The Handshake · Readings
Choose the reading that best matches the situation. Each fairground reading has its own purpose-built spread and structure; you do not need to select a deck or method.
Plain terms
Most established Dusty at the Table readings are worked with the Tarot de Marseille. It is the main working deck and the symbolic language at the heart of the practice.
I may bring in another tool where it genuinely adds a useful perspective. Special and seasonal readings may be built around another deck or method, which will always be stated clearly before booking.
Recorded readings
You send your question or situation after booking. I personally conduct the reading, record the interpretation as an MP3 audio file and deliver it privately by email. It is individually prepared for you, not automated or pre-recorded generic material.
Live readings
The 60-minute readings take place live with me on Zoom. The chosen reading provides the structure, with room to work through the cards and the situation as the session develops.
Each reading uses a fixed main spread. I may draw additional clarifier cards at my discretion where they genuinely help. They are not guaranteed, cannot be requested as extra standard positions and are not always necessary. Any reading-specific clarifier rule is shown with its spread.
Choice · Opportunity · First move
A new offer, invitation, decision or uncertain beginning.
What is really being offered, what it may cost, the hidden catch and the road if entered.
2 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Signal at the Booth, if the offer or first step needs sharper confirmation.
4 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Stamp on the Ticket, if a final confirmation, warning or timing note is needed.
Pressure · Risk · Instability
A situation moving too fast, carrying too much pressure or close to tipping.
The real pressure, the speed, the wobble and the safest line to hold.
2 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Loose Bolt, if the pressure point or warning needs more detail.
4 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Warning Light, if the safe line needs a sharper caution or clearer next move.
Repeating patterns · Cycles
The same road dressed up in different scenery.
The same disappointment, fear, argument or kind of person returning in different scenery.
The repeated track, its trigger, what keeps you aboard and where an exit may begin.
2 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Thing in the Dark, if a hidden trigger needs naming.
4 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Exit Sign, if the way out needs a more immediate instruction.
Conflict · Mixed signals · Other people
It does not ask: Who is the villain? It asks: Where is the collision point?
Workplace friction, family tension, relationship uncertainty or awkward dynamics.
Each person's direction, the real collision point and the boundary that needs to be clear.
2 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Spark Point, if the collision needs more detail.
4 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Brake Pedal, if the boundary needs a clearer stop, slow down or move message.
Roles · Expectations · Self-perception
When other people's expectations, pressure or survival have made it difficult to tell the performed role from what feels authentic.
The face shown, the face hidden, distorted perception, who holds the mirror, the role to drop and the road back.
7 main cards
Possible clarifier: Up to three if needed: The First 30-Day Move, The Cost and The Warning.
Burnout · Recovery · Rebuild
This is not a motivational speech. It is a repair map.
When the wheels have come off and simply pushing harder is no longer a strategy.
What broke, what still holds, what must be retired and what can realistically carry weight again.
7 main cards
Possible clarifier: Up to three if needed: The Hidden Drain, The Immediate Boundary and The Next Practical Step.
Direction · Inherited patterns · Threshold
A major crossroads, inherited pressure, family expectations or the point where staying the same may cost as much as changing.
The old road, the inherited load, the fear at the threshold, the price of staying, the price of moving and the first step.
9 main cards
Possible clarifier: The Road Sign, only if a final warning, confirmation or practical marker is needed.
Bring the matter clearly.
“The Marseille is the map. The table is where the matter lands. The road is yours to walk.”
Before you book
By using this website, booking a reading, or purchasing or using any Dusty at the Table product or service offered here or elsewhere, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by the applicable Terms & Conditions and Policies & Ethics in their entirety. Please read them before booking or purchasing. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE).
If you do not agree with the applicable terms and policies, please do not book or purchase a service.
Read Policies & Ethics ↗Before you book
Each reading uses a fixed main spread.
Most established readings are centred on the Tarot de Marseille.
I may occasionally bring in another Tarot deck, oracle cards, runes, playing cards, dominoes or the crystal ball where useful.
Special or seasonal readings may use another deck or method and will always state this clearly.
Recorded readings are personally conducted by me and delivered as private MP3 files by email.
All 60-minute readings are private live Zoom appointments.
Clarifier cards may be used at my discretion where necessary.
How booking works →