I first came into contact with Joanna when she signed up for free Tarot readings on Biddy Tarot. I could tell this was one dedicated woman because she wanted to make sure she was fully qualified and certified even before she started offering free Tarot readings. (Read more about her personal experience of becoming a certified Tarot reader.) I have watched Joanna grow as a Tarot professional over the last year or so, embracing her business, Sun Goddess Tarot, with such enthusiasm and professionalism. Today, she shares her insights into her own journey to becoming a professional Tarot reader.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Joanna} I was interested in cartomancy since I was a child.  I found a book on cartomancy sitting amongst my Dad’s library of books and started playing with regular playing cards whilst using that book for reference.  As an adult, when I started working, I went to a Tarot Master quite regularly.  I used to pick up the card meanings from her as she interpreted the spreads because I was inquisitive.  When I hit a low point in my career some years back, I made a conscious decision to turn my life around by finding a new interest that could revitalize me.

So I chose to pursue a course with my Tarot Master in Singapore and graduated from her class with a certification. Shortly after, I got myself certified as a numerologist as well.  Hence my reading style always veered on overlaying numerology with the Tarot cards.

Armed with the new Mythic Tarot deck, I started practising my Tarot reading on family and friends.  I realized that it had changed my outlook on life, imbibed me with a new drive and renewed positivity.  More importantly, I realized I did the same for the people I read the Tarot for.  By then, I was so fuelled with enthusiasm by the clarity and assurance that I brought to the people around me through Tarot that I wanted to better my skills.

I then pursued a CPTR  qualification (Certified Professional Tarot Reader) from the Tarot Certification Board of America and I also pursued a Tarosophy Tarot Diploma from a course I took with Marcus Katz from Tarot Professionals.

Armed with more than 10 Tarot decks, and having had a substantial amount of Tarot reading experience under my belt, I established  a consultancy called Sun Goddess Tarot which I am running till today as a supplement to my day job as a marketeer.  Being a marketeer trained in marketing communications work which included public relations, marketing strategy, digital engagement and social media management, it made marketing Sun Goddess Tarot one of the most fun things I’ve ever done in my entire life.  Moreover, I found synergies between what I do as a marketeer and my Tarot reading when I started giving talks and informal coaching sessions on managing interpersonal relationships within corporations, using Tarot and numerology.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Joanna} When I was a Tarot reader in training, I volunteered as a free reader for Biddy Tarot as well as the Free Tarot Network (FTN).   With the former, I found a friend and mentor in Brigit whose blogs, books, and write-ups were very helpful to my development as a Tarot reader.  She was also my sounding board every time I needed more clarification with my readings.

Before I was involved in the FTN, I went through substantial training with a mentor appointed to guide me through my role as a reader for the FTN.   At the same time, my Tarot teacher in Singapore continued to coach me every step of the way and provided great advice whenever I needed it.  I also continued to read for my colleagues, friends and family which was critical to honing my skills.  I also have to credit the American Tarot Association, Tarot Association of the British Isles and Tarot Professionals UK for the wonderful amount of reading materials, courses and social network platforms wherein I met so many great Tarot “teachers” who helped shape me as a professional Tarot reader.

After being armed with substantial amount of reading experience and my certifications, I was appointed a mentor for the American Tarot Association. I also mentor a few Tarot protégés here locally in Singapore.  Mentoring Tarot protégés is one of the most gratifying experiences for me particularly when I see them follow a similar journey and setting up their businesses respectively.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Joanna} Honestly, I didn’t.  I spent a good number of months doing free readings and not charging because I was not confident of myself.   Then I started to do Tarot readings at events to raise funds for charity.  That was when my confidence increased a lot more and from then, I went on to charge a fee for the reading, with part proceeds given to my favourite charity, the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Joanna} My biggest fear is that I would not be able to manage my day job as a marketeer whilst running Sun Goddess Tarot.  I was worried that time and commitment would be my barrier.  However, it wasn’t really as most of my weekends and week nights are spent on Tarot readings.  The timings coincided with my clients who also preferred to meet me after work in the evenings, or during weekends.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Joanna} The first thing I did was to be clear about my objectives which was to bring light to my clients by giving them clarity and assurance through my Tarot readings.  That’s when I saw an image of the Sun in my mind.  True to my Leo personality, I was fired with so much enthusiasm and energy when it came to Tarot, and this helped me envision what my business was going to be called.  That’s how the name Sun Goddess Tarot came about.

I promptly wrote a creative brief and worked with a designer to develop my logo and create my website www.sungoddesstarot.com I also set up my Facebook page and Twitter account by then as additional platforms to engage my clients as well as people who are generally interested in Tarot.

As a marketeer,  I was able to create a marketing plan and a digital engagement plan to support my Tarot business.  These skills were also useful when I helped my protégés set up theirs eventually.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Joanna} I do face to face readings locally as well as email readings for clients who reside overseas.  I also do a lot of Tarot readings at corporate events  and charity fund-raisers as well as smaller events like birthdays, seasonal events like Halloween  and bachelorette parties.  I also run coaching workshops and talks to targeted groups of people like a women entrepreneur’s networking group and a financial sales managers’ group.

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Joanna} I am continuously learning along the way, and haven’t stopped taking courses to better my Tarot reading skills.  In the next 12 months, I envision that corporate and personal training programs will become increasingly in demand.  Beyond the usual training program packages that one gets from a soft skills trainer or a  human capital development professional, there will be demand for Tarot reading and Numerology skills like mine to support the need for coaching interpersonal communication skills.  Hence I am in the midst of garnering a lot more knowledge in that area and have plans to upskill myself to develop that aspect of my business.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Joanna} In the face of continuous scepticism, what’s critical for future success is my efforts to demystify Tarot by continually educating people whom I touch everyday either via my social networking sites, or my clients.  Also, credibility and professionalism is important so what’s critical to achieving that is the continuous pursuit of knowledge to enhance my skills and to keep abreast of the latest developments within the Tarot community.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Joanna} When you have decided to set up a Tarot business, it’s not longer a situation where your sole responsibility lies just between your querant and yourself.   You will need to think of it as a business.  Like any business, it needs to be not only governed by a set of code of ethics, it needs to be a registered business, established legally, you will need to keep track of your own P&L you need to have a 1 year to 3 year plan for the business and part of your plans will need to include investing in the marketing of the business.

It may seem daunting at first, but if you enquire within the Tarot community, there are fellow Tarot professionals who run business coaching skills… like Brigit’s Tarot business coaching.

It’s not enough to hone your Tarot reading skills.  Marketing skills are essential.  Understand what are the latest and greatest in the marketing world so that you can make use of these tools to enhance the way you do business, and the way you communicate with your clients.

Always ensure you operate with a set of code of ethics and you uphold your professionalism by continuously honing your skills through courses, and Tarot reading practice.  You owe it to your clients to provide them with as clear a reading as possible that could help them influence their own outcomes.

Never lose your confidence. Keep practising.  There’s no such thing as a bad Tarot reader or a good Tarot reader.  You are a Tarot reader only if you are clear with your objectives and are pure with your intent.   And there’s no such thing as “I am not intuitive”.  Everyone has intuition, and everyone can read the Tarot.  However, there’s always a chance of reading that’s not clear.  It is not enough to know the meanings behind the cards.  Intuition plays an important role in interpretation and intuition can only be honed by practice.

Also, like any job, don’t be afraid to work very hard.  I meet my clients after work on weekday evenings and then start on my email readings at night or run through reading scenarios with my protégés then.  At about 11pm, I will start studying for some of the courses I had signed up for and will then get ready for bed at about 2am.  On weekends, I do meet clients for Tarot readings, do Tarot readings at events,  run my coaching sessions, meet fellow Tarot reading friends and protégés, and prepare my coursework.  In between these, I am always planning the next marketing activity or looking for other business opportunities.  The pace is almost non-stop but because I am so passionate about Tarot, I feel it is extremely energizing and rewarding..

{Brigit} Any other comments or learnings you want to share in closing?

{Joanna} The Tarot community worldwide is my extended family.  Like family, they are critical in my development as a Tarot reader when they share their experiences, and when they provide me with sound advice.  So if you are a Tarot enthusiast keen on starting your own business, please start by getting involved with the Tarot community by subscribing to Tarot blogs, joining Tarot associations, going for the local Tarot meetups.

And don’t forget to pay it forward.  There are other up and coming Tarot readers out there who are starting out like you did before.  Please render help and support the way the rest of the community had rendered you the same.

Want to ask Joanna a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Joanna Ash

Joanna is a qualified and experienced tarot reader who obtained her Certified Professional Tarot Reader’s qualification from the Tarot Certification Board of America.  She also holds a Tarosophy Tarot Diploma. She is a member of the Tarot Association of the British Isles and the American Tarot Association.  She volunteers as a reader for the international Free Tarot Network and currently mentors beginner tarot readers on behalf of the American Tarot Association.

Joanna is also a certified numerologist and her tarot reading style involves combining numerology with intuitive reading of the tarot cards.

Besides face-to-face and email Tarot readings, Joanna has been involved in tarot readings at corporate events including fund-raising events in support of charities like the Children’s Cancer Foundation.  She also runs coaching sessions and corporate talks on interpersonal skills development leveraging Tarot and Numerology.

Joanna blogs regularly about Tarot at http://sungoddesstarot.blogspot.com and engages her friends and clients via Facebook at www.facebook.com/sungoddesstarot and Twitter @SunGoddessTarot.  More details about Sun Goddess Tarot can be found on www.sungoddesstarot.com

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

If you’re inspired by Joanna’s story, I can help you create a sustainable and successful Tarot business. A business where you’re helping transform the lives of others and generating a serious income for yourself because your customers value what you do. Find out more about Tarot business coaching with me, including how you can receive a free 15 minute coaching session.

Or, if you want to build your confidence first and offer free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback, check out my Free Readings page and get in touch to add your profile.

Coming Next Week: Girl Next Door Becomes a Professional Tarot Reader

Next Friday, I’ll share with you another inspiring story of how this ‘girl next door’ turned her love of Tarot into a business.

Christy was one of the first free Tarot readers at Biddy Tarot. I was so proud to hear at the start of this year that she had finally got the confidence to set up her own Tarot business! And in fact, it was her story that inspired me to share all of these wonderful ‘going pro’ stories with you.

Christy has such a down-to-earth, girl-next-door feel to her. No wonder her new business is called Tarot Girl Next Door. Today, she shares with us her journey towards becoming a professional Tarot reader.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Christy} The first time I heard of tarot, I was maybe 13, and I came across a book about tarot spells at the local library. Instead of doing my schoolwork, I ended up flipping through every tarot book I could find that afternoon.  I bought my first deck soon after, and quickly became the most popular slumber party guest among the girls at my middle school- doing readings about, you guessed it, boys!  But I didn’t take it too seriously- and at some point in high school my cards ended up in a storage box tucked away inside a closet.

Fast forward ten years to a couple of summers ago, when I was clearing the last of my childhood belongs from my parent’s house and came across that old deck.  I happened to be at a crossroads in my life and decided to consult the tarot for advice- just for the heck of it.  Well- I was absolutely blown away by the insight the cards provided. And for the first time, I truly caught a glimpse of the power of tarot in terms of the practical advice it offers to regular people like myself.

I took the cards home with me and began to consult my deck more and more often- deepening my study of tarot through books and following professional reader’s blogs.

And that’s when I found Brigit and www.biddytarot.com!  I started offering free readings on her tarot site and was fortunate enough to read for many wonderful people along the way in exchange for their feedback- which helped me to grow exponentially.

I did my first “professional” reading at a bar in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a group of women about six months ago. It was a little noisy for my taste, but it went well overall. I even read for the wait staff and bartenders- everyone got into it! And at the request of several repeat customers who wanted to pay me for my services, I finally launched my professional tarot business online- Tarot Girl Next Door- just a few weeks ago!

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Christy} Practice, practice and more practice!

Nothing is more valuable to me in terms of developing my intuition and understanding of the cards than querent feedback following a reading. A reading is like a riddle or a puzzle- and finding out where I hit the nail on the head (as well as where my interpretation may have missed the mark) took my reading skills from amateur to professional.

Experience also helped me define my ethics and boundaries- which I think are critical to being a professional reader.  All sorts of things can come up during a tarot reading- and I believe a professional must have the confidence to navigate through any situation with integrity and sensitivity.

Of course I did some formal study, read TONS of tarot books and joined the American Tarot Association.  I also follow other reader’s blogs- which I find incredibly informative and inspiring in terms of my ongoing study of tarot.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Christy} For me, it was a natural progression and happened organically.  The more I read, the more passionate I became about tarot and so the more I studied.  And the more I studied, the more confident I became in my skills. And around that same time, folks who were coming back for second and third readings wanted a way to compensate me- and so, it just made sense to “go professional.”

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Christy} I love helping people with tarot- doing readings and sharing practical tips and tools for using the cards in every day life.  But I don’t like paper work- I’m not an accountant and don’t have a business background.  Thus, my fears are about my ability to manage the administrative side of things- which I know will be critical to the success of Tarot Girl Next Door.

So I am committed to doing it right from the start- taking time to learn about establishing a small business- talking to accountants and other experts- and setting up structures and processes from day one that will ensure efficient management in the long-term.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Christy} I did a lot of research online about establishing a small business and talked to several friends who are small business owners.  I also purchased the Tarot Lady’s Tarot Business in a Box, which was very helpful in terms of understanding the administrative side of things, as well as marketing and social media.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Christy} Through Tarot Girl Next Door, I aim to bring tarot down-to-earth by interpreting the cards in a way that resonates with real people and has a practical application in every day life.

I read for strangers as I read for friends, always keeping their best interests in mind.  My readings are intended to provide insight and guidance that enables my clients to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition, ultimately empowering them to make enlightened decisions about their life path, relationships, career, wellbeing and spiritual development.

My business is primarily online, and I offer readings at several different (and affordable) price points on my website (www.tarotgirlnextdoor.com).  I also will do in person readings in the Philadelphia area by special request. I also have a blog where I frequently post tips and suggestions for practical ways to use tarot (www.tarotgirlnextdoor.tumblr.com).

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Christy} Ultimately, I would like to offer tarot advising packages to clients online- whereby we would identify a specific life issue (e.g. improving relationship with partner,  identifying a new career path,  spiritual development, etc.) to work on together for several months using tarot and related exercises as a framework for growth.  I am also considering running retreats or online workshops for groups of folks interested in using tarot for journaling, affirmations and other methods of reflection and personal development.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Christy} Because of its ties to the occult, many people misunderstand the tarot and never get to experience its many practical applications.  I believe that finding ways to talk about tarot in a way that resonates with every day people will be critical to the future success of my business- as well as for all tarot professionals.  I want to find ways to demonstrate tarot as a tool that is useful in real life.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Christy} I found the professional tarot community to be very open and welcoming to newcomers – and quite supportive of amateur readers. Many well-established tarot professionals share a lot of resources and network online. So, don’t be shy! Participate in the online tarot community.

Want to ask Christy a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Christy Talbot

Christy is a regular girl, who happens to have a finely-tuned sixth sense.  She uses her intuition and experience as a tarot reader to make its lessons relevant to every day, real life. Her readings focus on empowerment and providing clients with insight and clarity that will enable them to make well-informed decisions about their relationships, careers and overall life path. She offers readings online delivered as PDF file via email.  She also reads in person in the Philadelphia area.  For more information, visit www.tarotgirlnextdoor.com. Or connect with her at:

• www.tarotgirlnextdoor.tumblr.com
• https://www.facebook.com/tarotgirlnextdoor
• http://twitter.com/TarotGrlNxtDoor

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

If you’re inspired by Christy’s story, I can help you create a sustainable and successful Tarot business. A business where you’re helping transform the lives of others and generating a serious income for yourself because your customers value what you do. Find out more about Tarot business coaching with me, including how you can receive a free 15 minute coaching session.

Or, if you want to build your confidence first and offer free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback, check out my Free Readings page and get in touch to add your profile.

Coming Next Week: Success is as You Define It…

Next Friday, I’ll share with you another inspiring story of a Tarot reader who has taken a more subdued approach to building her Tarot business.

Sign up for even more tips on becoming a professional Tarot reader: Get the BiddyTarot Blog direct to your Inbox or RSS Feed

I asked some of the leading professional Tarot readers, authors and experts the following question:

“What is your best (and uncommon) piece of advice for someone wanting to become a professional Tarot reader?”

I was so impressed by the insights each Tarot professional had to share. From being true to yourself, to practising at local events to being consciously ‘professional’ – you’ll be amazed too at what these Tarot experts have to say.

Read the insider secrets and advice below to help you become a professional Tarot reader. Responses (in alphabetical order) from:

• Angelo Nasios
• Arwen Lynch
• Carolyn Cushing
• Christiana Gaudet
• Gina Thies
• Ginny Hunt
• James Wells
• Kim Huggens
• Linda Marson
• Mary K Greer
• Ruth Ann & Wald Amberstone
• Sasha Graham

And when you’re done, I would love to hear your unique tip for becoming a professional Tarot reader in the comments section.

