Reading Professionally

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 04 May 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	04 May 2004
Numerous threads touch upon this issue. Some talk of it in discussions about What makes a good Tarot reader?, other discussions focus on the socio-political dimensions (such as 'certifications'), yet other threads talk of the styles of readings and its usage in counselling, and yet other posts talk of its 'business' or commercial aspect. I wasn't quite sure how to begin this thread, for it has the possibility of heading in myriad directions - some of which I mention in the previous paragraph. A recent question by another member, however, has prompted opening this discussion. On the one hand, there is undoubtedly a sense that a person generally does not feel as though they are ready to make that jump over the comfortable zone in which one sits. To cross that line and head in the professional direction certainly requires trust. Of oneself especially. With this there is 'personal' style issue. Style both in terms of how one presents oneself (some very early discussions - about what to wear, how to set up, etc, exist here on Aeclectic), but also the style of reading. Styles vary from more of discussion and mutual discovery with the client as to what may be indicated (ie, allowing them to clarify where they possibly deeply stand or sense on or into a situation), to statements firmly held by the reader, and succintly told. Others tend to follow a narrative which reflects particular views and limitations as to what Tarot 'can' or 'cannot' indicate, and others use Tarot as a stepping stone to what is virtually 'tranced divination'. I mention these not to really discuss the varieties of reading, but rather to summarise (to some extent) various other discussions which have already taken place in other threads. So when and how does one know oneself to be ready for the transition to be wearer of the professional cloak? Some, it seems, need to have confidence boosted by another professional confirming that they are indeed ready (whether this takes the form of some kind of certification - which I am personally against for other reasons - or not is immaterial). Others take small steps into the ocean, slowly entering the domain - perhaps beginning by accepting a drink, a coin, or a small gift whether material or not, in return. I would suggest that the 'professional' realm, where one is paid a reasonable income for the duration of reading provided, is utterly dependent on the individual concerned. Certainly honesty and a sense for appropriate social, psychological and spiritual needs are ideal. Appropriateness, however, is being able to also respond appropriately to the individual in front of one at the time - and for this, we perhaps each are distantly placed from any ideal held. There are also local legal requirements which may impact as to how one may operate. These, however, vary significantly from locality to locality - at times as local as the town's by-laws! But to read professionally, the main sense I personally have are that one be reasonably healthy (in all senses), and that one develops the trust to take that bold step... the rest will unfold.

cartarum	05 May 2004
i think that a person should read for years depending on ones learning curve, before one attempts to read proffessionally. without going into the finer aspects of card reading, you could say that reading cards is like learning to read chinese with the intention of being a proffessional translator. it doesnt happen over night, and you do not want a miscommunication that would stir the pot.

lionette	05 May 2004
Quote: Originally posted by jmd But to read professionally, the main sense I personally have are that one be reasonably healthy (in all senses), and that one develops the trust to take that bold step... the rest will unfold. Yes, JMD. Seems that some people are ready in no time at all and others, like me, are waiting and waiting to feel ready. Something else I'm waiting for is enough experience in the trial realms (reading for my sister, for example) to gradually move towards reading for strangers. (Altho, I suspect I may never actually get to that stage -- and there I feel no rush.) I wonder, also, if there could be two different discussions on this topic -- between reading professionally face-to-face versus reading professionally online, via telephone, or some other situation where the reader and readee are removed from each other physically? Such as the latter potentially being a precurser to the former?

celeste	05 May 2004
I feel I am ready to begin reading professionally on at least a part time basis. I have performed fine in charity type situations reading for the general public. My problem seems to be getting the message out there and attracting paying clientele. I have papered the area near I live with several posters advertizing my services to no avail. I just find them torn down a week or so later. I either have serious competition(and that could be very possible in this area)or I'm doing something wrong. I had business cards made up and I distribute them whenever possible without stretching the bounds of obnoxiousness-to people who said they'd call for sure and never did. The only thing I haven't done is paid for advertizing in local papers or work in a restaurant somewhere where I would not be paid as much as I would working on my own. Any ideas???(BIG SIGH)

yve	05 May 2004
Celeste may I suggest contacting some of the divination shops personally or even the little book shops that sell divination paraphenalia...Perhaps offering to do free readings for them, it gives them advertising and attracts clients to their shop, and it gives you exposure. You can ask them permission to pass out your cards to the clients in exchange, and who knows, you may build up some loyal clients? So far, i'm limiting myself to reading via e-mail requests...Although I do have a handle on the basic concepts of all of the cards, I need more practice interpreting them in more depth, and right now I rely on Power Tarot to help me expand my explanations/interpretations (it's my crutch to verify much of what I already know)....looking forward to the day I don't need to reach for it and do live readings!

_N_	05 May 2004
Quote: There are also local legal requirements which may impact as to how one may operate. These, however, vary significantly from locality to locality - at times as local as the town's by-laws! I have never heard of laws against reading tarot - you have got me wondering - are you actually speaking of laws against tarot itself or laws about being licensed to charge for services of any kind? N

