Tarot readings at parties...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 06 Apr 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Annabelle	06 Apr 2005
How many of you have done (or sometimes do) tarot readings at parties? If you've ever tried it, how did it go? Was it exhausting, reading for so many people right in a row? Was it worth it? Would you do it again? I'm asking because just this week, a friend asked me if I would be willing to do tarot readings at a charity benefit party that she is helping to organize (they are having some kind of fortune-telling theme for the event). They were willing to pay me, but we never got around to discussing a fee because I immediately (but politely) refused. The reason I refused is that I simply don't feel ready to read for others face-to-face . . . but later, as I was mulling it over, I began to think it would have been a bad idea even if I was more comfortable already as a tarot reader, given the particular problems that might come up when reading at a party, such as noise and privacy issues, drunk querents, etc. Anyone have thoughts on this, or experiences to share?

Gwynne	06 Apr 2005
Annabelle4 wrote: How many of you have done (or sometimes do) tarot readings at parties? If you've ever tried it, how did it go? Was it exhausting, reading for so many people right in a row? Was it worth it? Would you do it again? I'm asking because just this week, a friend asked me if I would be willing to do tarot readings at a charity benefit party that she is helping to organize (they are having some kind of fortune-telling theme for the event). They were willing to pay me, but we never got around to discussing a fee because I immediately (but politely) refused. The reason I refused is that I simply don't feel ready to read for others face-to-face . . . but later, as I was mulling it over, I began to think it would have been a bad idea even if I was more comfortable already as a tarot reader, given the particular problems that might come up when reading at a party, such as noise and privacy issues, drunk querents, etc. Anyone have thoughts on this, or experiences to share? I've done several parties. The first was the hardest. I wasn't sure what to expect, or what to do, and I didn't really have any clear guidelines for myself or my expectations. Now I do. At the first party that I did, I was sort of center stage, and I don't like that. I was at a table in the middle of the room and everyone was surrounding me as I did people's readings. It was very overwhelming, and I felt like I couldn't really do anything but be a "fortune-teller" something that I am definitely not. After that I set specifical guidelines for doing parties. If they don't like those guidelines they don't have to book me, but I've never had anyone say they couldn't do it. My biggest rule is this one: Quote: 1. I need at a minimum a semi-private space, such as a screened off corner of a room. A private room is better. Sometimes issues come up in a reading that don't need to be broadcast to everyone in the area! I also outline how much time I need per guest. Usually I say 12 minutes per guest, which gives them a 10 minute reading and me a 2 minute breather. It's enough time to focus, breath in and out, center myself and prepare for the next reading. I charge per guest or per hour, depending on the clients needs. It works out about the same, $10 per guest or $50 per hour, as I can do about 5 10-minute readings an hour, with breaks in between. That way the client can decide if she's paying for the party herself, or if each guest pays for their own reading. I've only ever done one party where the hostess made her guests pay for the reading. Generally I urge clients to keep the guest list to about 10 or 12 people or less. I can do more than that, but that's a little over 2 hours of reading, and about $100. I've had one party with 25 guests, and for that I invited a fellow reader to come with me, we split the readings and the money. It was about 2 1/2 hours with the both of us and we made $125 each, not bad as far as an hourly rate goes! More than 4 or 5 hours and you really run the risk of burn-out if you're not used to reading that much. Fair readers tend to better at parties because they are used to a steady stream of clients. Also realize that at a party you'll get a lot of "fortune seekers" which drive me nuts. I'm not a fortune teller, and I am up-front about that. But generally people are happy at the end of a reading. I occasionally have someone walk away unhappy, but they are usually the kind of people who are unhappy no matter what! Reading for parties can actually be very fun, and it's an exceptional way to build a client base. I generally have 1 or 2 callbacks for a more in depth reading after each party, and since until recently I've worked primarily by word-of-mouth, that's a good thing. If you decide to do parties, just be sure to ground and center yourself beforehand. Also, I recommend scheduling your day so that you don't have anything else major going on that day, or even the day before. You definitely need your energy up!

