Help! First Psychic Fair...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 29 Sep 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

kerri28	29 Sep 2004
Hi there, I need some help please. I've just been invited to take part in a psychic fair doing tarot readings. I really dont want to say no to this fair but it's really making me nervous. Anyway the person who invited me said that this would be a good way of getting to the know the "comptition" in my area and also as a guide for me to see if I'm ready to venture on out into the big bad world of tarot reading for money! As this is my first ever fair, what do I need? So far I've made a list of the following things: Fold out table Chairs x2 Table clothe Clock Money tin? Change for clients Clip board for scheduling readings Pens Boothe Screens Business cards/flyer?? Tarot cards (obviously) Crystal to recharge/clear cards (i'm into crystals!) Can anyone add anything to my list??? I'm really starting to crap myself and I've 3 whole weeks to wait!!! Bugger, should i just offer general readings as they will need to be quick readings, 30mins I think is the go. Help!!!!

Alissa	29 Sep 2004
Check out this thread for some tips I recently posted to another member. Best of luck!!! :D

Umbrae	29 Sep 2004
Water for yourself - lots of water.

kerri28	29 Sep 2004
Thank you so much Alissa, for the heads up on the thread. There are so many good ideas offered there. Also, thanks Umbrae about the water thing. I forgot to add that to my list but i had thought about it. One question though, with drinking so much water, I'm getting the feeling that I might spend most of my day in the "ladies" room!!! And because there will just be me there at my booth that could be tricky.lol Did you find that you needed to frequent the "john" more often??

Alissa	29 Sep 2004
On some days, the trips to the john are extremely multi-functional. If you're slammin busy, everyone understands a 5 minute potty break between readings, when called for. And it allows you a moment to stand up, stretch, move, get your head away from reading, and wash your hands, which as others say, is good for cleansing in many ways ;). If you're bored to tears and it's not busy, a bathroom break will give you a chance to poke around the event and get a gander at everyone else's booths. You cannot underestimate how much water is needed when you're speaking all day long. Regular sips will go far to help keep your body and mind refreshed.

Flavio	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by kerri28 , I'm getting the feeling that I might spend most of my day in the "ladies" room!!! And because there will just be me there at my booth that could be tricky.lol Now thta the ladies room matter arose... what about adding to your list a piece of paper indicating you are on a break and go back in 10 minutes, so if anyone is interested in a reading can go back to your booth instead of thinking you left for the day.

kerri28	29 Sep 2004
Thanks guys for the replies. I will add a "be back in 10min sign" to my list. Hadn't thought of that.lol One more question though, would you suggest doing 30min readings or shorter ones. I think I read that someone suggested to drag out the reading if things are slow to make it look like you're busy!lol From past experience (not as a reader) this particular fair is quite small, maybe 10 tables/booths all up with about 2 tarot readers. So was wondering if I should still offer 30min readings? I would understand that if it was a large fair then I might have to cut readings short??? Any feedback on this?? Thanks again for the replies. I appreciate it.

shelikes2read	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Flavio Now thta the ladies room matter arose... what about adding to your list a piece of paper indicating you are on a break and go back in 10 minutes, so if anyone is interested in a reading can go back to your booth instead of thinking you left for the day. You might even want to SCHEDULE breaks at certain times for yourself, a la the way some companies do it when I've been a temporary worker filling in for their receptionist. Since the receptionist needs to be at the phone during work hours, the companies tend to have set times when they have scheduled breaks for the receptionist and someone comes over to fill in. And if you're like me and occasionally have increased need for the ladies' room when you're stressed, you might want to consider taking meds ahead of time to reduce that risk. Two things that I do when I know I'm going to have a day where I can't afford to get into a dispute with Mother Nature are these: I take (over-the-counter) meds as a pre-emptive strike against my large intestine going hyperactive on me, and I avoid caffiene because it's a diuretic and I don't want to dehydrate myself OR have my bladder be any busier than it should be. And a very big AMEN!!!! to Umbrae's suggestion of drinking lots of water. I am so glad I followed THAT advice on Saturday, which was the first time that I ever was a Tarot reader for a party. The only thing more important to me than the water that night was my Tarot cards. :) I couldn't believe how parched a person can get from talking at length, reading after reading. Even a few sips between readings made a difference in my comfort level. Have a great time and when the fair is over, let us know how things went! :)

shelikes2read	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by kerri28 Thanks guys for the replies. I will add a "be back in 10min sign" to my list. Hadn't thought of that.lol One more question though, would you suggest doing 30min readings or shorter ones. I think I read that someone suggested to drag out the reading if things are slow to make it look like you're busy!lol From past experience (not as a reader) this particular fair is quite small, maybe 10 tables/booths all up with about 2 tarot readers. So was wondering if I should still offer 30min readings? I would understand that if it was a large fair then I might have to cut readings short??? Any feedback on this?? Thanks again for the replies. I appreciate it. How many hours does the fair run? That's going to be a factor in how many readings you'd be able to do that day. at the maximum. Now think of how many breaks you think you might want to put in there, if you're considering scheduling a few of them for bathroom and/or snack breaks. When you think of those factors, it might help you be able to decide how long is "long enough" to take care of the number of people you're hoping will attend the fair and seek a reading.

kerri28	29 Sep 2004
Thanks for that shelikes2read! Another thing I didn't think of, the scheduled breaks that is! Oh, and did i mention that this fare goes for 3 days!!!! Arrghhhhh, how am i going to cope. :( lol listen to me i sound like a sad case. I should be over the moon about this but i'm really crapping myself. Hopefully I'll get over the nerves before the fair comes.lol

kerri28	29 Sep 2004
Not too sure on the hours of the fair, dare say that it will be from 10am-4pm from past fairs.

raeanne	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Water for yourself - lots of water. I would really like to emphasize what Umbrae has said. You really need to drink LOTS of water. Otherwise, you might get a really bad headache.

