Mat Auryn Interview- Author of The Psychic Art of Tarot
As an author and teacher with a serious passion for occultism and witchcraft, Mat Auryn has had the incredible fortune of learning from some of the most respected mentors in esoteric traditions that have built the foundations of everything he does today. He has written several books as his way of helping folks tap into their psychic and magickal potential, blending insights from astrology, Hermeticism, Wicca, and more. This includes Psychic Witch, Mastering Magick, The Psychic Art of Tarot, and co-authored Pisces Witch alongside Ivo Dominguez Jr.
My work has made it around the world, translated into over thirteen languages – which still blows my mind.
Mat spent a good chunk of time working as a professional psychic and tarot reader, both in the magickal hub of Salem, Massachusetts and in his private practice. His work as been featured in Witches & Pagans magazine, as well as popup in Cosmo, Newsweek, The Boston Globe, and Oprah Daily.
His focus now is all about sharing what he has learned through writing, workshops, interviews, and social media, with the hope of helping others grow and transform through psychic and magickal empowerment.
You can find Mat teaching at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies or listen to his podcast, THE CIRCLE IS podCAST, with Rachel True of The Craft. He also co-owns Datura Trading Co. and Modern Witch University in California’s Bay area.
A real pinch-me moment was having my work displayed at the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft and getting the “Most Supportive Witch” award from Witch Way Magazine—still super humbled by that and the award I’m the most proud of in my career.
Tarot, Intuition, Being a Pisces
little infinite: What is the most unique message you delivered through your work?
Mat Auryn: Something I really strive to bring to the table with my work is the importance of inclusivity in the witchcraft and spiritual communities. I’m adamant that everyone is born with the potential for both psychic ability and magick—everyone. It just needs to be re-awakened, developed, and refined in most people.
With that in mind, I’ve focused on breaking down barriers and removing gatekeeping, especially to make these practices more accessible to non-binary and trans folks, to avoid cultural appropriation, and to ensure that neurodiverse individuals feel welcome and supported. Historically, witchcraft, tarot, and other spiritual practices often fell short in these areas, sometimes unintentionally, because they were a product of their time. Navigating older texts can be challenging because the worldviews they reflect may now be seen as problematic.
Balancing respect for tradition with the necessity of evolution is central to my approach.
li: What was the changing point in your career where you realized it wasn’t just a dream but reality?
MA: Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real. Even now, I sometimes catch myself wondering how I got here. When Psychic Witch became a bestseller, it was surreal. I’ve been passionate about magick and psychic ability since I was a small child, devouring every book I could find on the topic. Writing and teaching about these subjects always felt like something I had to do, almost like a calling. But the idea that it would resonate with so many people, that it would become something more than just my personal journey, is something I’m still wrapping my head around.
Every time someone tells me how the book has impacted their life, I’m genuinely floored. It’s humbling, and it makes me feel incredibly grateful. I don’t think I’ll ever fully get used to it, and maybe that’s a good thing. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that I’m just one person sharing what I’ve learned, hoping it helps others along their path. So, in a way, it still feels like a dream, but one I’m incredibly thankful to be living.
The Psychic Art of Tarot: Opening Your Inner Eye for More Insightful Readings
Drawing on decades of experience as a professional reader, bestselling author Mat Auryn presents a comprehensive guide to unlocking your psychic potential. He shows you how to unite traditional tarot techniques and your own intuition, enhancing your readings with astounding levels of accuracy and insight.
With 78 exercises, meditations, and rituals accessible to all practitioners, The Psychic Art of Tarot provides step-by-step instructions for understanding your unique psychic style and mastering an array of skills. Explore the arts of mediumship, soul alignment, auras, energy work, scrying, and more.
Praised by Tarot: No Questions Asked author Theresa Reed as “an instant classic for tarot and psychic development,” this book will unveil new dimensions of your practice.
Includes a foreword by Rachel True, actress and author of True Heart Intuitive Tarot
li: How do you handle people who doubt in tarot cards, readings, etc?
MA: When people doubt tarot, I think it’s important to approach the conversation with openness and respect, whether they’re into it or not.
Doubt is natural, especially in any spiritual or intuitive practice. We’re often taught to rely on logic and what we can see, so when we dive into something more abstract, it’s normal to question it. In Psychic Witch, I explain that my goal isn’t to convince you that psychic ability and magick are real. Instead, I provide techniques so you can prove it to yourself. This is a core approach in all my work, including The Psychic Art of Tarot.
For someone who doesn’t practice and is skeptical, I just meet them where they’re at. I don’t push tarot on anyone. I usually explain that tarot is a tool for introspection, kind of like journaling or meditation. It’s not always about predicting the future; it’s more about gaining insight into your current situation, emotions, and thought patterns. If someone’s open to it, I might offer a reading to show them how it works. But if they’re not interested, that’s totally fine, too. Everyone has their own way of understanding the world.
li: What is your astrology sign and how do you interpret that?
MA: I’m a Pisces, and that influences everything I do. Pisces are all about intuition, empathy, and a natural pull toward the mystical, and I really lean into that in my tarot practice, teaching, and writing. That Piscean vibe helps me tap into the deeper, spiritual layers of life and connect with others on an intuitive level.
