Paid Readers: What about Style??

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Jun 2005, and now archived in the Forum Library.

augursWell	05 Jun 2005
I don't do readings for others currently, tried it a few times via these forums though. But I wanted to ask those of your who read Tarot professionally or on a regular basis for others (money or not), what kind of "style" do you think makes a successful reading? I assume the ambiance of the room, table, deck, clothing, etc. is important to a querent. Internet readings don't have such physical things to rely on for ambiance. I assume you can't just shuffle, lay out some cards, give a five minute reading and then yell "Next"! Are there things in a reading that you feel you must always touch on that are separate from the meanings of the cards themselves? Do you speak in a fake French accent because you feel like you are channeling some Gypsy from the 1700's and that makes the reading more effective? That's not meant as a criticism, just trying to explain what I'm asking. Is there a set sequence of events that you feel are always necessary? I'm not asking for any trade secrets here, just wondering how to get started with actually trying to do a reading for someone else and at the same time wondering, other than the card meanings themselves, what makes a successful reading.

Astra	05 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: I assume you can't just shuffle, lay out some cards, give a five minute reading and then yell "Next"! Actually, that works very well in a number of situations, although when you've got a line of 20 people waiting, you don't have to yell anything. A deck of Tarot cards and two people are all that's necessary - but embroider around them to your heart's desire once you get going.

Umbrae	05 Jun 2005
Three words: Rapport Rapport Rapport

Inana	05 Jun 2005
Hi Augurs, I don't read often for others, but i think is important to adapt a bit to the person one is reading for. It's not the same to read for a friend that to read for my mother, for example. The way of wording the meaning of the cards makes a style, and this is also present in online readings. This article will interest you: "Finding your voice as a reader"

Fudugazi	05 Jun 2005
I've never been paid money for a reading, though people have given me gifts, so I feel comfortable answering. I've given readings in all sorts of odd situations - I worked as a humanitarian for years, with a deck in my bag wherever I went. I've read in bombed-out buildings, in the equatorial forest, in the desert, on a rusting river boat, on the side of airstrips, in huts and tents, in underground bombshelters during serious bombing, by swimming pools (yeah, sometimes that life gets nice ;)), in my room, in someone else's room.... So had to cut down on style and concentrate on the essential. And what's that? Your relationship with your querent; your intuitive understanding of what this person is looking for, is going through, hopes and fear, etc.; and your intimate knowlege and feel for the cards. In that order. All the other stuff - candles, crystals, etc. are nice-to-have but not basic. Now I am back in Europe I quite enjoy them ;) But I don't fool myself: the essentials remain the same. Having said all that - on Millenium night in Africa a group of us had a party and I dressed up as a gipsy, sat at a table under a mosquito net with a couple of candles, and with my best faux-Romanian accent read cards to about 12 people in a row. And once I'd got into my character I realised it made not a bit of difference to my feeling of the person - and my reading, but rather helped me be bolder and more detached. My querents were pleased ;) (mind you we were all a bit tipsy after a few hours...Millenium happens but once every thousand years, LOL). I've often thought I'd quite like to try that again - act out a gipsy fortune-teller part. But only now and then (and not with faux-Romanian, which annoyed me after a while).

HudsonGray	05 Jun 2005
I have a friend who would do Medieval Irish Lady readings at a Renaissance Festival, but without fail her pretend accent would drop off completely once they got into the serious part of the reading. The flashy stuff was just for flamboyant show for the Faire around them, but soon as the cards were down & something serious showed up the accent disappeared because this was now between two people & the subject matter meant something to the sitter. She'd get back into character again once the reading was over & the other person said goodbye.

