When I built my first tarot site around the year 2000, I had a silly FAQ page that didn't actually have any Frequently Asked Questions on it! It talked about meaningless Qualifications and my Code of Ethics, and other topics that my clients never really cared about. I mean, really, how often does somebody actually ask if they may link to your site or put your URL in an email signature (you may, by the way)? But now, I will use my years of experience to answer some questions that have actually been asked, and frequently too! More will be added as I remember them, or as I am asked them again and again!

What do I need to tell you before I get my reading?
What is tarot?
What are crystal ball or tea leaf readings?
Are you psychic?
Can you tell the future?
When and why do people get readings?
What is a reading like?
Which is the most accurate: The crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaves, palm readings, etc.?
What do you have to do in-person, and what can you do by phone, chat or email?
May I share my reading, or do I have to keep it secret or private?
Which tarot spread should I choose?
May I ask multiple questions in one reading or have multiple readings on the same question?
Can you give me an exact time frame for something?
Can you tell me where a lost object or person is located?
Do you do paranormal investigations or ghost hunting?
Will you cast a spell for me?
Do you do hex or curse removal?
What is a good question to ask for a reading?
Will you give me a reading for my boyfriend/daughter/etcetera?
Am I pregnant?
Am I psychic?
Do you give free readings?
Do you donate to charity?
What other divination services do you offer?
Do you accept personal cheques?
Can I book a personal, in-person appointment?
Where are you located?
What if I have more questions that weren't answered here?

What do I need to tell you before I get my reading?

For most readings, after you pay, you will be asked if you choose to email me with a topic of focus (e.g. Love, career, family, etc.), or the question you would like answered by your reading. You may tell me as much as you feel comfortable. You may choose to give me no information and request a general reading. In the case of a tarot reading, that just makes things harder for you, rather than for me, because for each card I describe, you will have to think carefully about of which area in your life this card is speaking. You may also choose to tell me a long story about your situation, and ask a pointed question. That's okay too, and can help me state your answer more clearly, though of course your answer may be clear to you in a general reading, whether I know it or not! I strive to preserve my client's anonymity and confidentiality, and that extends to before the reading as well. However, certain readings do require information. For example, a numerology reading will require full names and birth dates, and an astrological reading will require birth dates and times and birth location. See also: "Preparing For A Psychic Reading."

What is tarot?

The tarot is a tool for divination (other divination services are available upon request), consisting of a deck of 78 cards that are laid out in different patterns called "spreads." When looked at in order from beginning to end, the tarot cards tell the life-story of a hero's journey. When they are laid in the spread configuration for you, they can reflect your own story.

What are crystal ball or tea leaf readings?

Tea leaf readings are a different type of tool that fits into the category of "scrying," along with crystal ball gazing and other techniques. For this process, the person getting the reading sips the tea while thinking of their question or issue of interest. The remaining tea and leaves are swirled and the cup is overturned before the reader begins to tell you about the symbols that appear and how they relate to your journey.

Are you psychic?

Yes, as long as you are defining the term correctly. Merriam-Webster's dictionary offers the following definition: "Sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding." As you can see, this offers a lot of leeway, but our present culture can conjure up an inaccurate connotation. I often prefer to use the title "Fortune Teller" to invite questions and describe my occupation. The common misconception that the word "psychic" is synonymous with "telepathic" or even "omniscient" would justifiably make me look pretentious if I used the term "psychic" to describe myself within the presence of people unfamiliar with my trade and might cause them to pursue less dialogue about what I can and cannot do.

Can you tell the future?

Divination does not simply "tell the future." If it did, it would certainly still be a neat party trick, but it wouldn't be very helpful! The reason it cannot tell the future is because things are not set in stone! You are in control of your own destiny, and the choices you make now can change your future. Divination can be used to read the energies in your life, and give advice based on your current path. The element of prediction is sort of like forecasting the weather. I can't tell you how many inches of rain will or will not fall tomorrow, but I can advise you as to whether or not it is a good idea to plan a picnic!

When and why do people get readings?

Many choose to use divination frequently to guide their everyday lives. Good times to get readings might include birthdays, the New Year, on full moons or right before an important event such as a wedding or the purchase of a home. Some clients choose to use readings on a daily or weekly basis. To go back to a weather analogy, you might choose to check the weather forecast if you were planning an outdoor event the next day; a reading can be like checking the spiritual and energetic "weather" before stepping out the door to the rest of your life!

