11/02/2025
How to spot a cold reader 🥶⁉️❓🤨
A cold reader is a phrase that is used to refer to someone who isn’t actually interpreting the cards or intuitively reading, but instead making generic statements; reading body language or clues. It becomes deceitful when suggest they are gaining this information from the cards or whatever divination method they are using.
The use of clues and observation is something that all humans do (often subconsciously) and is part of human communication in every day life. Unfortunately, the less genuine readers may use this technique to fill gaps or if they’re struggling to interpret the cards.
Cold readers may look at your hands and see you chew your nails down to the knuckles and say something like “ you’re an anxious person”
Your hands may be calloused and oily and they’ll say something like “you work with your hands.”
While there’s nothing wrong with observation and interpreting behaviours, it’s deceitful to suggest the information is coming from the cards.
If you come for one of my readings, it is common for me to point these things out.
For example, I pay attention to how people handle and shuffle the cards, as I have learnt to relate this to certain personality types and behaviour patterns. But I will TELL YOU “By watching the way you handle the cards, I can tell… blah, blah.” But not always. Sometimes I don’t notice or there’s nothing that stands out.
Often, these observations will be reflected in the cards, or may be relevant to the reading somehow. Sometimes it’s just interesting to hear how other people can (or can’t!) read you and your body language. I find it fascinating.
You are unique, therefore your reading should be too!
Where ever you go for a reading, you should always feel comfortable enough to relax and not feel paranoid that your reader is scanning you for clues.
There’s nothing wrong with removing wedding rings, (or adding them!), to try and throw your reader off. Or keep your hands in your pockets if you think they’ll give something away. I’ve done it myself when I’ve gone for a reading and it always makes me smile when someone picks on a false clue. One even presumed my Tshirt with New York on it, meant I’d been there recently 😆. It just means I don’t trust anything else they say, which is sad and usually means I’ve wasted more money yet again.
A genuine reader will be completely upfront and honest with you. They will tell you if they are struggling to read your cards. They will tell you if your story is a complex one. It happens, thankfully rarely, but it does happen.
You should always be given opportunity to ask questions or clarify details at the end of a reading. I would wait until the end, though, because your questions could also be leading.
And don’t forget to leave a review for your reader. It can go a long way. If there’s something you’re not happy with, let them know! Everyone learns from constructive criticism and feedback.
I hope you found this useful.
If you have any more questions and would like any particular information, just let me know.
Kat 😊