Kiama	05 Jun 2005
The paid readings I do are in my own home, and as such a vital part of the reading is tea. Or coffee. Whichever is the querent's preference. Tea/coffee, a chat, and then a reading. Maybe some incense. But the most important thing for me (very much like Umbrae) is that relationship with the querent. Okay, so I'll probably only have a relationship with them for an hour, maybe two, but it is still necessary in order to convey the reading more effectively, and understand their concerns more effectively. Beyond this, I play it by ear. Blessings, Kiama

Satori	05 Jun 2005
Great responses. I did a bookstore fair recently and had a little learning experience. :) A little big learning experience. Readers were stationed all over the bookstore. A bio on each reader was written up prior to when we were scheduled to read, and we were each supposed to provide the bio. Mine was a little long apparently, so the coordinator edited it and what she chose to put in was very uninteresting. Well, no one was coming to me. I was sitting there watching my partner in crime read and smiling at the people waiting in line for her. So, I mosied over to the desk where they were handing out the sheets and chatted up one of the clerks. I told her my situation and asked if she would let people know I was a good reader. I greased the wheels a little. I was nonstop busy from then on. And I gave that clerk a free reading, and thanked her for helping me out. At my table I had my own cloth, was burning a candle, had a little crystal display and several decks laid out. None of it mattered. They were reading the two sentences on the Who's Your Reader paper and my bio was dull as dirt. Style is a funny thing. I have a hair style...just barely. And yes I have a reading style, but it changes with the querent. All the rest of it is just props.

Ace	06 Jun 2005
You can dress wonderfully, LOOK really good, but if you can't read well, well maybe except for parties, you won't make it as a successful reader. For parties or what sounds like a psychic fair type situtation that Elf was in, appearence is everything. People are attracted to the reader that looks best to them, since they really don't know what is best. For other times, like Kiama says, something to get the querent relaxed and in the mood is all you need. Ambiance like she is describing, opens the querent up to being read. But if a person really wants a reading, then they won't need all that. IMHO. If doing as Helvetica did and play up to become bolder and more detached, fine. Do what works to be a better reader, but the "style" you are talking about is marketing, that gets customers. The reading KEEPS them. Ace

ros	06 Jun 2005
My conversations are good with my readings but for the rest of it I'm plain. The room clean, I dress normal & ask them if they would like a drink. But... I have had many paid readings. I say it is part of my education! LOL One time I was told about a reader. When I got the appointment, she read at someone elses home. She pulled up in a van,(as I was waiting outside for her)and jumped out. Her hair all over, coffee & cigarettes in hand and small black glasses. She looked as if she was just came off the wall. As for the reading, it was the good old Celtic Cross AND... the best reading I have ever had. Her explaination and wording was fabulous. She had her own style & knew her stuff. It didn't matter what she looked like or where she reads, I'd go back in a minute for "her style" of reading.

lark	06 Jun 2005
Even though I suppose I have a style or a "look' to my clients... I dress nicely and I have a beautiful set up on my table. I think that setting up my table and special things around me...rocks, crystal balls, pendulms, candles ect.. Is more something I do for myself, as it is a form of pre-meditation and gets me in the reading mode. But if I have a style it is what I would term "undivided attention." I recognise that need for it be for a few minutes "all about them." In this world where our time is so divided and we are so scattered caring for the needs of everyone around us, the luxury of it being just for a little while "all about me" is the gift I give to every client.

shadowdancer	06 Jun 2005
I do agree that the person doing the reading can be dressed as a dogs dinner - as long as they are working with honesty and intergrity. However at places where there they are not known, I totally understand appearances can be the only impression people have they can go on. I have been quite amused to walk around psychic fayres of old and seen people with amazing set ups - only to hear them speaking total tosh. The worst ones gave the same reading to each person, not realising I was listening in with great interest. Regardless of the cards, the information was the same. The guy who taught me worked from a backroom of a shop. He was a cockney driving instructor as his main line of work, but he was, and still is, the best reader I have ever seen. Used 5 words where 5 would do. Great sense of humour. His only props were his cards and a clothed table. Not a crystal in sight. The one time I was really put off (and I mean REALLY....lol) was when I saw a reader (again at a psychic fayre) who was smoking with a cigarette in one hand, and eating pasta out of a tupperware bowl with the other whilst setting up to do a reading for someone who was sitting in front of them. Now in fairness they may have been very good, but I just found it hard to accept they were taking the process seriously. I am reading this back and realise it comes across as a bit aloof. I guess what I am trying to say is that the dress and garnish should not be the guide as to whether the person will give a good reading or not. However, there are those who will equate a nice appearance and intricate set up with a good reading. Even when I have charged (which is only for face to face readings) I just try to look smart and be friendly offering a cuppa etc. If my reading is good enough I know they will tell their friends. That is all I would want to aim for. Yes I do have a few crystals and incense burning, but this is for my focus only. I would hate to think they were there just to add to the 'garnish'. I know if I used them for the wrong reason they would turn against me in my healings! Davina

