*Public Reading Questions*

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Fairawen	08 Apr 2005
There have been alot of questions about this recently, and I myself am starting to have questions, as are many other people I'm sure. I don't mean to sound greedy, but my family isn't doing so well atm (funny that I pulled the five of Pentacles the other day too) financially, and going public could actually help me pay my own stuff and some of theirs as well (gas... who knew it would kill my life?) And, hey, what better way to earn money then doing what you love? That's why I'm a writer! I love to write! And it doubles as a career. :P Anyway, on the the questions: My main question is, how long should you be studying tarot to be knowledgeable enough to go out and do it for others? (The only other person that I've read was my little sister who's six, and her reading was unbelieveable simple.) Also, how much is customary to charge? Not too much (I've seen prices go to $20 a reading at a Fair!) and not too little (I hate charging people too much, so I figured I start off at $3...)? How far is a reader allowed to pry into personal things? Such as you see that a Loss is in their past and they just sort of wave it off. How far are you allowed, or is it more up to the *for lack of a better name* customer? What is a good alotted time for a reading to last? I've heard some say 15 min, then others say a good half hour... How do you start of a reading for someone else? I've heard some say hold hands and have the other say their question... others say just have 'em shuffle... some say both... or is it more of what you think goes? I know I'm asking far too many questions, but I'm very curious. If I try and do this, I really want to get things right the first time. :P Thanks for your patience! ~Fairawen~

Chronata	08 Apr 2005
LOL Fairawen! That's a lot of questions you ask! I think it really varies for everone who reads for the public. It even varies on the type of public reading (at a fair will be different from a private home reading...) The best way to get these answers...and what works best for you as a reader...is by practice, trial and error and experience. But I can offer you a little insight on what works for me. :) I am a tarot student. I am constantly studying and have been doing so more than 20 years. But I also have been reading publically and professionally for most of that time! The answer to when you are knowledgable enough to read for others...is very personal. the only answer I really have...is when you feel comfortable and ready. Reading here on the reading exchange board can give you a lot of experience and often really great feedback. I charge anywhere from $5 to $20 for a reading...that can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. I often set a price, but end up getting more as a tip, if the reading was well received. To start a reading, I usually ask if the client has ever had one done before...and tell them they can ask as many questions as they like about what I am doing. I usually let them hold the cards for a moment to get thier energy imprint, and help them focus. Then I do the shuffling myself. as far as how far you can go...well, that's a tough one. The more readings you do, the easier it is to know. But I will tell you one thing...anything personal that comes up, I sort of read as an energy that is surrounding the client. I sometimes refer to these things in a more detatched way, and see if the client will offer more insight. if not...I let it go...but usually I only see things that the client already has some inkling or suspicions or knowledge about anyway. Hope this helps a little, Fairawen!

contrascarpe	08 Apr 2005
Chronata, as usual, has given you some good advice, Fairawen. It took me quite awhile to get up the courage to branch out. I studied off and on for many years and within the past year and a half decided to do a concentrated study. I began by doing readings here and within our little Tarot Circle and frankly, even then I was not really prepared for what I had to face. A local bookstore hired me to read once or twice a month last year. To prepare I went to a reader in another store while I was on a business trip, just to see their style. About halfway through the reading I explained to her why I was there (although I really did want my fortune read anyway). I didn't want her to think I was critiquing her. She was really cool about the whole thing and spent a good 15-20 minutes giving me advice. The best advice she gave me? You can never be totally prepared for everything - some readings will go smoothly and you will be "in the zone", some will leave you feeling flat and dissatisfied with yourself and your effort, and some will even scare you (and I am talking about the querants, not the reading itself). If I were to do it based on the circumstances you mentioned, I would do a local fair or something first where you can rent a table for a small amount of money, and start with simple 3-card or so readings. I would also go to a coffee shop or the cafe area of a bookstore and play with the cards in the open - some people sometimes approach you and ask you for a reading. If you do this though, you may want to graciously do the reading for free just for the experience. Regarding how much to charge - that changes a lot based on confidence and geography. The book store I read at has readers that charge about $40 for a half hour. I personally think that is too much so I base my rate on the average of $1 per minute. I live in a fairly large metropolitan based area though, and the cost of living is higher. When I got my cards read in Vermont, the reader charged $15 for a half hour. For the reading itself, I agree with Chronata - I also ask up front how much the querant is familiar with Tarot and always ask if they have something on their mind specifically that they need help with. I still begin every one of my readings by pulling a few cards just to get a feel for the querent and how they react. The key is to not waffle too much. If some cards confuse you, don't be afraid to be silent while you contemplate. You do not need to explain every card to the querant unless they ask "what does this mean". I find that they just want to be told what is going on. Take a deep breath and try to see how the cards relate to each other and see if there is a pattern, or even a story developing. More times than not the querant will open up and start volunteering information which will bring the cards in focus. I also start out by saying to them that I tend to ask questions sometimes if I see something in the cards but cannot zero in 100%. I tell them not to feel bad if they tell me to mind my own business because when I get in the zone, I often just go on talking and that I am not prying, only trying to understand. I have yet to have someone tell me to MMOB, even though some of my questions I am sure were personal. You will know when you are ready. I have been reading in public for almost a year now and I still get the jitters right before I begin, nervous that I may not get something right and look like a fool. But once those cards start coming out, I can often feel myself outside of my own body and I just plow ahead. Good luck to you! Dan