Angelo Nasios, Tarosophist of the Year (2011) and Blogger at That’s Totally Tarot

Becoming a professional tarot reader is no easy task. There are many things to learn besides tarot. First, being a professional in any field requires a certain level of professional etiquette, specifically communication. Second you need to promote a professional appearance.

Communication deals with all forms of interactions with your client. Other than being a tarot reader I have been working in the banking industry for six years and I have learned a great deal about communication. I read online via email, so my written communication skills need to be very polished. Response time is important. You want to make sure your clients are not waiting around for hours waiting for a response from you.

Secondly, what is inside your emails is very important. Proper grammar is important, because using slang, abbreviations and having spelling mistakes makes you look immature and unprofessional. You are not texting your best friend, you are communicating with a paying client, so act professionally.

Professional appearance is also important. This comes through in how you dress and look, and how your website looks. If you read in person will you dress the part as a gypsy? Or will you dress more ‘normal’? It all depends on your character, style and personality. Website appearance is critical. My own website has gone through many incarnations over the last ten years. From my own creation from what HTML I learned in high school to my current HTML5 site powered by wix.com, I have tried to capture my essence as a reader online. I have done dark and spooky, mystical with stars and the whole shebang.

Finally the uncommon advice – be selective in who you read for. You do not need to read for everyone; you are not obligated to read for all of humanity. Have a standard for your practice, what type of clientelle you wish to read for.

Why be selective? Because if you read for everyone that wants a reading from you, you will find yourself in situations you would rather not have. Dealing with clients you would rather not deal with, answering questions you rather not answer. You decide who you read for.

Learn more about Angelo Nasios and read his Tarot blog at That’s Totally Tarot.

Arwen Lynch, Professional Tarot Reader and President of the American Tarot Association

Never believe you know it all. I think the moment we grow overly confident that we have nailed all there is to know about Tarot–BOOM. The Universe tosses a golden apple at our feet then giggles like a mad thing when we fall on our noses.

Because I don’t believe I can ever know it all, I am always learning more. I learn from everyone I encounter including my clients. I leave space in our consultations for them to share their thoughts on cards. This has enriched me more than I can begin to say.

Learn more about Arwen and connect via Facebook.

Carolyn Cushing, Change Maker and Tarot Enthusiast and Founder of Art of Change Tarot

“Know thyself” was inscribed over the entrance to the Temple of the Oracle at Delphi in ancient Greece. This is good advice for all seekers and especially those who want to be professional Tarot readers.  Know the special perspectives and gifts that you bring from your non-Tarot background.  Know your motivations for taking your Tarot to the professional level.  Know your own special way of working with cards and revealing their wisdom.  Know your boundaries, those things that you will and will not do or read about.  Having a personal practice that incorporates Tarot is a great support for the building of both self knowledge and a connection to that which is greater than yourself.

I’m assuming that you have a grasp of the cards if you are considering going pro.  But, I say, never assume you know all about the Tarot.  Keep learning through exchanging with others, exploring new innovations in Tarot, and having beginners mind when you approach the cards.  The cards and their storehouse of symbols continue to fascinate me because they are constantly revealing something new. Become a Tarot professional because the cards are both familiar guides and constant teachers.  Then step into the dynamic flow of the Tarot and enjoy the adventure.

Learn more about Carolyn Cushing and connect via Facebook.

Christiana Gaudet, Certified Tarot Grandmaster

My book “Fortune Stellar: What Every Professional Tarot Reader Needs to Know” offers a great deal of advice to aspiring tarot professionals, including two primary pieces. One is to use tarot to plan your business. So often we forget to use our best tools for our own benefit! The other is that it’s your business – you can fashion it any way you want!

Beyond that my best advice is to foster two things – one in yourself and the other in your business. You need patience and your business needs good will. You need the patience because it takes some time to develop that good will.

What is good will in business? Good will is the trust you earn over time. It is your reputation as a professional. Whatever your venue, good will is the true value of your business.

Good will is what makes a mother say to a daughter “Call our tarot reader; she’ll know what to do!” Good will is what makes an event planner say “Call that tarot reader and see if she can work our event again, she’s terrific!” Good will is what makes the groom say to the bride “Don’t forget to invite our tarot reader to the wedding.”

Good will brings you return clients. Good will brings you referrals. Good will sells gifts certificates because your clients can think of no better gift for their loved ones than a reading with you.

You earn good will for your business over time. You earn it by being reliable, charitable and compassionate. You earn it by having good ethics and good skills. You earn it by being there when you are needed. You earn it by being visible.

In my years in business I have been a high school student’s senior psychology project. I have read at countless charity events. I have taught programs to senior citizens in assisted living. I don’t earn money for doing these things – I earn something far more valuable. I earn good will.

There is no replacement for good will, and no short cut. Good will is the advertising you can’t buy, the respect you must earn and the commodity that will make your business a success in years to come.

Learn more about Christiana Gaudet or follow her on Facebook.

Gina Thies, Professional Tarot Advisor and Editor of Tarot Tips Newsletter of The Tarot School

My advice would be that no matter what you feel the cards indicate, avoid giving advice on matters where you lack knowledge or experience. This goes beyond the obvious legal, medical or financial areas, in which one may not have licensing or certification. So consider for instance, if you have never owned a business, how would you be able to advise an experienced business owner? In addition to this, do not be afraid to use phrases like, “it’s not clear”, “it’s a possibility” or “ I don’t know”.

Learn more about Gina Theis and connect via Facebook.

Ginny Hunt, Owner of 78 Notes to Self: A Tarot Journal

The thing that makes your tarot readings shine is the same thing you must use to navigate your business — your intuition.  Listen to it when it tells you not to read for someone.  Heed it when it warns you against accepting that tarot gig.  If it’s nudging you to take a risk, take it.  If you can trust it when doing a reading, you can trust it for your day to day business life as well.  Get advice from pros, too, because intuition will only take you so far.  You need practical advice on how to set up and run your business. Network with other tarot professionals.

Be proud of what you do and get the word out about yourself but don’t be annoying.  Nobody appreciates someone who is constantly promoting themselves on social media.  It appears desperate and needy.  Share yourself, let people get to know you, engage and interact with people. BE YOURSELF.

Don’t fall prey to the temptation to imitate someone you admire. We don’t need another like them, we need your specific gifts and talents. The tarot community is a smallish pond and sometimes we inadvertently step on each other, think of the same things, and get the same brilliant ideas.  That’s ok as long as you present it with your own flavor.  No one else can bring to the table what you have in quite the way you do.

Learn more about Ginny at her blog 78 Notes To Self or follow Ginny on Facebook.

James Wells, Tarot Listener, Consultant, Teacher, and Facilitator

First, know who you are and what it is that you offer as a tarot practitioner.  What are the primary facets of your personality that people will likely encounter?  What are your interests, your dislikes, the aspects of you that endear you to people, the aspects of you that are less endearing, the traits that (at this point in your life, anyway) add up to the image you present to the world?  Who is most likely to resonate with that image?  Reach out to them.  What unique perspective or process do you bring to your tarot practice?  What is it that you actually do in a session?  What have people told you stands out as your gift to tarot reading?  Build on it.

Don’t spend too much time telling people what you don’t do.  Focus on what you DO offer and what your style IS.  Gear your words, images, and other materials to people who are most likely to appreciate the experience that you offer.  There’s no point in offering predictive readings to people who want psychological insight and it’s futile to publicise tarot counselling to folk who want psychic readings.

Know yourself, know your audience, and be clear about who you are and what you do.

Second, the word “professional” invites us to contemplate the verb “to profess”.  When a member of a religious or spiritual community makes her/his profession, s/he is publicly taking a vow of dedication to whatever is sacred to her/him.  At that moment, a person remembers his/her holy calling and solemnly affirms his/her commitment to that calling as faithfully as possible.  Then tangible symbols of the profession are given to the initiate.

What might a professional tarot reader’s version of this look or sound like?  What, to you, is sacred?  To what are you called as a tarot practitioner?  How might you declare your dedication?  How might you receive the symbols of the tarot in a way that encourages you to be of service?

In your own way, make a vow to be an excellent practitioner of, and ambassador for, the best that the tarot can offer.

Learn more about James Wells.

Kim Huggens, Young Tarosophist of the Year (2012), Author and Deck Creator

One of the scariest things about starting out as a professional Tarot reader is trying to work out what the reader expects of you. Should you be an all-powerful, all-knowing oracle filled with wisdom that can be dispensed if enough money is put in? Should you be a counselor or therapist? Should you be 100% right 100% of the time? A surprising number of us think we should be all of these things, but the truth is, we’re human, and we’re all still learning (no matter how experienced with the cards we are!)

So, the best thing I ever did for my own self-confidence as a professional Tarot reader was to preface all my sessions with a nice cup of tea. I’m British, we run on tea. If you’re American, coffee will do, or perhaps even a hot chocolate, a herbal infusion… The important thing is that this warm beverage is something that immediately triggers a certain response in us: ‘Mmmmm… and relax.’ It’s something we drink when we have friends over for a casual chat. We drink it when we want a break from work. We drink it when we want a moment out of time just for ourselves. So, make that cuppa, and make it well. And don’t be afraid to chat casually to the client while making it – this isn’t cheating!

This hot drink (this bit even works with water) will also allow you, as a reader, to take a few moments away from doing the talking to just sip your drink and examine the cards. Often, we panic when we think we don’t know what the cards are saying, and those few moments of trying to work them out can feel like an eternity, and also like a failure. It isn’t. But we need a way to trick ourselves into learning that! So, while your lips are wrapped around the cup, they can’t be forming words. And that means you can think unhindered by fear. It’s also very easy to dehydrate while reading, so the beverage helps with that.

Tarot and Tea for Two!”

Learn more about Kim Huggens and discover her Tarot deck, Pistis Sophia Tarot.

Linda Marson, Professional Tarot Reader, Teacher, Author and Founder of Global Spiritual Studies

Your job as a tarot reader is so much easier if you help clients formulate their questions. For me, this is the key to an effective reading because it allows clients to explore their issue more fully. I steer people away from closed questions, that is, questions like ‘Will I get the job I’ve applied for?’ The only answer here is ‘yes’ or ‘no’. For me it’s more effective to help clients ask open questions. Then choose a layout which points to a likely outcome but also offers a range of issues to be considered. In other words, readings that help clients make informed decisions.

Let’s tweak the question to be ‘What will happen as a result of the job application I’ve just submitted?’. For this sort of question I use a seven-card layout with one card providing ‘the answer’ and other cards indicating a short term outcome, a longer term outcome, the environment surrounding the question and so on. If the Five of Swords is the ‘answer’, the Six of Wands the short term outcome and the Devil the longer term outcome, you could talk about stiff competition for the position, followed by your client being the successful applicant. However, you could also say that the cards are indicating your client may find  the job frustrating a year or so down the track due to restrictions that were not immediately obvious. This gives you client ammunition for their interview, alerts them to the need to seek more information about the nature of the job so that, when offered the position, they can make the decision that’s right for them.

So, ‘get the question right’ is my single piece of advice!

Learn more about Linda Marson on Global Spiritual Studies and Experience the Tarot.

Mary K Greer, Scholar, Writer, Teacher, Professional Tarot Consultant and Grandmaster

The best advice I can offer is that, after you’ve gained familiarity with the cards and have read for family, friends and friends of friends and now want to hang up your shingle, you can benefit from a rite of passage. I suggest one that both tests your ability to work with clients and pushes you to the next level.

The ideal way to do this is to volunteer to read at a charity event or for good cause, but any faire that will allow charity readings can work. It’s best if you read for two full days, although one long day may suffice. Charge a tad lower than professional rates for short readings (15-20 minutes is usual) with all the money going to the cause (it’s even better if the organizers collect the money).

Hopefully, you will be busy the whole time, so make sure you bring water and an easy-to-munch-on snack and that you schedule a couple of breaks. If someone asks for a reading at the very end of the day, try to fit them in. You want to push yourself beyond what you think you can do, for, when you reach that point, there is often a breakthrough.

At the end, note the things you learned, what you did best and where you could improve. If it’s okay with the organizers, distribute your new business card or flyers and make a professional sign.

At the end of a very full weekend, I guarantee you’ll be on the far side of the divide with a bevy of professional readings under your belt.

One final thing—make sure you know and comply with local laws and business regulations.

Learn more about Mary K Greer.

Ruth Ann & Wald Amberstone, Founders of the Tarot School and Producers of the Annual Readers Studio Tarot Conference

One of the challenges you might face once you’ve decided to go pro is where to find those first clients. Friends and family are great for practice, but it might be awkward to start charging them, especially if you’ve been reading for them for free. However, don’t feel shy about asking them to refer you to their friends and co-workers if they’ve found your readings helpful.

If there’s a local metaphysical shop, find out if they host readers at the store.

If so, offer an “audition reading” to the shop owner. You’ll most likely have to split your fee, but it can be a good way to get known in the community. Check with area cafes and restaurants, as well.

If you have your own personal service business (bodyworker, hairdresser, yoga instructor, etc.), you’re really in luck! Your own clients are a great source of potential reading clients. They already know and trust you, and are already used to paying you.

No matter where you find your clientele, make sure you have a professional looking website where prospects can learn about you, your approach to reading, the types of readings you offer and price schedule. Your business card should include your website’s URL, your phone number and email address as well.

Learn more about Ruth Ann & Wald Amberstone and connect via Facebook.

Sasha Graham, Tarot Card Reader and Author of Tarot Diva

Tarot Reading is a fabulous, noble profession, allowing you to create your own schedule, set your own hours and indulge in your passions. Best part? Zero start up cost. Two essential elements stick out in my mind if you seek success.

Be Professional

Tarot Readers historically operated on the fringes of society but it doesn’t mean you should. Write a business plan, invest in a marketing strategy, get to your local Small Business Administration to find support etc. Return emails and business queries immediately. This is especially important if you want to work parties and events which is guaranteed to bring you the most income in the least amount of time. Never get catty with other readers. There are over 7 billion people on the planet. Trust you will find your client base.

Be Yourself

“Know Thyself,” an ancient Greek motto salient for your life and career. Know who you are. Be true to it. A Tarot Reader has the luxury of creating her own mystique, we are goddesses of insight. The public expects us to be eccentric. Don’t feel like you have to “fit in” in order to become a successful business woman or man. Use what makes you special in attracting like minded clients. Are you a goth chick, obsessed with darkness? Create a reading chamber akin to Hecate’s boudoir.  Are you a passionate gardener? Offer garden readings in the midst of cultivated flower beds. Take what makes you special, what you love and place it in the center of your Tarot business.

And by the way, one of my favorite things about being a Professional Tarot Reader? Aging only works to our benefit. Good luck oh wise one!

Learn more about Sasha Graham and check out Tarot Diva: Ignite Your Intuition Glamourize Your Life Unleash Your Fabulousity!

Meet Carla. Carla is perhaps not as ‘gung-ho’ as other professional Tarot readers who are eagerly building their businesses. Carla is in full time employment and considers her tarot business as a fulfilling sideline that she prefers to maintain at a smaller scale.

I think Carla’s story is special because it shows that you don’t have to be highly ambitious in this journey towards professional Tarot reading. There are other ways about it, and Carla’s story shows this.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Carla} I picked up my first tarot deck in 2009 because a journal I was using had a place in it for a card spread. I then sought guidance for using cards at Aeclectic Tarot,  joined there, and began to learn through reading books and reading for myself. I attended my first tarot conference in 2010, and I believe that was the year I did my first reading for pay as well.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Carla} I read for members of Aeclectic Tarot, took part in exchanges there, read for family and friends. Mostly I read for myself. I also gave ‘practice readings’ out loud for stuffed animals and for fictional characters. That was fun.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Carla} I wanted to read for others, and feel that the time it takes it worth the money I charge. In fact, my charges are generally rather low.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Carla} I was not sure if my readings were up to scratch, but when comparing my own readings with those provided by others, I feel they are at least as good. In addition, I have received consistent positive feedback from those I read for.

I was never afraid that my readings would not be ‘accurate’, because I don’t fortune-teller type readings and I do not give advice. My reading style is all about empowering and helping people make their own decisions.  Even before I discovered tarot, I have always been the type of person people have turned to when they need an ear, and have been told on many occasions that I make a good counselor.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Carla} I looked into having a website, but realised a free blog would work just as well, so I started a blog and had some business cards printed, which I leave any and everywhere on my travels!

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Carla} My tarot business, Rowan Tarot, is online. I specialise in email readings, but can also read by telephone or via Skype. I feel that the written reading is valuable, because of its detail, and its permanent record. The client can keep the reading to look at again and again, without having to rely on the vagaries of memory.

I also specialise in the type of reading I do, readings which focus on the personal growth of the client. My readings are designed to empower, heal and guide, and so I do not generally accept ‘Why doesn’t he love me anymore?’ type romance readings, unless the client is willing to turn that around to, ‘Why do I feel I need him to still love me, and what can I do about it?’

