Some months, the words just won’t come. 

Not because there’s nothing to say, but because everything feels too quiet, too ordinary, too much the same. I sit at my desk, stare at the blinking cursor, and wonder if the “Welcome” section of this newsletter will ever write itself. (So far, it hasn’t.)

The truth is, I work a lot. And when that’s most of what fills the days, it can feel like there’s not much to share. But as I sat with that thought a little longer, I realized: maybe that’s something worth saying.

Many of us live lives that are quietly full — not dramatic, not picture-perfect, not even particularly interesting to write about. But within that ordinariness, something steady is unfolding. A conversation with the cards. A class that stirs a new thought. A familiar deck that still surprises us after all these years.

This is the quiet pulse of a tarot life. Not always magical. Not always mystical. But always present. And maybe, this month, that’s enough.

Thanks for being here — truly. I’m glad we’re doing this together. 

Wald and I recently had the deep pleasure of being guests on Rebecca Jones' video podcast, "Confessions of a Tarot Reader." Bex is a tarot reader and psychic medium based in London, UK.

In our delightful exchange, we discussed tarot as a means for self-inquiry, self-understanding, and psychological exploration. We walked her through our system of Birth Cards and how they provide unique insights into a person's character and life path.

We also reflected on our 30 years of teaching, the community we've built, our mission to make tarot accessible to enthusiasts of all levels, and told her the story of our magical wedding. We'd love you to hear it!

The episode is now available to listen or download from each of these places: 
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2383306/episodes/17283584-36-ruth-ann-and-wald-amberstone-the-tarot-school-30-year-anniversary-celebration

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-ruth-ann-and-wald-amberstone-the-tarot-school-30/id1756345406?i=1000711255905

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3I5bOLZK0DB84GhUc4dugR

QUESTION:

Hello Ruth Ann,

First off I want to say that I love your website! 

I've just recently picked up on the tarot (even though I've had my cards for two years –go figure) but I'm not certain on how you would start a reading. Does the querent tell you the question they are asking, or should they expect to keep that to themselves? Should they tell you more about the situation or do I leave that all up to the reading?

I've been trying some practice readings on my family with both and I find that the reading is more accurate when they do tell me. Either way I was just looking for your opinion or some advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

Lost & wondering
River

ANSWER:

I agree that a reading will be much more productive if the querent asks a question. The more background information they can give you as well, the deeper you can go and the more targeted and useful the reading session will be. I often tell people that my goal is to help them –– I'm not here to put on a show. Granted, there are some readers who actually prefer to work without a question but that's a matter of personal style.

Some background information should be discussed as part of the process of clarifying the question. Other things may occur to the querent only after the reading has gotten underway. Also, some people will be more forthcoming than others. Be sensitive to what is comfortable for your querent. 

In my opinion, the question is one of the most important parts of the reading and the reading can only be as clear as the question asked. If the question asked is ambiguous, the results will often be less than satisfactory. Helping the querent to define and refine their question will save time and ultimately be much more useful.

Learning how to pose productive and targeted questions takes time and practice. Here are some suggestions:

• Think of the initial question as an onion. What questions lie beneath the original question?
• Is there a more specific way the question can be worded?
• Is it what the querent really wants to know, or is it something else?

Another technique to is to take a lead from the popular American television show, Jeopardy! This is a game show where the contestant is given the answer and then must guess the correct question. Instead of having the querent ask the question, try backing into your reading by first asking the querent, "What answer would you like the cards to give you?" and then define questions that will yield this answer. For instance, "I want the cards to tell me that the book I am writing will be a success." 

Some questions based on this answer might be:

• What can I do to make sure I finish writing it?
• Will I make my deadline?
• Is there a market for my book?
• Is my agent the right person to promote it?
• What is my definition of "success"?

Design your spread to answer the questions that arise. Of course, this technique is no guarantee that the cards will always tell the querent what they want to hear. If the writer of this book has no talent, contacts or drive, the answer could very well be disappointing –– but by asking the right questions, at least they'll know why. The information uncovered in the reading should be useful enough to help the querent come to terms with or overcome the difficulties.

Another useful approach is to listen for the question behind the question. Sometimes a querent will ask, “What does the future hold for my relationship?” when what they’re really wondering is, “Can I trust this person?” or “Am I strong enough to leave?” When you gently explore what’s motivating the inquiry, you can help them articulate the real concern. That clarity empowers both the querent and the cards to speak more directly to the heart of the matter.

It's also worth remembering that some querents simply don't know what to ask. They may come in feeling confused, overwhelmed, or emotionally tangled. In those cases, starting with a general check-in or a simple layout like a 3-card spread (Present Situation, Challenge, Guidance) can help reveal the themes that need attention. Once something specific emerges, you can shape the reading around a more focused question. Let the conversation be fluid—sometimes the cards lead to the question instead of the other way around.