Tabby	10 Apr 2005
One of my goals with the tarot is to read publically, eventually. Even though I don't feel quite ready yet. I do have or had the same questions as Fairawan. I appreciate the suggestions and advice I have seen on this thread.

tarotbear	10 Apr 2005
Hopefully not to sound critical ~ unless you can do a reading for someone entirely 'off the cuff' i.e. - not have to look up info out of a book, you are not ready to do public stuff. If you are hesitant, it will 'show' to anyone who comes to you. You must know how to make a reading 'flow'. Sometimes the best thing to do is end up in a 'trial-by-fire' situation as I did. I was selling wares at a psychic fair, not a reader, and ended up doing a reading for a customer who was actually pestering me! I agreed to do the reading for her and amazed both of us. I also never looked back after that experience. Usually, when I get a public reading and the querent sits down, the first thing I ask them is if they have ever had a reading before. When they answer 'Oh, Yes! I get a reading every other week from Madame X!" you know you are going to have to deal with their expectations of how someone else 'did' their readings. Always be truthful and say up front something such as 'I don't know how they conduct their readings since every reader has their own way of doing things, so I am going to introduce you to mine.' As far as fees, when I go to somone's house to do a reading, it's usually $20 for as long as it takes. One-on-one should not need to have a timer ticking away! In the public eye I charge $10 for 15 minutes, set a timer, and definately start to wind things down at the 12-minute mark. Obviously, for 15 minutes you do not do 12-15 card spreads! The best advice I can give you is to just get out there and do it! :smoker:

jmd	10 Apr 2005
Given the thread titled "What is Tarot?" you started recently, I wonder under what circumstances or where you intend on doing the readings, Fairawen!? Still, to simply take the questions and thread at face value, and supporting the advice already offered, 'readiness' for public readings will very much depend on the individual. In some ways, and irrespective as to background knowledge, to jump in and actually undertake readings requires that you have faith and trust in the process as it will unfold at the time. Also, given your experience and age as given in your profile, I would personally charge towards the lower end of the $5 - $20 range mentioned. You can always adjust this quite rapidly as word-of-mouth referrals come your way, increasing at the same time the amount of time spent with them (from perhaps a stated 15 minutes to a stated 20-30 minutes, irrespective as to whether you decide, with your readee, to go past this allocated time). For what it's worth, I tend to never hold hands (except with a shake to greet them) with people coming for a reading. They simply sit, I them quickly shuffle, ask them to simply shuffle the deck without any specific question, and do a quick reading. Then ask them if there is anything they would like to focus on, and repeat the shuffling and spread. Of course, it is important for you to do it in your own particular way and means by which you feel comfortable. Here in Victoria, there has been an increasing trend towards the less ornate setting (which suits my own particular style), but also know some wonderful people who add to their reading space with various images, crystals, candles, etc.. It is important, as far as I am concerned, to respect and encourage each person to find and establish their own prefered style. One of the most important thing during a reading is to allow for the narrative to be able to be inspirationally given... ...go for it - though reflect on what it is you also have to face given your the other thread you opened.