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Carla} I would like to continue with providing readings via email, at a rate which is comfortable for me.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Carla} My idea of success may not be yours. If I am able to read regularly for others and know that I have genuinely been of help to my clients, I feel successful, and that has no figure of income attached to it. That said, I believe the most critical thing is to secure a loyal client base who will bring in other clients by word of mouth.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Carla} Do it for your own reasons, and don’t expect it to be easy or to lead to buying a mansion after the first year.

Want to ask Carla a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Carla

Carla is a member of the Tarot Association of the British Isles. She offers readings at Rowan Tarot because she believes that everyone deserves to enjoy the deeper insight into their lives that tarot can bring.

Carla sees tarot as the most powerful divination tool for giving us clarity and direction. Her readings are for self-guidance, empowerment, and personal growth. She also offers tarot spells, oracle readings and Lenormand readings. She can suggest flower remedies and mantras to use in association with personal goal setting.

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

If you’re inspired by Carla’s story, I can help you create a sustainable and successful Tarot business. A business where you’re helping transform the lives of others and generating a serious income for yourself because your customers value what you do. Find out more about Tarot business coaching with me, including how you can receive a free 15 minute coaching session.

Or, if you want to build your confidence first and offer free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback, check out my Free Readings page and get in touch to add your profile.

Coming Next Week: Turning a Personal Struggle Into a Gift

Next Friday, I’ll share with you another inspiring story of a Tarot reader who turned her personal turmoil and struggle into a gift to be shared with others through Tarot.

I only ‘met’ Kelsey online a few weeks ago, but I was intrigued by her Tarot business, elegant website design and her talent for words.

Kelsey shares her story below of how she was able to turn a personal struggle into a true blessing by using the Tarot cards. She now shares this love for the Tarot with her clients, delivering professional Tarot readings at The Tarot Nook.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Kelsey} I bought my first Tarot deck when I was 13 years old.  It was the Enchanted Tarot, a beautifully sweet deck that I recommend for the young, but with which I never really connected.  I think this failure was probably owing to the Tarot’s newness for me, as well as the fact that I never spoke about it with anyone.  At 15, I bought the Thoth and began reading for others.  I read every work that I could find by Aleister Crowley, Austin Osman Spare, Robert Anton Wilson, etc.  I was deeply interested in both Chaos Theory and Chaos Magick, and I still occasionally come across the odd sigil from that era.  It was a very rich time for me, both with the Tarot and with the production of art and writing.

When I started college, Tarot took a backseat.  I was 20 and while I still threw, I felt a certain degree of shame about it, as if it was some childish tick.  My studies were very focused on philosophy and art and I started using the William Blake Tarot, which was a lovely fit.  I went to a psychologist at 24 and requested Behaviour Modification techniques that I might quit the Tarot, en toto.  I thought it was a waste of time that hampered my productivity in art and writing.  Clearly, that didn’t work so well, and by the time I hit 27 I found myself in a very toxic work environment (see where over-productive, A-type behaviour gets you?) that stretched my relationship with my mother to the breaking point.  Tarot was the only thing holding me together.  I had no control.  I hated it.  At 30, I started using the Rider-Waite compulsively; I didn’t have faith in anything or anyone.  I only read for myself.  In retrospect, I realize that this was a very educational time for me, rivalling the Thoth era.  But it was incredibly painful.  The Hanged Man was in every reading.  I was internalized, stuck, and in need of a Tower-like event to get me out.  It came, and I’ve never looked back.

Since I went professional with The Tarot Nook, I use the Dali Universal.  I throw Tarot for others almost every day, so it’s very rare that I read for myself.  I don’t know how to see this except as a transmutation.  I exteriorized what had become a very understandable compulsion in light of my circumstance and offered it in service to others.  I benefit to the extent that my clients do, and I can’t imagine a better foundation for any business.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Kelsey} If preparation is conscious, then I did nothing whatsoever.  I never got certified and I never read for strangers until I decided to go pro.  With that said I did many readings for friends-of-friends and -relatives in my teens, and had some pretty decent word-of-mouth going for me back then.  Professional adults consulted me regularly.

Also, the careers I’ve had — caring for the Developmentally Disabled, teaching at the college level, and nannying – have made me pretty empathic and patient with the disenfranchised and/or anyone who genuinely wants or needs help.  I don’t frontload people or jump to knee-jerk judgments, I let them speak and I listen.  Doing so, in whatever career, always makes me immensely happy.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Kelsey} Like Sam and Joanna whom you interviewed before me, I didn’t.  Indeed, I didn’t even realize it could be a profession.  Growing up, I had always been called wise, and that old-hat, “old soul” had been placed on my head enough times that it frankly made me angry.  But from 20-32, I was an academic who got paid to go to school.

Before I quit academia, I was living in Paris and compulsively throwing Rider-Waite, as mentioned above.  I couldn’t sleep and spent too much time online where I came across some “psychic” chat rooms.  I was fascinated!  I was horrified!  I lurked, observed, and if someone seemed the least bit sane (which was only twice, but they do exist), asked for a freebie card.  Both “psychics” pulled cards, paused, and asked me: “Are you psychic?”  I answered honestly: I was well versed in Tarot and Astrology, but I was definitely NOT psychic.  They were nonplussed.  The first pulled further cards and told me: “Well, you’re powerful.  And whether it’s in this life or several, you’ve lived and died many, many times.  You’re old.”  The second pulled one more card and told me: “You’re giving way too much power away.  You need to stop.”

One year later, when I finally quit academia, all careers that I pursued over the 6 months that followed were inexplicable dead ends.  My education was a major liability unless I wanted to be an (ouf!) academic.  I couldn’t even get an entry-level job cleaning the outside of jets because that would be a “waste of my talents,” and believe me, I really wanted that job!  I then looked into working for that same “psychic” network.  I got my papers in order with them, started offering free readings to any and all via Skype just to verify that I was capable of it, found that I was, and also found that I couldn’t make the leap into the network.  Like Athena from the brow of Zeus, The Tarot Nook, as a concept, was born fast and fully formed in a matter of minutes.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Kelsey} I am terrified that I might discover true believers on every side of me.  Coming from such a strong Thelemic background, I don’t believe in anything.  Instead, I prefer practice.  If I’m sure of anything, it’s that “knowing” and “believing” are one and the same species of Western psychosis.  To this end, Georges Bataille has this lovely quote in “The Accursed Share, vol. 2” that’s something to the effect of: “Even should History prove the usefulness of thought…” with the point being:  History has this wicked, little tendency of proving man wrong every time, even when he’s at his most brilliant and sincere.

Becoming a professional Tarot reader, I’m hyper-conscious of these true believers.  I have the nay-sayers who claim irrational superstition, which is to say I’m practicing a now-defunct and archaic science whereas their own is still very much in vogue and shall only be disproven at a later date when they don’t have to answer for it.  I have the brimstone crowd who say I’m a practicing witch whose flesh will burn for all eternity.  And then I have the psychic hotlines run by true, Romani-blood mediums who speak to gods, angels, aliens, and your dead Aunt Trudi’s Persian cat.  Fabulous!  Everyone’s got an opinion and each one is equally self-indulgent.

I overcame this largely because of the support of my clients.  For me, Tarot is a pragmatic practice that is one part technique (art/science/study) and one part communion with others.  I don’t know how or why it works, but my clients tell me that it makes them feel better, and I feel great doing it for them, and that’s more than sufficient for me.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Kelsey} I spent one week giving free readings on Skype and then I took another week to construct my website.  I used a WordPress.com template but there were many challenges along the way.  I had to get creative to add the PayPal “Buy Now” buttons and rig the site with Google Analytics.  Then I set myself to advertising, which is how I met you, but has also included avenues such as: LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Gravatar, Adwords and others.  These methods have had varying success rates and challenges and I’m still experimenting.  This week, I’ll be filing my “Fictitious Business Name,” etc. well under the 40 day time limit here in California.  It’s a steep learning curve but it’s been a lot of fun, too.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Kelsey} The Tarot Nook is 100% online and, so far as I can tell, rather unique in the services offered.  All readings are done via live Skype and range from 10 to 50 minutes, at $1.00 per minute flat-rate.  Should a client be shy or ill, they may of course turn off their camera and even their microphone if they prefer to I.M.  However, they always have my presence, voice, and full attention as we do the reading together.  I show them each card and encourage them to interrupt me, ask questions, share their concerns, emote, and give feedback throughout the reading.  If it’s wrong, tell me.  If it’s right, ditto.  And I love the almost perfect mix of intimacy and distance that live Skype affords, as my quotidian space interfaces with that of the client.  The screen is like a window and my view differs with each client.  It’s wonderful!  And finally, for an extra $5.00 per reading, I offer an MP3 recording feature so that my clients can return to their Tarot reading and listen to it as they so wish.  All they need is Skype and a Dropbox account, both of which are free to set-up and use.

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Kelsey} Hahaha…  I want to go from the 7 of Pentacles to the 9 of Pentacles over the next 12 months.  My daily goals, though, are to be present, stable, and nurturing for my clients, and happy, free, and satisfied within (and for) myself.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Kelsey} Patience!  I am constantly having to counsel myself to take a step back and appreciate how much I’ve done in such a short time; this is exceedingly difficult for me.  I also schedule full days away from both Tarot and the computer so I don’t become fatigued.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Kelsey} Respect your clients, respect yourself, and respect the cards.  In Paris, when I was spending those odd nights lurking in “psychic” chat rooms, I saw a man give a demo wherein he pulled a card for each participant.  He knew the Tarot like the back of his hand, no question.  But when he pulled the 3of Swords for someone, he said: “Always remember that the mind and spirit are stronger than the heart.”  I thought: “Huh!  What an impressively accurate, little skirt!”  I had watched him pull mega-positive cards like the 10 of Cups, and he had no qualms giving every possible reading.  But he certainly didn’t do that with the 3 of Swords.

In my own business so far, I’ve pulled the 3of Swords once.  I, too, did a little jig (which is absolutely necessary to get a feel, by the way) first saying heart break, then misinterpretation, false information, gossip, and finally: love triangle.  It was only with that last interpretation that my client clicked in and a whole story flooded out of her.  That was positive.  That was good for her to express.  And she never would have done so if I had only ever told her: “The spirit is stronger than the heart.”

As Tarot readers, we most definitely have to be kind, tentative, compassionate, and delicate.  But we are being paid (well, I might add) to read the Tarot.  And if you consider the emotional and psychic gamut that is run by those modest 78 cards, I think you’ll find that they’re pretty thorough and equitably distributed.  Trust them.  Trust yourself.  And most importantly, trust your client and the task with which they have entrusted you.

{Brigit} Any other comments or learnings you want to share?

{Kelsey} Yes.  A)  Be flexible with your services and responsive to your clients.  I actually scrapped Email readings and initiated shorter Skype sessions by demand after the first two weeks.  That’s not a model for everyone, but for me and my clients, it was the way to go.

B)  Diversify when it comes to promotions and advertising.  Try everything but don’t overinvest.  Don’t ditch it either if it doesn’t work immediately.  Be patient and nimble.  Businesses can take quite some time to become established and healthy.  I’m regularly having to remind myself of this fact.  It can be difficult.

C)  Don’t ever judge your client by how they look; you know nothing of their circumstance, history, or loyalties.  If you know that from the start, you’ll be open enough to discover what they truly are.

D)  Don’t worry about being different than other Tarot readers.  What makes you unique is what makes you marketable and keeps your clients loyal.

And finally, E) Always keep a Tarot journal, regardless of whether it’s for personal use or professional use.  Cards have a way of revealing their meaning to you over time, and that meaning may have nothing to do with what any book says.  The same, of course, goes for yourself and your clients.

Want to ask Kelsey a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Kelsey Lynore

Kelsey Lynore developed her interest in mysticism as a consequence of world travel as a child.  After 20 years of experience reading the Tarot, she launched her own business, The Tarot Nook.  Her philosophy of Tarot is less predictive than indicative, and she uses the Tarot as a tool of reflection and a narrative catalyst for her clients.  For more biographical information, you can visit her “about” page here.

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

If you’re inspired by Kelsey’s story, I can help you create a sustainable and successful Tarot business. A business where you’re helping transform the lives of others and generating a serious income for yourself because your customers value what you do. Find out more about Tarot business coaching with me, including how you can receive a free 15 minute coaching session.

Or, if you want to build your confidence first and offer free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback, check out my Free Readings page and get in touch to add your profile.

Today, I welcome Sherry for the last of our Going ‘Pro’ stories for now (I am bound to share more inspiring stories in the future!).

Sherry is one of the free Tarot readers on Biddy Tarot and has just recently started her own Tarot business, The Tarot Chayse. I’m so proud of her – she’s done a wonderful job! Today, she shares her journey of how she started reading the cards at the young age of 12, through until now, when she has her own business and is connecting with her clients in unique and special ways.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Sherry} Tarot cards were the trigger for me for the rest of my abilities to come through. I received my first deck when I was 12 years old and I still work mainly with that deck. My psychic ability came through shortly after I started doing tarot readings when I was 13 years old and I pretty much spent the next 20 years honing it. I have a very unique psychic ability in that I can read ‘soul colours’ (which you can read more about on my website www.thetarotchayse.com.au). Because there is very little literature available on this ability, the tarot has provided a fantastic tool to help me develop and work with my gift. I can use tarot cards to do straightforward readings or as a tool to allow other information to come through.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Sherry} I have actually spent the last 5 years getting readings from every tarot reader and psychic I could find. How did they work? What techniques did they use? What worked for me? What could I learn from them? Once I had a good idea of what and who was out there, I was able to make an assessment of my skills and their value in the market. I did some free Tarot readings on Brigit’s website and the feedback confirmed that I was where I needed to be. I also did readings for other professional psychics and tarot readers and asked them whether in their opinion I could do professional readings.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Sherry} I had a reading with my psychic idol Christine Rose who said that the time was right to turn professional and to go for it. I had also had a career reading from Brigit and she told me that I had a talent that I wasn’t using to its best effect and that I needed to follow that path to find success. Finally, my friends at work kept telling me to go for it and they have been a huge source of encouragement for me. All these things together told me it was time.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Sherry} Accepting that this is who I am and what I was meant to do. Because society can be very judgmental about the metaphysical and those who work in the field, it’s very difficult to put your hand up and say ‘I have this ability’. You fear being judged and ridiculed, especially if you work in a very conservative day job as I do. I overcame it by looking at role models in the industry. Brigit is an incredible inspiration and true pioneer in this field and we are lucky to have her. The way she extends her hand to others to give them a leg up is unique.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Sherry} I taught myself to make a website! I’m not very IT savvy but my motto is always ‘hey, how hard can it be right?’ Turns out it can be done! Check it out at www.thetarotchayse.com.au

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Sherry} My tarot business is located online at www.thetarotchayse.com.au. I love movement in life and I wanted a name that implied this. Because I have such a strong interest in life courses and following our paths (why are we here and what are we meant to be doing with our lives?), I chose a tag that reflected that – The Tarot Chayse. For people who love to pursue their destiny. From my website, I am able to do email or snail mail readings, as well as Skype readings.

As mentioned earlier, I can see soul colours and this psychic ability is great news for anyone who is struggling with their purpose in life, is stuck in repeating life patterns, doesn’t know how to get the best out of their life or needs assistance with understanding themselves and why they are the way they are. My life course readings help people make sense of all this. I offer general life course information or I can use your soul colour to answer specific questions. There is more information about soul colours on my website.

Something totally fun you can do at my website is check out your Tarotscope! Using a combination of astrology and tarot cards, I give each star sign a reading for the coming month.

Because I also come from a day job where I work to deadlines and deliver to a specialised client group, I am passionate about delivering a professional experience to my clients and you can expect a high level of service from me.

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Sherry} I would love to have a solid enough client base that I can start to develop more services and offer these to the people I read for. I have had some early experiences with mediumship and look forward to being able to read for people using this ability as well in the future.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Sherry} Building trust with my clients and delivering exceptional customer service.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Sherry} If the weight of responsibility of what you are about to do for a living weighs heavily on you, then you are ready. Tarot can be fun but your words matter and reading for people is a privilege – it is one soul asking another soul for advice. Make sure you are ready for your client’s sake as well as your own.

Want to ask Sherry a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Sherry

Sherry has been reading tarot cards for 30 years and is passionate about everything metaphysical. A published author, she comes from a corporate background and is looking forward to making a significant contribution to the field of metaphysics and improving people’s lives using the gifts she’s been given.

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

If you’re inspired by Sherry’s story, I can help you create a sustainable and successful Tarot business. A business where you’re helping transform the lives of others and generating a serious income for yourself because your customers value what you do. Find out more about Tarot business coaching with me, including how you can receive a free 15 minute coaching session.

Or, if you want to build your confidence first and offer free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback, check out my Free Readings page and get in touch to add your profile.

