
/ca thär aks ē u/
noun
1. A portmanteau of catharasis and ataraxia
2. Moniker for all things created by Kirsten Osei
about
Kirsten Osei is a writer, media producer, and tarot reader based in Los Angeles. Her poetry has been published in Poetry & Pose Volumes I & II and her essays in Santulan Magazine. Since 2017, she's created multimedia work through video, podcasting, graphic design, and web design. Read her work on Substack. Tarot readings available here.
selected works
09 FEB 2026 | I can't keep fighting what I am
16 DEC 2025 | Things that have changed.
08 DEC 2025 | March of the Butterflies
30 OCT 2025 | The pleasure poem
10 AUG 2025 | how to be yourself.
08 JUN 2025 | An Ode to the Body, from the Soul.
20 MAR 2025 | Welcome Back
21 APR 2024 | The anchor is the buoy.
16 MAR 2024 | Of course, I want more.
podcasts
Alive & Fragile

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
substackAudie entries that capture the texture and tension of living right now.
love, fiada

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
youtubeA series of poems from the collection love, fiada, read aloud.
Cathar's Corner

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
youtubeA quiet corner discussing culture, wellness, getting older, and everything in between.

Audio
Your Magic Podcast
Audio editing, production support, and copy — including transcriptions and social posts — for this mysticism-themed podcast from April 2022 to December 2025.My favorite episodes I worked on:
Video




A 1990s History of Style for Intelexual Media (2024)
(edited)



What Was The 90s Like For Women? for Intelexual Media (2024)
(edited)



Growing Up In The 1990s for Intelexual Media (2024)
(edited)



Dreambeam has KXLUP's FIRST "Earth" Interview for NEW ALBUM Human Life (2025)
(created & edited)
DBAEA - HEY LOVRRR Visualizer (2025)
(created & edited)
DBAEA - MY LUV music video (2024)
(created & edited)
DBAEA - Perfect Human Girl '24 music video (2024)
(created & edited)