Shade	11 Apr 2005
I think you will find the answer to a lot of these questions in the book Professional Tarot which I highly recommend. Here are my answers though. *how long should you be studying tarot to be knowledgeable enough to go out and do it for others?* I rather liked Tarotbear's answer to this question. You should have enough practice reading for others so that you can read the cards without reference materials before you go on to charging. *Also, how much is customary to charge? Not too much (I've seen prices go to $20 a reading at a Fair!)* Is $20 really a lot for a reading? I have paid over $100 for a reading and was very satisfied with the results. Obviously you are new and won't be charging high fees but once you know what you are doing you should charge what you feel you are worth. Some great advice from Professional Tarot is to charge for your time not per reading. Charge the same amount of money for blocks of time and you will not have to worry about whether one reading was worth more than another. *How far is a reader allowed to pry into personal things?* You will have to try and gauge how receptive each querent is. Some people will be more sensitive than others. *What is a good allotted time for a reading to last? I've heard some say 15 min, then others say a good half hour...* I would budget 30 minutes for large spreads (7 cards+) and fifteen minutes for quick three card readings. This is easy, get a stopwatch and time yourself. *How do you start of a reading for someone else?* Try a few different methods. Come up with an opening ritual that relates to your experiences and beliefs with the cards. What you are trying to do here is get the querent to open up a bit and be in the "space" that you work from. If you are charging based on time you should make this quick as people will not appreciate paying for fifteen minutes of grounding and centering. You will be ready when you can provide the types of readings that you would like to receive from another reader as a querent.

Gwynne	11 Apr 2005
:lol: The ZONE... I know all about that! I've been reading for about 14 years, and have been doing so for money for about 3 years. I still get nervous before reading, whether it's logging onto the phones, doing a party or going into the shop to do readings. It drives my husband nuts, but it's just how I am. I worry that I won't live up to the expectations of the client, that the reading won't turn out well, that I'll hit a blank spot and forget everything..... Then I remember that expectations are evil things (they really are... you get exactly what you expect... not necessarily what you want, but what you expect...) that even if I think a reading stunk, the client often comes away from it with something, and that the blank spot can actually be a good thing as I have to focus on what the cards are trying to say at that exact moment. Now, as for the ZONE.... been there done that! I hit the zone after the first card, where the words just flow... and I mean flow. Within 5 minutes after a reading I couldn't tell you what I said. I could probably give you a quick overview, but the words just come from somewhere so deep inside of me that my conscious mind is almost not there. When I hit that zone I KNOW the reading is good, the sitter has a tendency to freak out (in a "How'd did you know that?", big eyes, awed expression sort of way...) When that happens you KNOW that you did something right. You may not know what.... :LOL: Quote: My main question is, how long should you be studying tarot to be knowledgeable enough to go out and do it for others? (The only other person that I've read was my little sister who's six, and her reading was unbelieveable simple.) I studied for 11 years before going public. I have a friend who studied for 6 months. She's excellent, and very confident in herself. I have a tendency towards self-doubt. It really depends on how you feel about it. Quote: Also, how much is customary to charge? Not too much (I've seen prices go to $20 a reading at a Fair!) and not too little (I hate charging people too much, so I figured I start off at $3...)? $20 is cheap! Seriously! I charge $15 for a 15 minute reading in the shop, however they get a $5 off coupon if they spend more than $5 in the store, so it ends up being $10 more often. For longer readings I charge $25 for half and hour, and $50 for an hour. I also offer an extremely in depth life reading that lasts from 2 to 3 hours and charge $75 for that. Many times they'll write the check for $100 or give me $100 bill and tell me to keep the change. When you sit with someone for 3 hours going over about 36 cards..... past, present and future.... you tend to connect and touch their life in a profound way..... For just starting out, go with a rate of about 50 cents a minute. That's about $10 for a 20 minute reading. And people will think you're way to cheap and often tip you. Especially if they've been to another reader! Quote: How far is a reader allowed to pry into personal things? Such as you see that a Loss is in their past and they just sort of wave it off. How far are you allowed, or is it more up to the *for lack of a better name* customer? I don't pry past a brush off. If they don't want to talk about it I move elsewhere. BUT, people who come to me tend to open up and tell me their life story after the first or second card, and it happens with most other readers I know as well. They trust you, you are like a counselor to them, and most of the time (I find this especially on the phone) they just want someone to talk to. Quote: What is a good alotted time for a reading to last? I've heard some say 15 min, then others say a good half hour... For just starting out I'd say 15 minutes. You don't want to burn yourself out, and you can cover most questions in that times. I've gotten good at "speed reading." Phone readings tend to be short, at least on the service I use where I don't have to keep a minimum call time. About 5 minutes or less is my average. If they're paying by the minute, they keep an eye on the clock! However, readings in person I don't pay attention to the clock. I know that 4 or 5 cards, in depth, lasts about 15 minutes, sometimes more, sometimes less. If it's less than 15 minutes, I may pull another card or two for clarification. Quote: How do you start of a reading for someone else? I've heard some say hold hands and have the other say their question... others say just have 'em shuffle... some say both... or is it more of what you think goes? You'll have to find your own way, it's different for each person. The way I do it is to have the sitter shuffle until they feel comfortable while they are thinking lightly about their question (or their life for a general reading or the most relevant past life for a past life reading...) Then when they're done I take the cards back and lay them out.