Catch Up on All the Previous Inspiring Stories…

This is our last story in this series. So, if you’d like to catch up with the previous stories, check them out here:

• Going ‘Pro’: The Inspiring Journey of a Young Tarot Reader with Sam Pelletier
• Going ‘Pro’: From Marketing Consultant to Tarot Consultant with Joanna Ash
• Going ‘Pro’: Girl Next Door Becomes a Professional Tarot Reader with Christy Talbot
• Going ‘Pro’: A More Subdued Approach to Building a Tarot Business with Carla
• Going ‘Pro’: Turning Personal Struggle into a Blessing with Kelsey Lynore

Difficult clients. We’ve all had them. Whether it’s the client who won’t give away any clues, or the client who keeps coming back with the same question over and over again.

They seem to sap our energy and leave us feeling down and depleted.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, there are some very positive ways to deal with difficult clients, without having to run and hide every time you see their email come through or their phone number come up.

Today, I expose six difficult client types and how you can go about dealing with these clients in a constructive way. I’ll also show you how you can be on the front foot and avoid difficult clients altogether… without having to shut up shop!

The “Not Possible” Client

Reader: “From what I’m seeing here, the relationship is well and truly over.”

Client: “Nope. Not possible. He loves me.”

Reader: “I understand you’re hurting right now, but the Ten of Swords is showing me that this relationship has come to an end.”

Client: “You’ve got it all wrong. He loves me and we’re going to be together. I don’t care what you say.”

Hmm.

And you’re secretly thinking, “Then why the hell did you just pay $50 for a reading?!”

My Advice for Dealing with this Type of Client…

No amount of reasoning is going to change this client’s thinking. She has a very clear idea in her head about what’s happening and if anyone offers something different to that, it will fall on deaf ears.

You may be best to say, “It sounds like you already have a pretty good feel for the situation, and you already have the answers you need, just by listening to your gut. Shall we move on to another topic?”

The Skeptic

Reader: “What would you like to know?”

Client: “You tell me. You’re the psychic.”

This is a little like walking into the doctor’s surgery and saying, “Right doc, tell me what’s wrong with me.” No details about where it hurts or that the other day you blacked out and hit your head. No. Instead, what you’re asking the doctor to do is to spend the first 50 minutes of your hour-long appointment running diagnostics until she can find the source of the issue. It’s a complete waste of time and resources. You just wouldn’t do it. And nor would the doctor stand for it.

My Advice…

Ask your client to focus in on one area that’s important to them. What keeps them up at night? What are they most uncertain about right now? Then focus the reading on that.

If your client still isn’t giving anything away, suggest that you could spend the majority of your session together trying to isolate key concerns, but that this probably wouldn’t tell them anything they don’t know. What’s going to be of more value is if you can identify a key concern upfront and then spend the rest of the session delving deeper into what the client really needs to know and how they can manifest the best outcomes.

The “Eeyore” Client

Reader: “I suspect it will be a challenging few months ahead for finding work. But what the Two of Wands suggests is that it may be time to step outside your comfort zone. How about applying for work in a new city?”

Client: “That’d never work.”

Reader: “OK, how about applying for roles in a different industry?”

Client: “No way. They’d never hire me.”

Reader: “Ah, let’s draw another advice card. OK, how about asking your friends if they know of any vacant roles (Three of Cups)?

Client: “I could never ask my friends for work.”

You could try to convince this client until you’re blue in the face that there are many opportunities available, but no matter how much of a positive spin you put on things, they’re not listening.

My Advice…

Present your client with 2 or 3 different options for what they can do to improve their situation. Write them down and give the piece of paper to your client. Suggest that they come back to those recommendations in the next 1-2 weeks. They may be more open to the possibilities after some time has passed.

The Repeat Client

Client: “Will I get back with my ex?”

{Three days later}

Client: “Will I get back with my ex?”

{Two days later}

Client: “Will I get back with my ex?”

Apparently, a lot can happen in five days.

Reader: “So, this is the third time we’re reading on this topic in five days. What has changed so significantly?”

Client: “Uh, he texted me.”

The trouble here is that the client is often just ‘fishing’ for the answer they want, or sweating over the small stuff. The more you offer to read for them, the more you are fuelling the fire.

My Advice

Whilst the scrupulous reader will see this as an opportunity to make a quick buck (sad, but true), this is your opportunity to make a lasting (positive and ethical) impression.

Whenever a client asks me for a repeated reading, I say, “I don’t feel comfortable reading for you on this topic again in such a short period of time. It’s not valuable to you and it’s not valuable to me, because we’ll simply see the same message coming up. I strongly recommend that you give it at least 4-6 weeks or until something significant has changed, before we have another Tarot reading.”

The “It Ain’t Happening” Client

Client: “You told me that I would have sold my house by now. Well, I haven’t.”

This is why I feel very uncomfortable doing purely predictive readings. I am a strong believer that we do not have pre-defined futures and that we can exercise our free will to make decisions that will, in turn, change our futures.

So, in this case, your client may have decided not to place the ad in the paper or to engage the real estate agent – all things that would have helped the cause. A lack of action may have lead to the outcome being altered.

That’s why I prefer to focus on what the client can do to achieve their most desired outcome, rather than give a pre-defined picture of what will and won’t happen.

My Advice…

If you have provided a prediction and it hasn’t yet manifested, suggest that the prediction may have a longer timeframe. Oftentimes, readings are ‘valid’ for 6-12 months. Gently remind your client that her decisions can influence the outcomes and if she would like things to move faster, she may need to take more action.

Also, a question to the Tarot cards such as, “What indicators will I see when [desired event] is about to happen?” can be a helpful way of predicting when something will happen, without tying it to an actual date.

The “It’s an Emergency” Client

Client: “I need a reading RIGHT NOW.”

Reader: “I only take bookings. How about I book you in for when I’m next available in 3 days.”

Client: “What?! You can’t see me RIGHT NOW?”

I know there are times when it feels like you need guidance and insight RIGHT NOW. But these are often times when you’re feeling highly emotional and scattered. It may be more constructive for your client to write down his thoughts and feelings, meditate or talk it over with a friend first. Then, consult a Tarot reader or a professional who can help.

My Advice…

You can protect yourself against ‘emergency’ Tarot readings by simply having a booking system or waiting list. Indicate to your client that you’re available in x days or weeks and that you’d love to be able to read for them then. If you’re sensing they’re highly emotional, reconnect a day before the reading to check in on any developments.

How to Avoid Difficult Clients Altogether

Stop reading Tarot.

Just kidding. It doesn’t have to be that drastic. Here are a few tips…

Know Your Ideal Client

One of the first things I advise newly professional Tarot readers is to identify their ideal client. How old are they? What are their interests? What sort of questions do they ask? How do you help them? Do they believe in destiny or do they accept free will and karma? Do they like to be a part of your reading process or do they sit back and listen?

Then, I ask them to think about who they don’t want to work with. Who’s the worst possible type of client that would make your life miserable? What sort of questions do they ask? And so on.

Once you know this, revisit all of your marketing communications (website, flyers, profiles, business cards, etc.) and weave this in.  You don’t have to say, “I like working with these people… I don’t like working with these people…” You can be more subtle, but look for ways to introduce the language into your materials. You’ll find that soon your clients self-select and the right ones will come your way.

Be Clear About Your Reading Style

Similarly, review your communications and ensure that it represents your Tarot reading style. Do you do predictive readings or do you prefer choice-based readings? Do you like to interact with your clients or do you deliver a reading with minimal input? Are you more of a counsellor or a psychic channeller?

Your clients will again self-select and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the clients who most value what you have to offer.

Set Your Boundaries

Is your client just draining you of energy and making feel like utter crap? No matter what you do or say, the whole reading is just heading south? Then call off the reading. Don’t be afraid to draw a line in the sand and say, “Look, neither of us are getting any value from this session. Let’s call it off.”

You have rights, too, and you should never feel bullied or pressured into a reading or client interaction that is not respecting your personal needs.

Over to You…

What have been some of the most difficult client situations you have dealt with (without naming names)? How did you go about dealing with the situation constructively? Share your stories below in the comments.

The ‘Going Pro’ series is back! Every second Friday, I’ll share with you an inspiring story from a diverse range of Tarot readers who have recently become professional.

Today, I welcome Cher Green, from Tarot Guidance. Not only is she a talented Tarot reader, but she is also a writer, editor, and rural carrier with the US Postal Service! She was inspired to learn more about Tarot after an accurate Tarot reading – very similar to my own story. Find out more about her journey towards becoming a professional Tarot reader below.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Cher} My Tarot journey began with a deck of normal playing cards. At an early age, still in my teens, I met a woman who read playing cards. I was fascinated by her accuracy in predictions, but it wasn’t until many years later when I found an introductory book of the process in a thrift shop that I actually picked up my own deck. I studied the book, read my own cards and soon started reading for a few friends. I enjoyed the process of connecting and helping others see things in their life they might not otherwise have recognized.

In the early 2000′s, I met a friend’s mother who read tarot cards. It’s not that I didn’t know what they were, but the playing cards were so accurate, I hadn’t thought of moving in another direction until I watched her do a reading, actually saw the cards, and became hooked on learning a new way of reading. I bought my first Rider-Waite deck and quickly learned the basic meanings, and off I went. Reading for myself, family, and friends, I soon felt the need to test myself. I joined a few tarot groups and began reading for strangers. Confident in my ability, I started selling readings on eBay, which was good practice, but it was hard to get feedback. In 2010, I started a blog to share my knowledge of the tarot and offered readings, both free and paid. Early this year, I launched my website – Tarot Guidance.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Cher} Study and practice – I explored different levels of the tarot – basic meanings, numerology, symbolism, astrology. But to tell the truth, the most important thing I learned while reading and practicing was while there are rules, to move to the next level you have to break a few. As I am also a fiction writer, I’ve come to the conclusion this is true in any artistic endeavor. The more you practice, the more this will become apparent. The basic meanings help, but they are simple guidelines. Every reading is different, and the card meanings shift with each one. So, basically, I learned the rules, practiced the process, and last but not least, learned to listen to my own intuition.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Cher} I wasn’t sure, but the feedback from my free clients – strangers, family, and friends – pushed me toward the direction. And I guess I figured, well I’ll try it and if I make a little extra money great, if not, that’s fine too. Another thing was my own search for a reader. I’ve been impressed by quite a few, but a few have left me stunned over the fact that they were getting paid for readings. It’s sort of like reading a book as a writer, some make you think, “I can do better than that.” So, you do the best you can and see what happens.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Cher} My biggest fear was reading for someone and being totally wrong about the interpretation. I don’t think we ever completely overcome self-doubt. My biggest step toward overcoming the issue was to structure a routine when doing a reading. Part of that routine is a small prayer for help from above to allow me to see what it is I need to see to help the person I’m reading for. It takes the pressure off, since I’m only relaying the messages given to me.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Cher} Some research on the business side, but not a whole lot. In a past life, I did most of the paperwork in a business my ex-husband ran, so I knew some of the basics. The website wasn’t a huge deal, because I’d already set up my Author’s Website – www.chergreen.com. I’d also accomplished a lot with my blog, so really it wasn’t much of a leap for me; I was already there in the shadows.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Cher} I specialize in email readings. My schedule is so extreme between working a day job, creating a writing career, and just everyday life this is the best method for me. Plus, this format gives the reader something to look over in the future, unlike a phone reading or live reading. But there is another reason – the way I read is a little unique. This may sound a little odd, but my intuition speaks clearer through the written word. When I do a reading, I have pen and paper right beside the spread. During the laying out of the cards, I jot down ideas and thoughts which come to me. On most occasions, I have a cluttered mess when I’m through, something no client would pay for, but then during the actual translation of the reading, everything falls together in a clear picture – this is what the client sees, the final results.

At Tarot Guidance, I offer multiple decks and a choice of different spreads (general and special.) Pricing ranges from 8$ to $50, depending on the number of cards. My blog offers sample readings and a look into the tarot from my viewpoint. I’m really not here to make a lot of money with my readings, I feel it’s a way to connect and help others, whether it’s through my readings or guiding someone to read their own cards. This is part of my journey.

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Cher} I don’t really have a business plan, since this is just ONE of my outlets. I would however like to move deeper by offering more services, such as numerology readings and tarot lessons. I’ve recently started researching numerology and am amazed by the insight one can gain by merely looking deeper into the energies supplied by one’s birthday and birth name. There are many avenues I’d like to take with the tarot but time restrictions make it tough to move quickly in the process. I’m basically taking it one day at a time.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Cher} My biggest battle is with time and finding more of it. My success depends mainly on focus and energy. As I move forward day by day, I keep watching for signs to steer me in the correct direction of my journey. It’s amazing how far I’ve come so far in both my writing career and my tarot career, but taking two roads, and having to survive (which requires a day job) slows the process down a bit.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Cher} Follow your intuition. If you feel you’re ready, take the leap. You’ll never know if it’s the right path, unless you give it a shot. No one ever succeeded without trying, without taking that first step.

{Brigit} Any other comments or learnings you want to share?

{Cher} If you’ve just begun your journey with the tarot, don’t be afraid to ask for guidance along the way. The tarot community is full of wonderful people. Most are happy to help a fellow tarot enthusiast and provide you with some guidance. Practicing is also the smartest road to success. Knowledge comes from practice, practice, and more practice.

Want to ask Cher a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Cher

Cher Green works as a rural carrier for the United States Postal Service, but her true desires stem into the writing and tarot world. She writes fiction in many genres, spanning from horror to romance to children’s literature. She’s also a tarot and spiritual enthusiast. She has a natural connection with the spiritual side of life, expressing this through her tarot readings and continues to grow with explorations of others’ works and experiences in tarot, numerology, angels, and much more. She’s eager for knowledge, to say the least, from both the physical world and from that of a higher plane. She is also the National Tarot Examiner at the Examiner, offering reviews of the latest tarot decks/books, and other spiritual related products..

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

Build your confidence by offering free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback. Become a Free Tarot Reader at Biddy Tarot!

Catch Up on All the Previous Inspiring Stories…

If you’d like to catch up on previous stories, check them out here:

• Going ‘Pro’: The Inspiring Journey of a Young Tarot Reader with Sam Pelletier
• Going ‘Pro’: From Marketing Consultant to Tarot Consultant with Joanna Ash
• Going ‘Pro’: Girl Next Door Becomes a Professional Tarot Reader with Christy Talbot
• Going ‘Pro’: A More Subdued Approach to Building a Tarot Business with Carla
• Going ‘Pro’: Turning Personal Struggle into a Blessing with Kelsey Lynore
• Going ‘Pro’: Turning Tarot into a Soulful Career with Sherry

This month, I welcome Tarot Counsellor, Jenne Perlstein. Jenne has worked as a social worker for over 27 years and has developed excellent counselling skills which she now brings to her Tarot work. Jenne talks today about how we can use these skills to form a better connection with our clients and how to take care of ourselves in the process. Over to you, Jenne!

Jim, a young man working as a plumber, came to me for a Tarot reading.  He had the opportunity to take a job interstate and wanted to know if it was the best move for him? In using a general spread other issues emerged, revealing that he had’ serial’ brief relationships, but was unable to commit, and  was perplexed about this. A combination of counselling questions and the cards revealed that his upbringing was difficult, after initially saying it was ‘fine’. His parents were apparently overly controlling and unable to give him the nurturance he needed, because of their own unacknowledged issues. Thus he sought ‘love’, i.e. sex, but without commitment. Part of his reason for going interstate was to escape from the latest breakup and an attempt to ‘escape’ from himself .He was able to ‘hear’ it when I suggested that he had a ‘sex addiction’, and needed further help (E.g. a support group, counselling, even ‘time out’ from relating to the opposite sex) to work on his deeper issues. Jim left challenged, but having had his unconscious relationship and family of origin issues brought to the surface, and resources offered. This story (based on a true one!) is an example of the integration of  Tarot cards with counselling, and that the presenting problem is not always the actual problem!

How Counselling and Tarot Fit Together

Whilst Tarot means knowing the cards and using ones intuitive / psychic abilities, it needs people skills too! Clients often come to us stressed, with complex overwhelming problems, wanting concrete and specific answers, not always realistic, or willing to be self empowering. We may feel vulnerable and unsure ourselves. Counselling skills, with Tarot can assist!

What are your hidden ‘counselling’ skills as a Tarot reader?

You may have conscious and unconscious skills that you are using adeptly but unknowingly.  E.g. you are an excellent listener, able to ‘read’ people and reflect back what they are communicating . Thus you have the basis of a skilled counsellor. Yet, you are not ‘conscious’ of this skill, nor ‘how’ you do it!. It is made up of your ability to read body language, tone of voice, be empathic (intuitive), and being able  to put ‘aside’ your own needs, and  distracting thoughts. Conscious counselling skills can enable you to use them by choice (or not) rather than habit, and when to change the duration, pace or intensity of interactions with a client and enable the opening up of  dialogue..

Bringing Counselling Skills into Your Tarot Work

Establishing rapport with a client is crucial. Rapport is made up of your openness, body posture and body language, facial expression, appropriate eye contact,  being  non judgemental,  relaxed and yet engaged with the client, so they feel safe.