Satori	06 Jun 2005
Lark that is a wonderful way to treat people. I agree, the crystals are for me, they are my props, because the folks don't know the significance of the different stones. We were having a conversation, my husband and I, and I was talking about the difference between readings for entertainment and readings at the store. I'm the Tuesday reader. Come into the store on Tuesdays from 4-6 and I'm there. So you know where to find me if I have just spilled a load of cr@p on your lap. But the passing thru town readers, well they may be really excellent readers, or they may be all about the fortune teller let me dazzle you and leave for good thing, and they might be both. I only know what I do. So if we all deliver the best possible readings we have done our job.

Fudugazi	06 Jun 2005
lark wrote: But if I have a style it is what I would term "undivided attention." That one is worth framing in my mind, in gold. What I like, reading through this thread, is to see how many people use props but know them to be props or meditation aids for themselves - and the essential is elsewhere. Even if the props (as in theatre) can be useful and fun. Because I know at least some of you as readers (for me and others) via the internet - so no props but your words - I can only say that your readings shine without the dress and the stones.

shadowdancer	06 Jun 2005
The focus is a key issue for sure. Whatever method I use for readings, whether it be face to face or via the internet forum I read on, I owe it to the other person to give my undivided attention. I also accept we all work in different ways, but in the main we all have the common goal - of bringing about something positive for someone else. This is why I feel honoured I was given this 'gift' for want of a better word, and have been given the opportunity to use it time and time again. The bad experiences I have witnessed have thankfully been in the minority. And I have used these to look at myself in more detail, which can't be a bad thing? I am sure I am far from perfect, but I hope to always be honest. If I feel this is lacking I owe it to myself as well as the other person to call it quits at that moment in time. Davina

augursWell	06 Jun 2005
Well, Geez. Get a good nights sleep and spend a day at work and look what happens. :) A thread on Aeclectic turns into spun gold. I appreciate everyone's responses. It's exactly the type of thing I'd hoped for. It makes sense and was there all the time, it's all about the querent and their needs in coming to you for a reading. Any other responses would be most welcome. I don't want to take the focus of this onto purely practical matters but do you bother to explain each card's meaning to the querent or do you simply give a narrative based on the type of spread you are using and handle it like a conversation?

shadowdancer	07 Jun 2005
Mine tend to be conversations, which seem to open up amazingly quickly. I may give a one sentence general to start each card and then just to off into a flow. Sometimes it is a bit much in as much as my readings can easily go past the hour mark. (So much for my lessons where my teacher used 5 words where 5 are enough :) ) In fairness it is a two way process. I take it that the flowing conversation is a sign that all is going well between us. Davina

lark	07 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: I don't want to take the focus of this onto purely practical matters but do you bother to explain each card's meaning to the querent or do you simply give a narrative based on the type of spread you are using and handle it like a conversation? I do a combination of both. I have noticed though that if a client sits down and starts the conversation by saying " I bought a tarot deck...I have a tarot deck...I know how to do this stuff..." That they at some point want me to go through each card and tell them how I am getting what I'm getting out of it. (Seems they want a mini tarot lesson along with their reading.) As I read intuitivly the connection is sometimes a flash and vaguely connected to the picture or meaning of the card. Then I just have to tell them the card is giving me a psychic impression of what I am supposed saying. But I am happy to go through each card if they want it. Usually when I lay out a spread I can sit back and it has a conversation with me. I see the big picture first and then I have to break it down into understandable components for the client. Like shadowdancer said...sometimes 5 words are enough to sum up the whole reading. And sometimes you need an hour to explain the nuance of the reading.

