tarot for money in your home and stranger danger

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 28 Feb 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Free Flight	28 Feb 2005
Hello again! There is no way I am at this stage nor anywhere near it, but in 5 years when my kids go to school I hope to be at the stage where I can read for strangers in my home for additional income. However, being a slightly paranoid person this has lead me to my question. When you open the door of your home to strangers you open the door to potential dangers. I know this may sound like a ridiculous notion (see I told you I am paranoid :D) but although 1000 people you see may be good people, the thousand and first person may not be. I was just curious what the general thoughts and experiences of others are here. If I in any way thought I would be comprimising the safety of my family, I would abandon this long term goal. I have read way too many crime thriller where the police officers say of the deceased, 'yes well it was her occupation that put her at risk. When you open the door to strangers, you open the door to anyone.' Thanks Free Flight

contrascarpe	28 Feb 2005
Free Flight - I don't think you are being paranoid at all. I have no experiences to share, but I would hesitate to read for someone in my home unless I knew them. Actually, I wouldn't hesitate ..... I outright wouldn't do it. Besides the safety issue you have the real possibility of someone coming in and "casing" your house, seeing what you have and where you keep it. I hate living in a cynical world - I am trusting by nature - but the realities of today shouldn't be ignored. Dan

Moongold	28 Feb 2005
Hi Free Flight ~ I would never do readings in my own home until I knew the client and felt safe or there were others around. I know many private practitioners in areas other than Tarot who see clients initially in offices rather than home and when they get to know them, they may see them at home. It's simply better to be safe. You would no doubt have heard of the young female psychotherapist in Melbourne who was murdered by a first time client whom she saw in her own home. Hate to say these things but they are a risk. When you get close to the time that you want to do this, spend some time planning it. I don't know where you live in NSW but there are various places - community houses and so on - where you can do this work. You would probably be safer doing it in the street than in your own home at present. My own guess is that it depends a lot on how you begin. If you begin with known networks of people it might not be such a problem but if you advertise in the local paper, God knows who will turn up. Too risky. Best

tarotbear	28 Feb 2005
Dear Free Flight, I would use the intervening five years to develop my tarot skills, including trying to read somewhere publically, such as a book store or pagan store. In that way you can still hone your skills, and build up a client base without 'exposing' yourself to others. It may be that you will be so successful that people will seek you out at the store or shop - which is a safer idea. Once you become 'known' - doing house parties and the like where you are not 'alone', you will find it may be advantageous to go to people's homes rather than have them come to yours. Possibly you can open a shop of your own, renting a store front or the like. :smoker: You can also seek out querents by appointment only, or by referral only; in that way you are not getting the average Joe off the street, and can ask questions. Referrals may be the best and safest way to go if you still decide to do this out of your home - which has it's own set of local rules and regulations you may have to overcome. Do things in large and obvious public places first.

Free Flight	28 Feb 2005
Hi Dan How would you get around the problem? I have visited some psychics in the past years and going to their home is a lovely experience. One on One readings and usually they are very positive people and well it is just a nice thing to do. I just dont think I could do it! And now you have replied, I feel a lot less paranoid. That leaves phone readings, web readings and renting an office (you would have to be making a lot of money to validate the rental space). Hmmm not sure thanks for your input Ainsley

huredriel	28 Feb 2005
Hi Free Flight, I think you raise a very valid point and you are not the slightest bit paranoid, it's better to be safe than sorry!! I agree with everything already said here, and don't forget, by the time 5 years comes around, you will have already developed a network of ready and willing "clients" whom you will probably know quite well by then as well :) x Huredriel

Apollonia	28 Feb 2005
I too have thought about having clients come to my home, but I have decided against it, unless I know the person extremely well, for all the security reasons already cited. In addition, I don't want to deal with the leftover energy of several different people in my home every day. Sometimes I have to smudge after repair people come and go--and they're not even sharing their problems with me! But, having said that, I have gone to several different psychics, shamans, etc. who work from their homes, and it has been great. I asked the one psychic how she trusted strangers in her home, and she said she got the vibes from them over the phone, and the ones with weird vibes she just turned down. But for sure, I would always make certain the client knew that I was not alone, like saying, "Okay, if my husband answers the door, just tell him you're here for a reading," or something like that.

