TAROT READING FAQs - MOON & MAGE

ABOUT TAROT READINGS

DO I NEED TO BELIEVE IN TAROT FOR IT TO WORK?

QUICK ANSWER: No. You just need honest questions and an open mind.

You don't need to be spiritual, mystical, or believe in anything specific for tarot to be useful. Tarot is a tool for reflection and gaining perspective on your situation.

In my years reading for clients, and now in the Ashland and tri-state area, some of my best readings have been with complete skeptics who just needed clarity on a difficult decision. You don't need to believe in tarot the way you believe in a religion - you just need to be willing to look at your situation from a different angle.

Tarot helps you see perspectives you might have missed and access your own intuition more clearly. That works whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between.

RELATED: Learn more about when to get a tarot reading

ARE TAROT READINGS CONFIDENTIAL?

QUICK ANSWER: Yes. As an ordained minister, I hold all sessions to pastoral counseling confidentiality standards.

What you share in your reading stays between us - period.

Your questions, your struggles, your personal information - none of it gets shared with anyone. Not friends, not family, not posted on social media as a vague story. This isn't just a business policy - as an ordained minister, I'm bound by the same confidentiality standards as pastoral counseling.

In small communities like Ashland, Boyd County, and Huntington, I've noticed that privacy matters even more. People worry about running into someone they know or word getting back to family. That's why I take confidentiality so seriously. You can speak freely without worrying about it getting back to anyone.

RELATED: Read about what makes Moon & Mage different

WILL TAROT CONFLICT WITH MY FAITH OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS?

QUICK ANSWER: Tarot is a tool for reflection, not a religious practice. Many clients with strong faith find it helpful.

Tarot is a tool for reflection and guidance, not a religious practice. I'm not summoning anything, and I'm not trying to convert you to any belief system. I'm reading cards that help you access your own intuition and see your situation from different perspectives.

In my practice serving conservative communities throughout Kentucky and West Virginia, many clients with strong religious beliefs find tarot helpful and see no conflict. Some pray before their reading. Some view it as another way their Higher Power offers guidance. Some just see it as a practical tool for decision-making.

This area has a long history of Appalachian folk wisdom. Your great-grandmother probably read tea leaves. Your great-aunt might have just "knew things" about people or situations. These mountain traditions of seeking guidance have always been part of our heritage, even if people don't always talk about them openly. This work honors those traditions while serving modern needs.

That said, if tarot doesn't feel right for you based on your values, that's completely valid. You have to honor your own boundaries and beliefs.

RELATED: Understanding tarot in conservative communities

WHAT CAN I ASK ABOUT IN A TAROT READING?

QUICK ANSWER: Anything on your mind - relationships, career, life transitions, breaking patterns, or specific decisions.

You can ask about anything that's weighing on you. In my years working with clients in Ashland, Huntington, and throughout the tri-state area, here are the most common questions I help people work through:

RELATIONSHIP QUESTIONS:

• Should I stay in this relationship or leave?

• Why do I keep attracting the same type of person?

• What's really going on with my partner?

• Is this relationship worth fighting for?

• How do I know if this is the right person?

CAREER & MONEY DECISIONS:

• Should I take this new job or stay where I am?

• Is it time for a career change?

• What's blocking my financial progress?

• Should I start my own business?

• How do I navigate this work conflict?

LIFE TRANSITIONS:

• Navigating divorce or separation

• Dealing with grief and loss

• Major moves or relocations

• Career changes or unexpected job loss

• Life stage transitions (empty nest, retirement, etc.)

PERSONAL GROWTH & PATTERNS:

• Why do I keep repeating the same patterns?

• What am I not seeing about this situation?

• How do I trust my intuition again?

• What's my next right step?

• What's really holding me back?

The more specific your question, the more helpful the reading. "Should I stay in this job or take the new offer?" works better than "tell me about my career." But if you're not sure exactly what to ask, we can figure it out together when we talk.

RELATED: 5 signs it's time to get a tarot reading

HOW LONG DOES A TAROT READING TAKE?

QUICK ANSWER: 45-60 minutes depending on what you book.

Most readings are 45-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your situation and what you need help with.45-MINUTE SESSIONS work well for:

• Specific questions with clear focus

• Quick clarity checks

• Single-issue situations

• Follow-up readings

60-MINUTE SESSIONS are better for:

• Complex situations with multiple factors

• Multiple areas of your life

• Deeper exploration of patterns

• Combining Reiki healing with tarot

• First-time clients who want more time

You're welcome to record your session if you want to revisit it later. Many clients find it helpful to listen again after the reading when they're processing everything.