Resource:
Our study guide, What Should I Ask? is a compendium of over 300 questions arranged in 14 categories, making it easy to find a good fit for all your reading needs, whether for querents, yourself, or just for practice!

To submit an article or question to be answered in a future issue of Tarot Tips, send us an email at tarot@tarotschool.com

Wald's Words of Wisdom

Have you ever picked up an old ring or family heirloom and felt a strange sense of déjà vu—or an unexpected emotion that wasn’t quite your own? You may have brushed up against the subtle art of psychometry: the ability to read the energetic or emotional imprint left on objects.

Everything we touch carries some trace of us. That energetic residue—especially from emotionally charged events—can linger in personal items, waiting for the sensitive or curious to tune in.

Psychometry (from the Greek psyche, “soul,” and metron, “measure”) is the practice of gaining intuitive information by holding or touching a physical object. The object becomes a doorway, revealing impressions about people, places, or events it has “witnessed.”

You don’t need to be psychic to try it. You just need curiosity, focus, and a willingness to experiment.

Here’s a simple method you can try at home:

Choose Your Object 
Begin with a small item that’s been well-used or loved—jewelry, keys, coins, or keepsakes are ideal. It helps if you don’t know too much about it in advance.

Set the Scene
Find a quiet space and sit comfortably. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. You might want to light a candle or play soft instrumental music to help shift your awareness.

Hold and Feel
Hold the object gently in your non-dominant hand (this is often more receptive). Let your attention rest on the weight, texture, and temperature. What do you feel emotionally? What thoughts, images, or sensations arise?

Trust the Subtle
You may get a sudden mental picture, hear a word or phrase internally, or feel a wave of emotion. Don’t dismiss it, even if it seems random. Often, these first impressions are the most pure.

Write It Down
Jot down anything you sensed. Later, if you learn more about the object’s history, compare notes.

The more emotionally charged the item, the stronger the residue may be.

Try this with a friend’s object for feedback—but don’t pressure yourself to be “right.” If you feel overwhelmed, put the object down and ground yourself. (A splash of cold water or walking barefoot can help.)

Psychometry can be a wonderful complement to tarot or other divinatory practices. It teaches us to listen with our hands as well as our hearts—and to recognize that even the smallest object may carry a story, waiting to be told.

Resources:

A Beginner's Guide to Psychometry: Tapping into the Energy of Objects

https://mediumscottallan.substack.com/p/a-beginners-guide-to-psychometry?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

The Psychic Playdate podcast (hosted by Melanie Alberts) has an episode, “Psychometry with Sharon Carmack.” She shares practical tips on how to become a more effective psychometrist, whether you're using object reading for mediumship or everyday intuitive insight. You can listen to it here:

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/melanie-alberts/episodes/Episode-25-Psychometry-with-Sharon-Carmack-emagq6

We’d love your suggestion or submissions for this column! If you have an idea or would like to contribute, please contact us at tarot@tarotschool.com.

Pain-Free Astrology for Tarot Readers

How many times have you been tantalized and frustrated by a long list of astrological correspondences in a Tarot book? Scorpio goes with the Death card, The Wheel of Fortune and Jupiter have something to do with each other… there must be something to it, yet your eyes glaze over long before you reach the end…

Help is on the way! In this special 6-hour audio course, you'll move beyond the lists and delve into the Tarot's deep connections with astrology.

You'll learn:

•  The hidden astrological attributes of every card, from the Majors to the Tarot Court: what they are, why they are there, and how to use them for insightful and accurate readings

•  The "secret link" between astrology and the seasons

•   How to predict the "life cycles" of your clients' issues with uncanny accuracy

•  How to use symbols to break through "reader's block"

You'll also get a 24-page workbook that you'll fill in as you go along. These "hand to pen to paper" exercises will quickly hard-wire this juicy material into your brain. When you're done, you'll have a handy cheat sheet for later study sessions, too.

If you're a newcomer to astrology, these recordings will introduce you to this fascinating art. If you're a seasoned astrologer, we promise that you've never heard anything like this before!

$59 Includes: 6 mp3s + workbook 

Note: This audio set is included with the Correspondence Course.

Esoteric Insights
THE DEPTHS OF BEGINNING AND END
 

By Wald Amberstone

The 10 numbers of the Minor Arcana are called Depths, and with that one word we enter a world of opposites and paradoxes. These numbers are called Depths because they are bottomless, infinite in extent. Even though, as aspects of the Minor Arcana, they describe what we experience as a final and familiar world, they have no limit, none at all. Let’s look at the numbers 2 and 3 –– the Depth of Beginning and the Depth of End. 

Beginning  —  

The Depth of Beginning is a bottomless well of creation, a whole universe, containing everything there is to say though no words are spoken, and everything there is to do though no deeds are done. 

Every Depth has a face like the surface of a pool by which it may be approached and through which it may be entered. In tarot, this face is the picture on a card. When you pass through the face of a Depth, you sink into the universe it disguises and discover its special qualities. 