Emeraldgirl	06 Apr 2005
I have never been booked to do an outside party but I did do a reading for a friend at my birthday party but we didn't do a good enough job of sneaking away and a few other friends found us and I ended up doing 6 readings that day. I was exhausted afterwards but I felt really satisfied with the readings I had done and everyone who had a reading seemed to enjoy it.

tarotbear	07 Apr 2005
I have done many parties and love it ~ but I am not intimidated by them. For some ideas, I suggest you go to the Tarot School site www.tarotschool.com and look up their article on "Twenty six' ... things to do" which is list of things to do and expect for public readings - you will be glad you did. Some quick things for you : Bring several different decks if you have them; display them in a nice basket and let the querent chose one. Remember that just because your favorite deck is the 'Headless Dead Baby Tarot' that it might put other people off. Do the readings in another room away from the noise and the wine. Stay away from the party atmosphere and it will help you keep you head on straight. Not everything you will tell people should happen in a public room; many things revealed are personal or private. Bring a timer and set it and stick to it; nothing worse than someone who wants to monopolise your evening. Figure on short spreads and short readings - 3-5 card things and not a Celtic Cross for everyone unless you are good at talking a lot and very quickly. Bring fresh cool water, and throat losenges. Figure your time divided by the number of readings and your abilities - can you do 6 people in two hours of would three hours work better? I have done 12 readings in a single night over four hours. At someone's house party, it is considered a nice gesture to do a reading for the host/hostess for free, even if you don't do it that same evening.

Umbrae	07 Apr 2005
Parties rock. Make sure each sitter gets your business card. When you construct your business card, don’t fill it with info. Simple is better. Leave one half of the front side empty (you only need your Name, what you do, cell-phone and e-mail on it). Do not use your physical address or your land-line phone where wacko’s can stalk you…. So leave one portion of the card unprinted. During the party reading, figure each sitters ‘Year Cycle’. Write it on the card and hand it to them during the reading. People don’t ‘throw away’ business cards. They keep them. And this has a ‘year number’. For as long as the sitter holds onto this card, whenever they look at it they will remember the year and the reading. Well next year comes around and they look at it…you get repeat business… If you hand it to them and say (during your reading), “This is your number for this year…” they may begin to notice that number all over…you may get repeat business long before the year is up. No to brochures, they get thrown away. Business cards…small marketing – big effect. And that’s the whole point of party readings…

Umbrae	07 Apr 2005
All that said – if you’ve never ever read face to face with live bodies – parties are not the place to start. You do have drunks, and noise & privacy (never read in the same room as the general party – get a side room – and never ever close the door when with a sitter…ever…male or female…don’t do it… You may end up with more demand for your services than time allows. I never let them choose a deck – that eats up time. Take a simple, easy to read, non-offensive deck (Old English (Maggie Kneen) is my Fav Party deck – however Tarot of White Cats is strongly recommended). Remember you may end up at a party with Goths and blue-haired ladies side by side with power-brokers, pundits, liberals, conservatives, hippies, dippies, whippies, and whippettes… Ya gotta know the answer to the question, “Why do you read Tarot for others?” Why? What kind of image are you presenting? Is it a party of 300 guests? Those are 300 potential clients… “Why do you read Tarot for others?” What are those 300 people gonna see? Somebody stuck in the sixties? Somebody playing gypsy dress-up? Or you… Serious stuff. Drunks can be fun to read for – or difficult. A lot of dealing with drunks has to do with how comfortable you are in your own skin. Drunks can make some of us uncomfortable. Adult child of an alcoholic yourself? You may have extreme difficulties here. And after you get hired is a bad time to work out your own demons. I’ve been known to read in the garage with a line stretching down the stairs. The real party, was the line… Get some IRL readings under your belt before you graduate to parties…that way you get to have more fun…

Chronata	07 Apr 2005
Readings for tarot parties are the only kind of readings I do nowadays. And I love them. I have had only one bad experience, early in my career...and I had no one to blame but myself. (I read continuously...without moving for close to 12 hours. oh...and never got paid.) If you feel uncomfortable, Annabelle...then I would wait. It does have the potential to wear you out and suck all your energy if you are not careful. But do a few more eye to eye public readings...and you should build the confidence to take on any size party! My biggest problem with the party situation, is trying to cut readings down to only 10-15 minutes or so. In smaller situations, people don't mind waiting up to half an hour, if the party has other things going for it.(good food, good conversation) And I agree that limits need to be set ahead of time (as to finding a quiet out of the way place, and knowing up front how much they are paying you!) (I charge about 10-15 dollars per person plus tips, with a minimum of 5 people) You can meet some really wonderful people at party situations, that can become potential customers in the future. I like to use a guest book, and get names, addresses and e-mail from everyone. I also get thier birthday...and often I will send them a one card reading on thier birthday...just to keep them updated. I have gotten great repeat business from this simple gesture. As for decks..I only usually use one...the Hanson Roberts, because it is incredibly versitile and fairly harmless. Most people have never had a reading before in this kind of situation.Choosing a deck takes up too much time for me, and most people get anxious about having to make the choice. I know others have great success using multiple deck choices. But I find it simplified works best for me. I also sometimes use an icebreaker before the reading, with my oracle decks, or stones.