stella01904	07 Jun 2005
MM ~ I'm an eyeliner-and-jewelry type anyway, so I don't dress up or any of that unless it's a costume party or something of that nature. When you hit the nail on the head you can see them suddenly in the presence of the mysterious, you don't need props. I wouldn't want anyone handling my crystal ball while I was reading their cards, that would irk me to no end. On the other hand, I often daydream about having a Victorian spirit parlor style reading room, or something like the inside of a Gypsy Wagon, or an outdoor area enclosed in greenery with a fountain and a marble statue of Hecate..but hey, I've read on the hoods of peoples cars. BB, Stella

Fudugazi	07 Jun 2005
stella01904 wrote: I often daydream about having a Victorian spirit parlor style reading room, or something like the inside of a Gypsy Wagon, or an outdoor area enclosed in greenery with a fountain and a marble statue of Hecate..but hey, I've read on the hoods of peoples cars. BB, Stella You and me Stella! (the daydream and the car hoods) - except I think of Eros and Thanatos.

augursWell	07 Jun 2005
I would also really love a Gypsy Wagon. I have the Buckland Romany Tarot which has many images of those curved roofed wagons, I forget the name. I sometimes wish some entrepeneur would try and build one of those onto a modern conversion van or something but it would probably not feel the same. :)

stella01904	08 Jun 2005
MM ~ I think not even the Gypsies have them anymore. I saw a documentary with a band of gypsies travelling in modern trailers with rubber tires - the only difference is that they were horse-drawn. I suppose it's not fair for me to have one if the Gypsies don't, but I still love them. And Helvetica, Eros and Thanatos would be a lovely addition! Wish I'd thought of that. BB, Stella

Babylon_Jasmine	08 Jun 2005
When reading at a festival I can only do so much. I do have a table with a nice table cloth, a couple of candles, and I tend to put more ceremony in the reading than I would a reading for friends. Now that I have a shop I have a much more controlled space to read in. I am still not open for business, having trouble with carpeting and leaks in the ceiling, but I have been doing some deocrating. I certainly don't have any plans of putting on an accent or anything of that nature although I do dress differently at a festival or for an appointment. I have Gypsy blood in me anyway and I play that up a bit.

Babylon_Jasmine	08 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: I would also really love a Gypsy Wagon. I have the Buckland Romany Tarot which has many images of those curved roofed wagons, I forget the name. I sometimes wish some entrepeneur would try and build one of those onto a modern conversion van or something but it would probably not feel the same. :) I looked into building one of those for festivals actually. Never did but there is info online on how to do it, starting with a flatbed trailor. I believe they are called Vardos. The info was put up by someone involved with the SCA. I don't have the bookmark anymore, but if you google "gypsy wagon" you'll probably find it.

Babylon_Jasmine	08 Jun 2005
stella01904 wrote: MM ~ I think not even the Gypsies have them anymore. I saw a documentary with a band of gypsies travelling in modern trailers with rubber tires - the only difference is that they were horse-drawn. I suppose it's not fair for me to have one if the Gypsies don't, but I still love them. And Helvetica, Eros and Thanatos would be a lovely addition! Wish I'd thought of that. BB, Stella Gypsies drive RV's. They are way more comfortable and flexible than a vardo.

stella01904	08 Jun 2005
MM ~ When I lived in Lynn, Mass, there were Travellers there, and I never saw a horse-drawn trailer. The movie I saw them in is called "Latcho Drom" (The light comes on: NOW I remember!) It takes place in India, Turkey, and Spain if I am not mistaken. It's a gorgeous film! BB, Stella PS Since we were having a bit of a statue discussion, I've been looking for a reproduction of this wonderful Vanth for a long time http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Post/404652 (scroll down a bit.) Anyone know where I can find one? It's a long shot but it doesn't hurt to ask! Thanks.

