I just got done doing my first Tarot reading for someone other than myself! I'm really excited, I think it was good. I usually have a hard time summing things up, but this time it seemed that all the cards were totally connected. (or maybe I was just able to see the connections easily for the first time? does this mean I'm improving?!) I've spent the most time with the Faeries' Oracle.

<digression>
OMG! In trying to link to the Faeries' Oracle, I went to the Froud's main site, and found something I absolutely MUST have!! Brian Froud's The Runes of Elfland: Visions and Stories from the Faerie Alphabet May I just say that I secretly covet Brian Froud? He is god-like, I swear. I even have a fairy tattoo from one of his books. :)
Wait! I found something else! Two more books I must have! I have A Midsummer Night's Faery Tale, but I didn't know Wendy Froud had written more as a series. Yay! More awesome books for me! *ahem, I mean Rhiannon*
</digression>

For some reason, I felt strange using the Faeries' deck to read for someone else, though. I found a more standard deck in a drawer when I got home from MN, the Renaissance Tarot, that I apparently bought years ago in Seattle, and never used. ? I've been getting to know this deck more recently, so decided to give it a try for my friend. It was great! I didn't know you could just use the Major Arcana in a reading, but I did that for the first time too.
I have this friend who is going through some difficulties in her marriage (another guy at work has been a "distraction"), and her question related to staying in the marriage. The cards came out all in agreement - that yes, the marriage can be made even better, but it will take a lot of work, and that the secrets have to stop.

If anyone would care to give an interpretation, I'd like to see it (compare notes, as it were). I did the 10-card Celtic Cross spread, using only Major Arcana.
1. (current influences) 17 - The Star. This is the only one that confused me a bit. I thought maybe it related to possible recent improved circumstances in the relationship.
2. (immediate influences) 4 - The Emperor. I saw this as the other guy
3. (goal or destiny) 3 - The Empress. Marriage & motherhood, loving union.
4. (past influences) 2 - High Priestess. Secrets, things not as they seem.
5. (passing influences) 12 - Hanged Man, reversed. Ignoring intuition has led to bad decisions.
6. (future) 11 - Strength, reversed. Progress and happiness are possible, but it will take a fight.
7. (yourself, your answer) 16 - The Tower. Inner turmoil, current attitudes (toward marriage) will have to be destroyed in order to have growth and progress.
8. (environmental factors) 15 - The Devil. I saw this as the lust and sexual attraction for the other guy, passion.
9. (hopes & fears) 8 - Justice. Marriage - a need for balance, order & clarity in her life.
10. (final result) 7 - The Chariot. They will overcome these problems, but it will take a lot of effort and hard work, it won't be an easy road.

I wrote it up for her (hopefully more clearly than above - at least I used more words :), and sent it off. I'll see what she thinks.