End  —  

The Depth of End, whose name is Understanding, is a universe of time. It is paired with the Depth of Beginning, a totally different universe of time, whose name is Wisdom. 

Wisdom and Understanding between them contain all the qualities of the beginning and the end of everything. Just as the Ace, or Crown, contains the promise of everything that comes after it, so Wisdom contains within it all the possibilities of Understanding. The Depth of Beginning contains the Depth of End. 

In the same way, the Depth of End contains within it all the secrets of everything that comes after it. The quality of that end is a finality, a separation, and a sorrow. The Depth of End is the bottomless well in all of the four worlds in which everything bears the stamp of what must be.

So the Depths turn inward on themselves—beginning cradles end, and end conceals beginning. The Depths are not places to arrive, but presences in which to dwell, each one a revelation without conclusion.

Mind Your Own Business
THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE I'VE EVER GOTTEN

By Patti Woods 

Perhaps the most important business advice I’ve ever received is this: make it easy for people to book with you. 

It’s such a simple idea, yet it’s something that’s easy to overlook. We may think we’re easy to find and book appointments with, but the reality may be a different story. 

Here’s a real-life example. I have a friend who is a brilliant medium. She’s given me incredibly validating messages that have completely blown me away. Everyone who sees her comes away raving about her abilities to connect and interpret signs. And yet, it’s a Herculean task to book an appointment. She doesn’t have a website or a business phone. She relies entirely on Facebook messenger for communication.

“People always have a great experience with me,” she said to me one day. “I’m well known. I don’t know why I don’t get more bookings.” I explained to her that, while she may be well known, no one can figure out how to book a session and many people aren’t even on Facebook anymore. 

I get asked for medium recommendations all the time. I’d love to direct potential clients to her, but there’s no easy way. I’ve explained to her that if she had a website, I could tell people to find her there. But she’s made the choice not to have a website, so therefore I usually end up recommending other mediums. 
 

I can’t say it enough: 

Make. It. Easy. 
 

How do you do that? 

First, make sure you have a simple way for people to find you. Yes, social media is a great start, but it shouldn’t be used in lieu of a website. The most basic landing page with a clickable link to book a session can equal money in your pocket. 
 

Second, once you have a website, here’s something you should do a couple of times a year. (Note to self: it’s time for me to do this again). Enlist an opinionated friend to go onto your website and ask them to poke around. Have them go through the whole process of actually booking a session and tell them to take notes. Were they able to navigate the system easily? Did they know what they were looking for? Were prices readily available? Was anything confusing? Were there dead links? Would they be inclined to book a session and if not, why not? Sometimes we think our websites are easy to navigate, but in reality potential clients may get tripped up by something. 
 

Third, and this is highly controversial, but I think it’s important to post your prices on your website. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to someone’s website and been interested in an offer, only to find a button or form to “find out more.” I want to know up front how much your fees are. It’s a waste of your time and your potential client’s time if they have to go through a whole process only to find out that your fees aren’t within their budget. 
 

Lastly, if you do use social media, provide direct links to your bookings. If you offer a new service, for example, include the direct link to book online. People have limited attention spans. If they see something they like, they want to click immediately and book. They don’t want to write it down to check out later. 

I can almost guarantee, if you make things easy, people are much more likely to book with you.

About Patti:

Patti Woods is a writer and tarot reader with over 20 years of experience in the publishing industry. Having served as an editor for both newspapers and magazines, she transitioned into freelance writing, contributing hundreds of articles to major publications such as The Boston Globe, Business Insider, Wine Spectator, Parade Magazine, The Week, Christian Science Monitor, Vegetarian Times, and Health, among many others.

In addition to her writing career, Patti is the founder of Mind, Body & Tarot, a business featured in Business Insider, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, Fodor's Travel, and more.

She is also the author of Lost Restaurants of Fairfield, published by Arcadia/The History Press, and has contributed to several anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Learn more about her services and offerings at www.pattiwoods.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/boozytarot
IG: boozy_tarot

Upcoming Events: 



Tarot Salon on Zoom!
7:00 – 9:00 pm EDT

$20 per class

Our popular Monday night classes are
now online so you can attend no matter
where you live. Classes are recorded and 

all levels of experience are welcome!

JULY 2025:  
  7 - Symbols of the Ace of Cups

14 - Symbols of the 2 of Cups
21 - Reversals 

28 - The Hidden Face: 1-Card Variation

Get on the notification list to see 

what we'll be teaching each week. 

Readings with Ruth Ann

Running The Tarot School with Wald keeps me pretty busy, but I still love giving readings! My specialty is using your Birth Cards and Elemental Array (techniques Wald and I have developed) in conjunction with random draws to give you an extremely personalized and powerful reading.

If you are familiar with the Tree of Life, you may request a Birth Cards Synastry Reading. I will compare your Birth Cards with those of one or two others to give you a deeper understanding of your relationship with them.

I excel at giving Readings for Readers so if you're always giving readings to others, let me help you with some self-care for a change!