When I co-authored Pisces Witch with Ivo Dominguez Jr., it felt like the most natural thing in the world. As a Pisces, I’ve always had a strong connection to intuition, magick, and transformation, so this book was a way to pour all those Piscean vibes into something others can really connect with. We wanted to create something that speaks to the unique strengths and challenges of being a Pisces—like turning our sensitivity into a superpower, navigating the world with that fluidity not everyone understands, and staying grounded while still embracing our dreamy, otherworldly nature. It’s a love letter to all the Pisces out there, embracing the magick of what makes us who we are.
li: What are you most excited about these days?
MA: Honestly, and this may sound totally cheesy, but I’m incredibly excited for people to finally get their hands on The Psychic Art of Tarot. This book is really special to me because it’s packed with all the psychic trade secrets that helped me become a successful and in-demand reader.
I’m humbled by the journey I’ve had, and this book is my way of passing along what I’ve learned to others. It’s a chance to share what worked for me, with the hope that it will resonate and maybe even open new doors for those who are exploring the art of tarot. In many ways, this was my favorite book that I’ve written because it’s the tarot book that I always wished existed but didn’t until now.
li: What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
MA: The best compliment I’ve ever received was when someone told me that my work made them feel seen and validated in their spiritual journey. Knowing that something I shared helped someone feel understood and empowered in their own practice means the world to me. It’s moments like that which remind me why I do what I do.
Another thing that really touches me is when someone says that my book was the first they ever read on witchcraft, psychic ability, or tarot—or when someone shares how my work helped them in their practice or finally made something click. One of my favorite things to hear is when people excitedly tell me they can finally see auras after working with my books. It’s incredible to see how these practices can open up new experiences for people, and it’s an honor to be part of that journey.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS
Paperback, hardcover, ebook or audiobook?
Ebooks and audiobooks revolutionize how I research, ideal for quick references or travel. But the tactile magick of a hardcover creates a ritualistic experience.
What’s your favorite piece of clothing or jewelry?
I have a few meaningful pieces of jewelry tied to my spiritual journey. My first pentacle from Silver RavenWolf’s Teen Witch Kit reminds me of my early exploration. A fabric strip from Sybil Leek’s dress that I wear tied around my wrist. A pentacle owned by Raven Grimassi that his widow gifted me. A bracelet by Christine Ashworth Cunningham honors Scott Cunningham, a queer Wicca author who resonates with me. These pieces connect me to my journey and those who influenced it strongly at the beginning of my path.
What’s your favorite form of self-care?
Meditation grounds me. Sacred downtime— non-work books spark ideas. Nature recharges me. Tarot is my personal reflection tool. Ritual baths with salts, herbs, oils cleanse and relax me. My magickal practice guides everything I do.
What’s your favorite form of meditation?
Guided visualizations are my favorite. They combine focused intent with imagery, making it easier to access deeper states of consciousness and what we call in occultism “the inner planes.”
Advice for Writers
li: What advice do you have for our little infinite audience?
MA: Here’s my advice: It’s okay to write that first bad draft—as long as you’re writing! Seriously, don’t stress about it being perfect from the start. I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to get stuck trying to make every sentence flawless on the first go. But when you give yourself permission to write poorly, you free yourself up to just get the words out. You can always go back and polish it later, but you can’t edit a blank page. This mindset has saved me from so much writer’s block over the years.
Like a lot of writers, I used to think caffeine was my secret weapon for writing, especially when cranking out blogs. But when I started writing books, I realized I needed to be more grounded and present to really get the thoughts and words flowing. Caffeine might give me a quick boost, but it doesn’t help me sink into that deeper space where the real magick of the muses happens. Now, before I sit down to write, I do a grounding meditation. It helps me focus and really connect with what I’m trying to say.
So, don’t be too hard on yourself. Let that first draft be messy, and trust that you can refine it later. Just keep writing and stay present in the process. The most important thing is to keep those words flowing.
But at some point, if you want to tap into the deeper stuff, you have to let go of that doubt.
li: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
MA: When I started writing my first book, Psychic Witch, I was anxious about covering topics that had already been explored by countless authors. I didn’t want to rehash the same material, but I felt drawn to teach certain foundational concepts and practices before I moved on to more advanced techniques and information in the book.
My friend and mentor, Christopher Penczak, a prolific witchcraft author, gave me advice that completely shifted my perspective. He told me that even if a concept has been written about a thousand times, there’s always the possibility that my unique voice could make it click for someone who never fully grasped it before.
He reminded me that every author brings their own perspective, experiences, and energy to their work, and that’s what makes each contribution valuable. Christopher’s words helped me see the importance of trusting my own voice and the distinct way I present ideas. He made me realize that we all have something unique to offer and that the way we communicate our insights can be the key that unlocks understanding for others. It’s advice that not only guided me through writing Psychic Witch but continues to influence how I approach all my work.
Follow Mat Auryn on Instagram. Listen to his podcast, THE CIRCLE IS podCAST with Rachel True, and find more information about upcoming events on his website.
Don’t forget to check out The Psychic Art of Tarot: Opening Your Inner Eye for More Insightful Readings.