Arcanum – Day 5 -A New Path Through Service

Question

Should I offer people personal tarot readings for free to build my skills and test my abilities?

Cards Drawn

• Present: Nine of Wands — Resilience
• Past: Six of Cups — Nostalgia
• Future: Knight of Wands (Reversed) — Arrogance
• As Above: Three of Pentacles — Collaboration
• As Below: Queen of Cups — Compassion
• Clarifier: Ace of Swords — New Ideas

Reflection

Today’s reading felt unusually direct. Rather than speaking in broad symbolism, the cards seemed to answer my question almost point by point.

The central card, Resilience, gave me confidence that I already possess the foundation needed to begin reading for other people. I don’t feel the card is telling me that I’ve mastered tarot, but rather that I’ve developed enough understanding, intuition, and perseverance to start practicing in earnest. The way to improve now is through experience, not endless preparation.

The Six of Cups, Nostalgia, immediately reminded me of the few readings I’ve done for others in the past. Those experiences were surprisingly meaningful and successful, leaving me with a genuine sense of awe at how the readings unfolded. This card feels like an invitation to reconnect with that feeling and remember why I became interested in tarot in the first place.

The future card, Arrogance in reverse, stood out as an important caution. If these readings go well, I need to be careful not to let success inflate my ego. Even if people find the readings meaningful or accurate, that doesn’t make me infallible. Humility should remain at the center of the practice. My role is to interpret what I see, not to assume certainty or authority over another person’s life.

The As Above card, Collaboration, resonated deeply with me. Because I tend to view this position as representing the spiritual realm, I interpreted this card as suggesting a partnership between myself and whatever guidance may exist beyond me. Whether one views that as intuition, symbolism, spirit guides, or something else entirely, the message I took was that I don’t have to approach each reading alone. The cards themselves become part of a collaborative process.

The As Below card, Compassion, reinforced something I’ve noticed repeatedly throughout my readings. Female figures appear with striking frequency, and I often experience them as representing a compassionate guiding presence. Whether symbolic or literal, this card reminded me that empathy should always be the foundation of any reading I give. People aren’t seeking perfection—they’re seeking someone who will genuinely listen and thoughtfully reflect on the cards with them.

The clarifying card, Ace of Swords, may have been the most exciting of the entire spread. Labeled New Ideas, it speaks of breakthroughs, fresh perspectives, communication, and truth coming into view. The timing feels especially significant because I’ve been actively searching for new directions and new creative opportunities. The reading seems to suggest that offering readings to others may become one of those new paths. It isn’t simply about helping other people—it may also open doors I haven’t yet imagined.

Overall, I came away with a clear impression that the answer to my question is yes. I should begin offering personal readings, at least on a practice basis, while being careful to present them as interpretations rather than advice or certainty. If I approach the work with resilience, humility, compassion, and an openness to learning, this experience may not only help others but also lead me toward entirely new ideas and opportunities I cannot yet see.

NOTE: If you are interested in having me do a reading for you, send your question to contact@devilsadvocates.info for a private reading or submit your question here if you don’t mind others knowing what you asked. When I do readings for others I will make the link viewable only to yourself at first but if you give permission to me I will make the reading available to members only so they can see how the process worked for you. Privacy is important to me so no one’s reading will be published without express consent.