The physical environment enhances rapport and increases the chances of communication- seating on an angle, so that the client isn’t so ‘confronted’, and in a quiet environment.

‘Active’ listening is incredibly powerful. This involves reflecting back to the person, in similar words, what they have just ‘told’ you, including use of your  observational skills, and asking questions to clarify. At a deeper level you can reflect back the underlying feeling – i.e. empathy.

And finally, use open ended questions  rather than closed ones (yes or no answers). Use What, How, Where, When? When the client is apprehensive or feeling overwhelmed, consider dealing with a positive simple issue first which can affirm their strengths, then move onto more difficult issues.

‘Do No Harm’ – Become the Mirror and the Container

Know your limits with time, skill and expertise i.e. , set your boundaries. Despite the cards and their ‘life paths’, clients have free choice and we cannot force clients to follow a particular option e.g. accepting that ‘the’ relationship is over! You are the guide but ultimately directed by the client, and you can’t give magic answers. ‘Psyche’ has its own time, and we can only facilitate the client as far as they want to go, so offer options, not advice.

As Tarot readers, we are both the ‘mirror’ and the ‘container’.

As the ‘mirror’, you are not the problem solver or rescuer but an enabler. This mirroring may enable further dialogue in the session or deeper reflection outside it.

As the ‘container’, you can offer the distressed a safe place to express feelings and to facilitate the consultation to a positive conclusion, so  you are not leaving the person vulnerable. Not all the problems may be solved but there is a plan, and the client feels empowered!

You, and the dynamic between you and client are the tools. It is like developing an ‘observing’ part of yourself, and aiming to become observant of the client dynamic AND your own thoughts and reflections. Therapy is not a straight line, and you move between easier issues to harder ones until the client is ready to reveal or hear the interpretation you are offering. Bring clients back , by saying what is happening here and now. E.g. ‘you have gone very quiet’ or’ you keep changing the subject when we touch on that issue’!

The Powerful Effects of Integrating Counselling with Tarot

Tarot is more acceptable for some people, compared to a psychologist/doctor. It offers a ‘safe way’ for the person to open up and reveal and minimises embarrassment, guilt and intimidation. Difficult issues can be presented in a non-judgmental symbolic way. Tarot is concrete and immediate and the problem can be externalised.

Counselling helps to clarify and deepen messages from the  cards, overcoming resistance. The cards enable inner awareness, the unconscious to come to the surface  and  the realising of memories, feelings and sensations. A map of the psyche can be revealed, ie.. Personality, defences, unconscious processes,  and the shadow via the cards. ‘The entire identity of the client is externalised very quickly, free from personal censorship, defence mechanisms and value judgement.” – Noel Tyl (humanistic astrologer).

Tarot can define:

• What are the problems? Using relevant spreads eg.  Life spread, 3 card spreads, thus breaking the problems into manageable parts and so the client feels that the issues are containable and can be changed. This is a key part of ‘problem solving’ in counselling!
• What are the options? With relevant spreads, the likely consequences of each decision can be laid out  and often encourages their own decision making.

Know Your Limits… When Your Client’s Issues Go Beyond Your Expertise

The container mentioned before offers containment for you! If a client reveals an issue that you feel is beyond your skill or you think by opening it up, it could harm the person,  then you need to recognize your limits.

I recently had a client who was very paranoid, and I used these techniques: Stop, Assess the person’s insight, and willingness to listen and acknowledge there is an issue- both to yourself (and possibly the client), move ‘away’ from the reading keeping the content ‘light’ but be supportive and empathise. Don’t give ‘advice’, or get into deep issues. Rather suggest a GP or another resource e.g. a psychologist, and wind up the reading on a positive note.

Reader Self-Awareness

We can feel uncomfortable with a client, as emotional and behavioral responses are triggered in us! You have lots of ‘facets’- your persona, your ego, your unconscious, your shadow, your past. e.g. when you  sense someone is nervous, you  start to feel anxious too! ; you tend to be   a perfectionist, the  reading is not going well, so  you ‘beat yourself up’! A good reader/counsellor is able to ‘own’ their  projections or their own inner needs e.g. the need to ‘rescue’. Becoming conscious of these issues, through supervision/ therapy/inner work enables  you to know what’s ‘you’ and what’s ‘them’.

Over to You

How have you used counselling skills in your Tarot practice? Leave your comments below. Or, feel free to ask Jenne a question and she will respond!

About Jenne Perlstein

Jenne Perlstein MBBS, BSW, Cert IV TAE, CMC, Prof Member TGA, Cert Appl Astrology, is an experienced Tarot reader/counsellor  of 17 years and Social Work 27 years, and has a degree in Medicine including psychology and psychiatry. Jenne teaches Tarot Counselling and Mental Health skills as an Introduction to Counselling, and offers a supervision group, in the hope it builds confidence, enhances readers skills, offers boundaries and protection for the reader and helps with clients issues.  Ideally if you want to be a counsellor in conjunction with your Tarot reading, Jenne would recommend you  do her course, and go on to a fully accredited course. She can be contacted at jenne@tarotastrocounselling.com.au

Today I welcome Shelley Ruelle, a newly professional Tarot reader with a lot of energy and ambition. Shelley started out as a Free Tarot Reader at Biddy Tarot and after a few months and a quick pep talk via Skype and email, she embarked on setting up her own website. I am not kidding, she did it in one weekend! I was so impressed! Now, she is working hard on sharing her unique perspectives on Tarot through her blog at Sparrow Tarot and offering her Tarot reading services. Find out how she did it!

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot journey, from when you picked up your first deck of cards to now?

{Shelley} I had been fascinated by the tarot since high school and throughout college, but for some reason never brought myself to actually buy a deck of cards. Despite my curiosity, I mainly associated it at the time with “hocus pocus” types of magic store tricks and had scenes in my mind of shady psychics holding fake séances, so I always figured it wasn’t anything I’d be ever be able to actually relate to. Then when I was about a year out of college, my boyfriend at the time knew of my interest and bought me my first deck for my birthday, along with the book “Tarot for Dummies.” Everyone has to start somewhere!

That was nearly 13 years ago. I began to read everything I could about the tarot, doing readings for myself on a continual basis, deepening my interpretations as time went on. I occasionally did readings for close friends and family if they asked, and these were always powerful experiences, but I never thought my skill was something I could use to benefit others, especially strangers who I knew nothing about. Late last year, however, I began feeling down about the fact that my day job lacks a component that for me is necessary for feeling fulfilled: working towards empowering others. I began to consider putting my more than a decade’s worth of experience into service. It was a perfect fit, because I believe so strongly in tarot as a tool for growth, personal insight, and objective information on life situations.

{Brigit} What did you do to prepare for yourself for becoming a professional Tarot reader?

{Shelley} Although I felt comfortable with my knowledge of the cards and my way of interpreting the story that comes through in a reading, I didn’t have any “proof” that reading for strangers would be possible, accurate, or as useful as I had found the tarot to be in my own readings for myself. So, to test my scepticism and gain experience reading for strangers via email, I spent two very intensive months offering readings on the Biddy Tarot Free Readers page. Every last doubt I’d ever had completely vanished as I continually received responses from clients who were amazed at how “spot on” their readings had been. I began to see the tarot as an even more powerful and mysterious gift, as I connected with people I’d never met in such a meaningful way.

{Brigit} How did you know you were ready to become a professional Tarot reader?

{Shelley} Two things helped me to make the leap to go pro. One was an initial coaching session with Brigit, a “freebie” 15-minute chat in which, after clarifying that I didn’t have any logistical challenges or skill gaps to prevent me from going pro, she simply asked me: “So what are you waiting for?” and I had no truly valid answer to hold me back. Brigit’s enthusiasm and encouragement gave me the push I needed out of the “nest” so to speak.

The second factor was the consistently positive feedback I was getting from my free reading clients. Many began asking me how much I charged because they wanted additional readings from me. When the free reading clients started becoming so loyal that they were scheduling a follow-up reading one month to the day after their previous reading with me (since clients on the free reading page can only request one reading a month), I knew it was time to start devoting myself to my professional business.

{Brigit} What has been your biggest fear or challenge in taking this leap, and how did you overcome it?

{Shelley} I have to be honest: my biggest fear was how others would see my “coming out” as a tarot reader. Despite all the years of building my intuitive practices and working with the tarot, I always kept it as something personal and private, especially since I’m quite rational and logical in my work and dealings with others. I didn’t want people to see me as a scam artist or someone looking to make a quick buck because I figured that’s how most people viewed metaphysical or esoteric practices. But then I realized that was the exact reason I needed to just let my fears go, and be like The Fool and “take the leap” without a safety net and go pro: I am convinced that the more honest, hard-working, ethical and truly caring and talented tarot readers we can get out there in the professional world, the more likely society as a whole can begin to see tarot for what it is–a beautiful and mysterious art that can help us live our lives in a fuller, more constructive, responsible, and ultimately more joyful way.

{Brigit} How did you go about setting up your Tarot business?

{Shelley} I spent an intensive but short period setting up my website and doing research regarding pricing and logistics, and then creating the social media infrastructure to support interaction with my clients and online followers. Since there isn’t much by way of overhead, the process actually isn’t that complicated. The tools of the trade, other than the deck itself, are housed in my years of experience both in my own life and with the cards themselves. Tarot is an art that is as unique as each reader.

{Brigit} Tell me about your Tarot business. What makes you special?

{Shelley} At the moment my business is primarily online at sparrowtarot.com, as well as on Facebook at facebook.com/sparrowtarot and Twitter at twitter.com/sparrowtarot. I live in Rome, Italy, and although I’m bilingual in English and Italian, I find that most of my clients come through online English-speaking contacts. I do schedule face-to-face readings via Skype on request, but given time zone differences, I find that email readings suit my business best at this point. They also give me the chance to reflect more deeply on the possible interpretations of the reading itself, and give it more depth as I can take my time with an email reading in a way that I might not be able to face-to-face. Another great aspect of email readings is that the client has a nicely laid out and detailed description of the reading, so they don’t have to worry about taking notes or forgetting anything; they can refer back to it at any time.

What makes me special is that I approach tarot from what I like to call a “humanistic” perspective. My readings give my clients choices, information, options, and put the responsibility for living their lives in their own hands. I use my practice to help clients see things that they most likely already know deep inside but need a little outer “push” to acknowledge fully, so they can then take action more confidently, in the way they feel will suit them best. I want to use my tarot practice to help people feel more empowered and in control of their own destiny.

{Brigit} What’s your vision for the next 12 months for your Tarot business?

{Shelley} Because my online presence is new, I plan to focus on building a solid community of clients and online followers to interact with via tools like Facebook and Twitter. I’ve also launched my newsletter, The Sparrow Tarot Companion, on a weekly basis so I can keep in close touch with my online followers and clients. The goal with my newsletter is to give my readers an extra source of inspiration for self-empowerment through tarot on Mondays, so they have some great food for thought and an uplifting start at the beginning of each week. These next 12 months for me aren’t about profit margin, they are about building online presence, a trustworthy and positive reputation, and a deeper personal knowledge of the tarot, of which we are always students, no matter how long we’ve been practicing.

{Brigit} What do you believe will be critical to your future success?

{Shelley} In addition to the online community and presence I just mentioned, I am convinced that success will come through my continued focus on service to others rather than seeing this business as simply “making money” or just another job. I certainly didn’t go pro to get rich! Although ultimately I would love to take my business to a level where it could provide me a full-time income, at the moment I want to continue to have the freedom to perform readings not out of financial necessity but out of my ability in sharing empathy and giving meaningful interpretations to each person’s individual story as expressed through the tarot.

{Brigit} What is your one piece of advice to aspiring Tarot readers who want to take the leap and become professional?

{Shelley} Approach this practice as a professional business, but at the same time don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re providing a personalized service to people who entrust you with their innermost thoughts, questions, hopes, and struggles: with that comes a great responsibility that requires self-reflection and constant personal work as well.

{Brigit} Any other comments or learnings you want to share?

{Shelley} When I first started working with the tarot, I felt that I had to follow all the rules laid out by professionals who had written books. I was afraid to make a mistake, afraid to add my own voice, afraid to let the cards speak to me personally. My advice is not to see tarot as something that requires rote learning or memorization, but rather as a life-long learning process and a tool that requires constant interaction, without being too rigid or worrying too much about whether or not you’re doing it “right.” Structure is good in the beginning but don’t be afraid to let your own voice and interpretations come through. I think keeping your heart in the right place, with loving intentions for this work and your clients, can go a long way in assisting you as a reader at any stage of your journey as you communicate the messages that the cards are sending to whoever is consulting them. Enjoy your practice and make the cards an integrated part of your everyday life.

Want to ask Shelley a question about her journey? Leave your question in the Comments section and she’ll get back to you! (NOT for request free readings!!)

About Shelley

Shelley offers professional tarot readings through her website sparrowtarot.com. Shelley has been working with the tarot for nearly 13 years and truly loves using her practice to help clients through self-discovery, personal growth, and by revealing options for making constructive, thoughtful life decisions.

Inspired? Start Your Own Journey to Becoming a Professional Tarot Reader

Build your confidence by offering free Tarot readings in exchange for feedback. Become a Free Tarot Reader at Biddy Tarot!

Catch Up on All the Previous Inspiring Stories…

If you’d like to catch up on previous stories, check them out here:

• Going ‘Pro’: The Inspiring Journey of a Young Tarot Reader with Sam Pelletier
• Going ‘Pro’: From Marketing Consultant to Tarot Consultant with Joanna Ash
• Going ‘Pro’: Girl Next Door Becomes a Professional Tarot Reader with Christy Talbot
• Going ‘Pro’: A More Subdued Approach to Building a Tarot Business with Carla
• Going ‘Pro’: Turning Personal Struggle into a Blessing with Kelsey Lynore
• Going ‘Pro’: Turning Tarot into a Soulful Career with Sherry
• Going ‘Pro’: From Tarot Client to Tarot Reader with Cher Green

A professional Tarot reader earns an income doing Tarot readings, right? But if you want to leave your 9-to-5 job and earn a full-time income from your Tarot work, chances are you won’t be doing just Tarot readings.

Can you picture yourself doing Tarot reading after Tarot reading, 6+ hours a day, 5 days a week? (Sounds like being back in a 9-to-5′er.) Or charging a ridiculous amount for your Tarot readings (plus trying to find customers who are willing to pay that amount), so that you can meet your desired income?

If you’re serious about quitting your job and creating a successful Tarot business, you’ll need to think beyond simply offering Tarot readings.

Create Value and You’ll Create an Income

Let’s take a step back to “Business 101″. You make money in a business by delivering something (typically a product or a service) that people value. Customers are willing to pay you for what you have to offer because you add value to their lives in some way. The more value you add, the more income you earn.

There are a number of different ways you can add value to your customers. For example:

• Solve a problem
• Fulfil a need or a desire
• Make things simple and easy
• Provide step-by-step instructions on how to do something
• Synthesise information

These are all legitimate, authentic ways of adding value. And yes, you can continue to do this with a topic you love – Tarot!

Most Tarot enthusiasts start out by offering professional Tarot readings as a way to add value to customers and generate an income. But there are only so many hours in the day and only so many Tarot readings you can do without getting burnt out.

So, the key is to find other ways to add value to your online customers.

Even better, find ways to generate value that don’t rely on your time.

When we think services (such as reading Tarot), we are effectively being paid per hour. But when we think products, we may need to invest a certain amount of time creating the product, but once it is up and running on auto, the sales continue but the work does not. This is what is known as ‘passive income’. And passive income is what will help to grow your business without growing your hours long-term.

Beyond Tarot Readings. Online Tarot Products

So how do you branch out beyond Tarot readings? How do you leverage your love and passion for Tarot into something that will make a solid income for yourself, whilst also delivering quality and value to your customers?

The answer is in online Tarot products that can be automatically delivered to your customers. Here are a number of ideas of how you can take a step in a new direction and expand your Tarot business.

Tarot eBooks & Guides

Know something about the Tarot that’s worth sharing with others and that people would be willing to pay for? Perhaps you’re the master of Tarot spreads and you’ve got so many spreads you could write a book about it. Or, perhaps you’ve discovered a super easy way to read Tarot that doesn’t require years and years of study. Maybe you’ve spent years collecting and writing study notes about the Tarot cards, and now you’ve got a book’s worth of Tarot card meanings? (That’s how I got started, with what is now the Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings.)

eBooks are the easiest way to share your Tarot knowledge with a niche audience who have a desire to learn the Tarot. You’re adding value by solving a problem (e.g. how to read reversed Tarot cards), fulfilling a desire (to learn Tarot), making things simple and easy (e.g. 31 Days to Read Tarot with Confidence), providing step-by-step instructions (e.g. 5 Steps to a More Accurate Tarot Reading), and synthesising information (e.g. keyword charts).

To write your Tarot eBook, you might use existing material (e.g. your own study notes or blog posts) or something entirely new. Publishing is easy – simply save into PDF (and formats for Kindle and other devices) and use a service like eJunkie to automaticallydistribute your digital eBook. Once it’s up and running, you’ll have a steady stream of income that runs automatically!

