In today’s interview, we dive into the fascinating world of tarot with Beau Fomiatti, a skilled tarot reader who has spent years honing his craft.
Tarot is more than just a tool for divination; it's a means of self-reflection, guidance, and connection to the energies around us.
In this conversation, Beau shares his journey into the mystical realm of tarot, his philosophy behind the cards, and how he uses them to offer clarity and insight to those seeking answers.
Whether you are new to tarot or a seasoned practitioner, this interview provides a unique perspective on this ancient art.
Q: How did you first become interested in tarot, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
A: I have always been interested in things of the occult, I loved researching and learning about witchcraft and the Salem witch trials when I was in high-school, I found the actual practice of magic through different cultures and history so fascinating. I began buying crystals and books on witchcraft when I was eighteen years old, this peaked my interest in spiritual realtors practices but it wasn’t until I was gifted my first tarot deck from a friend that it really came into my life. My first deck was the Rider wait smith deck which is the deck that will come to mind when most people think of tarot. Although I do enjoy the “classic” feel that the artwork brings, it’s not a deck I personally can connect with. I didn’t start reading for myself and others until I bought a deck of my own in 2018 and from there my practice really began.
Reading tarot professionally isn’t something I planned from the start, it was late 2019 when I realised that not only do I enjoy reading tarot but I’m also good at it as well, so I created an instagram page to post weekly readings and my confidence and skill only grew from there until I decided I would offer it as a service.
Q: Can you describe your path to learning tarot? Did you have any particular teachers or influences along the way?
A: My path to learning tarot was definitely a slow burn, I struggled at the beginning because there’s so many different ways you can read tarot, there’s so many different interpretations, and it becomes difficult to know which meaning is the “right” one, it can get confusing very quickly.
I learned that in order to give an impactful reading I needed to put down the guide books and just go with what I felt the message was, that was a game changer.
I have never had any teachers, I am completely self taught. I have considered it over the years but I’ve come to realise it’s not necessary, I definitely think it would have helped me to understand the cards a lot quicker, however I also didn’t want someone else telling me how to read. I wanted to figure it out my own.
I learned by studying the guide books that came with my decks, watching YouTube videos and watching other readers on instagram. I don’t think I will ever stop learning about tarot, there’s always something more you can learn, you can always go deeper, the possibilities are endless.
Q: What does tarot mean to you personally, and how has it impacted your life?
A: Tarot has given me a creative outlet I was so desperately trying to find, it has given me an opportunity to connect with others in such an intimate and impactful way.
I never thought that this was the path I would take, but when I started to gain confidence and enjoy giving readings to others, I knew this was something that was going to be staying with me forever.
It’s given me something to focus on and strive for and I will be forever grateful that I never gave up on it. It is a practice I will continue doing for the rest of my life.
Q: How would you describe your tarot reading style? Do you use any specific spreads or methods?
A: I would say my reading style is definitely more of a modern and non structured style, I like to incorporate both tarot and oracle when I give a reading to give a well rounded message, but specifically with tarot I very rarely use spreads in my readings and If I do they are very basic ones.
I find spreads to be restrictive, so I much prefer an open reading where I pull as many cards as I feel necessary. The same goes for how I shuffle and select cards, I like the free flow feeling of a reading, so the majority of the cards I will use in a reading are from “jumper cards” which fall out of the deck as I shuffle.
I am an over thinker by nature so, for me, keeping how I read easy and simple is the most effective.
Q: How do you prepare for a reading, both mentally and energetically?
A: I find setting the mood definitely helps when preparing to open up to a reading, I like lighting incense to cleanse my surroundings and get me in the right mindset, playing some quiet meditation music in the background also helps a lot when I am preparing for a reading.
I like to do a quick five minute meditation or at the very least a minute or two of mindful breathing.
Once I feel like I am ready I will say a prayer of protection and call in my spirit guides to assist in the reading.
Q: Do you have a favorite tarot deck? If so, what makes it special for you?
A: Picking a favorite tarot deck is difficult because I go through phases of being drawn to certain decks at different times.
