Sabbats, Seasons, and Tarot Spreads

6 Difficult Querents You’ll Want to Avoid

Published by Spirit of Tarot — Shared to Sabbats, Seasons, and Tarot Spreads

Judith

October 22, 2024

Halloween is almost upon us, and that means lots of psychic fairs and presentations going on. If you’re a professional Tarot reader, you’re probably already signed up for a booth or reading table. Experienced readers know that they’ll be meeting a lot of, shall we say, interesting querents. First-time readers, however, might not be fully prepared for the folks they’ll be reading for!

Let me say, first and foremost, Tarot querents are usually great people. They’re friendly, they’re open-minded, they’re genuinely seeking advice about their life. So, please, don’t take this article too seriously. It’s meant to be light-hearted and humorous, while offering a bit of helpful advice at the same time.

When you’re reading at a fair or at a little shop, you really don’t have any say in who comes to sit down at your table. So, you smile at everyone, shuffle your deck, and do your best to provide the guidance your querent is seeking. And, on the rare occasion when you do find yourself facing a difficult querent, you respond as politely and pleasantly as possible.

So, let’s take a look at a few stinkers who might ask you for a reading!

#1 The Reticent Querent

She’s usually female, often a bit older, and she’s determined not to say anything more than she must. Her lips are tightly sealed, and she refuses to divulge any information about herself. Should you ask, you’ll hear her quip, “Well, you’re the reader, so you tell me!” She expects you to provide her with her entire life story, figure out what problems she’s facing, and tell her exactly what she’s supposed to do — all without a single word from her.

How to Deal with the Reticent Querent

• Approach the reading with empathy and understanding, acknowledging that it’s natural to feel apprehensive about sharing personal information.
• Explain the importance of context and collaboration in a Tarot reading, emphasizing that the more the reader knows, the more accurate and helpful the reading can be.
• Offer reassurance that all information shared during the reading will be kept confidential.
• Be prepared to rely more heavily on intuition and the cards’ general meanings when working with a reticent querent.
• Focus on asking open-ended questions that encourage the querent to share more without pushing them out of their comfort zone.

#2 The Contrarian Querent

This difficult querent could be female, could be male, could be younger, could be older… could be, in fact, just about anyone. You’ll know them not by how they look or how they act, but by what they say. “No, that’s not right.” They’ll do a lot of head-shaking, and no matter what you tell them, they’ll tell you that you’re wrong. It can be disheartening, but most likely you’re right on the mark. They just don’t want to admit to any possible flaws or weaknesses, or open their eyes to any potential problems you’re showing them.

How to Deal with the Contrarian Querent

• Maintain your composure and stay confident in your abilities, even when the Contrarian Querent challenges your interpretations.
• Try to reframe your insights as potential opportunities for growth or self-awareness, rather than highlighting flaws or weaknesses.
• Encourage the querent to keep an open mind and consider the possibility that there might be some truth in the reading, even if it’s difficult to accept.
• Remember that it’s ultimately up to the querent to decide what resonates with them and what doesn’t, and that you can’t force them to accept your interpretations.

#3 The Know-It-All Querent

This querent can come in all different shapes and sizes. He or she is usually more than happy to tell you all about their problems. Once you begin laying out the cards, this querent is also more than happy to tell you what everything means. They may listen to your interpretations, but then they’ll add their own, pointing to obscure little symbols and telling you what this means or that means, and suggesting that you’ve left out a lot of possible interpretations. They’re not questioning you; they’re educating you. They obviously know much more about Tarot cards than you do!

How to Deal with the Know-It-All Querent

• First of all, let them talk! They love to hear the sound of their own voice, and they think they’re doing you a service by sharing their knowledge. Don’t object, don’t disagree. Just remember, you’re being paid for this, so sit back and let them take the lead.
• Try to remain open-minded and receptive to the Know-It-All Querent’s insights, as they may offer valuable perspectives you hadn’t considered.
• If their assertions upset you, politely mention your experience as a Tarot reader, and explain that your interpretations are based on your unique understanding of the cards.