HudsonGray	11 Apr 2005
I've been at events where someone with a deck calls out "I need practice, who wants a free reading???!" and they do it. This has been at outdoor events, science fiction conventions, and a street fair. Get lots of practice with different people. Do it free till you get really comfortable with how you read the deck, how you present the reading to the other person, how you feel you're confident enough to move on to charging money for it. And think through a few things about some of the potentially hard questions you can have come up--someone sitting in front of you could be in a bad relationship where they're in danger, or using drugs, or any number of things. How you phrase things will have a major impact on people in situations like that. It helps to be prepared or to know a way to work around it yet give encouragement.

ashtoreth	13 Apr 2005
I agree with what everyone else has said here. It is important to feel confident when giving a reading..and not feel the urge to look up the book. I'd have the book by me all the time, and feel terribly dumb when the cards would be spread out in front of me. Then I started giving out free readings to all my friends, I would actually seek out people who wanted readings, and I would insist on feedback, so i know what to improve on. This way, I got to learn and I improved like anything in the past month or so. Although I still haven't started charging for readings I intend to do so very soon, but i think being a beginner it is wise to charge less so you are not under too much pressure during the reading. But don't at all feel guilty or that you're greedy cause you're charging for the readings! It is a service you offer a talent that you have, and if you ask for money in return, you ensure that it is valued (I know- i give a lot of free readings and the questions I get are sometimes very inane, it comes out of the *just coz its' free lets' ask a question* feeling - lol) Also, I believe that if you receive something for nothing you are karmically tied to the person in a debt, and there's nothing wrong in charging for it :) Love, Ashtoreth.

