Reading for Others

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 01 Nov 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

SlyR	01 Nov 2002
I've often thought about generating a modest side income through tarot readings. But there's one problem I've noticed: So far I've only done a small number of readings for others. In one case, I began explaining to the querent that I needed a well-phrased question, to which she replied "That's not how the last person did it. She was just able to tell me what was on my mind - just like that." I explained that I am not a psychic, and that most Tarot readings are guided processes of self-exploration, not psychic revelations. With the surge in popularity of "Mistress Cleo" types, do you all feel that there's extra pressure on the typical Tarot reader to be especially brilliant? If so, how do you keep customers satisfied?

HudsonGray	01 Nov 2002
You're going to have to do the work narrowing down what the person really wants to know, and just keep asking questions--most don't have the faintest idea how to phrase their question. Have them describe the general idea of what they want you to look at, then YOU say back to them "Ok, so the main crux of the question is _______________" get their ok & then shuffle & deal. If they say they just want a general reading to see what comes up, just do a general one. If they want specifics, just do the best layout for their question & start in on it. No, they won't get the name of their future husband, or the date they'll be promoted at work, but you can give them some info on what they'll need to watch for or do to meet their goals. Don't mind those that get huffy, they DO expect miracles & mind reading--they see it all the time on Miss Cleo. Just tell them you're not on tv & go ahead with the reading.

The Reading for Others thread was originally posted on 01 Nov 2002 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.