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What Does it Mean to ‘Hold Space’ in a Tarot Reading?
What Does it Mean to ‘Hold Space’ in a Tarot Reading?
If you’ve ever had a Tarot reading–or watched one online–you’ve probably heard some version of the phrase “holding space”.
“Let’s set an intention to hold space for…”
“In this session, I hold space for…”
“We’re holding space for…”
What the heck are they talking about?
The Origins of the Phrase
The Origins of the Phrase
Holding space can have a slightly nuanced meaning depending on the context. The term is often used within Tarot and other spiritual practices, such as scrying and channeling. However, it was first used in mindfulness and mental health settings, such as yoga, personal and group therapy sessions, mindfulness practice workshops, and many others. You may even have heard someone asking you to “hold space for…” within your workplace, church, or school.
When I read Tarot for others, I always set an intention–spoken or unspoken–to hold space for the person I’m reading for. My Embodied Tarot intention is to create a container where you feel safe, seen, and heard—free to be your most authentic self.
What It Means to Hold Space
What It Means to Hold Space
At its core, holding space is the practice of being fully present with someone, without judgment, as they explore their thoughts and feelings. When we “hold space” we are creating a judgement-free zone; a time and place where we can safely allow ourselves to be open.
In the typical day-to-day, most of us are limited in having such safe spaces. You may have to be your professional self for the bulk of your day and then go home to where you get to share a different side of yourself, but are still limited in doing so.
When people hold space for you, however, you are allowed to feel and experience all of your feelings and thoughts just as they are. You can be raw, authentic, and whole; all the parts of yourself free to express as needed. This is a very vulnerable state of being, however. So we hold space to ensure you are comfortable and confident that you are safe in doing so.
Setting the Intention in Tarot Readings
Setting the Intention in Tarot Readings
Within Tarot sessions, readers hold space by allowing you to explore your questions, thoughts, and feelings as they arise. This can look different depending on the reader’s style.
As an example, my process for holding space in an Embodied Tarot session follows a clear, supportive structure:
Setting the Container: I often start by asking you what you're seeking from the reading (e.g. a question, general guidance, etc.).
Intuitive Insights: I then ask that you allow me to conduct the reading without any input, so that I can allow my intuition to discover what is most relevant for us to explore.
Guided Exploration: This is where the true embodiment happens. The remaining time is spent allowing you to explore what comes up for you. What thoughts come to mind? What are you feeling? How do you relate to those feelings? This exploration leads us to uncover additional questions and consult the cards for more guidance to take us deeper.
Integration: The session culminates in connecting these insights to your lived experience. We work together to identify actionable steps, ensuring the wisdom from the cards moves from abstraction into tangible, integrated understanding.
The Ethics of Holding Space
The Ethics of Holding Space
If you’ve ever wondered what sets apart real, professional Tarot readers from others, this is it.
The practice of holding space for clients is a significant responsibility for the reader. It requires active listening, emotional regulation, and maintaining clear, professional boundaries to ensure the space remains safe and beneficial for you, the client. This is a learned skill and a key part of professional tarot training.
Do I Have to Hold Space Every Time?
Do I Have to Hold Space Every Time?
No. Even as a professional reader with over 25 years of experience with Tarot, I still share my love and joy of Tarot with others outside of the space I make during professional sessions. Not every reading has to be that level serious!
If you’re the one receiving the reading and don’t feel a need for it, you can tell the reader or not. Professional readers are going to make the space safe for you no matter what. It’s up to you how much you choose to share and explore your feelings during a session.
If you’re the reader, holding space can be a lot. Our ability and willingness to hold space for our clients is what sets us apart from non-professional readers. But we didn’t do this every time when we were first learning Tarot. When first learning to read Tarot or reading Tarot just for fun, I don’t recommend any sort of standard or requirement of holding space for others. Doing so can leave both you and the querent (the person receiving the reading) underprepared or even burnt out.
Try It Yourself
Try It Yourself
The beautiful thing about holding space? It's a practice you can do right now, without any special training. Try this:
Take a moment. Pause. Inhale. Exhale.
Then ask yourself, “How am I acknowledging my thoughts, my feelings, my being today?”
That simple act of self-inquiry and giving yourself space to breathe is you beginning to hold space for you.
If you're ready to experience that level of presence and deep exploration in a guided session, that is what my Embodied Tarot readings are designed for. Book a session to discover how it feels to be fully seen and supported.
In Light & Love, Evylyn Rose
Evylyn Rose is an intuitive tarot reader and spiritual guide based in Newark, DE. She specializes in providing embodied tarot readings for individuals and groups, helping her clients find clarity and connection through the cards. Explore all her services and read her full story on the About Page.
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