Tarot: Career or Way of Life?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 13 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

TemperanceAngel	13 Dec 2003
I was talking to Moongold yesterday (and I hope you don't mind, Moongold) and she asked me,'How did you get into your career of Tarot?' My reply was,'You don't really choose the Tarot, it chooses you!' It got to a thinking.....who sees Tarot as a career? As a way of life? Both? Neither? For me it is how I earn my living and not just that though, it is so much more. It is my life, it is always there and I couldn't imagine life without it. Situations arise and I immediately see a card for that situation. It took me a long, long time to read for money, it never sat comfortably with me. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive, loving husband who listens and understands all angles of Tarot. Some of those being: clients (difficult and easy), emotional situations one must deal with for others and yourself (feeling someone's pain is not an easy thing to do), how a reading/client has been approached, communication, spirituality, beliefs and the list goes on. I posted an interesting statistic in Chat, out of 1,000 people who learn the Tarot, only 100 will continue with their own learning and out of that 100, only 30 will read professionally (for money I mean). Some people think less than 30. And why? Well, the main reason being that they don't want the responsibility. And it is a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. You know what? I love it! I couldn't imagine my life without it and, in fact, I wouldn't want a life without Tarot. Sorry for the rant there, folks, gees I didn't realise that all of that needed to come out :) XTAX

Nevada	13 Dec 2003
TemperanceAngel, I'm going to post a reply to this. I just want to offer a quick thanks now for starting this thread. More later...have to run. Nevada :)

dolphinprincess	13 Dec 2003
Right now I see Tarot as a learning experience.. and a wonderful tool to help me understand myself, others, and the world around me.... so, right now, its becoming a 'way of life'... However, I aspire to someday be good enough to read for money... mainly bc i have the "counselor" personality and i am very good at listening to others and offering advice to people.. it is my dream to earn a living doing something i love and feel passionate about.. and i hope someday tarot can be a part of that... :o)

TemperanceAngel	13 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by dolphinprincess However, I aspire to someday be good enough to read for money... mainly bc i have the "counselor" personality and i am very good at listening to others and offering advice to people.. it is my dream to earn a living doing something i love and feel passionate about.. and i hope someday tarot can be a part of that... That's sound beautiful and wonderful, dolphinprincess (great name by the way!) Your aspirations come from a truth, a yearning, you sound like you would be a lovely 'professional' reader.....;) XTAX Edited to add, although I read for a living it is still a learning experience for me and always will be! :)

Nevada	13 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel 'You don't really choose the Tarot, it chooses you!' This was true for me. Tarot found me accidentally. An acquaintance used to keep cards out on her coffee table, and when I visited her house a couple of times she had me choose a card. My husband and I were both intrigued. We already had a strong interest in astrology and in nurturing our intuition, but up until then we knew nothing about Tarot. That brief introduction led us to buy our first deck. Now, some 15 years later, I find that these cards call to me more and more. To my surprise, I do see it as a way of life, right now. Five years ago, when we moved, I'd temporarily lost interest, and my cards got put away out of sight during the move, all except one Thoth deck, which we didn't use very frequently at that time. I'd actually nearly forgotten about my other decks. During the past six months or so, since I was led to Aeclectic, and since I've dabbled here in interpreting others' throws and in the Seekers threads, I find myself placing many occurrences, thoughts, and plans into the framework of Tarot, and vice versa--placing everything I learn about Tarot into the framework of my life. More so now than ever before in my life! Career?--maybe in the future, maybe not. I've considered that possibility recently, and I intend to do more reading for others, at least here and there. Reading for pay, or even reading for others without pay, is a responsibility. It's not something I could ever take lightly or purely as entertainment, although it can be a lot of fun. I still have a lot to learn, but now my focus has made this shift, a corner has been turned, and who knows? That may be the direction my focus will take eventually. I have another chosen career, writing fiction, which I'm working hard to make a living with. That will always be a vivid interest in my life. However, Tarot is currently of nearly equal importance to me, at least as a course of study, a primary "hobby" if you will, or more importantly as a primary path for spiritual growth. It encompasses all those purposes for me. My writing studies (a lifelong effort) and my recent interest in watercolor have led me to a study of creativity. It's amazing to me to see many links between what I learn about Tarot and what I learn about creativity. Both are intuitive and communicative in nature. Both send me delving into unknown parts of myself and the world around me, in a new and adventurous way. It's a bit like wandering the dark side of the moon! Nevada

Star Spirit	14 Dec 2003
I'm not sure I could really give tarot a title, as a 'career' or 'way of life'. It just IS, to me. And I'm glad I was chosen, because that IS, whatever it may be, is very significant to me.