Annabelle	07 Apr 2005
Oh, this is wonderful, wonderful advice everyone! :) Thanks so much to all of you for sharing your experiences and recommendations...it is really helpful. Sometime down the road when I'm more experienced and comfortable with face to face readings, if the chance comes up to read at a party again, I'll probably give it go. From what many of you have described, it seems like a great way to start building a name and reputation for yourself as a tarot reader.

sprite	07 Apr 2005
ok my biggest problem is i talk alot cant help it it just keeps coming out. so for a short 10 minute reading what kind of in general spread do you lay. and the year number great idea by the way you correlate with the tarot right not numerlogy.

gareth.	07 Apr 2005
Perhaps I can add this. Until last weekend I have only read privatley and for family and friends (face to face and on this site). Last Saturday I read for a friend at a party with people sitting round commenting (sympathetic to the process !) I found it unsatisfactory as it was so difficult to focus on the cards. I was able to give him some indications and guidance which simply wetted his appetite for more information.I left him with a promise to read again but in a more quiet enviroment. Those that can (successfully) read so professionally at parties must have a special skill and ability. So much advice here I am impressed but if we can distill it....what might be the four ( ???? ) rules? ps I have obviously been readings "The four Agreements" G.

rainwolf	08 Apr 2005
I used to read face to face more often, but i havent for a while and when i went to read for my friend, i had trouble doing it so i would have turned down the party thing myself-unless i would just do three card readings. Depends on the deck too. I can read great wiht my rider decks, but any other deck im a bit slow. The most important thing i would want to know was how many i would be reading for-it couldnt be a lot or i would burn out. I burn out doing a long reading for just one person-a 15 to 18 card reading takes a lot of energy from me but a three card would just skim the top of my energy since i have all sorts of analytical techniques of reading. Good luck! What can you lose? Just because some people dont think you read well (maybe you'll read great?!) doesnt mean its the end of the world. Even if you can talk about something relevant, people believe (which is kind of sad) so this could be a good learning experience for the cards.

psychic sue	08 Apr 2005
I did nine in 5 hours at one party. The readings were fine, but I was wiped out for two days! I think 4 would be the most I'd do in one sitting (I'm talking about in-depth readings here!). Sue x

Gwynne	08 Apr 2005
gareth. wrote: Perhaps I can add this. Until last weekend I have only read privatley and for family and friends (face to face and on this site). Last Saturday I read for a friend at a party with people sitting round commenting (sympathetic to the process !) I found it unsatisfactory as it was so difficult to focus on the cards. I was able to give him some indications and guidance which simply wetted his appetite for more information.I left him with a promise to read again but in a more quiet enviroment. Those that can (successfully) read so professionally at parties must have a special skill and ability. So much advice here I am impressed but if we can distill it....what might be the four ( ???? ) rules? ps I have obviously been readings "The four Agreements" G. I think the problem there was that everyone was around you. The first party I did was like that, now I require a private space or I won't do the party. Now let's see... Four rules.... 1. There must be a semi-private or private spot to do the readings in. As fun as it is for people to watch readings, sometimes things come out that don't need to be broadcast to a room full of people! 2. A deposit is required before the party, and payment of the balance in full is due immediately after the party. (This rule helps keep you from losing all your time and effort.... I've actually had one client, not at a party, try to not pay because her reading was "boring" Sorry... I can't help it if there's nothing going on in your life at the moment!!! I'd much rather have boring than bad news LOL) 3. uhmmmm... Anyone else? LOL

psychic sue	10 Apr 2005
I have to add, that I had the party at my place, and I have the luxury of a second room so privacy was not a problem. I took payment for each reading as I did it. As we all know, sometimes we cannot read for some people - so if that had happened, I would have said sorry and moved on to the next one. I have done readings for people which I suppose you could say were "boring" -but people have still been willing to pay luckily! As Gwynne says, better that than a reading filled with dread! I wouldn't read for anyone under 18 and I wouldn't do questions on health or readings which invaded anyone else's privacy (other than the querant I mean). That's all I can think of at the moment! Sue x