READY TO BOOK? Schedule your reading here

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TAROT READING?

QUICK ANSWER: We talk about your question, I lay out the cards, read what they show, and we discuss what it means for your situation.

Here's what actually happens from start to finish:

BEFORE WE START: Think about what you actually want help with. Specific questions work better, but if you're not sure what to ask, that's okay - we can figure it out together when we talk.

DURING THE READING: We'll have a brief conversation so I understand your situation and what you're asking about. Then I shuffle the cards and lay them out in a specific spread based on your question. Each card position means something different.

I read what the cards are showing and explain how it applies to your specific situation. You can ask questions, interrupt for clarification, or tell me if something doesn't resonate. This is a conversation, not a performance where you just sit and listen.

In my practice, I focus on giving you clear, direct insight without mystical fluff. You'll get straightforward answers about what the cards are showing - not vague statements that could apply to anyone.

AFTER YOUR READING: You'll leave with clarity on what's actually happening, new perspectives you hadn't considered, and usually a sense of relief. In my experience, most people say they feel lighter after a reading - like they can finally breathe again and see their path forward.

CURIOUS ABOUT THE PROCESS? Learn what to expect at your first reading

WILL YOU PREDICT MY EXACT FUTURE?

QUICK ANSWER: No. Tarot shows possibilities and patterns, not guaranteed predictions. You have free will.

That's not how tarot works, and anyone who claims they can predict your exact future is lying to you.

Tarot shows possibilities, patterns, and likely outcomes based on your current path and the energy around your situation. But you have free will. You make choices. Those choices change outcomes.

What I do is look at where you are right now, what patterns and energy are around you, and what's likely to happen if you keep going the way you're going. Then we talk about what you can do with that information - what changes to make, what to pay attention to, what your options are.

Think of it like a weather forecast. "Looks like rain tomorrow" doesn't mean it's guaranteed - conditions can change. But it does mean you might want to bring an umbrella. Tarot works the same way. It shows you what's forming so you can prepare and make informed decisions.

The goal isn't to predict your future - it's to help you create the future you actually want.

WHAT IF I GET THE DEATH CARD?

QUICK ANSWER: The Death card means transformation and necessary endings, not literal death.

The Death card is actually one of the most positive cards in the deck when you understand what it means.

Death in tarot represents transformation, necessary endings, and change that makes room for new beginnings. It's about shedding what's not working anymore so something better can grow.

In all my years reading tarot for clients in the tri-state area, I can tell you that the Death card has never predicted an actual death. Not once. What it predicts is change - and change, while uncomfortable, is usually exactly what you need.

For example, if you've been in a dead-end job for years feeling miserable and the Death card shows up, it's probably about leaving that job and transforming your career path. If you're in a relationship that's been dead for a while and the Death card appears, it's about ending what's not working so you can move forward.

The Death card shows up when something needs to end so something new can begin. That's transformation, not tragedy.

WILL YOU TELL ME THERE'S A CURSE ON ME?

QUICK ANSWER: Absolutely not. That's a scam tactic I don't use.

I will never tell you there's negative energy, a curse, or a hex that needs expensive removal work. That's how scammers operate, and I don't play those games.

In my years practicing, I've seen too many people taken advantage of by so-called "psychics" who use fear tactics. They tell vulnerable people there's a curse, then charge thousands of dollars for "spiritual cleansing" or "curse removal." It's predatory and it's wrong.

You pay for your reading, you get your reading, and that's it. No upsells, no manipulation, no pressure to book more sessions. If I see challenges in your cards, I'll tell you what they are and how to navigate them - but I will never tell you that you're cursed or that you need to pay me more money to fix some made-up problem.

I do offer spirit removal but only if you request it or bring it up. I will never bring this up first or suggest it to you as something I offer.

RELATED: Common tarot reading myths debunked

ONLINE VS IN-PERSON READINGS

DO ONLINE TAROT READINGS WORK AS WELL AS IN-PERSON?

QUICK ANSWER: Yes. Online readings have the same accuracy and insight as in-person sessions.

Online readings work exactly the same as in-person readings. I shuffle the cards, lay them out while you watch on video, and we talk through what they're showing. The accuracy and insight are identical.

Distance doesn't affect the reading - energy doesn't work that way. I've been doing online readings for years, and the quality, connection, and accuracy are the same as in-person sessions.