Jewel-ry	14 Dec 2003
I agree with Dead Star 100% It just IS and IS a very important part of my life. J :)

Moongold	14 Dec 2003
Yes, I really like what Deadstar and jewel-ry said.. Tarot found me as well, not quite 18 months ago and I am not experienced or competent enough to read for money. Reading for others is important to me spiritually at the moment. It is a way of giving something back and acting as some kind of channel. I always feel really good after a reading. I am shortly to commence studying astrology and when I retire in afew years time I would like to be able to make a little bit of income from astrology. Of course, I have not really thought about setting up a business and have not idea whether I will be good enough. I would love to make astrology and perhaps tarot available to people on low incomes as they can offer so much insight. But al this is a little ephemeral at the moment. Temperance - you didn't mention that you have been reading Tarot for 13 years and that you are an intuitive reader. I think you would give very good value to people who seek your services, and you work in what seems to be a very professional and appropriate situation :). All power to you. Moongold

Majecot	14 Dec 2003
Tarot isn't really a [i]way of life for me[i], it is just part of who I am. I don't read for very many people. I do not feel like I am experienced enough even after all these years. Tarot is a continous learning journey and maybe some day I will feel comfortable reading for people I do not know.

Emily	14 Dec 2003
I think my tarot studies just fit in with my way of life, I don't think it will ever turn into a career move. I enjoy reading for myself and others but I have other interests also. Tarot does take up more of my time than my other hobbies, its also bought alot more into my life than other hobbies so yes I'd have to say that tarot is a way of life. I would give my other hobbies up in a heartbeat if I had to but I would fight to keep the tarot a part of my life.

tarotbrat	14 Dec 2003
i see tarot as a career i would love to do and also as a way of life. just like you, i consult with the cards when i feel that i need some guidance. tarot is a constant learning process for me and it intrigues me. how eerily accurate it can be, when we stop and pay attention. tarot makes your mind more open and it keeps you thinking. i would love to be a professional tarot reader one day because i would love to share what the tarot offers. to me, one of the things that tarot offers is so many angles at a situation that we are not able to see at times and it would be great to share that with people and make it a career rather than doing something you hate to do day after day to get through in life. i can't imagine my life without tarot as well.

anjocoxo	14 Dec 2003
Actually I would like to be a professional reader, but I'm not quite sure where to start, and sometimes I don't know if I have what it takes. I read a lot for friends, and I've had paid readings (through my web site), but here it's difficult to start that kind of business (although most people are interested on tarot). Maybe one day I'll start my own business and make my living out of it. At least that's my dream... Anjo

skytwig	14 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moongold I would love to make astrology and perhaps tarot available to people on low incomes as they can offer so much insight. Ah. Moongold, here is one of our compatabilities!!!! I recently Reikiid at a Gathering of newly recovered addict women, deep in the drug 'zones' of a major east coast American city, and the receptivity and upsurging spirituality of these women stunned me..... The eyes of those on the cusp of disaster are so open and wise that I am in awe..... their Gratitude enveloped me like a robe that I found difficult to wear, but i had to look and see the Truth they reflected to me... just as they chose to look at the Truth I reflected to them.... The clarity was absolutely Gorgeous. I hope you will pursue this, for you, truly, are a Gift of Intuition and Compassion....

