The Cards You're Dealt: How to Deal when Life Gets Real—A Tarot Guidebook

by Theresa Reed

“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
 
We are not always dealt the gentlest cards in life. Sometimes we’re dealt a very difficult hand. At some point all of us will be confronted by life’s inevitable tough the loss of loved ones, a health crisis or illness, the endless thrum of national and global tragedies—as well as the empty nest, the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, the loss of youth.
 
“Theresa Reed has written the exact book I need exactly when I needed it.”  —Melinda Lee Holm, author of  Your Tarot Guide
 
When we’re going through a difficult time, tarot can be a source of comfort, catharsis, healing, and connection to a power greater than ourselves. Doing a tarot reading can help you tune into your instincts and make better choices. It can help you think clearly during those moments when nothing feels simple or clear. And when you realize, “I have three options, and frankly, all of them are lousy and this whole situation is just really sad,” tarot can help you find acceptance and bear the pain with a little more grace.
 
But even in difficult times, we can find purpose and hope. With tarot as a tool, we can make wiser choices and steer things in a more positive direction. In this guidebook, Theresa provides  
“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.” —Pamela Chen, author of  Tarot of the Owls
 
The Cards You’re Dealt will help you deepen your connection to the tarot and find what you need to help you, and your clients, begin the healing process.

Genres: Tarot, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help, Divination, Astrology, Witchcraft

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2023

Reviews

[Sylvia Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa Reed’s The Cards You’re Dealt is an absolute treasure for anyone who’s ever turned to Tarot for comfort during life’s rough patches. This isn’t just another guide to card meanings—it’s a deeply compassionate, practical book that feels like a lifeline when you’re struggling to navigate difficult moments. What makes it truly special is the way Reed approaches Tarot as both a source of wisdom and a tool for healing, helping you steer through grief, loss, and those times when life just feels like it’s falling apart.

From the very first page, Reed’s voice is comforting, like a trusted friend who knows exactly what you’re going through. Her approach is grounded in the reality that life isn’t always easy, and sometimes the Tarot can help us make sense of a situation where there are no perfect answers. I especially appreciated how she tackles the more challenging cards, not sugarcoating their meaning but showing how even the harshest messages can offer clarity and help us move forward with grace. The way she reframes tough cards like the Ten of Swords or the Tower was a revelation for me—she takes their hard truths and transforms them into opportunities for growth and understanding.

What I love most about The Cards You’re Dealt is how Reed brings her own life experiences into the book, sharing vulnerable stories that make the Tarot feel so much more accessible. She’s not just giving you card meanings; she’s showing how the Tarot can become a guide through your darkest hours, helping you make sense of complicated emotions and tough decisions. Her humor, particularly her Scorpio Moon humor, adds a warmth and relatability that makes the book a joy to read, even when the topics are heavy.

The spreads and exercises she provides are thoughtful and easy to follow, giving readers tools to dig deeper into their readings and find practical ways to apply the Tarot to their everyday lives. One of my favorite parts was how she breaks down the emotional and spiritual lessons each card can offer during a crisis. Whether you’re new to Tarot or a seasoned practitioner, the way Reed connects the cards to real-life struggles will give you a fresh perspective on how Tarot can help you navigate whatever life throws your way.

This book is more than just a guide—it’s a companion for the times when you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, offering a way to find purpose and direction in even the most difficult moments. Reed’s compassionate, down-to-earth approach makes The Cards You’re Dealt feel like a source of strength, helping you turn to the Tarot not just for answers, but for hope and healing. If you’re looking for a Tarot book that’s as comforting as it is insightful, this is the one.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Cards You’re Dealt – How To Deal When Life Gets Real” is a 218 page book focused on using the Tarot to help make is through some of life’s more difficult times – illness, death, loss of a job, loss of a relationship, or knowing how to react to a local, national, or global crisis.

I was impressed with the note in the front of the book, reminding the reader that Tarot is not a substitute for therapy, grief counseling, legal advice, health care or other professional services.

The pain is real, it is how you react to it that matters.

Reed helps us make the best choices for ourselves and shows us how to turn any situation into a positive.

This is touted as a guidebook, and that is exactly what it is. Reed guides the reader through card meanings and context, Tarot spreads, practices, rituals and exercise, as well as personal reflections and journaling prompts.

Part One is about the basics of Tarot – a little Tarot history, defining the Major and Minor Arcana, how to do a reading, and framing questions. Each card is presented with a small black and white image, the card title and number, the ruling planet, a definition of the card in the upright and reversed positions, and a journaling prompt.

Part Two deals with Tarot spreads used for guidance. Included are spreads for a Daily Draw, Body Mind Spirit, Chakra, Recovery, The Waiting Room, Tarot For Better Caregiving, Boundaries, What Do I Need, The Grief Spread, The Mediumship Spread, Body Mind Spirit Spread For The Collective, Modified Horseshoe Spread, The Three R’s, Reflecting On Aging, The Five Remembrances and more. There is also advice on how to address the querant, what to say and what not to say, and how to gains perspective over the issue at hand.

At the end of the book are sections on Resources and Recommended Reading.