This is how I ‘cut my teeth’ and began to branch out from Tarot readings. I started selling my first eBook in 2007. Now I have 3 Tarot eBooks (and more coming!) which continue to sell very well.

Online Tarot Classes

There are now many free teleseminar and webinar services (and many premium ones) that you can use to run Tarot classes and workshops. You might experiment and build up your confidence first by offering a free class. Then, start charging a fee for attendance.

To turn this into a passive source of income, don’t forget to hit the ‘record’ button and then you can continue selling your recorded class and materials after the live event.

You don’t need to be a Tarot Grandmaster or someone with 40+ years’ experience reading Tarot, either. If you’ve got something of value to share, then people will be willing to listen. Perhaps you just started your Tarot business 12 months’ ago and now you know first-hand about the pitfalls and the keys to success for starting your own business. Or perhaps you have done so many fairs and large events in the last 2 years that you could run a class on how to do this successfully.

I ran my first webinar in 2012, alongside the launch of my eBook, “Tarot Foundations“. I had so much fun with over 200 participants that I decided to start monthly Tarot Masterclasses via webinar which are doing incredibly well.

Tarot Courses and Programs

If you’ve tried teaching a Tarot class and had great success, your next step might be to run a full Tarot course. You can do this as a live course (e.g. 5 weeks of live webinars) or pre-record videos and/or audio. It’s a good idea to include written materials as well, such as transcripts and workbooks.

If you’re running a live Tarot course, again don’t forget to hit ‘record’ and you can sell the recordings at a later stage – another great source of passive income!

I ran my first live Tarot Foundations course in February 2013. I still have people wanting to sign up, even though it is now well and truly complete! I plan to run the course again, first live and then, after I have perfected it, as a recorded program.

Email Courses

Does being in front of a camera freak you out? Why not try creating an email course?

Sign yourself up with an email list manager such as Aweber or Mailchimp and build an automatic email course on a topic you love. It might be 22 lessons about the Major Arcana or a spread for every day of the year… all delivered via email.

Once you’ve set up your email course and have a ‘buy now’ button, everything will run without you having to touch a thing!

This isn’t a path I have tried yet, but because of its simplicity and ease, I am very tempted. Watch this space!

Advertising

Advertising works very well when you have a large audience or high levels of traffic. I’m talking 10,000+ subscribers or 100,000+ unique visitors per month. Companies and small businesses are willing to pay in order to reach high numbers of people in a niche market.

If you’ve just fallen off your seat looking at those figures, don’t worry! There are other ways to experiment with advertising whilst your following grows (and it will grow – we all start somewhere!). Google Adsense is the most popular as it is relatively easy to use and can earn a small income on the side. Don’t cover your website in ads, though – it looks tacky and will put people off.

While I started with Adsense, I’ve had much more success though with affiliate programs such as the psychic webcam services for Oranum and Spiritum where I earn a 50-70% commission. It works well because I offer free Tarot card meanings which generate a high amount of traffic, and some of those visitors will then go on to click on the ads and generate sales. It’s a win-win because I can continue to offer high quality and free Tarot information, yet still be compensated for this indirectly.

Advertising isn’t for everyone, though. Many websites prefer to maintain their own voice or advertise their own products which is a smart strategy. I choose to advertise only on certain sections of my site and not on others for this exact reason.

Over to You

Get inspired! What one Tarot product could you start working on now to boost your income in the long-term? Leave your comments and ideas below, including what you have already tried and what has worked for you.

On August 8, 2012, I made the huge monumental decision to quit my six-figure corporate job and become a full-time Tarot professional.

It was the scariest decision I have had to make in my working life. Would I be able to sustain a decent income and continue to support my family? Was I ditching all my professional experience that I had accumulated in the past 15 years, to become a Tarot reader? Would my friends and family think I’m nuts? Would it be the biggest regret in my life?!

Well, 12 months on and I have one word for what life is really like now.

Blessed.

Creating the Space to Expand

Dedicating myself to my online Tarot business has opened up the space for many different opportunities to arise. And this in turn has allowed me to expand my business and my lifestyle in ways that are incredibly enriching, fulfilling and exciting.

Since August 2012, I have had the space to…

• Speak at TarotCon Australia with the Tarot Professionals crew
• Teach 20 energetic students in the first-ever Tarot Foundations Online Course
• Expand the Free Readings Page with now over 100 Tarot students learning and developing their expertise
• Teach 100s of Tarot readers how to read reversals, card combinations, court cards, and how to go ‘pro’ via my Tarot Masterclasses
• Coach aspiring professional Tarot readers to start their business
• Launch Tarot Foundations: 31 Days to Read Tarot with Confidence
• Welcome Sherry as an endorsed Biddy Tarot reader
• Bring Kim onto the team as the Online Business Manager (AKA Life Saver)
• Invest in my professional development with the Teach Now program, Teaching Sells, and Problogger Conference

Had I been plodding along in a part-time job whilst juggling family commitments,  I don’t believe many of these opportunities would have arisen because I simply would not have the space for them.

Creating a Lifestyle That is ‘In Harmony’

Many times throughout the last 12 months, I have reflected on how ‘in harmony’ my life feels right now.

I am helping and inspiring many people to use Tarot constructively in their life, I am thoroughly enjoying my work, I am spending quality time with my family, and I’m supporting my family financially.

Because my work is flexible and location independent (I can work anywhere with an internet connection), my family and I are living in Spain again for six months. I am able to enjoy a beautiful balance between working and playing, all on my own terms (well, after we take into account the demands of a certain 2- and 4-year old!).

And I think it’s amazing to be adding value to so many people’s lives through Tarot. There have been over 1 million (woah! Thank-you Universe!) unique visitors to Biddy Tarot in the past 12 months, and 7,500 people receiving my newsletter with the weekly Tarot card. I struggle to get my head around how enormous that really is and am truly grateful for the support.

Creating Real Value

One of my greatest fears when I quit my corporate job was, “What if I can’t make enough money to pay the bills and to fulfil our desired family lifestyle?!”

What I have learned in these past 12 months is that the Universe is certainly looking after me and blessing me with abundance for which I am truly grateful. Every month, I am consistently earning more than I ever did in my corporate life (and getting so much more out of it!).

So where is this money coming from?

I truly believe it is in creating value. Creating value for new visitors to Biddy Tarot with great (free) content. Creating value for Tarot students with the Free Readings page and Tarot Guides. Creating value for aspiring Tarot professionals with the Masterclasses and personal one-on-one coaching. Creating value for my Tarot reading clients with clear insight and in-depth readings.

And when I can create value for my customers, I am rewarded so that I can financially support my family. It’s a win-win-win!

In appreciation for the financial abundance, I have also donated over $1,000 to charities in 2013, including the Smith Family and Kiva, and plan to give more before the year’s end.

Where to Next?

I can already feel the energy and the ‘buzz’ for the next 12 months! Here’s what already on the boil:

• Lead a Study Group at Readers Studio 2014 in New York (and attending, of course!!)
• Launch my new Soul Meditations series with the Major Arcana in late October (get on the early bird list now!)
• Teach even more students how to read Tarot with confidence via my online Tarot Foundations Course and the Tarot Masterclasses
• Be interviewed in late August by my all-time-favourite blogger, Pat Flynn of Smart Passive Income
• Speak on the Spiritual Path of Tarot Telesummit in late September
• Coach more Tarot professionals on how to re-energise their businesses and create more value
• Further invest in my professional and business development

I’m also playing with the idea of in-person workshops, an email course, a new eBook, and more online Tarot courses. The possibilities are indeed endless!

My Tips on How to Confidently Quit Your Day Job to Become a (Successful) Tarot Professional

Would you love to tell your boss to go shove it so you can read Tarot all day?! Here are my top tips on how to build the confidence to become a full-time Tarot professional:

1. Start Now

Start now, even if you’re working or have a gazillion other commitments. You have to start somewhere.

I built my business for 10+ years while I studied and worked full-time. Those first 10 years, I was lucky to make a $100 in a month. Since 2009, however, I have invested more time, more heart and more soul into it and watched my income triple every single year.

ACTION: What 3 things will do you in August to get your business started?

2. Build a Community

Build a community. Every subscriber counts. Build one by one. 100 fiercely loyal, die-hard fans is a lot more valuable than 10,000 don’t-care subscribers.

ACTION: Who are your die-hard fans? What one thing can you do to make them feel part of your ‘tribe’ or your community?

3. Create Something of Value

If you know anything about blogging or online businesses, you know that “content is king”. No doubt about it.

Create something of value for your visitors, your prospective clients and your customers. ‘Something of value’ might be in-depth ‘how to’ guides about Tarot reading, detailed descriptions of Tarot card meanings, inspiring Tarot stories or hilarious blog posts.

It doesn’t matter if no-one is listening… yet. They will come. You have to start somewhere!

I can see Shelley of Sparrow Tarot doing this. She’s working from the ground up, creating high quality content on her blog and working hard to attract the right ‘fit’ for her business. She has a small but loyal following, and it is continuing to grow. Shelley is definitely one rising star to watch!

ACTION: Write one ‘something of value’ that you can share with your die-hard fans and prospective clients. An epic blog post, a free eBook, a manifesto – you choose.

P.S. If you’re ready to start your Tarot business or give your existing business a boost, let’s chat. I get such a ‘buzz’ out of helping people create heart-centered businesses.

Over to You…

I’d love to hear what actions you take and what results you get!

The integration of Tarot, counseling and psychology is becoming an increasingly popular topic within the Tarot community. The Tarot partners so well with a consultative, therapeutic style of delivery, by creating a collaborative partnership between reader and client and guiding them towards a desired outcome.

This week, I welcome Elise Mori from Star Tarot to share with us how she integrates counseling skills with Tarot reading. The techniques she describes are easy to implement and ready for you to try on for size. Over to you, Elise…

Tarot and Counseling

“How can I support what is most alive in you?” says Katrina Wynne in her ”Introduction to Transformative Tarot Counseling.”  ”I have no interest in predicting the future or telling people what decision to make. I believe that disempowers clients and their relationship to their life’s journey. I’m looking for guidance that comes from the clients, through their awareness, conscious or subconscious, which knows where they are on their journey and what step is next.”

In person-centred counseling, the client themselves hold the key to their own inner wellness – as opposed to other forms of therapy, where the analyst/therapist gives prescriptive advice, asks questions and directs the sessions (a great resource on person-centred counseling is the  Association for the Development of the Person-Centred Approach).  With counseling, the listening skills of the counselor elicit the client’s self-healing.  So how can these skills be used in a Tarot reading?

First of all, let’s remain within the bounds of legality. If you are not a trained counselor or therapist, it’s illegal, unethical and dangerous to say or even imply that you are. However, what I’m proposing is a set of skills that should enable you as a Tarot reader to help the client become the catalyst for their own healing. In “Tarot and Psychology: Spectrums of Possibility“, Arthur Rosengarten states:

“The proper aim of psychoanalysis is to make the unconscious conscious. This to a large degree is a key function of Tarot as well, that is, to make possibilities conscious. Tarot cards either clarify, interconnect, or amplify what already exists in consciousness, or else they bring unconscious possibilities into conscious awareness.”

In order to facilitate this, the Tarot reader needs to set aside their own agenda, to be able to channel the message of the cards as directly as possible with unconditional regard for the client’s whole self, as a person in transition.  Handled effectively:

• The client sees themselves in a new context, from a new perspective.
• The “voice” of the Tarot stays impartial – no side, no agenda.
• The Tarot can give answers that no-one else can, as with prediction, knowledge of the client’s psyche, knowledge of past events etc.
• The client experiences a feeling of connectedness to a higher agency that clearly seeks to help them, and develops faith in the Tarot process, as well as in the helping energy of the universe as a whole, since spiritual emotions are in themselves therapeutic. For more on how spirituality can help your state of health, see this study from the University of Missouri.

In a practical sense, how does this work?

Face-up, sandbox-type readings

With this technique, the client doesn’t need any knowledge of the Tarot, and the images of the cards are taken at face value. This is a great activity for strengthening the client’s bond with the Tarot, and for helping them to develop intuition. Even if the client knows the meanings of the cards, or later in the reading if the meanings have been explained and explored, the reader can suggest that the client place the cards into categories: people/situations, wants/dislikes, past/present, and so on. In a face-up, sandbox-type reading, the client feels more empowered, more valid and engaged in the reading process.

In face-down readings where the cards are turned over and revealed, the random aspect of the reading, where the client feels that a higher power selects the cards for them, the numinous, mystical aspects of Tarot all come into play.

In both approaches, first impressions count. The client is encouraged to notice and describe what they see. How does it make them feel? What do they associate the image with? A person, a song, a film, a place, a time? For example, on the 8 of Swords the client may see an escapologist, someone performing a circus routine, and that’s as valid as the traditional interpretation if it leads them to a place of self-discovery. The client may feel they are a performer or an escapologist. If they feel that this is a performance, is this dangerous? How does the person in the card feel about their performance? See this great blog post on Tarot Eon called “A lesser known Tarot Secret” for more on the subject.

With the sandbox-type reading, as with any reading, you can encourage the client to take photographs if you are in the room together, and these readings work well with distance readings over Skype and FaceTime.

Storytelling

Free-associating with the cards leads us to making stories about them. In 1970, Jungian scholar Marie Louise Von Franz described storytelling as “the international language of all ages, of all races and cultures. The universal themes found in good literature give children a sense of solidarity with all people. They transcend cultural attitudes.” Storytelling with the Tarot could extend to:

• The cards’ stories themselves, the “personality” of each card – either what the client associates with them, or what the “book” meaning of the card is. For example: the man in the 4 of Pentacles, what’s his story? How did he get here? Was he asleep and some naughty children put coins on his robes? Is this an acrobatic trick? Why doesn’t he move?
• Using the sequence of the cards as a comic strip – it doesn’t matter if the client knows about the Tarot or not for this activity. The cards are arranged in a sequence that satisfies the client, or encourages them to talk about their experiences. The reading can be voice-recorded by the client for later reference.
• Stories and myths related to the card’s meaning or image, e.g. Icarus with the Hanged Man, Hansel and Gretel with the 5 of Coins, Perceval and the Holy Grail with the Knight of Cups, etc. Here, the reader needs to be able to draw from their own storehouse of folk tales, legends and myths. In my experience, this has been a powerful technique that dynamically facilitates the healing of the Tarot.

Both sandbox-type and storytelling activities facilitate the client’s exploring of their own, unique reaction to the cards, allowing them to interact with the archetypal power of the images more directly. Other techniques that can also facilitate this process are:

• Dialoguing with the cards, where the client talks to the cards or the client imagines conversations between the cards
• The images on the cards generate questions that provoke self-discovery
• Making drawings: either of each card individually, or freeing the images from their boundaries where the characters and symbols of the cards mingle in a single picture

These techniques and more are explored fully in Mary K. Greer’s “21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card“.

However, there are some situations where a counseling approach isn’t suitable for a Tarot reading, and you need to be very clear before you book the reading just what you and the client expect from the experience. It could be that they are looking for advice and guidance from you as a reader because they respect your personal judgement, or they just want to know what the meanings of the cards are, without all the soul-searching. And why not? As long as the reading remains ethical, I’m prepared to be flexible. I never pick up a Tarot deck without learning something, no matter what the reading style.

Over to You

And now it’s your turn.  Which of these approaches have you used? Which ones worked, or really didn’t? Do you know any other ways in which a reader could use a counseling approach to their reading? Leave your comments below.

About Elise Mori

Elise Mori has no formal training in counseling whatsoever, but has been reading Tarot cards for over 20 years. She describes Tarot as “a hotline to the Higher Self”. She is currently living in Japan and is a Tarot professional and healer. Visit her website at http://star-tarot.com.

You – you’re one of the most spiritually dignified and soul-centred Tarot readers out there. You hold yourself in high regard – and so you should – because your ethics and professionalism are right up there amongst the best. You’re not one of those scammy Tarot readers who promises to remove an evil curse for an extra $500 (save $200 if you buy in the next 24 hours) or who features on late night TV with next week’s billion dollar lottery numbers.

You’re the real deal. A true Tarot professional.

But then someone starts talking to you about the latest online marketing strategies or the best way to create a ‘passive income’ in your ‘niche market’.

What do you do?

Do you shudder and think you’ve found yourself in hell, along with all those ‘charlatans’? (And how dare someone even mention ‘marketing’ to you, the most professional of Tarot professionals.)

Or do you get out your notepad and say, “Tell me more!”?

Lost in Translation

Somehow, somewhere, something has gotten lost in translation.

The mere mention of ‘affiliate marketing’, ‘niche marketing’ and ‘passive income’ causes some Tarot professionals to break out in a sweat and think the Devil has appeared on earth to reclaim all Tarot readers.

But is ‘marketing’ really a dirty word for the soul-centred Tarot reader?

If a professional Tarot reader promotes her services to prospective clients, creates an affiliate program to expand her reach, builds Tarot products to generate a passive income (so she can spend more time generating free content), and enthusiastically shares her marketing strategies with others, should she really be condemned to being labelled yet another scammy and spiritually un-dignified Tarot reader?