HOLMES	05 May 2004
aye jmd i believe that a person should know what makes a good tarot reader, what certification is,and understand it is their choice to get certified or not. they should know about the differnt styles, if only to see how to better improve themselves. and to understand business aspects so they know what they are getting into. aye i agree, how can one read professionally if they do not trust nor respect themselves, ? i been reading the professional tarot a lot by christine jette, and been wondering, what is my style, (and coming to some answers slowly, i use numerology, channeling, impressions, and tarot knowledge, and wondering how to improve myself like study psychology, philosphy, counseling , like it advocates in professional tarot under life long learner section ), what is my true purpose of going professional. is it to make money, is it to share, ? one can share by giving free, while one can make money in a differnt field. in truth , yes it is to make money in doing what i love to do , and that is to read tarot :O). i think , to go professional if you get lot of people (who are not your friends ) give you unsolicated testimonals if you are ready , then if there is smoke there is fire :O) . i had a person who i gave a reading to said i should go professional for i sound professional and i'm accurate. i wasnt' solicating that at the time, and it made my heart soar. not the ego part but the spirit self who says perhaps i am ready. (i been into the tarot for 13 years now since i was 15, so in ways i been preparing to read professionaly and having done readings over the year, although it wasnt' until i came to the forum that i did it frequently ) but i agree , people shouldn't just pick up a deck and lwb and read professionaly without some study, and dues paid :O) . for reading differntly i find i am more elborate by typing, and in life i am more blunt such as the lovers mean choice and it is reversed and so you feel you are making the wrong choice, . whereas if i was typing it up i would be more informational for i can not guage the knowledge of the person i am reading for long distance. also i think long distance readings are the proof that tarot readings do work , for you can't read body language, or get feedback , more so while some say a person can go research their names, or speak in general terms. i have never did that research on a person. and getting past the general terms. :O) my bible for professional the last two days has been professional tarot, and it helps me prepare mentally,

HOLMES	05 May 2004
i think the refereal is more towards reading the tarot in the public world , an good example is in the professional tarot where a lady had to challenge the law in order to be able to express her rights to read. of course it is alwasy wise to see what laws are affect the pratice of tarot , (i know massage is a big one as well)

jmd	06 May 2004
Regarding _N_'s question, local legal requirements may vary in terms of whether one needs a license or permit to operate a 'business', as to whether one is even free to call Tarot readings by one's preferred appellation (in some areas, 'Counselling' may have different meanings which requires particular kinds of registration; or 'predictions' may be illegal; or the term 'Fortune Telling' may be written in some legal Act such that it is illegal). Of course, at this stage (and hopefully into the future), no legal imposition exists which requires that one be certified to read - anywhere in the world, as far as I am aware. Legalities vary far and wide depending on the ways in which laws are written, but may include such which have to do with income and taxation, duty of care, sexual harrassment, confidentiality, freedom of information, vagrancy, and a host of others which I personally would not start from... as far as I'm concerned, it's more a minor aspect which we need to remain conscious of, and abide by or seek to change, but not operate from. To also address some of the important issues which Holmes brings up, what makes a good Tarot reader is partly the ability to be able to appropriately read for the person for whom one happens to be doing the reading at the time. In that sense, there are various styles of readers - and each of us may be not quite right, or in fact BE ideal, for the situation at hand. Whether one is aware or not that there are bodies who provide certificates is not, as far as I'm personally concerned, important to going professional. After all, what do these have to do with professionalism per se. I personally knew a reader many years ago who would not even have been able to answer how many cards a deck included, nor what the suits were (she used a WCS, and had not studied that beyond that deck's pip's scenic imagery the deck could be ordered into five suits - including the majors). She was, nonetheless, an excellent reader (I use the past tense as I have not seen her for a few years, and last we met she had advanced cancer, so am not sure if she still reads). Here is an example of someone who would probably not have known about 'certification' (nor have been interested), who did not know much at all about Tarot (save that she found them effective for her needs). To take the step into the paid professional arena as reader, however, need not mean that one is also able to talk about, or teach about, Tarot. That is a different skill which requires a different kind of knowledge and ability. With regards to entering the professional level in order to make money, I tend to see it (and, for that matter, view my current remuneration for teaching and administrative work) that the payments are there which permit one to be released from engagement in the production of foods and goods, for which I am very grateful. Being paid for reading also means that one is released (to whatever extent) from otherwise having to engage in manufactoring, farming or distribution, and is thus able to give of oneself to the spiritual (in the full sense of thte term) assistance to which one is called. That is, of course, a different way of looking at payment...

Phoenix Rising	06 May 2004
Yes this is a interesting discussion. I think when one is ready. And having gained alot of experience, and get positive feedback. And having a very high accuracy rate is the main objective. I don't have any quarms with people wanting to make a living out of something that they love. The clients will know if the reader is any good or not. If they come back and refer to others then that's a good tell-tale sign. Most times the reader if they are genuine will know if the reading went well. If they have any integrity they should charge accordingly. Charging a small amount to begin with, even a donation, once they have built up a good clientele then charge more. Readers around my area charge $45 - $60 an hour. The tarot readers are very good I must say. I've talked with alot of readers, most times they had years of experience before they did it professionally. Then you get the ones from the old school who say you should never charge for spiritual services. I don't agree with that anymore. You can't live on fresh air alone. I would like to do it professionally one day, but only when I know I am ready. Having confidence is a big factor. I have enough intergrity to know that I wouldn't want to rip anybody off.

TemperanceAngel	08 May 2004
I think this is a really important thread and thanks jmd for beginning it :) As a professional reader myself there are some things I find very important: Firstly: ethics, to never discuss the personal nature of a person and/or their reading. Second: To listen and to not talk about ones self at all (unless asked!) Third: To never judge anyone, what they have done, their opinions, situation etc. Fourth: To never look down on anyone and think that you know better than them or are more knowledgable etc. And most of all to enjoy, because it's a very fun and enlightening experience, sometimes very sad and painful too :) XTAX

The Reading Professionally thread was originally posted on 04 May 2004 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.