Alissa	29 Sep 2004
shelikes2read is right, you need to factor in your overall time and money to be invested (your vendor's fee, for example, as well as number of hours) and see how much money you need to make per hour in order to gauge your readings, as well as your fees. Be consistent in your fees, as much as you can. I've had some people tell me, "I'd love a reading but I only have $X on me...?" Decide that moment to moment too, on a dead day I'll take anything I can get. Even on a busy day, I like to cut people some slack, but dramatically lean in conspiratorially with a wink and a smile and say, "Ok, but don't tell anyone else because I don't want others to be upset...." ;) It was me who said go slower if you're really dead. It always helps to have someone there at your table, but don't make it painful for your sitter, by any means. Don't abuse them! ;) I typically read palms for 10-15 min. and cards about 15-20 minutes. However, I've had some readings where I couldn't stop talking, and I prefer to just go with it, when those situations arise. Don't worry about crapping yourself! :D That's a good sign! It means you're taking this seriously, which shows you honor what you intend to do. :D :D

Chronata	29 Sep 2004
Hi Kerri28! Your name was spelled out in my dream last night, so I feel I should post something here! Everyone here has such great advice for you already...the only thing I can add is that you just be aware that there is no reason to get nervous about this! You will do wonderfully...I just know it! I have done my share of psychic fairs in the past, and for me, at least, no two were exactly alike. There are a lot of things that you just need to experience for yourself....and believe me, you will! The best thing is to be flexible and go with what feels right at the time. And trust in yourself! Know that you are an excellent reader...and this will be a joy for you! Oh...and water...yes...have plenty of that! Good luck, good energy, and blessings to you!

TemperanceAngel	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Water for yourself - lots of water. Absolutely!!!! kerri, I had a HOOT working at my first Psychic Fair, as you will :D :D :D It also went for 3 days, such an amazing energy. Oh, the people you meet, the fun to be had and the experiences. Don't forget to treat yourself to a healing, massage, reflexology, balance, whatever takes your fancy on the day, esp. day two = good day for treatment at the beginning or end of day. The other thing I loved was getting my aura photographed, most people at the Fair had it done, it made for fun comparisons and chats. Good luck!!!! Oh one more thing, be careful when you leave, as in ground yourself and be prepared for stepping back into 'the real world' so to speak.

lark	29 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel Oh one more thing, be careful when you leave, as in ground yourself and be prepared for stepping back into 'the real world' so to speak. I work a fair every weekend. And you have some excellent advice here. Monday mornings I float around like a zombie.... if the fair has been maniac all weekend. But that's Ok I do alot of grounding things like housework, baking, or gardening. Take good care of yourself, have fun, and be loose. Wear comfortable clothes. Take a snack. And water is a MUST. I always take a Snapple Green Tea with Lime, and trailmix or little cheese crackers. Decorate your table with pretty things you love. The care you put in setting up your table will make for a good first impression. If you have to handle your own money keep it out of sight. A little zippered bag you can keep close by on your lap is your best bet. If you take a break becareful not to leave anything of value on your table unattended. Stash it out of sight or take it with you. I wish you all the best and I know you'll do just fine!

HudsonGray	30 Sep 2004
Fanny packs work great for the money, a lot of science fiction convention vendors have gone over to them & so have some arts & crafts people. No hassles trying to watch the money box when you're focusing on something else. And get a good meal afterwards with MEAT in it, to revitalize your body. You'll be taking a chunk of energy out of yourself during the course of the day.

TemperanceAngel	30 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray Fanny packs work great for the money That means a whole different thing in Australia, ah the strange quirks of the English language....

kerri28	30 Sep 2004
PMSL yes it does!!!

HudsonGray	30 Sep 2004
LOL, what do you call them? "Strap to the waist purses"? They've been around here for over 10 years & always called fanny packs, far as I know (in the USA).

Ace	30 Sep 2004
Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray And get a good meal afterwards with MEAT in it, to revitalize your body. You'll be taking a chunk of energy out of yourself during the course of the day. Absolutely! if you are vegetarian, eat EGGS or some other major protein, but the best thing is meat. It grounds you as well as replenishes. I am finding that a good idea after a busy reading day anytime! I often crave eggs afterward (my friends tease me!) but really, eventually I got to get a good burger or something. Also: fanny packs, orginally (I think) because bicycle riders wore them over the fanny, nowadays, we keep them in front-where we can see them! and yes, they are the BEST Thing for fairs! One more thing: take change! I charge $5/5 mins at street fairs and start the day with $50 in $5 bills for changing. As the day progresses, I turn the psychic money into bigger bills for ease handling, and sometimes end the day with $50 in $1 bills! And also: Yet one more thing: keep your earning separate from the money you start with. Buy food and goodies with the money you brought. That way, at the end of the day, you can easily count your profits!

TemperanceAngel	01 Oct 2004
Quote: Originally posted by HudsonGray LOL, what do you call them? "Strap to the waist purses"? They've been around here for over 10 years & always called fanny packs, far as I know (in the USA). I had to PM you, Hudson, because it was too rude to post. Fanny just means something very different in Oz....if you get my drift???

HudsonGray	01 Oct 2004
Ooookay--yep, that would be a whole different kettle of fish! Folks, from what TemperanceAngel told me, don't call them 'fanny packs' if you're in Australia. Trust me. I wonder what they are called then....bicycle packs?

The Help! First Psychic Fair... thread was originally posted on 29 Sep 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.