Gwynne	10 Apr 2005
psychic sue wrote: I did nine in 5 hours at one party. The readings were fine, but I was wiped out for two days! I think 4 would be the most I'd do in one sitting (I'm talking about in-depth readings here!). Sue x For parties I only do short readings, about ten minutes each, and give each one a business card. I'd say about half come back to me for another reading and about half of those become regular clients. It may not seem alot, but I have a friend who has roughly the same amount of repeat business from the parties she does and she does at least two parties a week, sometimes more (one a week is enough for me...) She comes in contact with about 100 people a month, which means 50 people who come for a second reading and about 25 become regular paying clients. Those are some AWESOME numbers. She does VERY well making a living as a reader, and it's really good for her because she's single mom and likes setting her own schedule :D

tmgrl2	10 Apr 2005
Great suggestions everyone... tarotbear...I couldn't find the 26 tips at that site...perhaps you could steer us closer to the link? Umbrae, I agree. I am still doing one-to-one live readings rather than jumping into parties. I did have a request this past winter to do a Tarot party ...a young woman, the receptionist at my doctor's office...but once I said I would and we picked a date, she began telling me how many people she was inviting and about how they would all " have a few" and then get the readings.... The whole thing put me off, so after I went home and thought about it...I called her and said that I just couldn't do the party at this time...I told her that with work, and taking care of my husband, I needed to put off party reading till I retired. As Umbrae said....Right now, for me to read at a party where people are drinking a bit too much and see me as the party favor....just won't work. I also like the idea, Umbrae, of leaving half a business card blank for the number of their year and then putting minimal info on it. I do have a flyer, but I don't distribute them...I give one or two to someone who has already scheduled a live reading...it expresses briefly on the front, my philosophy of reading...why I read.... The back has the brief statement of ethics. While I am setting up, if the reading is in my home office, I encourage them to read it again quickly if they haven't. Then the process begins. I only started with Tarot a year ago....although I am not new to the use of "intuition, imagination, guidance, inspirational work." Then I did a lot of online reading exchanges here at AT....Then last winter, I began telling people that I am a Tarot reader...and now, people are simply asking for readings. I have two in the wings. I don't want to use this as a needed "source for income" since right now I don't need it as income. That isn't why I read Tarot, although I believe people should "pay" somehow...I have done trades for services, and do use a sliding scale, sometimes doing a first reading free... That being said, then, I suspect that down the road, I will be asked to do another party, but by then I will have some guidelines more fixed in my head....like those suggested here. At home, I am alone in the office with my sitter, but these are people that I know and know me...otherwise, I need to find a "public" place where I could read...I'm working on that...but right now, I just take what comes forward. I think that parties, though, are a wonderful way for a Tarot reader to do lots of readings and to make money as well. Hats off to all of you who do them.... Oh...I also agree with Umbrae about not putting too much info on card (or flyer)...my flyer says: Tarot Readings by Terri (no last name since it is too well know in town and too easy to find me)...and it has my e-mail and a phone linethat is not listed under my name...one that I never pick up unless I screen the call. terri

tarotbear	10 Apr 2005
tmgrl2 wrote: Great suggestions everyone... tarotbear...I couldn't find the 26 tips at that site...perhaps you could steer us closer to the link? ooops! there are 22! :smoker: go to www.tarotschool.com go to 'Articles' button go to 1998 - July/August -" 22 suggestions for offering readings at parties, expos, and psychic fairs." print a copy out for your files. Hope that's better ....

