Unlike other forms of reading, the knowledge that is gained from the observance of Tarot cards, palmistry or astrology is not something that relies on the psychic ability of a person. Instead, it is a learnt skill that must be acquired through study.

That is not to say that anybody can become a gifted reader. Correctly interpreting the subtle nuances of what the signs are saying is something that can not be mastered in hours, weeks, or even years; a lifetime of dedication and devotion to the study are necessary to truly understand a reading. Some people are not willing to commit to this, or do not possess the mental acuity to understand what it is they are beholding in its fullness.

It is easier to gain experience in some skills than it is for others, and experience, as with any skill, is key. Palmistry and Tarot reading are easier to set up, and so easier to practise. With Tarot reading, there are a finite of possibilities that can occur due to the use of cards. With palmistry, hands are in ready supply. With astrology, however, the heavens can produce an array of dazzling effects, and do so alarmingly often. To understand the true breadth and depth of meaning here is an astounding undertaking.

This is why, since the first instances of fortune-tellers and shamans, it has been something that people devote their life to. The cliché of a village’s wise woman or a knowledgeable hermit living in the woods holds true to a degree. A person must devote themselves if they wish to fully understand, even to the expulsion from their lives of all that could distract them.

There are other methods of divining the future which are less practised, or less well-known, nowadays. Readings from tea leaves are often thought of, similar to readings taken from the entrails of an animal. Whether these are based on a learnt skill, or whether the object gives the reader something to focus on whilst their third eye roams, is still a subject of debate. Because of this, the category of reading they fall in to is foggy.

This article should have made clear the reasons that Tarot readings and other skills are separate to abilities such as Aura reading, Psychometry and Distant reading. Hopefully, this information will be of use when choosing the method of divination needed for a specific task.