I think not.

Sleaze-Ball Marketing

Don’t get me wrong. There are some really sleazy marketing tactics out there that even the most well-intentioned Tarot professional can get drawn into.

Like the so-called ‘live webinars’ conveniently scheduled for only 24 hours away from now, which actually turn out to be pre-recorded, on-demand webinars, complete with fake ‘live’ audiences and heavy-handed sales pitches.

And the blatant self-promotion on other people’s blog comments. “Hey, great article. I wrote something similar at mysite.com/awesome-blog-post.”

And the “Sign up for my free 9-page eBook” which happens to be exactly the same as the article you posted on your blog 6 months ago, only this time it is followed by 20 daily emails, all promoting your latest Tarot products and services.

These strategies are what gives marketing a bad name… and can make you, as a Tarot professional, look sleazy or worse, desperate.

But marketing isn’t all ‘sleaze balls’.

Marketing can be cool, chic and classy. It can be something that benefits not just the Tarot reader, but the prospective client or visitor also.

Classy Marketing for the Professional Tarot Reader

So how can you stay ‘classy’ and professional while also marketing and promoting your Tarot business? Here are three (of many) strategies to keep your marketing initiatives ‘classy’:

Be You

The coolest thing about having your own business? It’s all about YOU.

You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not by wearing fancy-dress or smudging dark eyeliner across your eyelids for that ‘mysterious look’. In fact, you’re waaay better off if you don’t pretend to be like your ‘typical’ Tarot reader (whatever that might be).

You’ll create magic when you are ‘you’.

You’ll attract the right clients who love your unique style. You’ll feel more comfortable and more closely aligned to your true ‘calling’. You’ll create deeper and more fulfilling connections with your community.

And when you’re being ‘you’, the marketing stuff doesn’t even feel like marketing. It feels more like a conversation because it’s in your own style and your own voice. You don’t have to sell a set of steak knives with your Tarot reading just because it works on TV. You can simply offer what feels right to you, and right for your customers. Easy peasey.

Build a Community

I’m not talking about getting a 1000 people to sign up to your email list in one week just so you’ve got the ‘social proof’. I’m talking about building a strong community of loyal supporters, one person at a time.

Building a community means interacting with your visitors with sincerity, creating real relationships with real people, and being of service to others.

You can build a community through an email list, a Facebook page, a blog, a forum, a teleseminar or even a face-to-face Meetup group. The key is that you get to know your clients as real people and you engage them in meaningful ways to create a true connection.

Learn from Classy Marketing Role Models

There are definitely some ‘sleaze balls’ marketers in the online world with their ‘get rich quick’ schemes and images of dollar bills floating through the air and right into your bank account (and theirs). But there are also some amazing role models who live and breathe ‘classy marketing’.

My two favourites? Pat Flynn from Smart Passive Income (I’ve followed his blog since 2010 and will soon be featured on his podcast as I share my own business strategies). And Marie Forleo from B-School (who breaks marketing and business-building down into bite-sized chunks for the aspiring entrepreneur).

I’m also starting to engage more with Mark Silver of Heart of Business. Mark is a business-savvy Sufi master who integrates the spiritual world with the material.

So find a few role models with whom you resonate, and learn from their strategies and advice. You don’t have to sign up for expensive classes either. Simply subscribe to their blog, podcast, YouTube channel or mailing list and work your way through the archives. You’ll learn a huge amount that you can put into action straight away.

Over to You

What do you think – is marketing a dirty word in this spiritual field? What classy marketing strategies do you use and feel good about?

P.S. Are you struggling to create a classy marketing strategy for your Tarot business?

You started your Tarot reading business because you’re a talented Tarot reader, right? Not because you’re a talented marketer. But as you begin to build your business and attempt to attract the right clients, you realise that you actually have to be both – a talented Tarot reader and a talented marketer.

That’s where I come in. Not only have I read the Tarot professionally for 15 years, I have built a successful online business using clear (and classy) marketing strategies. And I’m here to help you do the same.

Get in touch with me for a free 15 minute coaching consultation and we’ll talk about how we can work together to create a classy marketing strategy for your Tarot business.

I have to be honest with you. There are some days when I look at my list of Tarot reading requests and I groan.

Thankfully it’s not too often, but when I feel this way, I know that something isn’t right.

It’s usually when I have pushed myself too hard and have scheduled too many Tarot readings on one day. Or, I feel completely exhausted from my personal commitments and family responsibilities.

More often than not, it’s when I haven’t taken good care of myself and I haven’t honoured ME.

Honouring your personal needs and paying attention to your energy levels is essential, especially as a Tarot reader (or any energy-based service) where you give so much of your energy to your work and your clients. If you’re not feeling energised and harmonised within yourself, you’re not going to have enough energy to give to your clients and your readings probably aren’t going to be the best they can possibly be. And that sucks if you’re an over-achiever like me!

To make sure you honour yourself both as a Tarot reader and as a human being, here are five essential habits for your self-care.

Pay Attention to your Energy

Really listen in to what you’re feeling. Do you feel tired? Flat? Fuzzy? Sick? Then put the cards down until you feel better. Even if that means taking a break for a month.

Do you look at your list of reading requests and groan? Re-schedule and re-energise – it’s better for everyone.

Take Breaks

If you’re doing multiple Tarot readings, one after the other, take a break in between each and every reading. Do 5 minutes of exercise, make a cup of tea, read 2 pages of a favourite book, go outside, meditate – whatever it takes to get your mind away from the Tarot cards for a short moment.

And if you’re a regular reader, take a longer break every month or two. I typically take a week off each month (often because I’m travelling, but sometimes because I just need the break). Your clients won’t mind – in fact, they’ll probably thank you for it because you’re so much more ‘on your game’ when you return.

Change It Up

Being a Tarot professional doesn’t mean you have to only read cards to earn a living. You can also create products (such as eBooks, online courses and webinars) and other services (such as teaching, coaching and mentoring). When you expand your offerings, you give yourself a break from needing to take on lots of Tarot readings to fulfil your income goals.

Of course, you can change it up with non-Tarot activities. I wouldn’t recommend doing a full day of Tarot reading, day in and day out. Split your day with Tarot and something else – another job, or better still, something playful and fun.

Schedule Your Time

Set aside reading time and stick to it. Close the door and ask your loved ones not to disturb you. It might sound a little harsh or insensitive, but if that means that your non-work time can be completely focused on them, then it’s a great deal.

Know when you’re at your best, too. We’re all productive at different times of the day. For me, it’s in the morning so this is when I do most of my readings. I tend to get sleepy after lunch and dinner, so I save this time for emails instead.

And schedule readings so that you only take as many requests as you can handle. I typically do 3 to 4 readings a day. Any more than 5 in one day and I’m a wreck!

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are critical to self-care. You need to set boundaries with yourself and your clients so that you can honour and respect your personal needs.

For example, don’t let clients push you into ‘emergency readings’ (unless you offer this as a service). If you can only do 3 readings that day and they are number 4 in line, they’re better off waiting until tomorrow when you’re refreshed and ready to go.

And if you’ve decided you don’t do third party readings, then don’t do them. As soon as you start to compromise, it’ll feel icky and you’ll know you’ve let your self-care slip.

What Does the Tarot Have to Say?

Inspired by James Wells, who often turns to the Tarot to ask the big questions on life, I asked the cards, “What do we, as Tarot readers, need to remember most about self-care?” I drew the Lovers reversed.

The Lovers is a card of harmony, duality and balance. Upright, everything is in harmony and we are living a life full of Divine love. Reversed, we are out of harmony with ourselves and we have pushed the boundaries too far.

In fact, we are no longer honouring our personal values and needs and we have given in to short-term satisfaction or temptation (the snake and the apple in the Garden of Eden).

So, the Lovers reversed is asking us to take note of when we feel out of harmony with ourselves. If and when we become conscious that we have lost sight of our inner values and beliefs, make self-care becomes a top priority once again.

Over to You…

What self-care habits do you have in place to honour yourself? What new self-care habits do you intend to put in place?

Leave your responses and ideas in the Comments below.

When I tell people that I read Tarot professionally via email, one of the first questions they ask is, “Do you actually do the reading, or do you just do it automatically in a template on your computer?”

Say what?!  An automatic Tarot reading?  No way!

But it got me thinking.  How do people know how an email Tarot reading is done, if they’re not there to see it?  How do they know they are actually getting the real deal?

Today, I’m going to lift the veil and give you a special behind-the-scenes tour of how I do my email Tarot readings on Biddy Tarot.

Of course, every Tarot reader is different, and there’s no right or wrong. But if you’re curious to see how one professional reader does her Tarot readings, then read on!

Engaging with My Clients

My clients find me at my website, on the Book a Tarot Reading page.

Here, I clearly outline what people can expect in a Tarot reading with me so that I attract the clients who will get the most value out of working with me. I also provide exact details of how to purchase a Tarot reading so that my clients can make a purchase with confidence and certainty.

Clients click on the ‘Buy Now’ button to purchase a Tarot reading, which takes them to PayPal. After the payment is complete, they’re automatically taken to the request form on my website.

On the request form, I ask for their name, email, birth date (I sometimes use the Personal Year number in a reading), gender and a recent photo. I also ask for the question along with some details about the situation. Having been inspired by James Wells and Carrie Paris, I now also ask about the client’s desired outcome (essential in creating an empowering, choice-based reading), current challenges in achieving that outcome, and what they want to get out of the reading itself.

Reviewing the Request

The first thing I do when I receive a request in my Inbox is review all of the information and make sure that I can answer the client’s question(s) within my ethical boundaries.

Sometimes, a client might ask about health or a third party which is outside of my personal ethics so I’ll work with the client to see if we can shift the focus of the question back to what is within the client’s control and what I can ethically answer.

Co-Creating the Tarot Spread

What I also do at this stage is start creating the customised Tarot spread for the client. Working with the client’s question, details, desired outcome and challenges, I formulate a spread that is tailored to their needs.

I am now in the practice of sharing the spread with the client before the reading and checking in to make sure it answers the client’s question. This is proving to be a very effective way of engaging the client and making sure we’re on the same page.

Scheduling the Reading

Once a request comes through, I add it to my Reading Scheduler. This is a simple, home-made Excel spreadsheet that helps me keep track of when a request has been submitted and when it’s ‘due’. It also helps me to manage the number of requests I can take on any given day – an essential part of maintaining my self-care.

Reading the Tarot Cards

Once I’m ready to actually do the Tarot reading, I find a quiet place – often in our bedroom or a spare room. (I’ve even read in the bathroom once, just to get some space!)

I open up my laptop and load up my Tarot reading template with the client’s details inserted. In my template, I include a short piece on how I believe the Tarot works, I leave space for the actual Tarot spread and reading (that’s not templated!), and I have a short sign-off.

 I centre myself by closing my eyes, taking in 3 deep breaths and asking for peace and focus in my reading.

I then focus on my client’s question(s), reading through their original request and reminding myself of the Tarot spread we had co-created. At the same time, I shuffle the cards, cut the deck into 3 piles, turn one pile 180 degrees (so that I can use reversals in the reading), then put the piles back together and shuffle again. When it feels ready, I lay out the cards from the top of the deck.

(For a 2-card Quick Answer Tarot reading, I will shuffle and then fan out the cards, selecting two cards from the fan.)

To interpret the reading, I first scan the whole reading. I look for patterns in the cards and I start to build a story of what I perceive is happening in the client’s life. I then start typing the reading with that initial story.

Then, I move through each card, relating it to the position of the spread and to the cards around it. I often find myself linking multiple cards together, looking for common threads, symbols and associations between the cards. All the while, I’m madly typing away to record the reading for the client.

As I’m reading the cards, I often ‘hear’ certain phrases or sentences. It’s a little like channelling a message that may be prompted by the Tarot cards in front of me, or from a more Divine channel. Oftentimes, the words are just flowing from my intuition through my fingers and onto the keyboard and computer screen. It’s quite magical.

I end the reading with another summary and a path forward for the client, based on what I’ve seen in the cards. Sometimes I might include some ‘homework’ – a particular card to meditate with or some self-reflection questions.

I also add the card images to the document so the client can connect with the cards themselves.

I then respond to the client’s original email with the reading attached as a Word document and invitation for further discussion to clarify any part of the reading or to provide feedback.

Once I’ve hit ‘Send’, I’ll usually take this moment to get up, have a walk around and generally clear any energy left over from the reading, ready for the next one.

And that, my friends, is how I do an email Tarot reading!

Making it Your Own

If you’re a Tarot reader yourself and want to try some of these techniques – go for it! But also work in your own methods that feel right for you. Avoid the temptation to simply ‘copy’ what someone else is doing – find your own rhythm and style and go with it. It will be a much better fit for you anyway!

Over to You

What techniques do you use for your email Tarot readings? Share your ideas and comments below.

Want to Experience the Real Thing?

Curious to see how an email Tarot reading really works? Come and experience the real thing – book a Tarot reading with me here.

Picture this. Your last 5 Tarot reading clients all gave glowing feedback and you couldn’t feel better.

“Wow! You’re amazing. You hit the nail on the head!”

“It was as if you could read my mind.”

“I am so blessed to have had a Tarot reading with you.”

You’re starting to think you’ve got the knack for Tarot and you might actually be pretty good at what you do. People love your work and you couldn’t be happier.

But then comes a shocking blow.

The next email to come through has the dreaded subject line “Not Happy”. Ugh. Your heart sinks.

Reluctantly, you open the email. It’s from that client the other day who wanted to know about her ex and her best-friend. She’s somehow managed to fill an entire page outlining how every part of your reading that was totally wrong. Wrong.

Worse, she tells you that you’re the worst reader she’s ever gone to – all the other psychics said she’d get back with her ex, except you. “How could you get it so wrong?”, she says.

You go into a mad panic. “I’m no good. I’ve failed.” You even feel like quitting. “What’s the point of reading when you’re no good?” you think.

But no! I implore you. Do not quit over one piece of bad feedback!!

Pause. Take a deep breath in. Now follow me as I walk you through exactly what you can do to get over negative feedback and still stay smiling.

1. Revisit your ‘Love Letters’

I keep a ‘love letter’ file in my Inbox. It’s filled with all the wonderful feedback and comments from my Tarot reading clients, students and visitors to my website. It’s jam-packed full of love and appreciation.

If I ever have a bad day or a dissatisfied client, the first thing I do is go to my Love Letter file and spend several minutes reminding myself of the 99.9% of people who really do love my work.

So if you don’t already have a Love Letter file, create one now and fill it up with loads of loving, appreciative comments from your clients. Then, when you do get negative feedback, go straight to love letters and remind yourself how amazing you really are.

2. Choose One Lesson

Filled with the knowledge that you do have something worthwhile to offer through your Tarot readings, now go back over the negative feedback. Pick out one thing you’re going to do differently or that you have learned from the experience. Just one thing.

For example, I had a client once who was upset that I didn’t answer her specific question in the reading. She wanted to know what her ex really thought about her and the relationship. For me, this was outside of my ethical boundaries, so I looked at how she was in relationship with her ex and what she might expect from the relationship moving forward. But, she was not happy. It wasn’t the information she was looking for.

My one lesson from this experience was that I needed to be on the same page as my client before I started the reading. It didn’t mean I would compromise my ethics, however, and read on something that I wasn’t comfortable doing. I committed to making a change in all of my Tarot readings from that point forward. I now create and then share the customised Tarot spread with the client before the reading to make sure we have a mutual agreement of what is going to be covered.

Now, if a client feels that the spread doesn’t cover their question, we can address this before the reading begins. Sometimes I change the spread, or other times I have an open discussion about what’s OK to ask the Tarot and what’s not. As a result, I have much happier clients.

So, choose just one lesson you will take away from the experience and implement this lesson in your Tarot practice.

3. Close It Out with the Client

It’s tempting to get into a long discussion with your client, either defending your Tarot reading or apologising profusely for not meeting the client’s needs. But, please, resist.

Instead write a short and succinct note to the client, thanking them for their honest feedback. Let them know what you’ve decided to improve or change, and then wish them well on their journey.

No more back and forth emails. Just one short note.

Why? I don’t know about you, but I much prefer to spend time with people who love what I do and who are ready and willing to exchange positive and uplifting energy. When I engage with someone who is giving out negative energy, it doesn’t feel great.

It isn’t that I want to avoid negative feedback all together – it’s actually very important to learn from these experiences. It’s just that I don’t want that negative energy to hang about, so I deal with it quickly and briefly. You might like to try the same.

We All Have Our ‘Off’ Days

Know that we all have our ‘off’ days – even the super famous, celebrity Tarot readers. But don’t let the ‘off’ days define you. Don’t let it stop you from doing what you love and what you have been ‘called’ to do. You’re not going to please everyone, so focus on the clients who love your work and appreciate you for who you are. And Tarot on!

Over to You

How do you handle negative feedback in a way that you can feel good about what you do? Share your stories and comments in the Comments section below.

