Tarot Ethics II

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 30 Aug 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

StarShine	30 Aug 2001
The thread about the stock market readings got me thinking about other aspects of the ethics question. I am sure there are millions, but the one that has me a little stumped is this. As I have mentioned before, I have the Ace of Cups from the Goddess Tarot tattooed on my ankle. When I go out in shorts and sandals, inevitably someone sees it and comments. Usually they want to know what it is. When I tell them, their eyes light up with the question..."You Read Tarot!?" Then they want to know if I would read for them. Would it be tacky to print up some business cards with my e-mail addy on them so that if they are serious they can contact me? I would not proclaim to be a expert or anything. Just that I am available to do individual readings or reading parties. I am worried that it would make me appear too "slick". On the other hand, how would this be different than writing on the back of a Wal-Mart reciept? I am not trying to get rich, but I would like to build a clientelle. Eventually I would like to be able to "quit my day job" and make my living with my crafts and readings. Okay All.....Let's hear it!

daisy	30 Aug 2001
why not? it's a free country. I know a reader in ARgentina who charges 50$ for an hour consultation (she's not a prof. of any kind) which includes a "talk therapy" session. She's always over-booked and never feels that she has to give anyone explanations or excuses for what she's doing. She doesn't advertise nor has any kind of sign on her window; merely built up clientele by word of mouth.

Jeanette	30 Aug 2001
I'm no expert or anything like that, but if you plan to use an image that is copyrighted on your business cards, find out first about copyright infringement - it's a big deal. Other than that, I think it's a great idea, best of luck with it !!

Kimon	31 Aug 2001
Hi Starshine, of course you should do that, why not? I have business cards with my tarot activity; its a quite serious and discreet way of getting known. But I also have two types of cards, one with, one without tarot. You should think about that, because sometimes it will not be appropriate to show all of your activities. Greetings, Kimon

Marion	31 Aug 2001
Hi StarShine, I cannot see this an ethical issue at all. You say your goal is to read full-time, and clearly you need both a steady and casual clientele to do that. If folks notice your tattoo, and express interest, give them a way to contact you for a reading. I think it is that simple, no ethical question. I agree about using that Ace of Cups symbol on your card (if that in fact was what you wanted to do)... check the copyright... or better yet, put your own design on or pay a graphic designer for one.)

StarShine	31 Aug 2001
I was not planning to use the Ace of Cups on my cards....but now that I think about it, it would be cool. I mean, it would help anyone I give the card to link it to me and I love what that card stands for. Maybe I will get out my sketchbook and my Prisma Pencils and see if I can come up with my own Ace of Cups design. I would never dream of using someone elses without permission! Thanx for the thought.

GeminiLady	31 Aug 2001
Starshine, I think that business cards would be a nice professional touch. After all, professionals hand out cards all the time. As I see it, you have a better chance at getting a call from your card than you would say the back of a receipt that happened to be handy.--People tend to keep cards and refer their friends from them (I know I have on several occasions) Sounds like a good step to me! Best of luck! Love and Light, Gem

tarotbear	31 Aug 2001
Go for it! And always make sure you have a supply of business cards with you at all times!

Jimilyn	01 Sep 2001
StarShine, Definitely, definitely go the business card route. I save business card and use them quite frequently. But I often lose little slips of paper. I guess that means that I do view receiving a business card differently than information on a slip of paper, even though it isn't a conscious choice. Definitely do the business cards. Jimilyn

joya250	04 Sep 2001
StarShine, why would that be un-ethical?!? If your dream is to "quit your day job" and making a living from tarot and stuff, then by all means - do it! And don't feel ashamed about promoting yourself. You're good! If you doubt yourself, then others will too. You NEED to promote yourself. And, promotion does not have to equal "slickness"... I know exactly what your talking about, but don't worry. If you have an honest desire to help others and your ambition is heartfelt, people will respond. Be confident and proud - and most of all, excited - to offer your services to others. Best of Luck. :) .... there are a lot of pre-concieved notions to face .... dealing with not only "miss Cleo"-type frauds, but peoples' general wariness of advertising in general.

New River	04 Sep 2001
Starshine, hi! i've been going thru the same dilemma! but i sat down and came up with a design for business cards, get this, using my prisma pencils! i chose the sun and moon card and made them really simple but colorful. you know, i only live a few miles from you! i have to say it can be kind of nerve wracking to put yourself 'out there' to do readings in this area. or maybe i'm not giving people around here enough credit! i don't know any other tarot readers, have always been on my own. but now that i work in an art gallery in Rochester, IN i am meeting more like-minded people. i say Go For It! it takes a while for word of mouth to happen. but i think people love business cards and who knows when they might decide to call! good luck and maybe we can meet some day! love and light, New River

Major Tom	04 Sep 2001
We are all free to do whatever we want to do. Isn't that simple and clean and clear? Isn't that a great way to run a universe? Richard Bach Illusions

MeeWah	04 Sep 2001
Starshine: I agree about business cards. They contribute to a professional image. Should someone inquire about Tarot, you can offer your business card & suggest the person contact you. Gem's insight is on target. The card is more likely to be kept than a scrap piece of paper. The business can be an unobtrusive reminder. I've received some business from handing out my business card, sometimes months later! At the time I took my design to a local printer, I didn't know there was a limited special offer on business cards--I was able to obtain 500 business cards for about $36. The results exceeded my expectations, & I was glad I heeded the feeling to wait or I would have had to pay more. Major Tom: I have enjoyed Richard Bach's books. He thinks out of the box. This gives me an idea for another post!

The Tarot Ethics II thread was originally posted on 30 Aug 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.