What is a reading like?

Every reading is different! If you come to a public event, you are welcome to sit in on a reading only if the client feels comfortable with your presence. If you'd rather read about readings on-line, here are some examples that clients have chosen to share: "Painful Memories," "Death In The Family," "Text Messages," "Correspondence "Intuitive Teamwork," and "A Horse On The Run." (See also: Client Blog posts.

Which is the most accurate: The crystal ball, tarot cards, tea leaves, palm readings, etc.?

Let's begin with a discussion on the difference between accuracy and precision. Imagine a target with many arrows in it. When all the arrows are in the bull's eye, that is both precise and accurate. If all the arrows were clustered together a little bit above and to the left of centre, that would be precise, but not accurate. If most of the arrows were spread out but in the bull's eye, with only a few sprinkled outside, that would be fairly accurate, but imprecise. When your reading is true, but way too general, your reading was accurate but not precise. When your reading is way off and you're getting specific information that is false, that reading is precise but not accurate. You're aiming for a reading that is both accurate and precise. Accuracy is all about your reader. For reviews on my accuracy and precision, please visit my review page. Divination tools are a factor, however, in precision. Just as a hammer and a saw can both be used on wood, different forms of divination can be used to appraise the same situation. For example, the tarot cards can be used for precision when determining what events are in the past, present and future. But the crystal ball has greater precision when determining letters in a name. So which tool is best for your situation? If you feel comfortable sharing your question with me before your reading, please do so that I can partner with you to help you make that decision.

What do you have to do in-person, and what can you do by phone, chat or email?

Most of my chat, email and telephone readings are performed using crystal ball gazing or tarot reading. My horoscope writing is also easily done at a distance. Some unique accommodations can be made for other tools. If you can provide a map by email, a dowsing can be done for you. If you have a high-quality scan or digital photograph of the tops and bottoms of both hands, palmistry can be performed. Due to observational limitations, palmistry and dowsing are much better done in person! At this time, all of my tea leaf readings, aura drawings, teaching, "curse removal" and "ghost busting" requests will only be seriously discussed in person. I am happy to travel anywhere, though expenses do apply.

May I share my reading, or do I have to keep it secret or private?

Your reading is yours to do with what you will. You can tell anyone about it, you can publish it in print or on-line, and I even encourage people to talk about my readings on social networks! Just like with my other written or recorded works, I do ask that you give credit to me, Alexandra Chauran, by linking back to my web-site!

Which tarot spread should I choose?

Tarot spread choice can be confusing to new clients! If you'd like to contact me with your question before purchase, so that we can choose the best spread together, please do so!

May I ask multiple questions in one reading or have multiple readings on the same question?

If you feel comfortable contacting me with your questions before purchase, please do so. In my experience, there are certain question groups that work well together, and some topics that should be placed in separate spreads for tarot. You may always see what the cards have to say with one reading, and then decide if you need any additional clarifying readings. See also: "Beating The Dead Horse."

Can you give me an exact time frame for something?

I do have unlisted crystal-ball year divinations and tarot spreads that analyze every month for a year, every week for a month or every day for a week for the most auspicious times to undertake certain actions. If you feel comfortable explaining your question to me before your purchase, we could strategize the best service for you, if any.

Can you tell me where a lost object, pet or person is located?

In my experience, the tarot is not the most precice divinatory tool for these types of questions. Please contact me to determine whether an in-person pendulum, scrying or dowsing session can or should be performed. See also: "Pendulum Dowsing."

Do you do paranormal investigation or ghost hunting?

Speaking with the dead is one of the services that I provide, whether it means connecting with ancestors or loved ones that aid you, or finding out more about spirits that surround you. Serious requests for conversation about "ghost busting" are only considered in-person on-location.

Will you cast a spell for me?

No. Due to the oaths I took at my initiation as a Priestess of British Traditional Wicca, I cannot charge money to work a spell for you. But I will pray for you for free!

Do you do hex or curse removal or exorcisms?

Possession, hexes, and curses are not normally something that I look for during a reading, so reading on such topics comes only at a client's request. It is actually very rare for someone to have cast an effective hex or curse upon a client. More often, the client curses herself or himself by believing an evil spell to be the cause of misfortune! In the incredibly unlikely event that a reading reveals that you are the victim of witchcraft, a removal will be done at no charge to you.

What is a good question to ask for a reading?