contrascarpe	28 Feb 2005
Free Flight wrote: Hi Dan How would you get around the problem? I have visited some psychics in the past years and going to their home is a lovely experience. One on One readings and usually they are very positive people and well it is just a nice thing to do. I just dont think I could do it! And now you have replied, I feel a lot less paranoid. That leaves phone readings, web readings and renting an office (you would have to be making a lot of money to validate the rental space). Hmmm not sure thanks for your input Ainsley Ainsley - I am not sure what the Tarot climate is in your neck of the woods. I agree that renting space is a tough way to go, even here in the States. Someone in my town has done just this, right on the main street. This past summer every time I drove by I saw the proprietor out on the steps smoking a cigarette. I cannot imagine they make enough to cover rent, but I could be wrong. I read at a local metaphysical bookshop. I usually do two Sundays a month and sometimes I get six people in an afternoon, and sometimes I get none. And this is at a place where people seek out this type of thing. More times than not most of my business comes from walk-ins - people shopping for crystals or books or such, see there is a tarot reader and say "what the heck". I do get some scheduled readings, and I have a few that now ask for me by name (which is the ultimate in ego gratification). The other method of getting your name out there would be with local fairs. Again, I am not sure how frequent those are in your area and also again, I cannot see much profit margin in doing this. The only other thing I can think of is if you can somehow arrange your home in such a manner that your reading space is separate. In other words, a different entrance, into a small area you use JUST for reading. In this way, the Seeker not only cannot see into your home proper, there is also the illusion that there are other people milling about in the house. Other than that, maybe local coffee houses where you can sharpen your skills? Good luck to you. I hope you get a chance to do this - it really is enlightening and rewarding to read for the public. Dan

Rosanne	28 Feb 2005
Hi Free Flight, I read from Home and I follow two rules. I ask the querent who referred them and get some sort of contact detail-usually phone number, sometimes Car plate number. When the time and date is settled I ring a friend and give brief details of same to her. I have never had a problem of theft or personal harm. To counter that, I live in small Town of 3000 people and my contact is not in the phone book or anywhere else. Its just word of mouth. Any odd things or theft have come from other things than Tarot. I have a friend who has what I call 'A Fortress mentality' she is over the top paranoid. locks,alarms and fear. Her home has been broken into 5 times in the last 18 months, and I wonder which came first, the fear or the Break ins. Plus I have a noisy wee dog. Most people who seek Tarot readings seem to be aware of Karma!! Good Luck in your dream ~ Rosanne

MeeWah	28 Feb 2005
Free Flight: I prefer to read from the comfort & privacy of my home. Since I work a regular full-time job, I am not interested in another job outside of the home. Being able to work from home makes sense & avoids the overhead expenses another location would demand. Thus, been conducting readings from my home for many years. I only accept strangers as clients *by referral from former or established clients* who call ahead to introduce a prospective client. Sometimes the new client is accompanied by the person who referred them (but wait in the livingroom during the session).

midsummer	28 Feb 2005
Hi Free Flight, I do telephone reading for the reasons you have highlighted. I would love to read in my home as I have a fantastic peaceful place here to read but am too fearful. I once advertised to do housecleaning and got 2 weirdos, so they are out there, also, today drug users can get pretty desperate and may find a women on their own an easy mark. Moongold made a good point about the psychotherapist being murdered. Believe me I speak with some very strange people on the phone....they can begin quite settled and rational but as a reading goes on they can become angry and volatile on certain issues. It is at this point I am glad they are not in my home. Not all people wanting a tarot reading are grounded and connected with the universe, some are lost souls. Your fears are not paranoia but the reality of life now in the world we live in. A good strategy for secureing a place to read is to offer the venue a fee, say $5 for each reading that way you only pay if you get a reading, if the place is a coffee shop they might sell more coffees and food and like the idea. Good luck Mid

Shade	01 Mar 2005
I have to agree with the folks who said don't do readings out of your home. I suppose if you absolutely had to I would suggest always having someone else in the house, maybe you could get together with another metaphysical practitioner to share space. I say go outside the home, if you're good enough you could possibly find space at a health spa or coffee shop that could pay you for your time and have you offer free readings to their clients. Beyond safety concerns, I'm not sure where you live but in most places it is illegal to conduct business out of your residence.

FaeryGodmother	01 Mar 2005
I have tried having people come to my home, but I simply hated the feeling. I totally agree with everything that has been said about security and to be honest for me it also comes down to privacy. I just don't like having strangers in my home. One option for you, which is cheaper than renting a shop, is setting up a stall at your local markets. Thats always worked well for me and is much more flexible. Good luck. FGM

psychic sue	01 Mar 2005
I read in my home - always make sure you have got someone with you. I read for a woman once who told me afterwards she had been in hospital previously because she sufferred violent outbursts (I'd seen most of it in the cards). She was taking her medication and was fine - in fact we became friends as she was from Eastern Europe and didn't know anyone, so I sort of took her under my wing - but it highlighted to me that you can unknowlingly put yourself in danger - eg, what if she wasn't taking the medication and she'd attacked me? Good luck with your readings ! Sue

Kara	01 Mar 2005
stranger danger..lol:) I'm probably going to make some in here laugh, but: A lady here had a similiar setup as a previous poster recommended...she used her 'mother-in-law' apartment, because she was afraid of people bringing bad energies in to the house. I know I'm sliding into superstition here, but I admit it's something I would consider. Not only who is going to rob me, but how many house 'cleansings' I'd have to do in a week.... She said she never knew who was coming, and who was really leaving, who was dumping baggage, etc. LOL, take it with a grain of salt if you like.:) I don't think I would like it, having strangers in my house for that purpose - on a regular basis.

