The Most Surprising Tarot Reading I Ever Did

The Most Surprising Tarot Reading I Ever Did

ByMelissa Kennedy

Ever had a moment when a tarot reading completely flipped your expectations? As someone who’s read for hundreds of modern professionals, I’ve seen a lot of “aha!” moments, but one session stands out — not for its drama, but for its quiet, practical surprise. Today I’m sharing that story (with all details anonymized), plus a step-by-step look at what made it so effective. Whether you’re considering your first tarot session or want to make your readings more actionable, there’s something here for you.

Context: Tarot for the Reluctant Skeptic

Last year, a client (let’s call her “Kate”) booked a virtual tarot session. She was a marketing manager at a fintech startup, juggling a new leadership role and a rocky work-life balance. When we started, she was very clear: no “woo,” just practical insights, please.

Kate’s main concern? Her career path. She felt stuck, overwhelmed, and questioned if a tarot reading could really help. She asked, “Can you show me something I haven’t already thought of?”

“I don’t need magic—just a new perspective.”

That single sentence set the tone for the entire session.

The Case: A Reading That Shifted Everything

I chose the Everyday Tarot mini deck — portable, modern, unfussy. We agreed on a three-card spread: Where I am, The challenge, What I’m not seeing. Here’s what turned up:

  • Card 1 (Where I am): The Six of Wands (upright)
  • Card 2 (The challenge): The Ten of Wands (reversed)
  • Card 3 (What I’m not seeing): The Page of Cups (upright)

Kate immediately recognized the “burden” of the Ten of Wands — work overload, constant emails, the never-ending Slack notifications. But the real surprise was the Page of Cups. In modern decks, this often signals creativity, emotional openness, or a fresh approach—not exactly the language of corporate culture.

What the Tarot Revealed (That Surprised Us Both)

Instead of hinting at burnout or a dramatic career pivot (which Kate half-expected), the cards pointed to a simple, overlooked truth: Kate had been ignoring her creative instincts for years. She was so focused on “proving herself” that she’d shut out what originally made her excited about her work: idea generation, collaborative projects, and playful brainstorming.

The reading didn’t predict a huge life event, but it named the thing she’d quietly missed in her day-to-day. That was the game-changer.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Surprising (but Actionable) Tarot Insights in 15 Minutes

Want to try this approach for yourself or with clients? Here’s a quick, honest guide:

1. Choose a Simple Spread

  • Keep it to 3 cards: Present – Challenge – What’s Hidden
  • Resist the urge to “clarify” with extra cards—simplicity brings clarity.

2. Select a Deck That Fits the Situation

For practical, everyday questions, I recommend:

Quick Table: Comparing Two Practical Tarot Decks

Name Key Feature Size/Material Price Range Amazon Link
Everyday Tarot Mini Compact, straightforward 2 x 3.5 inch cards, matte $13–$17 Check price on Amazon
Modern Witch Tarot Modern imagery, sturdy box 2.75 x 4.75 inch cards, glossy $21–$25 See today’s deal

3. Frame the Question Clearly

  • Use open-ended prompts: “What am I missing about X?”
  • Avoid yes/no or “Will I get promoted?”-type questions—these rarely bring insight.

4. Interpret with Honesty, Not Hype

  • Describe what you see in plain language.
  • Relate cards to practical situations (“This card suggests it’s time to revisit old creative projects” instead of “The universe is demanding you become an artist”).
  • Invite reflection: “Does this card remind you of something you’ve put on the back burner?”

5. Turn Insights Into Action

  • End the session with a concrete step, not just “food for thought.”
  • Examples: Schedule a 20-minute creative break, pitch a new idea at work, or start a “just for fun” side project.

Checklist: How to Run Your Own 15-Minute “Surprise Yourself” Tarot Session

  • Pick a practical deck (see table above)
  • Set a timer for 15 minutes (phone or online Pomodoro timer)
  • Write your question (“What am I not seeing about X?”)
  • Shuffle and draw 3 cards: Present – Challenge – Hidden
  • Note your first reactions (no overthinking!)
  • Ask: Which card feels most “off” or surprising?
  • Brainstorm 1-2 small actions based on the reading
  • Optional: Record your session with Otter.ai or in a journal

Tools, Resources, and Real Talk

Pro tip: The “surprise” in tarot usually comes not from mystical predictions, but from seeing your situation with fresh, honest eyes. Sometimes you just need a nudge to remember what matters to you.

Final Thoughts: Why This Surprised Me Too

Kate’s reading reminded me that even the most practical, skeptical people can benefit from a well-structured tarot session. The magic isn’t in the cards—it’s in the conversation, the reframing, and the simple act of paying attention to what you’ve been ignoring.

Want to try a similar spread or grab a deck for your own breakthroughs? Check out the links above, and let me know what surprises you.

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