dreamie divination
tarot & oracle card readings for all ages
w/ katie golden
Starting June 6th, Friday's at the Farmer's Market!
Click here for info!
how i read tarot
Tarot is an incredibly intimate, revealing, and transformative practice through which one is able to shed light on, or even come to terms with, the more hidden, complex, and mysterious aspects of our lives.
card spreads
Tarot spreads are the maps by which we are guided to the answers we seek. Choosing a specific spread is choosing not only the destination we’ll arrive, but also the journey we’ll take to get there.Here I've described the process of creating a custom spread as well as the standard spreads I offer for readings.
tarot & oracle decks
In addition to ourselves and each other, a tarot reading is an inherent collaboration with the creators of whichever deck you’ve chosen.I currently offer a selection of 9 decks to choose from, including a deck that is specifically designed for those aged 12 and under.
common questions
Answers to common questions about tarot, how i read tarot, etc
What is Tarot?
Tarot is an incredibly intimate, revealing, and transformative practice through which one is able to shed light on, or even come to terms with, the more hidden, complex, and mysterious aspects of our lives. Though often simplified as a tool for “fortune telling,” I think of tarot far more as a tool for personal healing-- a hurricane lantern fit to guide us through our innermost caverns. Tarot is the language of the most complicated energies of ourselves and our worlds, able to make abstract concepts tangible. In your reading, we will delve into areas of your being that may be near impossible to reach by other means, and unearth not only those things which may be causing you pain, trauma, or hurt, but those ineffable strengths and forces which bring you light, beauty, and joy.Though I offer two different booking options–custom and standard– all of my readings, regardless of the type of spread you choose, are going to be reflective and provide insight so long as you bring your whole self to the cards.
What to Expect
If you have had your tarot read before, you may notice that I read tarot differently than others. My practice has developed over the last 13 years to be reflective of these core values:Transparency. It’s important to me that the very mystical process of card reading be as de-mystified as possible. We are calling upon things greater than ourselves, but we are still in control. We can only receive that which we want to receive. Throughout the entire reading, I will explain not only what the cards are saying, but why I am interpreting them this way. In other words, you can expect me to ‘explain my work’ throughout the process.Collaboration. I believe tarot is inherently collaborative–a collaboration between you, me, and the energy we’re channeling. In addition to ourselves, we are also collaborating with the creators of whichever deck you’ve chosen. I conclude every reading by going through each card we’ve pulled and sharing with you the specific message crafted by the creator of each particular deck. The decks I’ve collected over the years are wildly different from each other and I want to make sure you get a chance to hear how the creators’ interpreted the cards you’ve chosen (or that have chosen you.)Integrity. Tarot is one of the primary ways I connect with the world around me–tarot is a critical, core practice for me and I believe in the process with my entire heart. The cost of my readings are set based on the time, effort, expertise, and sheer amount of emotional and spiritual energy it takes to read. That said, if you’re feeling called to have a reading with me but are unable to pay the full amount, please reach out to me and we can discuss options.
Things to Keep in Mind
Do not share specifics with me before the reading. The cards speak for themselves, and my job as the reader is to listen and interpret the cards as they show themselves to me. If I know too much about your situation ahead of time, there’s a chance my interpretation will be biased. For this reason, please be as vague as possible before and during the reading. After the reading, I’m more than happy to hear what resonated with you and to learn any specifics that the reading may have shed light on.Calling upon the cards too frequently is ineffective. Tarot cards channel energy in a succinct process. There are times in our lives when a satisfying, affirming reading might beget the desire for another reading, more information–but I’ve found the cards don’t respond well to this. When we come to the cards with a particular situation, they will tell us everything we need to know the first time. For this reason, I suggest having your tarot read no more than seasonally–four times a year at the most.
Card Spreads
Tarot spreads are the maps by which we are guided to the answers we seek. Choosing a specific spread is choosing not only the destination we’ll arrive, but also the journey we’ll take to get there. The spreads that I create are inspired by a combination of naturally occurring, human-made, and sacred phenomena.I primarily offer two types of readings, as described below. For information about my flash readings, click here.