Sometimes online readings are even better because people are more comfortable opening up when they're in their own space. When you're dealing with something heavy or emotionally difficult, being able to process it at home (instead of having to drive somewhere and then drive back) can actually make the session more effective.

RELATED: Online vs in-person tarot readings: what's right for you?

HOW DO ONLINE READINGS WORK?

QUICK ANSWER: We connect via video call. You watch me shuffle and lay out cards in real time. Same conversation as in-person.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION: You book your appointment online through my website and receive a video call link (Zoom, FaceTime, or whatever platform works for you).

DURING YOUR READING: We hop on a video call at your scheduled time. You watch me shuffle and lay out the cards in real time, just like you would if you were sitting across from me in person.

We have the same conversation we would have face-to-face. You can ask questions, ask for clarification, and I'll explain what the cards are showing about your situation.

TECHNOLOGY NEEDED:

• Phone, tablet, or computer with camera

• Stable internet connection

• Video call app (I can work with whatever you have)

That's it. No special preparation needed beyond thinking about what you want guidance on.

READY TO TRY AN ONLINE SESSION? Book your online reading

SHOULD I CHOOSE ONLINE OR IN-PERSON?

QUICK ANSWER: Choose based on convenience and comfort. Both give you the same quality reading.

CHOOSE IN-PERSON IF:

• You're local to Ashland, Boyd County, or can easily drive here

• You prefer face-to-face interactions

• You want that tangible experience of being in the same room

• You need to get out of your space to focus better

• You're combining your reading with other services in town

CHOOSE ONLINE IF:

• You're not in the immediate Ashland area

• You have a packed schedule and need convenience

• You're more comfortable in your own space

• You want complete privacy (no one seeing you walk into a tarot reader's office)

• You're dealing with something emotionally heavy and want to process it at home

• You're anywhere in Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, or beyond

In my practice, I've found that about half of my clients prefer online sessions for the convenience, while the other half prefer in-person for the face-to-face connection. Both options give you the same quality reading. Pick whichever feels easier for you right now.

You can also try both - some clients do their first reading in person and then switch to online for convenience, or vice versa.

ABOUT REIKI HEALING

WHAT IS REIKI?

QUICK ANSWER: Reiki is energy healing that clears blocks, reduces stress, and restores balance.

Reiki is energy healing. As a Holy Fire III Reiki Master, I work with universal life force energy to help clear energetic blocks, reduce stress, and restore balance in your body and energy field.

If you're feeling energetically heavy, stuck, or like something's weighing on you that you can't name, Reiki helps clear those blocks so you feel like yourself again.

Many clients describe feeling warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, or emotional release during Reiki sessions. You'll often leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded.

INTERESTED IN ENERGY WORK? Learn more about Reiki healing

CAN REIKI BE COMBINED WITH TAROT?

QUICK ANSWER: Yes. Many clients combine both for deeper emotional clearing and enhanced clarity.

Many clients find that combining Reiki healing with their tarot reading provides:

• Deeper emotional clearing

• Enhanced clarity and insight

• Stress relief and relaxation

• Overall energetic balance

• A sense of being "reset" emotionally and energetically

In my practice, I've noticed that clients dealing with particularly heavy situations - grief, trauma, major life transitions - often benefit from combining both modalities in one session.

Reiki is completely optional but available if you're interested in energy work alongside your reading.

DOES REIKI WORK ONLINE?

QUICK ANSWER: Yes. Distance Reiki works the same way as in-person sessions.

Yes. Distance Reiki works the same way as in-person Reiki. Energy isn't limited by physical location.

During an online Reiki session, you relax in your own space (lying down or sitting comfortably) while I work with your energy remotely. Many clients report feeling the same sensations during distance sessions as they do in-person - warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, or emotional release.

Some people are skeptical about distance Reiki until they experience it. Then they're usually surprised by how tangible the effects are.

BOOKING & LOGISTICS

HOW DO I BOOK A READING?

QUICK ANSWER: Book online at moonandmage.co here

You can book your reading right here, where you'll see available times and can schedule directly.

If you have questions before booking or want to discuss which type of session is right for you, feel free to reach out directly. I'm happy to answer questions and help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.

BOOK NOW: Schedule your reading

WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?

QUICK ANSWER: Online in Ashland, KY. Online throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and beyond.