Cherry - short film (2022)
(directed & edited)
Never Far - short documentary (2020)
(directed & edited)
bonus: fan edits
Because editing for fun is, well, fun!
Oh Well - Lutalo (I Saw the TV Glow) (2026)
Sinner - Ray Laurél (The Doom Generation) (2026)
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Radiohead (Interview with the Vampire) (2023)
Fine Line - Harry Styles (Perks of Being a Wallflower) (2019)
love, fiada
From 2020 to 2023, I wrote over 120 poems. This poetry collection contains twelve of them, each accompanied by its own music.“love, fiada is a practice in acceptance. It was made because I wanted to make something and I wanted you to see it.”
Tarot entries
FORECASTS
MAR ‘26 | H-O-T T-O G-O
FEB ‘26 | The world is your oyster
JAN ‘26 | Fire the gun!
DEC ‘25 | Are you ready to take flight?
NOV ‘25 | The journey down under continues
more
16 Feb 2026 | And if nothing else stay true
24 Jan 2026 | 30 days of prompts from me to you
28 Nov 2025 | The archetypes exercise
09 Nov 2025 | How to ask a good tarot question
TAROT SESSIONS
Sessions are conducted live and recorded. Afterward, a recording will be sent to you for future referencing.All questions and topics are welcome. Feel free to ask follow-up questions and give your own insights. To get started, choose a session and submit your request.30 MIN – $60
45 MIN – $80
60 MIN – $100
THE REVIEWS ARE IN!
"Such a thorough reading! I felt so comfortable and felt the reading flowed effortlessly. I appreciate the amount of prep and thought Kirsten put into it."
– Anonymous"I had so much fun during my reading!! Kirsten has a beautiful grounded energy and is a wonderful listener. I could tell she was being very intentional with her deck and layout selections during the reading, and did a really great job explaining the cards' traditional meanings as well as her contextual interpretation. I really appreciated the way she made space for me to process out loud and it ended up being a lovely collaborative story-telling experience.I also appreciated the pre-reading process – it made me feel like Kirsten was devoting special care into understanding me and I felt really comfortable knowing that I was about to sit down with someone very thoughtful and effortful. Can't wait for my next one :) "
– SBF
FAQS
1. What is tarot?
My answer—a mirror of the soul and a helpful tool for self-illumination. The real answer—cartomancy, a form of divination where certain cards have certain meanings in response to your questioning.2. What’s the difference between oracle cards and tarot cards?
Oracle cards can have any imagery, theme, or messaging. They’re made to be more accessible to read than tarot cards. Tarot cards follow the basic structure of a tarot deck—major arcana & minor arcana cards. The messaging of each card may differ in tone, but overall the same no matter the deck. You can ask similar questions to both—I treat tarot cards like a general practitioner and oracle cards like specialists.3. Do I have to tell you my question to get a reading?
No. A big part of me reading for you is my cards picking up on your energy. If you’d like to keep your question private, try to focus on the question or situation you’re inquiring about during the shuffle. It shouldn’t affect the reading at all and may be ideal if you’re worried about projections (although I do make an effort to remain neutral).4a. (For in-person readings) Why do we both shuffle the deck?
It’s how I introduce my deck to your energy. You don’t have to shuffle the deck well or very long. Just breathe, try to clear your mind, and focus on the energy of the question or the question itself. If you find this hard, focus on allowing yourself to relax.4b. (For virtual readings) How does the deck connect with my energy?
This is why I request a song for virtual readings. Playing a song you connect with helps me bring the deck into your world. Music has historically been an effective medium between us and the beyond.4c. (For virtual readings) How do I pick the right song?
You'll know deep down which one to send. Take a deep breath and allow a song to come to mind. It will likely be one that your body responds to when you hear it. It doesn't need to be your favorite as long as it moves you (or makes you move).5. What do I need to bring with me/prepare?
Nothing but an open mind! Try to be open to whatever message the universe will deliver, but nervous energy will not disturb my ability to read for you.6. If I get a reading about the future, does that mean it will happen?
Not exactly. Future readings speak on the energy present in the moment you are receiving them. If you don’t like what you see, you may still be able to change it. A future reading is never the full picture, either, just the energy of the moment inquired on.7. Can I ask yes or no questions?
You can, but be ready to receive a nondescript answer. Tarot loves nuance, so not every yes/no question will be crystal clear.8. Can the tarot tell me what to do?
My decks will not. Tarot is better for helping you clarify the energy behind different choices or the energy around how you are making a decision. It can give you clues as to what a good choice may look like for you, but it will never decide for you. The tarot will only “tell you what to do” if this is a defining moment for you and your path.9. Do you travel for readings?
If you are in the Los Angeles area and would like to read with me in person, contact [email protected].10. What kind of payments are accepted? Do you have payment plans?
I receive payments through Venmo, but I can also receive them through PayPal, Zelle, and Stripe. Venmo is also preferred for tips & donations. If you are interested in payment plans, contact [email protected].11. Why are Tap payments more expensive?
There is a transaction fee for Tap card payments. You will be charged an additional $2 to help cover the transaction. To avoid this, use the alternate methods listed in the previous question.12. Do you do pre-recorded or written readings?