Shade	11 Apr 2005
Those were great tips Tarotbear, thank you for the link. I have done tarot at large charity events, haunted houses, and high school functions and have had a great time. Here is my advice. Have bottled water. Your throat will thank you. On Decks: A friend told me to have a back up deck just in case you are not connecting with the one you brought that night. Do not bring a deck you got this month unless you are really good friends with it in that short time. This is a personal thing, when I read for others I never use the Rider Waite deck because there is a high likelihood that many of the querents have seen the deck and it can hinder your credibility in a couple of ways: 1) If their friend Anne has the same deck then maybe you aren't much more insightful than she is. 2) If Anne did a reading for them and they got the Lovers and told them it meant a relationship just TRY and convince them that in this reading it represents a choice. If you are going to read for a large number of people do not use a deck that requires that you explain all of the symbolism in detail. The Shining Tribe is a great deck but you cannot spend a half hour on each card. Things you don't predict that just happen to come up. When you think you are done for the night expect that you will be doing at least three more readings for people who rush up when they see you leaving. If you are reading for teenagers (High School Grad Nights are always looking for readers) there are just some questions you should not answer and some information you do not want to get into. Even if you are like me and do not want to sweeten every reading when the cards say "No, uh uh, not gonna happen" remember that you are reading for people for whom a lot of small things are very intense. Your goal with these folks is to empower not to depress. If you are reading for time, maintain a strict one reading per person stance. This deters those people who do not like your answer and want to ask the same question again and again. Have energetic boundaries and reinforce them however you like to do that (I like to have some laboradite around). If you can do this you won't feel so drained afterwards.

tmgrl2	11 Apr 2005
Thank you, tarotbear!! That is quite a lovely list...nice to keep handy as a checklist, literally....also some fine suggestions. terri

contrascarpe	11 Apr 2005
I did my first party this past Saturday (thanks to elf) and found it to be a wonderful experience. Since I have read at a metaphysical bookstore for almost a year, I was already familiar with professional readings. However, I came out of the experience with this observation: when I read at the store, more times than not it is the result of someone searching out a reader for a specific problem they are having. Because of this, the cards immediately show me conflict. At the party, the attendees for the most part were just there to have a good time. So, as the night went on the cards showed happy and contented people for the most part. I don't want to say it was boring, but for the most part it was ordinary. I kept apologizing for taking money just to tell people their lives were good. And for each one I read for, they agreed - one was newly married, one was newly engaged, etc. However, for my next to last reading I was in for a surprise. She sat down and I firmly expected more of the same. I did my normal beginning routine of throwing 3-4 cards just to see where I was going. Wellllll, I was smacked right away with the first card, and immediately started into the reading (I normally will look at the cards for a few seconds to get my bearings) ..... I could tell right away that this woman had some major things going on ..... could see it in the cards, and got it from her psychic energy (even though her body language and demeanor were normal). Then I pulled the second card and then the third, and I was off and running, apologizing as I asked questions that I figured she would say are too personal. But as I went on, she admitted everything I was telling her - she was at a crossroads and I had picked out every aspect of her angst. It was said yet oddly refreshing because I saw her transform in front of me. She began to cry a little and then over and over again was thanking me for what I was saying. She had held everything in and was so grateful I was telling her things she knew but was repressing. Later on when we were done all our readings and we were talking to the group upstairs, I saw this woman again and she had the biggest smile of the group - there was so much calm in her that I could feel it. It reminded me why I do this. On the other hand, we had an experience with another woman. I haven't the time to chronicle it right now (perhaps elf wants to weigh in on it) but it involved a seeker who elf was reading for and had trouble with. She asked if I would finish the reading, and I was hit by the same wall. So, I used a different tactic with her ....... These two specific experiences made me realize what reading at parties are all about - sometimes you are a reader, sometimes you are an entertainer. I felt like a reader for the woman in my first example, from first card to last and beyond. However, the latter example had me start as a reader and regress to entertainer. No matter what we said she disagreed with. She bucked us, and questioned us. So, I brought out a different persona and by the end of the reading had her smiling and laughing, even though I knew this was far from the perfect reading. Not everyone who goes to these parties even know what they are getting themselves into (everyone I read for was a first-time seeker), so prepare yourself to glide through some readings and not be totally satisfied with yourself. I will echo some things said on this spread - the experience was exhausting! It didn't help that I spent the day reading at the bookstore, so by the end of the night I was totally tarot-ed out. Didn't pick up a deck or a tarot book yesterday at all. But in the end, it provided us with grocery money for the week :) Dan

The Tarot readings at parties... thread was originally posted on 06 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.