Umbrae	13 Apr 2005
Fairawen wrote: My main question is, how long should you be studying tarot to be knowledgeable enough to go out and do it for others? Also, how much is customary to charge? How far is a reader allowed to pry into personal things? What is a good alotted time for a reading to last? How do you start of a reading for someone else? I've heard some say hold hands and have the other say their question... I know I'm asking far too many questions, but I'm very curious. If I try and do this, I really want to get things right the first time. Thanks for your patience! First off, you should be knowledgeable enough about Tarot, to realize you can do serious damage to another person in the process of a reading, by your words alone. And you must accept responsibility for your words – which in some people, even with all the warnings and disclaimers you can spout – a single silly word from you may alter the lives of others drastically and forever. Are you ready to accept such an onus? Prices vary. Even for beginners. If you are a beginner you should not charge more than $1.00 per card. Pry into personal things? You don’t pry. Your mother told you not to go through other peoples ‘undie drawers’ IRL, you don’t do it with Tarot either. Just cuz you hold a deck in your hands – you are not granted special license. Don’t look for pain – it will find you. A good allotted time? Depends on the setting. If you read in public places like Bars/Coffee-Shops, best be a master of the 7-minute reading. Start a reading? Some like to hold hands – usually the “Magicians” doing time with the Mentalist-Cold Reader act, the Con, the Charlatan. I don’t like to touch the clients – at all – ever. Tarotbear’s advice here rocks, “Have you ever had a reading before?” It opens the door to rapport. If you want to get things right the first time…you most likely will not want to continue your tarot studies. Getting it right has nothing to do with reading for others. We deal with humans and all their frailties. Being a reader for people we don’t know can be heartbreaking, trying, fulfilling…. When you stare despair straight in the face – look down at your cards and see even more despair and you realize the books don’t talk about the raw human emotion and that Tarot Cards go way beyond the meanings of the same and mommy with the three kids sitting in front of you is way at the end of her rope and things are not going to be well at that household tonight at all and you’re staring at the ‘outcome’ card thinking the Tarot Gods must have some kinda sense of humor cuz ain’t no way you’re gonna tell her about what’s coming around the corner and all you can think of saying is, “Sell the guns” to save the children, and you’re just trying to make ends meet, you didn’t ask for this very real human drama and why don’t they talk about this in the books don’t authors ever read for the public you’d think they’d put in a chapter about this and you realize why Umbrae always asks… “Why do you (want to) read tarot (for others)?” Best be real sure of that answer before you pull out that deck in public… Edited to add: Uh…lemme try this again. Reading Tarot for the public…has nothing to do with Tarot. It’s about Rapport. You can study meanings all you want. That’s about you and Tarot. When a stranger sits down, it ain’t how clever you are, or how many meanings you know, or if you have certification… When you sit down with another person to read tarot… It’s about them. Rememeber Struther Martin’s famous character in “Cool Hand Luke”? “What we ‘ave ‘ere, is a fail'ure ta ca’mmuun’cate.” Ain't about the cards. It's also about what comes out of your mouth (how's your dental hygene? Floss lately?)...and can they relate to it? Does what you say have context? Ultimately it comes down to this, how are you at building rapport with strangers? If your answer is, “Well I have the Tarot here to help me – I just look and say what I see…” Well when you done seen what you seen, you come back and tell us that been there all ‘bout it. It’s about building rapport. With a stranger. With problems. Now…“Why do you (want to) read tarot (for others)?”

Fairawen	13 Apr 2005
Ouch, Umbrae. *lol* Not that I'm not saying I wasn't needing a good ouch. I'm guessing that you've been reading publicly for a while. I suppose you brought up what I forgot to ask about! The whole emotional thing is obviously very tough not only on the person being read to, but the reader as well. Why do I want to read Tarot for others. Hm. That question could go in many different directions. Since I'm only 16 (I know most of you are much older then me, and therefore much more experienced) I want to expand my horizons. Look out where most people don't see, and in where most refuse to look. That's how I got interested in tarot. Not started mind you, but interested. I'm a very introverted person. I enjoy looking in and reflecting. Unfortunatly, I tend to stay looking in and forget to live. I'm thinking that, perhaps, reading tarot for other people will help me with that. I'll actually start caring about another person instead of just myself. And, what's even better is: I might be able to help them. Might mind you. I'm only 16, I can't lift the world. But I sure can try. And that's why I want to read publicly for people. Not just to earn pocket change, or because it sounds fun, or because I want people to come to me and rever me a little (though I won't deny that all of those have a part)... but it all comes down to the fact that I want to go out and see how much I can do. I can help people if I try. That's power. The power to go out and change your world around you. I'd really like to do that. Or at least try. :P Umbrae, does that answer your question... or did I forget something? :P The reason I'm asking these questions is because, I know what I want to do and why... I just have to have an oar to paddle with. Gotta know a few technical things before I venture forth, you know? I may really want to get up that river, I may have the guts to face that river as well... but with a paddle I'm done for. :) ~Fairawen~

all78degrees	18 Apr 2005
Umbrae wrote: When a stranger sits down, it ain’t how clever you are, or how many meanings you know, or if you have certificates from TABI or some other idiot driven certification course… The comments below are the comments of the author and not an official TABI response. This part of the post has been drawn to my attention. Suprisingly enough. Now what certificate are you adresssing? If it's the endorsed reader certificate it applies to reading on-line as it shows that a person has been mentored and supported for 25 readings whilst they are finding their feet. This can help build confidence as well as helping grow a reading style. This support system is valuable to help with the transition from reading for yourself to reading for others. Reading on-line in general is a good halfway house as you can control the message and think about what your are writing. Where as reading face to face is immediate and the pressures are different. I really do object to the term idiot though I take solice in the fact that it reflects more on the mind of the writer. gav. TABI mentor.

