Reading The Tarot For Children

Anyone who's ever been a parent or caretaker of a toddler in the throes of a tantrum, knows how crazy that kind of scene can feel. As you watch the child spiral more and more out of control, you wonder if they're going to drag you right along with them. Well, before you resign yourself to the fact that you're willing to go to prison for life for killing your own kid or, promise your first born grandchild to Allah as a sacrifice, if he'd make it stop...
Do yourself a favor, shop around for the most colorful Tarot deck you can find and keep it handy.

Unless, they're completely invested in the tantrum, rarely have I found a child unwilling to at least slow down and take a peek at those "magic cards".  If you play your cards right, you'll be able to say good bye to "time out" and the "naughty chair".

The list of Tarot and Oracle decks available is multiplying daily. The themes of some of these decks may sound silly or self indulgent to a serious minded collector of the Tarot but, I've witnessed first hand how quickly an out of control child will calm themselves by absorbing these images. I personally, just adore some of the more whimsical decks.

As my kids got older, the study of Tarot and Oracle cards became a part of our daily routine, right along with the standard flash cards homework assignment from teachers at school. They loved sitting at the table with me, as we analyzed and compared the cards from different decks. We'd talk about all of the thoughts and feelings the pictures stirred up. Their interpretations were incredibly insightful.

Teenagers are some of the wisest teachers living among us. With one foot immersed at the waters edge of childhood, the other testing the tides of adulthood. All the while managing to stay afloat, as emotions equal to a tsunami threaten to drown them at any given moment. Much like an adept juggler, they seem to have a knack for keeping those balls in the air.

Trust me, they know themselves fairly well. They don't come for readings because they're confused. Most of the time it's simply because they'll be given an hour completely devoted to them, without interruption. Even though they may be a friend of one of my kids, I'm not their parent, guidance counselor or best friend. They know my style. I don't judge and I don't lecture. They can speak their mind and be themselves at my kitchen table.

During the first half hour of the session, we will get into an in depth chat about what's going on in their life at the present time. It's their reading so, I'll let them vent to their heart's content. I only interject if they bring up too many issues or if they're clearly upset by something specific.
Usually, they have ultra keen insight as to what the deal is in the situation.

After I've layed out the cards, I hold my tongue and ask them to just look at the spread and give me their impression. Nine times out of ten, they will just say, "I Get It" and, let out a sigh of relief. They knew the answer all along. I give my interpretation as I always will and guess what?
It's just a mirror. That's the reason that they came for a reading. The cards will mirror back to us the wisdom we already have within us.

I feel privileged when a teen comes to me for a reading. Contrary to the popular notion that teenagers are confused and needy of guidance, I beg to differ. Their perceptions and logic is right on target in my opinion.

_ _  Francine Blackwell

Comments

[Mimers]

I couldn't agree with you more. I am the Mom of a 13 year old and all her friends love sleeping over and getting readings. As a matter of fact, my daughter is usually the one doing the readings.

Teens love and need that one on one attention and this is a great way to give it to them.

[Eva Yaa Asantewaa]

I think you're on the right track, Francine.

And it's interesting that you wrote:

"Nine times out of ten, they will just say, 'I Get It' and, let out a sigh of relief. They knew the answer all along. I give my interpretation as I always will and guess what? It's just a mirror. That's the reason that they came for a reading. The cards will mirror back to us the wisdom we already have within us."

How often have we found that to be the case with our adult querents? It's so true and one of the comforts and graces of Tarot.

Thanks for your article!

[Judith B]

Love what you wrote! My four-year-old granddaughter now asks me to get out the cards every time she comes over, and we go through ALL the cards with an exchange of comments. It's fun watching her think about things and making connections.

[Gayla]

The Tarot is definetly something my children enjoy doing with me and I am amazed at how my 3 year old can remember the name of the cards...in particular cards she is drawn to..."10 of cups" she says so cheerfully. And my 8 year old is very perceptive and quick to point out details in the cards I have missed.