The difference between email and live readings
Hi there! Before you commit to this article, be forewarned: It’s a business-y kind of vibe this week! Next week I’ll get back to the more inspirational side of tarot.
What’s the difference between email and live readings?
Well, differences are different for every practitioner.
As for me and my work as Laughing Eye Weeping Eye Tarot: Email readings have been around for a long time – and they’re not going anywhere.
Here’s a bit of history and what they’re all about.
I’ve been offering them since I got going with my tarot work, back in 2011. They’ve remained consistently popular and something I enjoy doing for folks.
Email readings from me are nice! You receive 1.5-2 typed pages per question, sometimes more. Just like live readings, you also get to choose your own deck. I have quite the deck collection at this point.
When finished, the email reading is sent to your inbox as a PDF. The reading includes altar-esque photos of your cards (like the one below!), along with detailed explanations of the cards and how they apply to your question.
Lovely!
Something I’ve also incorporated into my email reading is a set of reflection questions.
Given that you’re reading a small novel about yourself, I figured you might want the chance to add to the story with some reflective journaling!
And the writing I do is… Well, I really write my butt off. No AI here.
If you’ve received an email reading from me, you might notice that I really craft my language to make my readings honest, compassionate, and funny. I spend a lot of time spilling over the details.
Like, why is that bird in the Nine of Pentacles so calm?
Why does that fine lady wear a bonnet?
Or, how the heck did a baby get on that dang horse in the Sun card?
With an email reading, I am not restrained by minutes. I get to luxuriate, take my time, soak up the details, and get my kicks from the thesaurus–because hey–language is sexy and writing is a craft. It’s genuinely fun – and serious, too.
But email readings aren’t great for everything all the time. The benefit of talking to me over Zoom or in person is that we can have a fine discussion about the bonnet.
Like, hmm… why is your crown chakra covered by a bonnet? Are you going backward in time? Are you thinking about designing headwear?
But in all seriousness, we get the chance to really uncover what’s in your head, or what thoughts you’re wearing.
Discussions with me are soulful, supportive, and layered with meaning and symbolism. And laughter.
So, should you get an email reading or a live reading? What’s the difference? Here’s what to consider:
Live readings are spoken by us, together.
Your spoken words can be like a spell.
As we talk over what the cards mean, your words can become an incantation, your intention, and your vision for what’s next. Saying something out loud gives a feeling or thought new power. It becomes shapeable.
During a live reading, we set the tone for some great magic to happen. In meditation, we do a grounding, blessing, and intention-setting to start the reading. Then we begin our journey into the cards. When the reading concludes, I take you through a guided meditation to help you manifest what you need.
Our reading is your spell, your net, casting out and drawing in.
In an email reading, I do a blessing for you, from a distance, before I begin the reading. And then…
The written words spell things out. Some people, especially avid readers, find that they can give form to a feeling, idea, or thought when they see it on a page. Unlike a spoken reading where our words are spells, the incantation is written down. If you find you process things better when they are written, then an email reading may be your best route for insight.
Sometimes it takes a minute to process everything that comes up in a live session. An email reading gives you the time to read, re-read, think, put away, and come back. So, you might feel like the time to process gives you the chance to spell things out more literally.
Although–did you know–you can get your live reading recorded and have me write up notes? Yes! You can have it all.
You’re busy!
Some folks want an email reading because they’re busy.
If you can’t find a time to meet with me and you’re stressed, an email reading can rock. Divination on the go! Although you are more than welcome to reach out to see if I have extra time outside my listed hours. Because I sometimes do.
When talking hurts…an email reading can be cozy.
Maybe you talk to people all day. Maybe you want time to relax. Maybe you’re taking care of your Mom and chatting over Zoom is hard. Email readings can be nice in those kinds of situations. And you get beautiful photos of your cards, along with a well-written reading.
An email reading offers ideas, but we don’t get to chat about them
This is why, when I do an email reading, I also include questions for reflection. You can take time to journal about what you found and what you’d like to act on.
I will say this – I do get sad that I don’t get to talk to you about how you totally raged with the Empress or found the Hierophant dull. I love listening to what you have to say about the cards!
I don’t get the benefit of making sure my words make sense to your brain, either. Email readings are great for folks who are okay with interpreting how the message applies – although I am always here for questions!
So there you have it! And certainly, this is not all of it. It’s just a little bit of what to consider when deciding if you want a live reading or one sent to your email.
Do you do email readings? I would love to hear if you have similar feels/experiences.