#4 The Lecherous Querent

This one you really, really want to avoid! He’s a young adult male, and he thinks he’s hot. He also thinks a “psychic fair” might be just the place for a quick pick-up. He’s there to turn on his charm, and he thinks you’ll fall for it. He’ll sit down at your table, give you a sultry look and ask provocative questions, like “Am I going to get lucky tonight?”

How to Deal with the Lecherous Querent

• Set clear boundaries from the beginning, emphasizing that you maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere during readings.
• Redirect the conversation to more appropriate topics, and make it clear that you won’t be engaging in any sexual or flirtatious banter.
• If the querent’s behavior becomes inappropriate or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to end the reading early or involve event organizers if necessary.
• Consider having a statement about professional conduct in plain view, so that potential clients know what is and isn’t acceptable during a reading.

#5 The Foul-Mouthed Querent

This one is usually male, and maybe his language won’t bother you. After all, vulgarity has become part of everyday speech. That said, I’m not one who’s comfortable hearing “f-bombs” and other bits of foul language. It’s not that this querent is deliberately trying to be disrespectful. It’s just the way he talks. So, it’s up to you as to whether or not you’ll read for him.

How to Deal with the Foul-Mouthed Querent

• If you decide to read for the Foul-Mouthed Querent, consider gently expressing your discomfort with their language and asking them to refrain from using profanity during the reading.
• Alternatively, you could focus on the reading itself and try to tune out any offensive language, understanding that it may not be personal or directed at you.
• If their language continues to bother you, it’s perfectly acceptable to politely decline to read for them or suggest that they find another reader who may be more comfortable with their language.

#6 The Skeptical Querent

The querent — male or female — can be frustrating. They’re not really there for a reading. To them, Tarot and other divinatory methods are all a joke. Their real intent is to trick you, to trap you into saying something that — to them — proves “it’s all a hoax”. No matter what the cards say, they won’t believe a word of it. Their intention is to make you feel that you’ve been bamboozled into believing some “airy-fairy mumbo-jumbo”. They, of course, are much too smart to fall for such things.

How to Deal with the Skeptical Querent

• Maintain your composure and professionalism, even if the Skeptical Querent is trying to push your buttons.
• Be prepared to explain the value of Tarot as a tool for self-discovery, introspection, and guidance, rather than a magical crystal ball that predicts the future.
• Consider using more neutral or practical language when discussing the cards and their interpretations, to make the reading more relatable for a skeptic.
• Ultimately, accept that you may not be able to change their mind, and focus on providing a thorough and informative reading for your own satisfaction and integrity as a Tarot reader.

On the Serious Side

Although this is presented somewhat tongue-in-cheek, it does address issues that could become very problematic. If you’re reading at a fair or in a little shop, you need to remember that you’re in control.

• Trust your instincts: If something feels off or makes you uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to end the reading or politely decline to begin one.
• Have a support system: Let your fellow readers or event organizers know if you’re having any issues with a client, so they can step in and help if needed.
• Establish clear guidelines: Make sure clients understand your policies and expectations before the reading begins, such as maintaining respectful behavior and language.
• Stay professional: Even if a client becomes difficult or confrontational, maintain a calm and professional demeanor, and focus on de-escalating the situation if possible.
• Prioritize self-care: Take breaks when needed, and seek support from friends, colleagues, or a therapist if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or distressed.

What About Refunds?

If you have a querent who is truly unhappy with your reading, should you offer to refund their money — or return their ticket so that they can use it elsewhere?

The simple answer is NO. Most psychic fairs and reading venues have strict policies — usually clearly posted — stating that reading services are NOT REFUNDABLE. When you signed up to participate as a reader, you more than likely signed an agreement that you would follow the organizers’ rules.

If you’re reading for a group where this policy is not in effect, the ultimate decision on a refund is yours. Offering a refund to an angry or disappointed querent is one way to de-escalate a situation, but it’s usually not the best resolution. You might offer a disgruntled querent a discount on a future reading, suggesting that they “give it a little time” and then return at a later date, or if you do private readings, suggest that they contact you again in the future. Make clear that you stand behind your work and ask that your querent respect your abilities.

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Have you dealt with any of these difficult querents in your Tarot practice?

Do you have any other “stinkers” to add to the list?

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment below!