psychic sue	02 Mar 2005
Kara wrote: stranger danger..lol:) I'm probably going to make some in here laugh, but: A lady here had a similiar setup as a previous poster recommended...she used her 'mother-in-law' apartment, because she was afraid of people bringing bad energies in to the house. I know I'm sliding into superstition here, but I admit it's something I would consider. Not only who is going to rob me, but how many house 'cleansings' I'd have to do in a week.... She said she never knew who was coming, and who was really leaving, who was dumping baggage, etc. LOL, take it with a grain of salt if you like.:) I don't think I would like it, having strangers in my house for that purpose - on a regular basis. :eek: I never thought about baggage being dumped!!! Luckily I don't fo that many, just a few now and again.

Phoenix Rising	02 Mar 2005
Where I live, all readings are done in the privacy of ones homes. And it's quite lovely too. It would be more cost affective to the reader to have it in there own home, with no overheads and such. I personally believe that you only attract to you what you fear. I used to do healings in my home, and the thought never occurred to me that there would be any danger. It could quite easily happen at a public place as well. Just relating to a friend of mine who was stabbed in broad daylight in a busy office, with people all around. I actually did a reading for her months ago, and looking back at the reading it was in the cards. So for it to be seen months before, this says to me, that it was fated. I would have no problem reading from my home, I just don't have that fear! Christ I even keep all my windows and doors unlocked at night, and even my car keys are still in the car. I just trust my intuition to warn me of any danger beforehand.

NightWing	10 Mar 2005
Thanks to you all on the thread for this. You've got me thinking again about setting up at home, and what that might require. It may come down to convenience vs. safety, I suppose; at least in a larger city.

Free Flight	12 Mar 2005
Thanks to everyone who replied here. Sorry! I should have weighed in earlier to say thanks. It is a long way off for me but this thread has given my much food for thought. As I live in a big city and have young kids I do not think I will read in my home. An office has the same sort of dangerous implications so probably will take the cafe/market idea. thanks to everyone who replied - it was very helpful Ainsely

SunChariot	12 Mar 2005
Well I would never invite a strange man into my house where we would be alone. You don't really know who he is, where he lives, even if you ask he could give false info. It is too dangerous. Now, I know most men are not going to rape you, but if you make a habit of working at home, are you sure you can look tell who is capable of it and who is not in the instant that you have to evaluate someone before you decide to invite them in or not? I could never be that 100% sure. If I could not be 100% sure I would not take the chance. Hope that doesn't make all the men out there think I have no trust in men. Which is far from the case, but to invite a strange man into your house whom you know nothing about, that's another thing. Bar

Simone	13 Mar 2005
Ainsley, you are right, I think - try the café / market idea first. Then you get to "know" some of your clients which then, if they need another reading, could come privately to you. From there, work on referral basis - if a new potential client calls, ask where he "comes from" - so you can link him to someone you know. It might come in useful to put up a database of your clients: ask for full name, address and, important: a phone number. And then write also the name of reference in the file. So that, if ever anything should go wrong, you call the reference to talk about it. Usually people are too ashamed to be bared before their friends, so this might constitute a lever you have in your hands :) Just a few thoughts Love Simone

NightWing	13 Mar 2005
Sadly, in this age, inviting strangers into your home is risky, whether in a large urban area, or in isolated rural parts. Actually, sometimes inviting acquaintances into your home when you are alone can be risky. Do you know that most women are raped by people they know? And most murders are committed by people well known to the victim. Gender is no safeguard either. Increasing numbers of women are committing crimes of armed robbery, sexual assault, physical assault, break-and-enter, theft, and so on. Today's Tarot Reader must be very careful of her/his clients, whether male or female, well-known or strangers. One thing for sure; never welcome clients to a home where you are alone. There should always be at least one other adult nearby. If not, go somewhere and Read where there is. I hate to sound paranoid, but this seems realistic to me. As in any (home) business today, be aware and be careful. There is my "sermon" for the day!

MeeWah	13 Mar 2005
I should have included that hubby is usually home during the in-person sessions. Sometimes he answers the door, but usually sitting in the livingroom whence the client arrives. That is deliberate on his part: so he sees who enters & the visitor also sees that I am not alone. The livingroom is an open area in full view of the front door, several feet beyond the vestibule. The clients are diverse & either known to me or by referral & never had a problem. I also keep a reference file with index cards of each client's personal information, including dates of each session.

satinangel	17 Mar 2005
If I were ready to make this step, I would lean towards the bookstore/coffee shop idea. My home is my sanctuary and refuge from the busy day to day life and would only feel comfortable reading for close friends, in my own home. satinangel

The tarot for money in your home and stranger danger thread was originally posted on 28 Feb 2005 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.