The Full Facts book of Cold Reading by Ian Rowland

Author:Ian Rowland [Rowland, Ian]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2002-04-08T23:00:00+00:00

Principal phases

Given that readings vary according to personal style, and are generally improvised rather than scripted, there is no one way to ‘put it all together’ and fashion a psychic reading. However, the majority of normal one-on-one readings can be said to proceed through the same five main phases:

- Set Up & Disarm

- Launch

- Bridge

- Expand

- Tidy Conclusion

I will describe each one, and add some notes from my own experience of giving readings.

Set Up and Disarm

To begin with, the psychic employs whichever ‘Set Up’ techniques are appropriate to the psychic’s style, the client, and the context of the reading (see ‘The Set Up’). It is obviously up to the psychic to choose the techniques she feels will be most effective, based on her own experience. She must also be on the alert for any potential problems—such as a very hostile or sceptical client—and defuse them.

In my own readings, I generally tend to focus on just two ‘Set Up’ techniques: encouraging co-operative interpretation, which I regard as more or less essential, and establishing the belief system. In addition, I always watch for signs of either nervousness or scepticism.

If the client seems nervous, it is clearly important to set her at ease. I try to ascertain why she is nervous, simply by asking, and provide whatever reassurances she requires. Not only is this conducive to a successful reading, it can also yield good clues as to the direction the reading should take.

If the client is suspicious or sceptical, I tend to play down the belief system (since this can only invite confrontation) and talk about the reading in more down-to-earth and rational terms. For example, I might suggest that readings are akin to the exploration of psychological trends and archetypes, or that they constitute a form of intuitive counselling and advice in which the props (tarot cards, astrological data etc.) are just a means to an end. It is really just a case of saying whatever I feel might disarm, or diminish, the client’s sceptical stance.

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