ONLINE SESSIONS: Available throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and beyond. I specifically work with clients in:

• Ashland, KY & Boyd County

• Huntington, WV & Cabell County

• Charleston, WV

• Lexington, KY

• Cincinnati, OH

• Columbus, OH

• Louisville, KY

• Anywhere else via online sessions

Whether you're local to the tri-state area or located anywhere else, I can work with you through online sessions.

HOW MUCH DO READINGS COST?

QUICK ANSWER: Pricing varies by session length and services. Visit moonandmage.co for current rates.

Pricing varies based on session length (45 minutes vs 60 minutes) and whether you're combining services like Reiki with tarot.

Visit moonandmage.co for current pricing details, or contact me directly if you have questions about which session type is right for your budget and needs.

CAN I BRING A FRIEND TO MY READING?

QUICK ANSWER: No, I don’t allow guests during your personal reading.

This reading is for you and you only. By bringing a guest or partner, you may not feel as comfortable asking questions. Some topics are more personal and you might want privacy to really open up about what's going on.

I also will not do couples readings for you sitting in the reading together. I will read for each of you individually.

WHAT IF I GET EMOTIONAL DURING THE READING?

QUICK ANSWER: That's completely normal. This is a safe space. Bring tissues.

That's completely normal and okay. This is a safe space to feel whatever comes up.

In my years working with clients in the tri-state area, I've seen a lot of emotional release during readings - especially when people are dealing with grief, relationship endings, major life transitions, or finally acknowledging something they've been avoiding.

Bring tissues if you need them. Take your time. There's no rush and no judgment.

Many people experience emotional release during readings. It's often a sign that you're finally processing something you needed to process.

ABOUT MOON & MAGE

WHAT MAKES MOON & MAGE DIFFERENT?

QUICK ANSWER: No scams, ordained minister confidentiality, Appalachian folk wisdom roots, honest direct communication.

NO SCAMS, NO BS: I will never tell you there's a curse that needs expensive removal. I don't use pressure tactics or manipulation. You pay for your reading, you get your reading, and that's it. No hidden fees, no upsells, no games.

I DON’T ACCEPT TIPS: The price listed is the price you pay. You don’t have to worry about needing extra money for your reading, what to tip, or if you should.

ORDAINED MINISTER: I hold all sessions to pastoral counseling confidentiality standards. Your privacy is protected at the same level as speaking with a minister or counselor. What you share stays private.

APPALACHIAN FOLK WISDOM: My practice is rooted in traditional mountain practices and folk wisdom from this region. This area has always had its own ways of seeking guidance - I honor those traditions while serving modern needs.

HOLY FIRE III REIKI MASTER: Certified in advanced energy healing for those interested in combining Reiki with tarot guidance.

HONEST, DIRECT COMMUNICATION: No mystical fluff or vague statements that could apply to anyone. You'll get clear, straightforward answers about what the cards are showing about your specific situation.

SERVING CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITIES: I specialize in working with clients in conservative areas where privacy, discretion, and respect for traditional values matter. I understand the concerns people have in this region and work with you accordingly.

WHO IS RACHAEL?

QUICK ANSWER: Ordained minister, Holy Fire III Reiki Master, psychic tarot reader serving the tri-state area from Ashland, Kentucky.

I'm an ordained minister, Holy Fire III Reiki Master, and psychic tarot reader serving the tri-state area from Ashland, Kentucky.

Drawing from Ozark and Appalachian folk wisdom traditions, I provide honest, no-BS tarot guidance for people navigating life's biggest decisions and transitions. I specialize in serving conservative communities where privacy, discretion, and respect for traditional values matter.

I work with clients throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, and Ohio, helping people gain clarity on relationships, career decisions, life transitions, and breaking patterns that keep them stuck.

I don't do the mystical fortune-teller routine. I give you clear, direct insight into your situation so you can make informed decisions about your life.

WHERE IS MOON & MAGE LOCATED?

QUICK ANSWER: Based in Ashland, Kentucky. Serving tri-state area in-person and online sessions available everywhere.

I'm based in Ashland, Kentucky, serving the tri-state area including Boyd County, Huntington WV, and surrounding communities.

In-person sessions are available at my Ashland location. Online sessions are available for clients throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, and beyond.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you didn't find your answer here, reach out directly:

Contact Moon & Mage:

• Website: moonandmage.co

• hello@moonandmage.co

• Based in Ashland, KY

• Serving the tri-state area

• Online sessions only

Book Your Reading: Schedule here