So how do you actually do a tarot reading? Well, its like this. You be a type of person. You have a history. A certain level of human perception. A quantity of compassion and a desire to be there for people. You take time to build up your skills in communication and presentation and then work out how the culture in question requires their delivery.
None of this can be acquired over night. Many people think that its the cards that have the power, and to a degree they may be right, but its not a power in the cards that needs brining out, but YOURS.
How do you see the world? How do you perceive your history and the trying times in your life? What did it feel like? What was it about your own reactions that was right and what was wrong? How much of your reactions come from a dark place as opposed to well adjusted ways of doing things? What was it that made you like that?
You see, introspective analysis and being able to go on what is commonly called a “path of self development” is the most important thing you can do if you want to read tarot. And it grows with you. You aren't ever completely healed from the trauma you have had in your life, but you can as you go through your self healing, help pull other people up with you.
So what is a tarot reader? Are they psychic? Well, what is a psychic? No-one has a definition that is in agreement with anyone else's. Most people in this trade have had some strange or apparently supernatural experiences in their lives. Others on the other hand pick up the ability to feel energy or are given the gift of delivering spiritual healing or “Reiki” energy. I did a Reiki healing on my cat once. He didn't like it at all! But the energy can be delivered.
The strange supernatural experiences may be rare, but they do happen and eventually they provide you with a foundation to have religious faith. Some say that is the main purpose for them. As well as to provide you with a better understanding of body/mind.
But what about the cards? The rune stones? You have to understand them yourself. No-one can teach you and you cant repeat what others have said. You have to find out for yourself. Read widely! Meditate deeply, hold a conversation in your mind's eye about them as you continue with you growth. They become part of the way that you understand the world because what they talk about IS the world around you. An art gallery in your pocket or desk draw. And art related to life and life related to art. So find out about life! Use different sources and study! You won't be perfect, but you are trying to head to an intuitive understanding whereby you “feel” life situations and then relate them back in words. It's a challenge but it can be yours if you put your mind to it. Learn counselling techniques of you want to, but you are better off learning compassion and communication.
There is nothing special about a tarot reader, but they are unique.