I have currently paused the pre-recorded and written formats for readings. If you have accessibility needs, feel free to email [email protected] to request accommodation.
POLICIES
1. I reserve the right to deny a reading to anyone at any time. If you have submitted a payment, you will be issued a refund.2. If it has been within 48 hours of purchase and you have changed your mind about receiving a reading, please send me an email requesting a refund, and I will refund you in full. After the 48-hour timeframe, I cannot guarantee a refund, and refunds will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Once you have received your reading, I will not issue a refund. Readings are a service, and part of what you pay for is my time.3. I am not a lawyer, financial consultant, therapist, or doctor. This means I do not answer questions related to health (mental or physical), pregnancy, death, lottery numbers, legal problems, etc. Readings are not substitutes for doctor’s visits, advice, or medication. You should always seek proper care from a healthcare professional.I am legally required to state that any communication, information, or consultation provided is for entertainment purposes only. I am not legally liable for decisions made based on readings.4. I do not give readings in such a way that removes your personal power; my intent is always to empower, empathize, heal, and give you steps and information I see relevant to you progressing forward, not remove your free will. While I am always happy to give my two cents, I do not encourage you to become reliant on readings for decision-making or living out your life choices. If I feel this becomes the case, I may issue a refund and ask you to return only after a certain amount of time has passed.5. Your reading will be delivered to you within 10 days of purchase. If it has not been past the 10-day turnaround time, please allow the full 10 days before following up. If you do not receive your reading within 10 days, I can refund you.Recordings of your session will be deleted from the servers within 14 days of delivery. Please ensure that you download this footage as it cannot be retrieved once deleted.6. I primarily accept Venmo for all purchases. For in-person readings, I can accept Tap, but an additional $2 will be charged to cover transaction fees. If you need an alternative payment method, either email [email protected] or ask me in person.7. By booking me, you agree to these terms and to being 18 years of age or older.For inquiries and clarification, please reach out to [email protected].
ETHICS
All the modalities used during a CATHARAXIA reading should be used in conjunction with your own personal agency, guidance, clarity, reflection, introspection, and self-inquiry. Similarly, any psychic intuition or channeling practiced during readings should be taken into consideration and not used as guarantees of any sort.You are participating legally and consciously deciding to opt into these services. If it's illegal to purchase readings, spiritual counselling, or decks in your particular state or country, the responsibility lies on you, and you should make sure that it's legal for you to purchase and participate.Tarot readings are not a substitute for any other professional advice for which I am not qualified. In such cases, I will recommend you seek help and guidance from a medical, legal, business, financial, therapeutic, or other professional.All readings are conducted with the utmost respect, honesty, and integrity. Please understand that readings via CATHARAXIA aren’t for anything that can be regarded as forensics, lottery, gambling, illness diagnoses, fertility, or contacting ghosts. This should not be confused with any kind of mind-reading. They do not solicit readings in any way and will not contact you unless it is explicitly in response to you initially seeking services.CATHARAXIA is aware that some people who may seek services are unfit, due to addictive behavior. If this is the case, CATHARAXIA reserves the right to decline the service. CATHARAXIA readings are open-minded, non-judgmental, and welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, cultures, religions, spiritual paths, abilities, and identities. The aim is for all parties to create an encouraging and supportive environment.The priority at CATHARAXIA is to offer insights, perspectives and guide a two-way conversation that helps you gain clarity on your specific situation. Tarot readings are not a one-size-fits all tool, so please do not feel pressure to book. CATHARAXIA is happy to recommend other readers who may align better with your values.CATHARAXIA strives for honesty and transparency and understands the nature of fallibility and interpretation. You have the right to ask questions about how information is deciphered during our allotted reading time. You have the right to ask for more clarification should something be unclear. This is encouraged. Interpretation will be conducted through storytelling, analogy, metaphor, comparison and any conversational or literary tool that will assist in getting the message across as intended. If a reading can’t be interpreted, the reason for this will be explained.Readings are treated with the utmost discretion. Your confidentiality is honoured at all times. CATHARAXIA may use the photo of your cards for promotional purposes but will never mention your name or anything that would identify you as the client. CATHARAXIA will also seek a review, noting this can be shared anonymously on Social Media, Website, Digital Marketing, Email Marketing and Out of House Marketing.CATHARAXIA will not do 3rd party readings to see what someone unrelated to the client is doing or feeling, nor will they do a reading for anyone under 18 years old. CATHARAXIA reserves the right to refuse to do a reading for a question that they feel they cannot answer, or one that goes against this Code of Ethics.