How To: Reading Circles

[Joan Marie]

Have you thought about trying out a Reading Circle or Group? Great!

Reading Circles and Groups are great ways to practice reading for others. If you've never read for others, they are a perfect way to get your feet wet and try out your skills.

But how do you get started? Maybe you are a bit apprehensive about joining a reading group because:

• You've never done it before

• The others seems to know what they are doing and you think you don't

• You don't know exactly how it works or what's expected from you

Well never fear, this is a quickie guide to what reading Circles and Groups are and how they work here at Cult of Tarot.

What is a reading Circle /Group
- A reading circle is a small group of people who sign up to read for each other. That's it! The cool thing is partners are assigned randomly so you get to practice your skills on someone who has agreed to do this also. Everyone in the group is in the same boat.

How does it work:

• A group leader posts that sign-ups are open for a certain group (tarot, Lenormand, TdM. etc...)
  ❋

• The post contains information about the spread that is being used for the group as well as deadlines.

• People sign up by replying to the post before the deadline.

• The group leader then assigns partners. Typically, if it is an odd number of people, a circle is formed: A reads for B, B reads for C, C reads for A
  If it is an even number, the leader might assign pairs, A & B read for each other, C & D read for each other, etc.

• Each reader opens a thread and asks their partner for a question.

• Each Reader does a reading (before the deadline)

• The partner provides thoughtful feedback on the reading.

That's it! It's very straightforward and normally there is plenty of time given for everyone to complete their parts. You can always have a look in the Reading Circles Archives to get an idea how it works.

Two very important things to remember:

• Use the spread or technique the group leader has provided.

• Keep your commitment to doing the reading and also to providing feedback.

If you have a complication, just contact your partner. People are very understanding and something can always be worked out.

PRO TIP: Subscribe to any threads where you are the reader or the sitter. (use the little wrench icon at the bottom of the page) That way you won't miss anything, you'll always get a notification whenever there is a response.

Keep your eyes open for announcements for sign ups. Often you will see them on the right side of the home page in an info box.

Have a look and try it out! Reading Circles and Groups are one of the great things about online forums. You get the chance to practice and improve your skills in a friendly supportive atmosphere, exchange ideas and techniques with others and get useful feedback on your readings.

The more people participating the more fun it is, the more variety of styles we experience. I hope you join us soon!

If you have any questions at all or comments, please add them here.

❋ Links to sign-ups appear on the home page in an info-box on the right side.

[Joan Marie]

If you've never done one, or done one here, have a look at this post (above) and then jump in! It's a lot of fun.