Custom Spreads (90 minutes, $120)
Creating a custom spread for your reading is a collaborative process. Upon booking, you will be asked a series of questions that gauges your current situation without getting too far into the weeds. As always, we want to communicate on a level that prevents bias and lets our intuition lead the way.You will be asked to reflect on yourself, the place you’ve found yourself in, and most importantly, the kinds of imagery and symbolism that you’re feeling most drawn to. From there, I will translate your answers into a spread that is entirely new and solely for you and our reading.
Standard Spreads (60 minutes, $80)
I have created five "standard" tarot spreads to account for the most common insights my clients are looking for. Again, think of each spread as a different map. You are in control of your journey and destination.When you're choosing a standard spread, look over the choices, but try not to overthink it. If you have a gut reaction, stick with it. If you hear a little voice inside you urging you to choose one in particular, listen to it.
The Lantern
For self reflection & investigation. Cards representing your body, soul, mind, and heart will be drawn as well as a significator (“lantern”) card to illuminate their meaning.
The Covered Bridge
For guidance navigating a situation you're currently in, particularly one where the end may not yet be in sight. Cards representing where you've been, what remains to be seen, and where you're headed are drawn.
The Compass
For decision making. Cards representing your specific choices and where you are now are drawn. The significator drawn to interpret the choices represents your root knowing.
The North Star
For those working towards a particular goal. Cards representing your goal, where you are at now, what you need to let go of, what skill or presence you need to cultivate and where you can look for support.
The Rainbow
For those who need a reminder of their radiance. Cards representing your root strength, a gift or talent, a guardian, someone or something you can depend on, and a purpose you are called towards are drawn.
Tarot & Oracle Decks
In addition to ourselves and each other, a tarot reading is an inherent collaboration with the creators of whichever deck you’ve chosen. Each deck has its own personality and kind of wisdom. As always, try not to overthink your choice. If you find yourself torn between a couple, I'm more than happy to offer you my thoughts before or at our reading.I currently offer a selection of 9 decks to choose from, including a deck that is specifically designed for those aged 12 and under.
Decks for All Ages
The Little Witch's Oracle
Created by Ariel KusbyThis is one of the most gorgeous and insightful decks I've come across for any age.Specifically designed for children & young people, each card is based on easily recognizable archetypes, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Olga Baumert.This deck is approachable, gentle, and full of wonder. It encourages curiosity and thoughtful self-reflection, and includes instructions on small but impactful rituals inspired by the cards chosen.
Traditional Decks
These decks consist of ~78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana.
Tarot of Delphi
Created by J. D. Hildegard HinkelThis deck uses Neoclassical paintings by artists at the turn of the 20th century to represent variations of the Rider-Waite tarot archetypes, with some apt re-interpretations.I find this deck to be blunt and matter-of-fact. Its wisdom feels straight from the mouth of a wise Great-Aunt who has seen it all before. Patient but not coddling.
The Lioness Oracle Tarot
Created by Alejandra Luisa LeónThis deck consists of vibrant, sometimes baffling, always striking collages representing the archetypes of the Rider-Waite.For all of its flash and glamour, the Lioness Oracle Tarot is a far more traditional deck than it lets on and therein lies the tension of the deck. This is the deck for those of us seeking the wisdom of the sweetest drunk girl in line for the bathroom.
Ophidia Rosa Tarot
Created by Nicole RallisA snake shedding its skin, a flower losing its blossoms. A seed burrowing deep and springing forth. A spider egg hatching, carried by the wind. Nature takes full course in this deck, with the Rider-Waite system interpreted through delicate line drawings inspired by a full-year’s shift in seasons.This deck lends itself to introspection and deep knowing. If you have a hunch, this deck will confirm it. Be prepared to lean deeply into the murky mystery of it all.
Slow Holler Tarot
Created by the Slow Holler CollectiveA southern-gothic interpretation of the Rider-Waite system created by a collective of rural queer artists. While the artwork varies in style card-to-card, the deck is tied together through an unapologetically queer perspective, as well as the uniform use of red, black, and gold.Not for the faint of heart, this deck embraces both the bliss and pain present in the every-day. Grotesque and sometimes alienating, this deck won’t always smile but it will always show up to do the dirty work.
