Frequently Asked Questions

Sophrosyne is a Greek term that refers to a state of self-control, balance, and inner harmony. It is often translated as “temperance” or “moderation,” but it encompasses more than just avoiding excess.

In ancient Greek philosophy, sophrosyne was considered a virtue and was associated with a well-rounded, healthy, and wise person. It was seen as the ability to manage one’s desires and emotions, to resist temptation and excess, and to maintain a rational and balanced perspective.

Today, sophrosyne is sometimes used as a synonym for mindfulness, self-awareness, or mental clarity. It is often associated with practices like meditation, yoga, and other forms of mindfulness-based stress reduction.

Tarot is simply a deck of cards used for divination, meditation, and self-discovery which originated in Italy during the 15th century as a card game. Later became associated with occult and mystical practices.

A typical tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into two groups: the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). The Major Arcana cards represent major life events, archetypal symbols, and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana cards generally represent everyday events and situations.

Each card has a specific meaning, which can be interpreted in different ways depending on the question asked and the context in which it is drawn. Tarot readings are often used for gaining insight into one’s past, present, and future, as well as for exploring one’s inner thoughts and emotions.

Tarot has been studied and used by various groups, including psychics, mystics, scholars, and enthusiasts, and has become a popular tool for self-discovery and personal growth. However, it is important to note that tarot readings should not be used as a substitute for professional medical, legal, or financial advice.

Tarot cards consist of symbols and figures which trigger connections in our brains. Those connections allow us to bypass blocks we may have in order to understand ourselves in a deeper way. I personally don’t believe Tarot cards are inherently magic (or magick), they are just a tool to access the information we already have. 

Some people are able to access this knowledge without the use of tools, usually through lengthy meditation or prayer. Tarot is a kind of shortcut, allowing examination of problems or issues without hours and hours of meditation or contemplation. Think of it as a more direct line to your own subconscious.

Learning Tarot is a matter of getting to know each card. I suggest the following methods:

1. Look at one card per day. Pull the card and look up its meanings in books or the internet. 
2. For the Minor Arcana (the 56 “suit” cards) study the same card from each suit, understanding the similarities and differences. 
3. When studying the Major Arcana, examine each card along with the one before and after. I suggest spending a week on each Major Arcana card – they are energy powerhouses and affect many parts of your life. As the Major Arcana describes a journey, studying them in order, along with the one before and after, helps you understand how to move from one step to the next, forwards and backward.

Write down your thoughts on each card! I have a journal where I give 2-4 pages to each card, writing down my interpretation of each card, any thoughts about it, symbols, etc. Writing this by hand seems to help with memory!

Finally, try to work with your Tarot daily. Even now I find myself “counting cards” when I can’t sleep at night. I list and visualize each Major Arcana card in my head, like counting sheep. 

Tarot is a tool, it doesn’t “do” anything by itself. It requires you to take action if you want something to occur or not occur. 

Using the Tarot for reading the future can be problematic. Think of Tarot showing you probabilities. If all of the surrounding conditions stay the same, then I’ve found the Tarot to be pretty accurate in predicting the future. 

However, most people’s questions involve other people, sometimes a lot of other people. Every person has their own set of choices and paths to follow. Basing your future on the actions of other people is tricky because everyone has their own path and choices. You can only follow your own path or manage your own part of the relationship with others.

Another issue with reading for future events involves asking the right questions. For example, a client wanted to know if they should take a job involving a move to another country. We did a reading looking at what might happen if they accepted the job versus staying. Taking the job looked really great, but the client came back upset because they didn’t get the job. I pointed out the question was in regards to having the job, not getting it! Getting the job certainly would have been great for them, but they weren’t offered the opportunity. 

I view myself as a Tarot consultant, a person who helps other people by using Tarot cards to access my intuition and communicate that message to you. My clients are equal partners in a reading and you should be willing to take the time to understand what the reading is telling you.

Your reading may be informative; it may just reveal your current situation. It may reveal obstacles or blockages which you can choose whether or not to address. A reading may show a choice and give you an idea of what will happen depending on your choice. In all of these situations, I view my position as messenger, counselor, and coach.

As a messenger, I will deliver the intuitive meaning I see in the cards. As a counselor, I will help you apply that meaning to your question. As a coach, if you choose to use me as such, I can give you specific ways to effect any change in your life that might be indicated by your reading.

We may work together to answer just one question or may develop a counseling relationship over a period of time. If you are interested in long-term change, scheduling regular readings can keep you on track and assist you in your personal growth. Ask me about package deals!

My readings are generally done through email. Follow-ups are generally by email as well, but I can schedule a phone call if necessary. I prefer email because I am a better writer than I am a speaker. Working by email also gives me space to spend time interpreting your reading without feeling rushed.

I am not a fortune teller. I cannot tell you when you will get married or what your future partner’s name will be. I can tell you what you can work on in your own life to make it more likely for you to attract a partner who is attuned to you.

I can’t tell you how to win the lottery or make a fortune, but we can work together to determine your life purpose so you can find a career in which you will be happy and successful.

I generally don’t do third-party readings. These are readings that are not centered on you but on another person. I will read for questions such as “does he love me?” or “when will she come back to me?” However, those questions generally result in answers that center on you, not the other person. You can only change your own feelings and actions!