ribbitcat	18 Apr 2005
Umbrae wrote: When a stranger sits down, it ain’t how clever you are, or how many meanings you know, or if you have certificates from TABI or some other idiot driven certification course… *sigh* I see my friend Gav has addressed the gratuitous insult above , if it refers to the TABI Endorsement process . However , if it refers to the TABI free online course ....just to clear up Umbrae's misapprehension , it is based largely on Joan Bunnings' "Learn the Tarot" (with her kind permission) . Umbrae is the only person I've seen call this course "idiot driven" . Unless he's calling TABI "idiot driven" . The course , as run by TABI , is not a certification course . A certificate is *offered* if the course is fully completed , which merely certifies that the person has completed the course . Some people like to have their efforts rewarded tangibly . I'd like an apology from Umbrae . ribbitcat.

cybercat	18 Apr 2005
Now back to the question. Fairawen since you are 16 and in PA I think you should wait to go public. I also live in PA it is not the friendlyest state for readers. Since you admit that you have only read for your sister get some more practice in. Also you mentioned on your other post "What is Tarot" that your parents are against you using the cards. I would suggest to study for your next 2 years till you come of age and then try going public. As of right now you have said in your other post you have to get out of your house to even work with your cards. This is not the best situation for a reader who is doing public readings. Remeber you will run into folks that know your parents and word will get back to them. How do you think that will go? Are you ready to deal with there responce to them finding out that way? Just some things to think about. Cat Fairawen wrote: Ouch, Umbrae. *lol* Not that I'm not saying I wasn't needing a good ouch. I'm guessing that you've been reading publicly for a while. I suppose you brought up what I forgot to ask about! The whole emotional thing is obviously very tough not only on the person being read to, but the reader as well. Why do I want to read Tarot for others. Hm. That question could go in many different directions. Since I'm only 16 (I know most of you are much older then me, and therefore much more experienced) I want to expand my horizons. Look out where most people don't see, and in where most refuse to look. That's how I got interested in tarot. Not started mind you, but interested. I'm a very introverted person. I enjoy looking in and reflecting. Unfortunatly, I tend to stay looking in and forget to live. I'm thinking that, perhaps, reading tarot for other people will help me with that. I'll actually start caring about another person instead of just myself. And, what's even better is: I might be able to help them. Might mind you. I'm only 16, I can't lift the world. But I sure can try. And that's why I want to read publicly for people. Not just to earn pocket change, or because it sounds fun, or because I want people to come to me and rever me a little (though I won't deny that all of those have a part)... but it all comes down to the fact that I want to go out and see how much I can do. I can help people if I try. That's power. The power to go out and change your world around you. I'd really like to do that. Or at least try. :P Umbrae, does that answer your question... or did I forget something? :P The reason I'm asking these questions is because, I know what I want to do and why... I just have to have an oar to paddle with. Gotta know a few technical things before I venture forth, you know? I may really want to get up that river, I may have the guts to face that river as well... but with a paddle I'm done for. :) ~Fairawen~

HudsonGray	18 Apr 2005
You're going to need lots & lots of practice to see how you communicate with your deck, before going public, anyway. Take this time to do readings with friends & what family is ok with it, and see if there's any tarot groups in your city (check tarot meetup.com online, just punch in your state or zip code), you can practice at the meetings with a bunch of strangers you don't know. Think about the business side of things, and plan it all out. Think of this as the idea phase of a business--while you're getting the skills you can also be formulating your business plan.

Fairawen	18 Apr 2005
Thanks Hudson, but there's a few things wrong. See, I almost never get out of the house, so the only place I get any practice is here on AT. My entire family is against it. I... well, I'm not going to be dramatic and say I have no friends. I have one, but she and her family would go literally insane if they even KNEW that I had made my own tarot cards. So friends and family are a big no-no. And, the icing on the cake, I live in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. Actually, no quite the middle... I'm a little to the left. Close enough. The nearest "city" is about 45-60 minutes away. I will, however, look at tarotmeetup.com Sounds very interesting, and extremely usefull. I'm very good at looking at things in a proffesional way, so I have no problem with that. Infact, I'm better at being business-like then I am personal. I have to work on that. Anyway, thanks alot for your information! ~Fairawen~

HudsonGray	18 Apr 2005
Ok, if you're home a lot--nothing says you can't do readings for others online, right? There's several groups over on yahoo (learningthetarot-at- yahoogroups.com is one) where they actively encourage people to offer readings. Just make sure you get feedback! And once you have 25 postings here you can start posting your readings on the board, or offer to give readings to others. You don't have to have face to face readings to be able to learn (though face to face IS better, you pick up a lot more from body language and can get immediate answers to your questions). Don't think you're in a void. There's all sorts of things you can do to practice with people.