skytwig	14 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Nevada It's amazing to me to see many links between what I learn about Tarot and what I learn about creativity. Both are intuitive and communicative in nature. Both send me delving into unknown parts of myself and the world around me, in a new and adventurous way. It's a bit like wandering the dark side of the moon! Nevada, this calls like the weaving symphony of birds greeting morning light..... it is our Soul, our Spirit, dancing in color and sound and pictures and the rhythm of words (poetry)..... this rings of the clarity, the whispers we find in the ancient work of peoples who have known this for centuries (I speak here of the Asian arts)...... And what a song to offer to our querents.... those who seek.... each one of us has a distinct awareness of Spirit that others probably NEED to touch!! What I see here, in this Thread, is a beauty that aches to be made available to others..... Isn't it interesting that we hesitate (some of us) because we have such a strong sense of Care, of responsibility, for the potential querent? That, in and of itself, says we make Good readers...... Are we here to support each other toward the end/beginning of becoming professional Readers? I, too, would love to do so.... I am jobless at this point (although I have the privilege of illustrating a childrens book.... low income right now) and I told my adult daughter, I could so easily be one of those PSYCHIC in neon signs that we pass ......As a child, I was always a gypsy at Halloween and here, my 'gypsy' spirit says DO IT! (or does she say did it?) Yet, How? Are we too intelligent, too analytical, too caring for our own good? I know I tend to be...... :(

lark	14 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel I posted an interesting statistic in Chat, out of 1,000 people who learn the Tarot, only 100 will continue with their own learning and out of that 100, only 30 will read professionally (for money I mean). Some people think less than 30. And why? Well, the main reason being that they don't want the responsibility. And it is a huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly. I found this facinating TemperanceAngel, I read professionally and you're so right the responsibility weighs heavy on you . Not only for my clients but for tarot itself. I'm constantly aware of my responsibility of treating tarot with respect. Of not falling into the trap of gimmicks and stereotypes to attract customers and cheapen the real image of it. If I have to pretend I'm someone I'm not then I'd rather just pack up my cards and go home. I want the focus to be totally on the cards. On the insight they can give. There have been many wise and wonderful thoughts in this thread I've really enjoyed reading it. Namaste. lark P.S. Nevada and Skytwig I hope to one day be reading with decks designed by you.

VGimlet	14 Dec 2003
I don't think I would want Tarot to be my career - for me it's more of an oasis from the everyday. It's something that I knew was "me" from the beginning. Tarot will always be in my life, just like books (which are my career) animals, and music. It's one of the things I can't imagine not being there.

TemperanceAngel	14 Dec 2003
All of you, valid, heartfelt, soulful, interesting and insightful. :) I was reading over the thread and I thought, 'Gosh, what was I thinking that day, that's not like you to be so intense!' Then I remembered that I had just spent to full days reading from the shop. I work from home and from a shop. My advice to those who want to get into 'professional' reading, go and do it from a shop if you can. You are assured of clients and it's great fun and practice. My mother-in-law/mentor calls it 'the initiation by fire.' Anyway, back to when I started this thread, I had been reading for two days and the thing about x-mas/soltice is the energy, it's mad and the emotions are intensified. Lots of tears in those two days, not mine but I felt like it at times. The 'festive season' is so difficult for so many people. People really need a release at this time. I suppose the Soltice Party in the Chat forum balances it out ;) If you don't subscribe, then you should and you could come and join in! I love reading from the shop, it allows me to be who I am and I don't decide the cost or book my clients, I just read. And from home, I can charge whatever I feel appropriate, they balance each other out and it has taken 13 years to find that balance and, even then it isn't easy to maintain! Moongold, I love to 'swap' and seeing as you are the only one I know who lives close by (except for jmd) if you ever want to do a swap next year, I would be more than happy :) XTAX P.S I think I will need an astrologer in 2-3 years when I set up my "Holistic Healing Centre." You heard it on Aeclectic first.

DeLani	14 Dec 2003
I've been a professional reader for ~8 yrs. now, but I don't consider it my "career." To be my career, I would need to be able to make my living doing it. Mostly I read for pay whenever I can, but it's not often enough to even come close to paying my bills. So in a way, it's more like a hobby that once in a while, I get a little extra cash doing it. It's been a part of me, a big part of me, for going on 18 yrs. now. I didn't charge at first, either, because my teacher was against it, so I just followed her footsteps for quite a while. I would love to be able to make Tarot my career. If only...(sigh)

ros	14 Dec 2003
I read to help anyone see the other side of their situation. I read for work, friends, anyone that needs my advice & would ask I would give anyone a reading anytime. Also I do paid readings at a centre for money. One person told me I help people get from one level to another with their issues. I don't know I guess I use the Tarot to help me with that so I don't have to take responsibility for the knowledge I have learned from studying it when I'm right. I always try to keep it very positive. I really don't know how I see it, just that it is my way of helping or serving while I'm here.

