Why Use the Tarot?
The 78 cards in the traditional Tarot deck are all the possibilities and archetypes we may encounter in this lifetime, all circulating within our individual and collective being at any given time. By appealing to the power of divine wisdom, our awareness is brought to bear on those aspects of ourselves—mental patterns, habits, persistent thought forms—that create a feeling of separation. The laying of cards holds the key to our liberation from these self-limiting thought patterns and beliefs that we are not loved, supported, and cherished. Through our relationship with the cards we can open our path once again to experiencing the truth of our existence: that of oneness -- that we are consciousness experiencing itself.
Even if this idea of a greater power is hard to swallow, it is easy to identify the positive benefits of ritual practices like the Tarot. Every aspect of a reading, when done with patience and reverence, is a form of positive re-programing. When we sit together in that initial silence before the cards are laid, we are slowing the proliferation of thoughts that cause us daily anxiety, training our minds to distill an intention. With this type of concentration and focus on the betterment of our future, we begin to form new patterns and habits that will support us, rather than lead us astray. This is further enhanced when you develop your own relationship with the cards. Each time you light a candle to begin, the act of repetition further refines your focus. It is with your personal practice in mind that I make every reading educational, taking time to explain where the information is coming from. This may be a 'mystery' tradition but that doesn't mean we can't all have access to it.
What to Expect in a Reading with Ally
How to prepare for our session.
Ah, expectations. Wouldn't it be nice to enter each experience as new? Living in the world that we do, I accept that you will come to the table with your own unique set of filters and many-coloured lenses. Our notions of life and how to live are the programs that ensure we set our alarms before bedtime and dress ourselves appropriately in the morning. Quite wonderfully, those programs don't really matter to the awen.
Your willingness to connect to your subconscious is all you need.
All my readings begin with a 5 minute guided meditation to settle the dust and get clear on what you are seeking. If you are not coming to our physical location, try to find a comfortable, quiet place to sit before we begin. Be ready with your intention and question, but don't worry if you can't boil it down to one thing: we will craft it together. Talking about it will help us both get clear so the cards can do the work.
Some reasonable cautions.
A tarot reading is not gospel. Please understand this! Too many times in my life I have encountered fixed interpretations of things that have caused, often unconsciously, awful fixations. It is not my job to build your future from the cards. While the tarot can offer you a map, it is ultimately your own truth that will tell you which paths to take. You already know the way.
I'm not a doctor, therapist, accountant, or lawyer and nor can I replace their services. I cannot offer you a forecast: predictions are hard to escape---and ruminating on anything gives way to self-fulfilling prophecy. I want you to walk away with your truth, not mine. I want you to feel it burning!
How to integrate post-session.
Be conscious of grasping after your session. The romance period is best kept short, just long enough to produce momentum.
Start making small changes right away.
Practice will bring everything you need: spend time in meditation and repeat your affirmation (if you'd like one, be sure to ask!). Afterward, if the spaciousness is available---and please fight for it if it is not---record any insights you receive (journal or make a video/audio recording). Start a project that carries the energy of your reading forward. I like to put my new intentions into processes like songwriting or culturing (sauerkraut, anyone?), things that take me through a meaningful cycle. There is no reason to leave it in the cards.
Logistics, pricing, and my expertise.
Sessions are 45 minutes total for $75. Please budget yourself 60 minutes and let me know when we start if you are needing to be time-conscious.
While I have taken courses from a few different instructors, my first in-depth training was with Angie Yingst of The Moon and Stone Healing in the Fall of 2012, who really started me on my professional journey. My certifications and studies in yoga, ayurveda, meditation, philosophy, literature, nutrition, and music only serve to fortify and refine my skills as a vehicle for spirit. Or divine inspiration. Maybe even God... Goddess, Brahman, or the most high. Can you tell I'd just rather not name it? You know what I mean!
Finally: Code of Ethics.
I abide by those laid out by the American Tarot Association:
THE ATA CODE OF ETHICS
I will serve the best interests of my clients, conducting my professional activities without causing or intending to cause harm.
I will treat all my clients with equal respect, regardless of their origin, race, religion, gender, age, or sexual preference.
I will represent honestly my Tarot qualifications, including educational credentials, levels of certification and experience.
I will keep confidential the names of clients and all information shared or discussed during readings, unless otherwise requested by the client or required by a court of law.
I will recommend clients consult a licensed professional for advice of a legal, financial, medical, or psychological nature that I am not qualified to provide. If trained in one of these areas, I will clearly differentiate between the tarot reading and any professional advice additionally provided.
I will respect my clients' right to refuse or terminate their reading at any time, regardless of prior consent.
I recognize that all ATA members have the same rights and obligations, and I will always respect and honor my co-members.
Testimonials
“From the moment I booked right through to follow up, Ally conducted herself gracefully and professionally. I have had an aversion to Tarot for many years, finding it pretty impenetrable, but I’d heard such amazing things about Ally that I couldn’t wait to meet with her.
I was blown away by the way she conducted the session, with the space, the supporting trinkets and the opening meditation. Most of all, I was blown away by Ally’s depth of insight, wisdom and ability to communicate that clearly. She cut straight to the heart of my issue and provided stellar guidance, support and wisdom.
I would urge anyone and everyone to have a reading with Ally. She is massively gifted at this work.”
“It was so fun. And also serious. It was a very light-hearted session about a query that has been giving me a lot of personal trouble. Every card was spot on and Ally explained each one so clearly. Talking with Ally was very much like communicating with a best friend who is tapped into the universe. My reading was one of the best experiences that I honestly can’t wait to do it again.”
— Adrianne Laconi, Multi-Passionate Life Coach, Italy
“Where do I start? I wish there was a “super duper strongly agree like WHOA!” option for “I left the session feeling empowered”! What a wonderful experience this was. Ally was so professional, clear and also gentle and kind during the reading. I felt like I was in good hands the entire time. She clearly understood my issue, was very clear and concise in her explanation of what each card meant, and I felt like I was on a journey with her vs. just being told what my reading meant. I was in pain and very tired when we started the reading, but by the end I felt lighter, more positive and much more physically comfortable. I can’t say enough good things!”
— Jennifer Bardell, Body Image Mentor Extraordinaire, USA
“I loved that you spoke to my question so clearly and compassionately. I also loved that you included the meditation and action steps to take based off the cards (this was key!) I feel like I’ve had so many readings where I’m just left wondering what to do next - how to take the information and turn it into action. You were great with this! Thank you!”
— Cameron Barker, Jackson Hole Yoga Therapy, USA
“She made me feel completely at ease and comfortable, like talking to a good friend. She also really explained the cards well, which was awesome since I’d never had a real tarot reading before and I knew nothing about the different cards or positions. I felt like I got real clarity on my question and it feels good to have a little bit of guidance on a big unknown in my life.”
— Jackie Johnstone, Social Media Strategist & Teacher, France