April	19 Apr 2005
I just wanted to throw this in as an idea since live people are hard to come by. I'm a big dork, so every week I do a reading for the show Lost. Sometimes for the whole island, sometimes just a character or two. And every once in awhile I'll do one for Desperate Housewives. Point being, it's perfectly okay to make up people to read for if you need the practice and you can't find live people. Alone at night in your bedroom, have an imaginary friend come in with an imaginary problem. I personally like TV shows 'cause I get "feedback" right away. Just a question, but if you started reading for the public now before you're an adult, what's gonna happen if it gets back to your folks? If everyone in your life is against it you might be in for more trouble than you bargained for. I would wait until I was able to set my own rules and use the next couple of year to hone my skills. Peace, April

mike gorth	19 Apr 2005
I like the tv idea. I'm gonna try that tonight. I recently posted something on the reading exchange forum for free readings so it looks like I'll be busy.

stella01904	19 Apr 2005
MM ~ Good practice technique with Tarot or any other kind of deck: 1)Shuffle. 2) Say "This is the time ----." (something you already know, you've already seen how it turned out.) "This is the time we moved to the green house". "This is when I was dating so-and-so". "This is when Uncle Frank died". 3) Draw a card, or a 2-card combination, or a little three-card spread, and see how it relates to what happened. Best way to learn any deck, even weird non-Tarot decks with no English instructions! As far as public reading, well, I think that as well as knowledge of the cards and good old intuition, a person needs a certain amount of life experience to be any good. I've known young readers who were incredible, but they'd had a very rough life. It's not a job for someone who's been wrapped in plastic! BB, Stella

Maggie Bell	21 Apr 2005
Umbrae wrote: We deal with humans and all their frailties. Being a reader for people we don’t know can be heartbreaking, trying, fulfilling…. When you stare despair straight in the face – look down at your cards and see even more despair and you realize the books don’t talk about the raw human emotion and that Tarot Cards go way beyond the meanings of the same and mommy with the three kids sitting in front of you is way at the end of her rope and things are not going to be well at that household tonight at all and you’re staring at the ‘outcome’ card thinking the Tarot Gods must have some kinda sense of humor cuz ain’t no way you’re gonna tell her about what’s coming around the corner and all you can think of saying is, “Sell the guns” to save the children, and you’re just trying to make ends meet, you didn’t ask for this very real human drama and why don’t they talk about this in the books don’t authors ever read for the public you’d think they’d put in a chapter about this and you realize why Umbrae always asks… “Why do you (want to) read tarot (for others)?” Umbrae wrote: When you sit down with another person to read tarot… It’s about them. AWESOME WORDS

Fairawen	21 Apr 2005
Yeah, he's an awesome dude. :) ~Fairawen~

KatRabbit	22 Apr 2005
April wrote: I just wanted to throw this in as an idea since live people are hard to come by. I'm a big dork, so every week I do a reading for the show Lost. Sometimes for the whole island, sometimes just a character or two. And every once in awhile I'll do one for Desperate Housewives. Point being, it's perfectly okay to make up people to read for if you need the practice and you can't find live people. Alone at night in your bedroom, have an imaginary friend come in with an imaginary problem. I personally like TV shows 'cause I get "feedback" right away. I have done this too, and I have also practised on problems from newspaper problem pages, imagining they have come for a reading :)

stella01904	22 Apr 2005
MM ~ A good accuracy check is to read on current events. Of course this can be very dark, also, and I don't recommend total immersion in this kind of thing. But an occasional "guilty or not guilty?" is good exercise. BB, Stella

Fairawen	22 Apr 2005
Sounds fun! Btw, I also watch Lost. Hahaha, my Dad and the rest of my family kinda crowd around the tv every wednesday. But the current events things sounds great. I've definetly gotta try that! ~Fairawen~

The *Public Reading Questions* thread was originally posted on 08 Apr 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.