Review of Jenna Matlin's "Will You Give Me a Reading?"
The last book I read in 2022 is “Will You Give Me a Reading?” by Ms Jenna Matlin. Truth be told, I rarely feel this inspired and helped, though I read many books in the mind body spirit field. It was like “She knows what I went through!”. Let me share why.
Most books we read as astrologers/tarot readers are heavily focused on how to read cards, how to interpret card meanings, and how to lay out different spread. In my early days when I first started as a spiritual counsellor, all that I was concerned about was becoming knowledgable about the system: “Can I interpret correctly when a client pulls out a card? When being asked a question, will I be able to choose the right spread to answer?” etc. Never did I think the most difficult challenge I ever had as a professional was not about card interpretation at all.
Giving a reading is a people oriented process, and understanding how to deal with people’s psychology is the key. I still clearly remember in my early days, I had an old woman coming to me for a reading. The way she talked to me was condescending and rude. Well, probably she was thinking, “What can a 20 something year old guy read about me?” I wanted the reading to be a two way conversation, which I believe is how spiritual counselling is supposed to happen. But she wouldn’t say a word at all, as if she was testing me to see if I am a fake. When I asked for confirmation, she arrogantly said, “Aren’t you supposed to tell me?” Later when we finished, she sneered at me and said, “Is that all? That’s all you can tell me? There is nothing you said that I don’t know.” As a new reader, her sharp comments deeply cut into my heart and destroyed my confidence as a reader at the time. Though I was sincere to help her, but she didn’t appreciate it, and I felt she attacked me in return. How do I cope? I desperately needed guidance.
Jenna’s book “Will You Give Me a Reading?” addresses many issues like this. How do you deal with a client who assumes you are a mind-reader? What if you encounter a client who is obnoxious and rude? What do you do when they get suddenly emotional and upset when you deliver the truthful message that they don’t want to hear? These teaching and advice are so important that learning the ethics of being a reader can never be neglected: boundaries, clear communication, being authentic and true to your own value and beliefs, and never be afraid to say no.
This is one of the best books I have read in 2022. Thank you Ms Jenna Matlin for your wisdom and years of experience. I will always hold this book as a guidance when I am lost as a professional.
