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?

What It Means to Hold Space

At its core, holding space is simply the practice of being fully present with someone, without judgment, as they explore their thoughts and feelings. When we “hold space” we're creating a judgement-free zone; a time and place where we can safely allow ourselves to be open and as vulnerable, as needed.

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–even there–you're still limited in doing so.

When people hold space for you, however, you're 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. This is a notably vulnerable state of being, however. Most of us, for many reasons, are uncomfortable with vulnerability. So we hold space to ensure you are comfortable and confident that you're safe to do so.

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 personal style. 

As an example, my process for holding space in an Embodied Tarot session follows a clear, supportive structure:

1. Setting the Container: I often start by asking you what you're seeking from the reading (e.g. a question, general guidance, etc.).

2. Intuitive & Psychic 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's most relevant for us to explore. This is the part where the cards are drawn and read by me, interpreting the messages that arise.

3. Guided Exploration: This is where the real magic 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 for more guidance to take us deeper.

4. 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. This is the "embodied" part of the readings.

Because this work is deep and true embodiment requires such vulnerability, my readings require me to hold your humanity safely and treat the moment as sacred.

Do I Have to Hold Space Every Time?

No. Even as a professional reader with over 26 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

The beautiful thing about holding space? It's a practice you can do right now, without any special training. Try this:

1. Take a moment: Pause. Inhale deeply. Exhale slowly.

2. 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