However, if I had to pick one tarot deck I would choose The Shadowscapes Tarot by Barbara Moore and illustrated by Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. It’s a deck that came into my life in 2020 during the peak of Covid, I was unable to work during this time so I had all the time in the world to get to know this deck and I completely fell in love. It is a fantasy based deck that has this beautifully illustrated ethereal artwork with gorgeous watercolours. This deck has some of my favourite depictions and it really does a great job to pull you in to this mystical world that feels like home to me.
If you like fantasy and are looking for something that differs from the classic style but still pulls from the traditional raider Waite Smith deck I would highly recommend. Some honourable mentions are the Light Seers Tarot and the Osho Zen Tarot.
Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about tarot readings?
A: Unfortunately there are many misconceptions and negative associations with tarot reading, but the most common things I hear are fear based, that tarot is scary or the most common one, “what if I get a bad card“.
There’s no such thing as a bad card in my opinion.
There are definitely more intense and difficult cards that can come up, and sometimes it may signify something negative occurring or about to occur, however very rarely are you going to be told worst case scenario.
The cards are there to deliver a message to help you. The cards are a tool to guide us, even if the message is difficult to accept, there’s always going to be something that you can reflect on or take away from a reading.
Q: Intuition is key in tarot reading, what would be your advice for your clients or viewers to develop their own intuitive abilities?
A: My biggest advice is to work on knowing the difference between your intuition and your projections or fear. Intuition is usually a subtle feeling, it’s an inner knowing, my advice is if you’re pulling from past experiences or fear, it probably isn’t intuition.
Learn to trust what you’re picking up on, even if it doesn’t make sense. You’re going to make mistakes along the way, you’re not always going to get it right, and that’s okay. Learn to filter through your personal thoughts, opinions and beliefs and you will start hearing your inner voice more clearly. Another key component is not only listening but to take action on your intuitive nudges, your intuition goes to waste if you don’t take action accordingly. Be patient, trust the process and learn to trust yourself fully.
Q: Do you have any memorable or particularly meaningful readings you’ve done that stand out to you?
A: The most memorable and favourite readings which come to mind are always readings where there is an emotional component, readings where I can tap into someone’s heart space and really see them open up and allow them to feel seen in some way.
I have done readings for acquaintances and colleagues whom I only know on a surface level but after a successful session of diving deep, I can come out of the reading with a deeper connection with that person.
Those are the kind of readings which stay with me, the human moments of connection and understanding, the seemingly small synchronicities that actually resonate and give the client the validation they deserve.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting to learn tarot, whether they want to read for themselves or others?
A: I could write an essay about this, it’s not one size fits all so what advice I give to one person may not apply to another, depending on your spiritual beliefs or what you believe tarot to do, but my overall advice is to take your time, there is an abundance of information out there now, from books, social media influences, YouTube videos etc, it can become overwhelming. Start small, buy your first tarot deck yourself, a deck that you absolutely love, because you’re not going to want to work with a deck you don’t find visually appealing. Learn the basics of tarot, learn the major arcana, the elemental associations with the suits, basic numerology and the basic court cards associations. Everything else will come with time and practice. There is so much free content on YouTube, take advantage of it, you don’t need to spend your money on expensive courses online. Unless you truly feel being taught by someone is the route you want to go.
The biggest change in my practice was when I put the guide books down and started reading intuitively. It’s going to feel like a scary leap of faith but learn to know when it’s time to stop relying on the books and to start stretching your intuitive muscles. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Q: Do you practice any other form of divination? If so, which one?
A: I don’t practice any other form of divination, I have tried using runes and pendulums in the past, I just don’t resonate with them. I am open to trying other forms of divination, I’m just not seeking them out. If it’s meant to be, it’ll find me. Card reading is my first love and always will be.
As we wrap up this enlightening conversation with Beau Fomiatti, it's clear that tarot is not just about predicting the future, but about empowering individuals to better understand their own path.
The cards serve as mirrors to our inner worlds, helping us navigate life's uncertainties with clarity and confidence. Whether you're just beginning your tarot journey or are already familiar with the practice, there is always something new to discover in the language of the cards.
A special thank you to Beau for sharing his wisdom, and for reminding us that the answers we seek are often already within us, waiting to be revealed.
You can contact Beau through his Instagram page or by email at beau.fomiatti@hotmail.com.
With love,
Elodie