The Cards You're Dealt

“The Cards You’re Dealt is not a ‘love and light’ book that glosses over the shadows of death and grief. It’s a compassionate, practical, step-by-step guide to how we can truly learn to heal and help others heal. The stories that Theresa shares are vulnerable and real, sprinkled with her Scorpio Moon humor. This book is for both tarot beginners and seasoned practitioners. You will want to come back to this book over and over again—it is filled with so much wisdom and magic.”
—Pamela Chen, author of Enchanted Crystal Magic and Tarot of The Owls
 
“Theresa Reed has never been a tarot reader that shies away from the hard questions. It is a completely admirable trait and one that I have always wondered how to cultivate it in my tarot practice. In this book, The Cards You’re Dealt, Theresa shows us exactly how to do that: look at the hard topics and be willing to read tarot on them with an unflinching but compassionate gaze . . . and always in service to the sitter. Through practice exercises, pro tips, and tarot spreads on job loss, global tragedies, and grief in all its forms, Theresa has indeed written a book that is not typical in its treatment of the taboo subjects that most tarot readers would rather avoid. Confront them we must, if we are to be well-rounded readers, and to serve our sitters in times they need us most. This book is a necessity for any professional tarot reader.”
—Hilary Parry Haggerty, author of How to Read Tarot 
 
“When life hands you lemons, pick up The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal when Life Gets Real by Theresa Reed. With unabashed humor, truth, and compassion, Theresa tackles tough questions that tarot readers often face, such as how to handle health readings or help those experiencing grief. She provides guidance on what to say to those who may be suffering, scared, or overwhelmed. As any tarot reader worth their salt knows, the way you deliver a reading and the connection you build with the person are just as important as the accuracy of your tarot card interpretations. Theresa Reed’s expertise makes her the perfect guide for your tarot journey, offering deep healing insights from a place of authenticity and truth. Drawing from her years of experience as a professional reader, Theresa generously shares her own life stories, making this book not just about reading tarot cards but also about fostering empathy for both yourself and others. It’s an invaluable resource for learning how to read your tarot deck when you are most apt to draw cards the most: at crossroads moments that eventually come for all of us.” 
—Jenna Matlin, author of Will You Give Me a Reading? 
 
“Theresa Reed has written the exact book I need exactly when I needed it. The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal when Life Gets Real is a deep (and deeply personal) dive into the confusing and often isolating world of loss and grief. Far from the ‘love and light’ gloss of pop spirituality, Reed takes us through the blood and guts of mourning so we can lead ourselves and our tarot clients to the glory of acceptance and healing. Her guidance on how to communicate with grieving people is beautifully stated and universally useful. The dictionary of card meanings and collection of spreads are accompanied by examples, exercises, and tips that make this book accessible to novices and experts alike. Theresa Reed is an incredibly kind and wise soul, and this book reflects that perfectly.”
—Melinda Lee Holm, author of Your Tarot Guide
 
“Not everything in life is easy and often when people seek out a tarot reading it’s because they are experiencing something difficult. This is one (of many) reasons why Theresa Reed’s book, The Cards You’re Dealt is essential reading—both for those who read tarot professionally and for those who wish to seek out a reading in order to address a tough situation. Theresa pulls no punches in this work as she guides the reader in a gentle and supportive way into unlocking the meanings and medicines that the tarot can provide when we experience hard stuff. Reed is not only an amazing reader herself, she is also someone, as she shares in the book, who personally navigated tough situations throughout most of her life, making her a truly exceptional guide.” 
—Briana Saussy, author of Making Magic “Theresa Reed is such a blessing. She has given readers a gift with this book by providing practical, real-world advice that’s as encouraging and engaging as it is informative. It’s a must-read for tarot beginners and enthusiasts alike.”
—Mecca Woods, astrologer and author of Astrology For Happiness and Success

“In The Cards You’re Dealt: How to Deal when Life Gets Real, Theresa Reed presents a transformative tarot guide that bravely delves deeper than the surface, shedding light on life’s intricate challenges and the truths they reveal. Rejecting spiritual bypassing, Reed’s voice—rich with decades of experience and genuine understanding—emerges as a beacon, guiding readers to confront their rawest moments with authenticity, courage, and unparalleled wisdom. Each page reveals Reed’s deep expertise, showcasing tarot as an invaluable ally in healing, clarity, and life-navigation. As she explores the shadows of loss, illness, and complex relationships, it becomes clear that Reed isn’t just an author; she’s a luminary in the contemporary tarot landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a tarot newcomer, this book is not merely a guide. It’s a revelation, a compass, empowering its readers to navigate life’s tumultuous waters with unmatched grace, resilience, and purpose.”
—Mat Auryn, bestselling author of Psychic Witch

“You NEED this book. We ALL need this book. Tarot readers, non-tarot readers, humans in general. This book makes tarot your guide, your partner, and your grounding rod. Theresa’s approach is that of your best no-nonsense, honest friend who will tell it to you straight…but always in a kind and supportive way. I am a seasoned tarot reader, and I know The Cards You’re Dealt will be one resource I will rely on going forward. Thank you, Theresa, for giving the world this excellent book.”
—Courtney Weber, author of Hekate and Tarot for One

“Known for her warm but no-bullshit approach, Theresa Reed has created a deeply compassionate, wildly authentic, incredibly useful manual for anyone moving through a challenging transition or difficult time. As well as serving as a brilliant tarot guidebook, The Cards You’re Dealt also empowers readers to use the cards for therapeutic purposes, navigating life’s biggest challenges with support, empathy, and power. An invaluable companion for anyone who uses tarot for the tough stuff, The Cards You’re Dealt belongs on every serious reader’s bookshelf.”
—Meg Jones Wall, author of Finding the Fool