This book is written in a style that is easy to understand and follow and gifts the reader with tools to handle very delicate, highly emotional issues. It puts compassion into the Tarot.

It is a book that I highly recommend, and one that I would advise keeping on hand for quick reference.

[Answer Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cards You’re Dealt is more than a tarot guide it’s a compassionate companion for navigating life’s most challenging moments. Theresa Reed approaches tarot not as a set of rigid rules, but as a tool for reflection, empowerment, and emotional clarity. Her writing balances practical instruction with vulnerability, making readers feel supported whether they are beginners or seasoned practitioners.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on life’s “difficult passages.” Reed addresses grief, loss, illness, and uncertainty with honesty and sensitivity, showing how tarot can illuminate choices, reveal hidden insights, and foster acceptance. The card meanings, spreads, and journaling prompts are thoughtfully crafted, allowing readers to engage actively with their own experiences and emotions.
I particularly appreciated the blend of practical guidance and personal reflection. Reed’s anecdotes and approachable tone make complex concepts feel accessible, while her emphasis on self-compassion ensures that even readings of challenging cards become opportunities for growth and understanding.
The Cards You’re Dealt is empowering, insightful, and deeply human. It’s a book that guides readers through both tarot practice and life itself, helping them face adversity with clarity, grace, and resilience. Whether for personal growth or professional practice, it’s an invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance in uncertain times.

[A. Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Ms. Reed's work, so when I learned that she was releasing a book that addressed difficult topics, I was especially excited. Tarot can be tedious when paired with hard topics, so when the Tarot Lady offers insight, it's smart to listen. This book did not disappoint; in fact, it's become my favorite of hers. From tarot for illness, tragedy, and death, to knowing what to say (and what not to say) to others in the midst of related grief to even talking with children about these topics, this book has the answers. Each section begins with a story, which I loved, and follows with practical insights delivered through checklists and/or spreads. My favorite spread, pictured in my attached photo, is the Mediumship Spread which invites the querent to intentionally seek out significator cards. This detail made it feel like I was an active participant in the outcome and the messaging seemed perfectly timed and relative. Thank you, Theresa, for always knowing exactly how to position the cards in any conversation for any topic, especially the hard ones.

[Lou D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book says it all. Life does get real and people do want a guide on how to handle the real hard situations that are thrown our way and this book in my opinion is the best tool for that. As Theresa explained, there are many levels of grief and loss. From a death of a loved one, to grief over the national/global tragedies that are sadly gripping our daily lives. I have read Theresa's prior books and when she did read for the public, I was honored to get a reading. She truly is second to none and so is this book.

[Jennifer Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Theresa Reed provides an insightful look into tarot. This book gives a description of each card and how these can relate to situations we all experience at some point in our lives. Theresa Reed gives meaningful and caring aspects to readings that may be dealing with the more difficult messages. I appreciate all the substantial work Theresa Reed puts into the information she shares with all of us. Thank you!

[Tabitha Chamberlain · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book is card meanings, very traditional rws meanings. A few helpful hints. The second half goes into the details of dealing with loss of all kinds. About a quarter is a reference from another book she wrote. There's some good solid spreads. There's a fair number of example readings to help you understand.

3 stars, due to so much reference to other writings and her cards' meanings being simple traditional with few to no reference to what they mean in a reading on loss

[M. Kling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theresa is back again with a book about Tarot that teaches us about life. The Cards You're Dealt is wonderful for new and experienced readers (or me, so happily identifies as in between). No matter what you're dealing with, this book is here to hold your hand and tell you that it's okay to feel, and turn to tarot to help.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a tarot guidebook, although it certainly has abundant information on the tarot. The Cards You're Dealt should be essential reading for everyone who has ever grieved, will grieve, or supports other grieving. Theresa includes somatic and embodied practices that took me years to discover. This is the guidebook I wish I had years ago, but I'm grateful to have it now!

[Brandy Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for tarot enthusiasts, students, and professional readers. This is not the tarot book that you shelf waiting for the day when you’ll “get to it” or will refer to when a card’s meaning or combination seems elusive. The Cards You’re Dealt is a rare gem in what I like to call “the sea of similar”. Absolutely outstanding Theresa!

[Tiffany Rhyan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried several times to get through this one. I've always wanted to know more about Tarot reading. I just couldn't make it through. I'm sure this is a good book, it seems well written, I just don't think it was the book for me.

[Anna Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and necessary book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fairly new to tarot reading but have read a number of other books. This one offers lots of information and wisdom. Highly recommend.

[E.]

Now that I know this is a book about tarot and grief (with exercises to do at your own pace) I might return to it later.

[Karla Strand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read the full review at https://www.spiritboundpress.com/lite...

In addition to being a tarot reader for decades, Theresa Reed, aka The Tarot Lady, has written numerous books, is a podcaster, astrologer, blogger, and a fellow Milwaukeean (okay, that last one’s just for me). This year, Reed has written a new book for using tarot when life gets tough, and it’s accessible, useful, and unique in its focus. In Part One, Reed provides some “Tarot 101” that includes dispelling some myths and misconceptions and providing some do’s and don’t’s. She then spends a chapter on the meanings of each of the cards.