Should I read about someone who isn't present?
TL;DR
Third-party readings raise important ethical questions about consent and privacy. Look for cards about justice (Justice), intuition (The High Priestess), and difficult choices (Two of Swords). Consider both the querent's needs and the absent person's rights.
Recommended Spread
The Three-Card Daily Spread is ideal for this scenario.
Key Cards to Watch For:
Sample Graded Readings
Question: "My friend wants me to read about her boyfriend's feelings. He doesn't know about the reading. Is this okay?"
Beginner Reading (C-level)
"Justice means be fair, so don't do it. The High Priestess means secrets, which is bad. Two of Swords means you're confused."
Issues: Oversimplified interpretation, ignoring context and card positions.
Intermediate Reading (B-level)
"Justice questions whether reading about someone without their consent is fair to them. The High Priestess suggests trusting your intuition about ethical boundaries. Two of Swords shows you're torn between helping your friend and respecting privacy."
Strengths: Better context awareness, practical advice, considers multiple factors.
Advanced Reading (A-level)
"Justice in the situation position highlights the ethical tension: while your friend has legitimate concerns about her relationship, reading about her boyfriend without his knowledge violates his privacy and autonomy. The High Priestess as advice suggests that true intuitive wisdom includes respecting others' energetic boundaries. Two of Swords in the outcome shows that declining this reading, while disappointing your friend, maintains your integrity as a reader. The reading suggests offering alternative approaches: encouraging direct communication, reading about your friend's own feelings and choices, or suggesting they invite the boyfriend to participate."
Excellence: Nuanced interpretation, addresses underlying patterns, provides actionable guidance while honoring complexity.
Teaching Notes
- •Establish clear ethical guidelines for tarot practice
- •Help students distinguish between helping and enabling
- •Practice having difficult conversations about boundaries with clients
Related Learning
Practice This Spread
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Three-Card Daily Guide →Study Key Cards
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