Invited to a home to do some readings...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 03 Nov 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

IrishRiotGrrrl	03 Nov 2003
Hello everyone. I'm a bit nervous, I was invited to a small get together to do several readings for people. I declined the money because I enjoy it so much, but I'm so nervous... Any advice? This is the first time I have made actual appointments to read people? Advice? I'm scared! LOL!

Diana	03 Nov 2003
Remember that all true knowledge comes from a higher source. And that nothing can disconnect you from that. Don't forget to drink water during and between your readings. Umbrae has often stressed how important it is not to be dehydrated and he is right. It can also give you time to think if you get stuck. Take a break between the readings - go outside and breath some fresh air and touch the earth so you feel a little grounded and not too light-headed. Have confidence in yourself. You know more than the querents do about Tarot! If you can get hold of some Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, take some if you're really feeling scared. Take it before and between the readings. It will help your emotions to get down to a respectable level! :D You're going to be just fine! This may be the start of a new adventure for you. Let us know how it goes, okay? And a big hug for you too.

DeLani	03 Nov 2003
Wow, I can't believe you turned down money for doing that. You are going to be working really hard, and you deserve to be compensated. I've done a couple of parties, and I charge $60 an hour, with a 2-hour minimum. I figure I do about 3 readings per hour, on average, and since I usually charge $20 a reading, that's how I figured it out. Just remember to breathe deeply and next time, accept the money! People don't value what they don't pay for (sad but true). Best of luck!

IrishRiotGrrrl	03 Nov 2003
Thanks for the advice. I did only one reading, they invited me back to do some for their friends. I guess this was a trail issue. I had a girl write down everything I said because I talk so fast and sometimes I dont realize what I say when I talk about the cards. Anyways, it doesnt' always make sense right away. Yah, they tried to give me this cool end table for doing some readings, but I couldn't take it. I know that people dont' value their readings as much if they dont pay for them but honestly, I can't take money for it. It doesn' t seem right to me. I will take a trade though, like you trade me a reiki something for a reading...you know the deal. Thanks for the moral support you'all. *hugs*

jmd	04 Nov 2003
Great to see you've done a reading, and been asked to go back. It is important to also develop the skill to accept gifts given in thanks - as proper acknowledgement for the gift you have given. By refusing, it may make them also feel ackward. To say that you are quite willing to give freely your reading is wonderful. To refuse a gift may be, however, ungracious. For the sake of their friends, accept with thanks the gifts - even if you do not wish to charge. Given you post, if you do talk very fast, take stock. Go back and repeat. This may help as well. Obviously you read to your (and their) satisfaction - so congratulations... :)

PurpleSal	04 Nov 2003
I'm just starting to read professionally and I also felt uncomfortable at first - mainly because I worried that when people gave money they would have a high expectation of the result and I was worried I'd give a bad reading. But I learnt last week, when I was doing a whole week of readings, to trust myself, trust the cards and just do a reading as I would do for a friend. I konw what you mean about the money but I also think they are paying you for a service - and it is hard work! It is also a trade, your guidance and insight for coin. But as TemperanceAngel said on another thread there are always people I will read for that cannot pay or do not pay - I would never turn someone down. I do like the idea of a reiki trade - I trade readings for haircuts with a hairdresser friend of mine. Another idea for next time - tape the reading - I often let people tape me - I charge £1 for supplying a tape and I make sure I have a recorder with me - you can get these really cheaply. People do like to have a record of their reading and that's a good way - and saves scribbling quickly! I talk fast too ! Sal x

Mystic Zyl	04 Nov 2003
It is okay not to accept money for the first few times. I feel it may take the pressure off you. People expect a lot when they pay, when it is free they are grateful for any little nugget of wisdom. You need to relax prior to going to do the readings, meditate, take a bath perhaps in salt and mugwort. Have some kind of ritual to relieve anxiety. Do not eat a big meal or drink alcohol and take some water to sip during readings. Make sure where you are set up to do the readings is quiet. I usually smuge the area with sage. Remember you have more knowledge of the tarot cards than the people you are reading for. Relax and have fun.

Teranar	04 Nov 2003
Just remember to be natural, be yourself, and don't worry about screwing up a reading due to nerves, or you will... or at least I do, but I worry constantly about being 'right'.

SongDeva	04 Nov 2003
Focus on WHY you do readings. This helped me in my first public efforts recently. Also, I made them cheap, so that there was an energy exchange, yet I felt no real pressure.

gloria	04 Nov 2003
Great advice there SongDeva!!

TemperanceAngel	07 Nov 2003
Gosh, you have had so much great advice, do I need to say anything?? Well (I hope you don't mind) I am right there with you, sister, as I felt and the same way as you do and sometimes still do. You are doing FAB and to be asked back, well, even better!! As jmd said, "Accept gifts graciously." This is so true and hard to do. Being true to yoursely and how you feel will always guide you on the right path, ENJOY THIS JOURNEY. XTAX

Majecot	08 Nov 2003
Irish.... just curious if you read for the party yet and how it went???

The Invited to a home to do some readings... thread was originally posted on 03 Nov 2003 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.