Secrets of a Card Reader
Touching the tender underbelly of our human experience
It’s tender work, this, being a card reader. At least it is for me.
And after a summer of setting up my tent at our local market, reading for over 100 strangers and a handful of friends, I’ve learned a few things.
Let me set the stage for a minute.
Our isolated little town is only accessible by boat or plane, yet, we’re a destination spot boasting multiple international festivals bringing waves of people from around the world to the area - many of whom also take in the quaintest farmer’s market I’ve ever seen. It’s held in a forest grove, with a cedar shake bandshell hosting local musicians, a mini train to ride, high quality fresh food, preserves, talented artisans, heck, you can even have a chair massage after eating a steaming bowl of handmade dumplings. People gather here. Friends meet up. Kids run free. There’s a smell of popcorn in the air with umbrella’d picnic tables and zero waste sorting stations - and me - reading cards for anyone who sits at my table.
There are a few of course who come out of pure curiosity with no issues in mind, but most seek insight, guidance, and reassurance regarding their most private concerns and troubles. And so, in 15 and 30 minute intervals, amid the social community atmosphere, we shut the joyous buzz out, set sacred space, and dive into the nitty gritty at the very heart and soul of things. A process that has allowed me to take the pulse of a wide swath of people, from foreigners to locals, and touch the tender underbelly of our human experience. And I can tell you, as unique as each situation is, we are less alone in the quiet hopes, worries, curiosities and fears than we might think. I’d like to share these secret commonalties as a quietly unifying and compassionate balm.
The most common curiosity:
What to do next.
Whether it’s a change in career, options after school or retirement, how to proceed post-break up, to move or not to move, which direction to take the family in, stay in relationship or leave, what to do next, is hands down the most common inquiry.
Usually, folks have a couple/few options being considered, which is helpful for a card reader, especially one like me who hopes to offer actionable insights, but options to choose from aren’t essential. In those cases, I tend to look at what is most helpful to know, keep aware of, or adopt, in order to be in the best frame of mind for the direction to naturally arise and show itself.
The 3 most common fears:
Will I be okay? When will an ill loved one die? and, Do my friends really like me?
Gosh I’m a softy. These ones get me every time and absolutely I’ll cry with you.
From what the cards tend to tell me…
Yes, you will be okay, even if it hurts for a while.
Time stuff is wibbly-wobbly. “Soon” to us is measured in weeks, maybe months. “Soon” to spirit or the great mystery is measured in eons. Dig deep into compassionate connection while you can, draw on all your supports, and keep extra care of yourself through it.
Usually, your friends like you more than you know, even if they seem distant sometimes or have different friendship styles. If clear actions prove otherwise, believe them and make wise decisions for yourself, but it can be helpful to give your heart a break by trying this on ~ What if they really actually do love the livin’ snot outta ya?
The 3 most common hopes:
Will my (child, spouse, parent, friend) be okay? Is a relationship in store for me? Do my beloved deceased have a message for me?
I’m pretty strict around consent in my readings, and unless the person you’re inquiring about is at the table to give permission, a reframe to focus on who I’m actually sitting with is in order. “How can you best support them?” is a common redirect that still basically satisfies our need to help without interfering on another’s destiny or free will.
The romance question is probably the most expected one on this list, and with such inquiries being so commonly portrayed in media, it’s often presented with some light acknowledgement of knowing how cliché it must sound, even though it’s really a matter serious to our hearts. For this one, unless we are looking for insights into potential suitors, I’ll forgo my cards and pick up a pendulum instead - for this really is a Yes/No type question isn’t it? Albeit one with intricate nuance. I often say, “Making sure we are asking the right question is almost more important than the answer.” and this is the sort of inquiry I use most to demonstrate why. At the root of it, it’s not just any relationship being hoped for, but one where specific needs and wants are being met. I write a little more about that Here.
There is a deep desire for connection to, and guidance from, our loved ones who’ve passed, and while it’s truly the realm of mediumship and psychopomp rather than a 15 minute ‘cards at the market’ thing, if we’re fortunate, enough comes through the cards to bring a little bit of comfort. I’m upfront and honest that it’s not the most suited environment for it and certainly above this pay-grade, but dang it, let’s just see if something comes through as the timer ticks down and kids run past on their way to the mini train station. I’m a bit of a pushover for grieving hearts.
Bonus common question:
How can I heal?
Folks, the traumatic stories I hear from people trying to find a way forward are drop-to-your-knees gut wrenching. As wildly beautiful as life is, it’s also really friggin’ H.A.R.D. It is a heart squeezing privilege to hold safe space for those sharing their most private wounds, and I’m usually a stranger to them even. In and out in half an hour or less to dive deeper than many intimate relationships do. It’s a lot. Life is a lot.
Often in these cases, the cards offer the most simple messages. The most distilled, basic, medicines of self care and nourishment. Get into nature. Gather your supports. Lean into your faith, step into ceremony, or craft ritual. When in crisis or overwhelm - Eat. Sleep. Poop. Foundational measures that sometimes feel like nothing much is happening, yet are vital to our wellbeing.
I share this one to put some extra weight to the often touted phrase, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
Gosh friends. Do be kind.
If you haven't met me yet, Hello! I'm Juliette, a sacred living mentor, best selling author, and devotional artist here to help you navigate life while cultivating your spiritual nature. With 20 years of card reading under my belt, I’m happy to read for you - online sessions are available.
Tucked up in her cottage on the west coast of Canada, Juliette Jarvis draws on 15+ years of hosting community ceremonies and immersion programs to write spiritually supportive books, articles, and magazine columns, while also creating hand woven ritual wear, hand spun string magic & ceremonial ceramics for tangible, soul-level medicine.
If you have found resonance within From the Cottage articles such as this one, please consider supporting these written works by moving to an $8 cad/month paid subscription
Readers are also welcome to buy her a coffee at https://ko-fi.com/juliettejarvis or visit www.selkiesanctuary.com and www.juliettejarvis.com to find more of her offerings.