I'm so glad you asked! Remember that tarot cards don't tell the future because your choices can change your future. So, a well-phrased question is one that asks for advice towards your goal. For example, instead of asking "will my boyfriend ask me to marry him next year" or "will I get a job soon" you could ask "what should I do in order to improve the chances that my boyfriend will ask me to marry him next year" or "what should I be thinking about or changing in my life in order to get a job soon?" See also: "Asking The Right Questions."

Will you give me a reading for my boyfriend/daughter/etcetera?

Once in a while, a person will desire a reading for another person. I've most commonly seen this in a case in which a relationship is just starting or ending. One member of the relationship would like to know how their partner's energy lies in order to decide how they will continue. In the psychic trade, this is called a "third party reading" and is often deemed unethical because it often requires reading a person without their permission. In most cases, this kind of reading is also not very effective. The reason is, if I were reading your friend for you, the advice that would come to me from the cards should be directed at your friend. I could tell you what I see, but in order for you to receive advice for yourself in the situation, you would have to be read, yourself. I have done, and continue to do, these readings in certain cases. Please email me before purchasing if this is the type of reading that you would like, so that we can work out the specifics to our satisfactions!

Am I pregnant?

I get this a lot, probably because my tarot readings are cheaper than most home pregnancy tests. However, I am not a doctor, and I am not the person to whom you should be running for medical advice! I cannot, in good conscience, advise on matters that require a professional, without your having consulted the proper professionals first! I am also not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I am happy to provide a reading in addition to any proper treatment or advice from another consultant. See also: "Divination And Family Planning."

Am I psychic?

Yes, everyone has the potential to be intuitively receptive. Some choose not to develop skills and talents in that particular area! If you'd like help, consider being an Apprentice! See also: "ESP," "How To Keep A Proper Dream Journal," "How To Listen To Nature," "Knowing About Knowing," and "Pets And Psychics."

Do you give free readings?

No. Let me be honest with you. In my opinion and in the experience of my clients, free readings are a rip-off. I do not waste your time with extended sales pitches. I'm eager to begin my business relationship with you and resolve the issue that brought you to me in the first place!

Do you donate to charity?

I do not ever donate readings as charity auction items. Readings aren't for everyone, and I must retain the right to refuse service to anyone. Talk with me if you have a charity event and are interested in my fundraising help or in inviting me as a speaker.

What other divination services do you offer?

I have a wide-range of experience in various psychic arts, many of which I do not list on this web-site because they are difficult or impossible to sell on-line, for example palm or tea-leaf readings. Many tools and techniques, such as the pendulum, palm readings, I-Ching, runes and ogham have been listed on my site in the past but have been taken down because they were purchased so infrequently and tended to confuse new clients. Owing to an annoyingly high level of clairvoyance, I often joke that I could scry in a toothbrush. Please ask if you have a specific media that you prefer. See also: "Crystal Ball Gazing," "Pendulum Dowsing," "Tea Leaf Readings," "What The Magic 8-Ball Isn't Telling You," and "What The Tarot Can Tell."

Do you accept personal cheques?

At my public events, I'll happily accept a personal cheque. However, On-line, it makes good sense to accept only credit cards to limit minors' access to my services. In addition, in the three years I did accept personal cheques through the mail, a few too many people compromised my trust! At this time, I do not accept personal cheques through the mail.

Can I book a personal, in-person appointment?

Yes, but prices will change! Due to the affordability of my readings, it is simply not cost-effective for me to travel to your home for a personal appointment at my on-line rates and availability. I do make exceptions for law enforcement officers using my services for the purpose of their work, due to the often life and death nature of such cases. Contact me for a quote or see my party page for private parties, corporate events or other gatherings, though pricing may vary.

Where are you located?

I do not hold regular hours at any single location. Think of me as a traveling gypsy visiting places all over the map! Check my event schedule to see if public readings are being given near you, show me that a public event near you would be in demand, or view my party page for information about private events. While I usually travel from Renton, where I have more than one office location, to serve the greater Seattle area (including Arlington, Auburn, Bellevue, Bellingham, Bothell, Burien, Everett, Federal Way, Fife, Granite Falls, Highline, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Lynwood, Marysville, Monroe, Puyallup, Redmond, SeaTac,Tacoma, Tukwila, Woodinville and more), I have served clients outside of Washington and even in other countries. Travel expense charges do apply.

What if I have more questions that weren't answered here?

You are invited to contact me personally with questions. Or, if you believe this question is frequently asked or should be answered publicly, post it here!