Oracle Decks
These decks do not utilize the Major and Minor Arcana, but instead create new archetypes and paths for wisdom, and as it were, meanings of cards are not translatable across decks.
Vessel
Created by Spirit SpeakThis oracle deck consists of bright, colorful illustrations you might recognize from your own doodles and dreams. Never shallow and always soothing, this deck has a knack for providing sunlight and clarity. It can sometimes make the path in front of us feel almost too easy.One of the most comforting and loving decks I’ve ever worked with, this deck is a wonderful tool for those of us who feel at our most-broken or even just those of us who need a warm blanket and glass of milk.
Mother Mary Oracle
Created by the Alana FairchildThis is a deeply reassuring oracle deck designed to help us connect with the divine feminine (in ourselves, in our world). While this deck may skew too Christian for some, I’ve found this deck to be indiscriminate in its ability to nurture the querent.In addition to being ideal for connecting with the divine & inner feminine, if you’re looking for a gentle voice to speak directly to your inner child, seek no further.
Round Decks
These decks were created in the Womanist & feminist tradition and reject notions of linear time. Cards are divided into major and minor arcana but are circular in order to represent the cyclical nature of life and being.
Motherpeace
Created by Karen Vogel and Vicki NobleDon’t let the word “mother” in the title fool you. This deck is a crone. The grandmother we either wish we had or were count-your-stars lucky enough to actually have. Stuck in her ways, but you can’t help but love her for and in spite of it.That said, this deck is stubborn. It’s not going to tell you what you want to hear, but it will tell you exactly what you were afraid to hear.
Daughters of the Moon
Created by the Ffiona MorganThis is an enigmatic deck best used for dives into your deepest longing and darkest dreams. Every card feels like a revelation and the effect is in turns powerful and overwhelming. A reading can be exhausting and potentially more than you bargained for—unless of course, a reading like that is exactly what you’re bargaining for.If she’s calling you, you’ll know.
Common Questions
How long have you been reading tarot?
I have been reading tarot for other people since 2012, when I was 20 years old. In the decade+ I've been reading, I have read for conferences, parties, and hundreds of individuals across the United States ranging in ages from 6 to 95-years-old. Right now I am primarily focused on performing one-on-one readings for those living in or visiting central Vermont.
Is tarot a way to tell the future?
I believe tarot can reflect to us what has been, what is, and what is yet to be. Primarily I believe tarot reflects what we already know to be true (but may be afraid or avoidant to confront), what choices we have the power to make, what forces are around us, and who we are and can become. I think the question of "fortune telling" is a question of time and fate. I don't believe time is linear and I don't believe fate is a destination we can arrive at. I believe tarot is a way to understand the truth, and that truth is complicated, messy, and always shifting.
What do you mean your readings are for "all ages"?
I believe that the act of reading tarot is for children just as much as it's for adults. While there aren't nearly as many (high-quality) decks designed specifically for children, I have found The Little Witch's Oracle Deck to be a fantastic and approachable "first deck" for kids. If your child has heard of tarot reading and is interested, I would be thrilled to give a reading that shows, rather than merely tells, how the cards can help them engage in reflection within themselves and the world around them.
Fridays at the
Chelsea Farmer's Market
Starting June 6th, I'll be at the Chelsea, VT Farmer's Market every Friday from 3pm-6pm. I'll be offering 20 minute 3-card "Flash Readings" using the spreads below. You'll have a choice of two decks: The Tarot of Delphi or The Little Witch's Oracle.
3-Card Flash Readings (20 minutes, $30)
The Wheel
Life is a cycle. Cards are drawn to represent what it's time say goodbye to, what is important to hold on to, and what it's time to cultivate.
The Footpath
A desire-path, trod through the grass. Cards are drawn to represent your past, present, and future of a particular situation.
The Tide
Each of us is a tide being pulled by the light and the shadow. Cards are drawn to represent yourself as well as your sun, the parts of you that people see most clearly, and your moon, the parts of yourself you hide away.