer to use the tool of tarot when channeling psychic information.

Do you have to be psychic to read tarot?

The short answer is no. I know many people who aren’t psychic who read tarot. Many use tarot for self-reflection, with a more psychology-based approach. Many use it for coaching. There are as many different views of how Tarot works as there are tarot readers. Most would say that although you don’t have to be psychic, you do need to learn to listen to your intuition. Tarot is often a tool that, when first learned, teaches a reader how to trust themselves.

Can anyone read tarot?

No. A person has to be willing to dedicate the time and energy to really learn this divination system, and learning to be a proficient reader is a much different process than learning a skill in a traditional format (like how you learn math in school). A person can memorize definitions, but that doesn’t mean that they can actually read the cards with nuance or provide a good reading. It’s a skill and art form that takes time to hone and that kind of dedication isn’t for everyone.