anjocoxo	15 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel P.S I think I will need an astrologer in 2-3 years when I set up my "Holistic Healing Centre." You heard it on Aeclectic first. This is exactly my ideia, that's what I also wanted to do here in Portugal, but the problem is that I don't have much money... and now I don't know where to start. Right now I'm not bying my own house because I don't have money for that, imagine having money to open an holistic center... Oh, well, maybe someday, first I wanna become a reiki master (and I'm a long way from it, I only have the first attunement :D ). Anjo

TemperanceAngel	15 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by anjocoxo This is exactly my ideia, that's what I also wanted to do here in Portugal, but the problem is that I don't have much money... and now I don't know where to start. :D ). What a great connection, as well as the 'angel name' connection :D:D XTAX

urbandryad	15 Dec 2003
Tarot for me used to be just a little side hobby. Now its becoming more important to me. Enough that I'm making my own deck, and will be writing my own book for it! :) I've always loves Astrology/New Age stuff, but Tarot for me is such fun! Its definitely something I could consider a career in *making, not doing readings. I'm actually rather shy around people in person. ^-^;;*

Moongold	21 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel . Moongold, I love to 'swap' and seeing as you are the only one I know who lives close by (except for jmd) if you ever want to do a swap next year, I would be more than happy :) Hey Temperance............. What do you mean? You do my job and I do yours.... COOL :D ....Realizing?..... Perhaps ............ I read in the Shop..........? COOL Except I have only ever read face to face for four people Now what DID you mean? Moongold

TemperanceAngel	21 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel P.S I think I will need an astrologer in 2-3 years when I set up my "Holistic Healing Centre." You heard it on Aeclectic first. Well there is that part :) Perhaps even less than 2 years!!! Swap, meaning: an exchange for a reading ;) You don't have to, it's always a thought! XTAX

Moongold	21 Dec 2003
Hi Temperance, I just went out for a walk in the damp breezes of inner urban Melbourne. You are probably experiencing the same conditions as us. Isn't it great to be cool? But I think the heat has addled my brain. Do you mean exchange readings? Yes we could do that. I am still not sure I am getting you though. I think there is something I've missed for the second time today. Never mind. I am sure alzheimers is still some distance away. However, the astrology part sounds exciting. I enrol on Tuesday for the commencement of my official studies. YEA :D. Take care. How is the organization for the Solstice Party going or has the Great Tarot Trek through 78 Weeks overtaken it? I always new Melbourne has the potential to be a Mecca. Now I'll see it in my life time! Moongold

TemperanceAngel	21 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moongold But I think the heat has addled my brain. Do you mean exchange readings? Yes we could do that. I am still not sure I am getting you though. Moongold Well, yes I can do a reading for you and visa versa or you don't have to do a reading in return, it can be something else, a swap :) Is it making sense? Today, it sounds like Winter :confused: XTAX

Alex	21 Dec 2003
I'm affraid I'll say something that will not make me very popular, but it is the truth. To me, the Tarot is neither a career, nor a way of life. It is a challenge, something I can't quite understand our make sense out of, and for that reason, I feel attracted to it; like science, it's something I do, but don't belive in completely; unlike science, it is something I do as a pass-time of sorts, I have no professional involvement with it, and that's what makes it cool. Alex.

TemperanceAngel	22 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Alex I'm affraid I'll say something that will not make me very popular, but it is the truth. I don't think that should make you unpopular, Alex, that's a fantastic and honest response :):):) XTAX

Nevada	23 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Alex To me, the Tarot is neither a career, nor a way of life. It is a challenge, something I can't quite understand our make sense out of, and for that reason, I feel attracted to it; like science, it's something I do, but don't belive in completely; unlike science, it is something I do as a pass-time of sorts, I have no professional involvement with it, and that's what makes it cool. Great point, Alex. It's one of those mysteries that we'll likely never know all the answers to in this life. Perhaps that's its main attraction for us puzzle-loving humans. Nevada

The Tarot: Career or Way of Life? thread was originally posted on 13 Dec 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.