P.S. Practice Reading Tarot in Exchange for Feedback

Sure, putting yourself out there and offering Tarot readings to strangers in exchange for feedback can be downright scary. But now that you’ve got these 3 strategies under your belt in case you do encounter negative feedback, why not challenge yourself? Why not stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone and start reading?

Become a Biddy Tarot reader and by offering free Tarot readings to strangers, you’ll have the opportunity to get real-time feedback, gain valuable experience and connect with 100+ other Tarot readers in the exclusive Facebook community.

Ready? Head on over to http://www.biddytarot.com/become-a-free-tarot-reader/ and sign up today.

You’ve just landed your very first gig reading Tarot at a hens’ party. Yippee!

But then you go into a mad panic. “Oh gosh. What am I going to charge? How am I going to read Tarot in a noisy bar? What if I one of the girls has had too much to drink and gets abusive?”

Never fear! With a bit of careful planning and forethought, you can create a magical experience for your party guests and have fun while doing it.

Here are the five things you must know to have an awesome time reading Tarot at parties and events.

1. Create a Sacred Space

Tarot parties can be anywhere. A crowded, noisy bar. A beautiful, but potentially windy, garden. A comfortable home. A large events hall. The list goes on.

Image courtesy of Alejandro Lezcano

What is essential is that you find out exactly where you will be set up for the event so that you can then plan for how you will convert it into a sacred space.

Ask for a table and two chairs in a reasonable private, secluded and quiet place. If you know it’s going to be in a public area, you might bring along a screen to create a sense of privacy.

If you’re going to be outdoors, remember that Tarot cards and wind are not exactly best friends. Take along a couple of clear paper weights that you can place on the cards as you do your reading.

And bring along your favourite items for the table – crystals, candles (if permitted at the venue), a beautiful table cloth, a Buddha statue, a beautiful photo, a bunch of flowers and so on. Make it as beautiful and sacred as you have it at home.

2. Manage Your Time Carefully

It’s best to keep your Tarot readings to 15-30 minutes when reading for large groups of people. Less then 15 minutes is difficult because you’re more likely to go over time with a chatty or curious client. And more then 30 minutes becomes a little too in-depth for high volume readings.

Keep a timer nearby so you can keep track of time. Let your client know at the start of the reading how long it will go for. With 5 minutes to go, let your client know that you have just 5 more minutes and are there any last minute clarification questions (avoid asking a totally new question). And be confident in ending the session on the dot, otherwise you’re not respecting you next client’s time.

3. Be Prepared for Drunk, Rude and Sceptical Clients

Yuh. Sadly it’s going to happen. The guest who’s drunk too much, who tells you that you’re the son or daughter of Satan because you’re reading Tarot, and who refuses to ask a question at all (“You’re the psychic. You tell me.”). It’s very likely you’re going to run into at least one of these people at your next Tarot party.

Image courtesy of Alison

The trouble is that we can’t really choose our clients. But we can be assertive in setting our boundaries.

If you get a ‘difficult’ client, see if you can shift the energy first to something more light-hearted and fun. Play around a bit with the cards and don’t get too deep in the reading.

But if your client is just downright rude and abusive, call it out and put an end to the session. You might say, “Clearly this is of no value to you, and it is of no value to me. Let’s agree to end this session now.” Know that you do not have to put up with rudeness and there’ll be plenty more guests who will just LOVE what you’re doing.

As for those who’ve drunk too much… respectfully decline the reading. No-one is going to benefit from the reading when it’s a total blur.

4. Finalise Payment Before the Event

Sadly, I have heard of occasions where a Tarot reader has read at an event and has been promised that “the cheque is in the mail”. They never got paid.

For all parties and events, request a deposit in order to secure the date (until the deposit is paid, the date remains unconfirmed). Then, 7 days prior to the event, request that the full payment is made. Then you’re not having to worry about payment on the day and you can feel confident that you’ll be compensated for your time.

Similarly, be clear on your cancellation policies. If you have a family, for example, and you need to organise babysitting in order to do an event, you might say that cancellations that are less than 7 days prior to the event incur a fee (to cover the costs of cancelling your babysitter). Make sure this is all very clear upfront.

5. Use Simple Spreads + Oracle Cards

I really recommend short and simple Tarot spreads for high volume Tarot parties and events. I’m talking 2 to 3 cards.

Invite your client to ask one question at a time. Have them shuffle the cards and then spread them out into a fan. Ask the client to select 2-3 cards and then go ahead and interpret them. If there are further questions on the same topic, you can always draw another card or two from the fan.

If there’s time, invite the client to ask another question and go through the process again. Keep each reading short and sharp to avoid going over time.

I also like to end the reading with an Oracle card – a positive and uplifting message for the client. You might even create small pieces of paper with inspiring quotes that the client can take away with them.

Over to You

What tips and recommendations do you have for reading at Tarot parties and events? Share your ideas in the Comments below.

Do you remember when you first ‘came out’ and told your parents, your friends, your family, your co-workers, your non-Tarot clients, or complete strangers that you’re a Tarot reader? Or maybe you still haven’t? Maybe you’re still hidden safely in the Tarot closet.

‘Coming out’ to my parents was easy. Mum was the person who gave me the Tarot cards in the first place (despite clearly stating several times she is a ‘non-believer’ in this hocus-pocus). ‘Coming out’ to close friends – no problems there either.

But ‘coming out’ to colleagues and people from my corporate life – eeks! Changing my LinkedIn profile to say “Tarot Professional” – nerve-wracking! And telling strangers that I read Tarot cards for a living… without blushing or trying to quickly cover it up with, “Oh, but I used to work in corporate and I have a Masters degree” – nearly impossible.

Keeping Your Tarot Talents A Secret

We all have our reasons for whether we’re completely open about our Tarot reading talents or whether we keep it a secret.

Perhaps you’re working in a corporate role where you don’t want potential employers to Google you and find out you’re a Tarot reader. Or your professional association rules that you cannot keep your credentials and practice Tarot openly (e.g. hypnotherapy or psychology).

Perhaps you come from a strict religious background where Tarot is ‘evil’ (even though we know the Tarot has a clear historical connection with Christianity) and if anyone ever found out you read the cards, you’d be told you’re going straight to hell.

Or perhaps you’re worried you might be ridiculed or made fun of, even by your friends. “Oh, you don’t seriously believe in that woo-woo stuff, do you?”

So, in an attempt to cover up what we really do, we might use a pseudo-name (I used “Biddy” for almost 15 years), withhold our personal photo (or use a picture of something else instead), hide our Tarot books and decks in a secret place or only tell the people we really trust.

But do we have to remain ‘in the closet’ for the rest of our Tarot lives?! Why not ‘come out’ and be free?!

Why Coming Out as Tarot Reader Can Be Liberating

I have to admit, I really struggled with being open about reading Tarot. I had a very professional, corporate image I had to protect and I didn’t want anything to come in the way of that.

But I came to a point when I had decided I was going to quit my corporate job and become a full-time Tarot professional, and I decided it was also time to be ‘real’ about who I am and what I do.

Why hide? Why act as if what I do for a living is something to be ashamed of, embarrassed about, or even in denial of?

I help people transform their lives. It just so happens that I use these 78 cards with pictures on them that help me tap into my intuition.

And what’s more, I’ve created a successful and fulfilling Tarot business that enables me to spend more time with my family and to make a difference in other people’s lives.

What is there to be embarrassed about?

When I started to see my Tarot work as a legitimate way of helping people and a legitimate way to build a business and a livelihood, I felt much more confident in being open about what I do.

And as I am more open, I am more authentic and in harmony with who I am. I am no longer this split identity, but I am whole again. I am me again. And what a wonderful feeling that is.

Are you with me?! Want to try being ‘out’, if you’re not already?

How To Be ‘Out’ with Grace and Confidence

‘Coming out’ can be scary – you never know how other people might respond and whether you’ll end up just making an even bigger mess for yourself as you fumble over your words. So it’s important that when you do ‘come out’ as a Tarot reader, you do it with grace and confidence!

Here are my tips for being ‘out’ as a Tarot reader:

• Have an ‘elevator pitch’ ready. Prepare your 30 second spiel about what you do and what value you add in people’s lives. Don’t just say, “I’m a Tarot reader” and quickly change the topic. Talk about what you actually do – “I inspire and coach people through difficult and confusing moments in their lives, using the Tarot cards.”
• Take it slow. Changing your LinkedIn profile to “Job: Tarot Reader” may come a little later on the list than telling your good friends or posting your photo on your website. You don’t have to go all out, if you don’t want to. Baby steps are OK!
• Don’t down-play yourself. If you’re going to be ‘out’, be ‘out’. Don’t say, “Oh, I’m just a Tarot reader. Yeah, I know, really weird, huh?! I do other stuff too – want to know about that instead?” Be confident and ‘own’ it. Say, “I’m a Tarot reader and I love what I do. I help so many people reconnect with themselves in order to navigate life’s challenges. I feel so lucky to be able to do this for a living!” (I’m still working on this one, personally!)
• Have a clear point of view on how the Tarot works. People are naturally going to ask you about “how it all works”. Be ready with a short and succinct explanation of how you believe the Tarot helps you to inspire and coach people, for example.
• Avoid getting ‘preachy’. You and I, we love Tarot and we ‘believe’ in it. But not everyone does. No amount of preaching and converting will get some folks to agree with what you do or with the impact it has. So know when to draw the line and move on. Marie Forleo has a great video about the right – and the wrong – way to share your personal development with others.
• Know your stuff. Did you know that Tarot is steeped in Christian symbolism? If not, do your research! The next time someone tells you that you’re going to hell for playing with Satan and dealing in divination, you can start reeling off all the ways in which Tarot and Christianity are aligned. (OK, just make sure you don’t get preachy!)
• Give the benefit of the doubt. You might think the person you’re talking to is the most straight, non-spiritual person in the room, but you never know! In the 2013 Biddy Tarot Reader Survey, there were folks who are nurses, lawyers, real estate agents, bankers, correction officers, medical students, swimming teachers and maths teachers… all reading the Tarot cards! Who would have thought? So give the benefit of the doubt – you never know if they’re also ‘in the Tarot closet’.

Your Stories About Staying in the Closet or Being ‘Out’

I asked the Biddy Tarot community to share their stories about being out of the closet. Here’s a few:

“My friends all knew I read the cards. But when I first told my mother, she asked if I was practicing witchcraft! She wouldn’t let me read for her until this past year. Now, she is floored by how the cards work. She often asks me questions about the cards as they are drawn and is very supportive!” – Jake

“There was no “coming out as a tarot person” required for me as I was interested in intuitive, symbolic, and mythic ways of Knowing at a very early age.  It was not a great surprise to my family when I purchased my first pack of tarot cards at the age of 12.  When I “went pro” in my late 20s, I decided to use my own name on all of my advertising because the tarot was, and is, a part of me.  I’m proud to be someone who employs the tarot in a way that sets up conditions wherein people can gain insight into themselves and their lives.” – James Wells

“I’ve been coming out slowly. My family is deeply religious and consider tarot to be the workings of witchcraft and evil. I recently have come out to only a select few of my close family members. My brother-in-law was the only one who responded negatively. He said “Oh man, you’re going to hell! Why do you do tarot?”. I reminded him that he hasn’t been to a church in over 14 years and hasn’t even read the bible. Now to break it to my parents. Let’s see how that goes!” – Hector

“I’m still in the closet. I grew up in the church and my dad was a preacher. When I think about ‘coming out,’ I get a bit nervous.  Not just because I have a lot of Christian friends who might think I’m a bit strange but because I think my parents may discover that I don’t believe Jesus is the way to eternal life. Also, my friends have absolutely no clue that I spend hours each day studying energy and learning how to blend my spirit self with my physical self.  They just think I’m a regular soccer mom who worries about the same things they do, and really I’m a lot different.” – Kim

“Still in my closet My immediate family and close friends know but I work in an area of health involving a lot of grief and loss. A very vulnerable population group so I’d rather keep this quiet.” – Anon

“I grew up in a small Midwestern town (in the USA) where Tarot was highly frowned upon. There were many religious people around who did not approve. When I was 17 I bought my first Tarot deck and practiced in secret in my bedroom after everyone was asleep. Sometimes I would drive somewhere and park my car and use the passenger seat to lay out Tarot spreads. I was in my thirties before I ever told my parents or most of my friends. A question from a new friend made me really come out. I answered it spot on. It was time to come out and let everybody know that I am a card reader.” – Curtis

“I am very careful to keep my Tarot separate from the rest of my ‘internet’ work career persona. As a child, my mother was ‘OUT’ but it never occurred to myself or her to be ‘IN’ – so there was no formal ‘coming out’. I now live in the Bible belt of America and I see no reason to call attention to myself and bring to my doorstep those that may feel the need to ‘save’ me. And, with the info accessibility on the internet – if a potential non-Tarot client Googles my name, I really don’t want this identity mixed with Tarot listings.” – Marcella

“I’m an ordained Anglican Priest who started studying Tarot, High Magic, Kabbalah and all sorts of forbidden stuff about six years ago. Recently I made the decision to come out with my Tarot and set up a webpage. I’ll offer readings from our caravan – Gypsy style.” – Mystic Sky Tarot

“I have “taken the plunge” into professional Tarot reading on the side.  I am using my alias though, as I am not ready at all to tell friends, family, and businesses that I read Tarot!” – The Tarot Kode

“I started reading for friends after I went on a psychic course. I didn’t expect to start reading for people but those who I did, I seemed to get stuff really right. I didn’t really want to “come out” to anyone as I am an actress and TV presenter so I used my middle and surnames as a cover. I do about ten email readings a week with people coming back for more. I love to read for people but I still rarely talk about it as people want a cheeky freebie.” – Maria Thomas

Are You ‘Out’ Or Still in the Tarot Closet?

Share your stories below in the Comments Section plus any advice you have for those who are still yet to openly share their love for Tarot.

Are you preparing for your best year ever, especially when it comes to reading Tarot, growing your business and transforming your life and others’?

I am.

The last four weeks have been magical!

Why? Because I’ve been focusing a lot of my time and energy on what I want to manifest for 2014 for Biddy Tarot.

At the end of December, I worked through Leonie Dawson’s Create Your Amazing Year workbook for both my personal and business life. It was such an enriching experience and within days of writing down my goals and 100 things to do in 2014, I was already manifesting what I wanted. I highly recommend the workbook (available at Amazon.com here).

I was also inspired by Alexandra Franzen’s simple but powerful exercise to clearly articulate what you are building in 2014.

That’s what I want to share with you today. I used her template to create a very clear picture of what’s ahead for Biddy Tarot. And I would recommend you do the same, particularly if you are an aspiring professional Tarot reader, ready to go big!

Here’s mine:

In 2014, I am building …
 
The most encouraging and inspiring place to learn to read tarot to transform your life and other’s through the cards.

This building — my body of work — will include a few very helpful offerings for the world, including …

> Tarot Foundations series – practical online courses for the aspiring tarot reader

> 1:1 business coaching – for serious tarotpreneurs

> Tarot Masterclasses – interactive webinars to expand your tarot knowledge

> Biddy Tarot Network – free readings exchange to build real-life tarot reading experience (become a free reader here)

> Tarot Readings (with me and my endorsed readers) – insight and inner wisdom to transform your own life

> Weekly blog posts + newsletters – tips to learn tarot… Free!

In order to build what I want to build, I’ll need to release / remove a few things from my world, including …

> Trying to do and be ‘everything’ (focus + learning to say ‘no’ are key)

> Obsessing over a clean inbox & answering emails as the first task of the day (leave the inbox closed until & schedule a start and finish time to answer emails)

> Naysayers and unsupportive people – thankfully they are few and far between, but whenever they enter my life, they drain me big time

Because what I really want to be known for is …

Making tarot easy and normal yet deeply transformational

When things start to feel overwhelming, I will keep it simple by reminding myself that my job is simply to …

> Open the space to inspire others to explore the transformational power of the tarot

And by this time next year, I will be SO proud to have completed ONE big thing, which is …

> Three foundational tarot courses online

And THAT is my plan for 2014.
 
Yippee!

Courtesy of SJ Liew, http://www.flickr.com/people/sjliew/

Over to You…

What’s yours?

Get the template at http://www.alexandrafranzen.com/2013/12/06/what-are-you-building-in-the-new-year-get-it-down-on-paper-start-here/ and share yours below in the comments.

P.S. Are you a Tarotpreneur Ready to Make it Big in 2014?

Are you a highly motivated and proactive professional Tarot reader (or healer, astrologer, numerologist, etc.)? Are you ready to take your exiting business to the next level in 2014 and make it BIG?

If so, let’s chat.

I am a successful Tarotpreneur and have grown my business to a multi-six-figure level, all the while remaining authentic and grounded in what I do.

I get such a kick out of helping other spiritual entrepreneurs grow their business and make a difference. And now, I want to help you.

I currently have a limited number of complementary Discovery Sessions available to talk about your business dreams and how we could work together to manifest your goals.

>> Click here to apply for a Discovery Session.