Ace	09 Jun 2005
stella01904 wrote: The movie I saw them in is called "Latcho Drom" (The light comes on: NOW I remember!) It takes place in India, Turkey, and Spain if I am not mistaken. It's a gorgeous film! I think the title is slightly different I think, isn't there a syllable missing? but I saw that movie, WONDERFUL .the music! the dancing! so much fun! Ace

augursWell	09 Jun 2005
Inana wrote: This article will interest you: "Finding your voice as a reader" Thanks Inana for the link. It was very helpful.

augursWell	09 Jun 2005
I ended up doing a little web surfing about Vardos and found a website in the UK: Gypsy Caravans Unfortunately, being in the US, I won't be travelling the countryside giving readings from one of these anytime soon. :) That and the old job to pay the bills keep me well planted in one spot. At any rate that website looks like a good one for research.

Lady Maria	09 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: I ended up doing a little web surfing about Vardos and found a website in the UK: Gypsy Caravans Ooooh, I want one of those!!! Even like the site suggested, an office space or something... Couldn't find a price, but wouldn't it be great to use one of those to read in? Cheers, Maria

Ace	13 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: I ended up doing a little web surfing about Vardos and found a website in the UK: Gypsy Caravans Unfortunately, being in the US, I won't be travelling the countryside giving readings from one of these anytime soon. :) That and the old job to pay the bills keep me well planted in one spot. At any rate that website looks like a good one for research. These pix are wonderful! Wow! I am amazed to find out that vardo's only go back to the 1850's! Thank you for bringing this site to our attention, augursWell. Ace

wizzle	13 Jun 2005
stella01904 wrote: MM ~ I think not even the Gypsies have them anymore. I saw a documentary with a band of gypsies travelling in modern trailers with rubber tires - the only difference is that they were horse-drawn. I suppose it's not fair for me to have one if the Gypsies don't, but I still love them. And Helvetica, Eros and Thanatos would be a lovely addition! Wish I'd thought of that. BB, Stella In my first incarnation, I was a social worker and we had the gypsies (yup, the real ones) passing through town on a regular basis. Word would go out to all the district offices here in LA pretty quickly, because it was established gypsy practice to hit as many offices as fast as possible and use the children availble to max a few payments. The kids would be "shuffled" among the adults to produce "families." Back then, pickups were the wagon of choice. In my second incarnation, I was in design school. All of the successful designers I met wore costumes. Of course, they looked like real-life clothes, but just a bit special. Which leads me to the anwer to your question. Who doesn't want to feel just a bit special when they get a reading? If special weren't important, we wouldn't be buying new tarot decks. Instead, we'd be huddled around trying to get the best readings out of a poker deck. Making clients feel special is a real bonus and I think that is the gist of your style question. You'll need to analyse your own assets in terms of style. Do you have lovely hands? Interesting tarot bags? Flowers from your garden? Some nice crystals? Cool hats?

stella01904	13 Jun 2005
wizzle wrote: Back then, pickups were the wagon of choice. MM ~ Practical, but much is lost! When I see a pickup, I know the odds are not too bad that the driver wore a cowboy hat in his wedding pictures. Gypsies are the last people that come to mind. As far as the scam with the kids, can you blame them? Have you ever seen any kind of welfare payment that was adequate? Come to think of it, how many JOBS are there nowadays that pay adequately? A very few, not near enough to go around. But that's another discussion! Quote: All of the successful designers I met wore costumes. Of course, they looked like real-life clothes, but just a bit special. Which leads me to the anwer to your question. Who doesn't want to feel just a bit special when they get a reading? I mostly read for other people either away from home (though I do favor flowy stuff, eyeliner and unusual jewelry anyway, I don't have a "costume") or long distance (by phone or email). I'm sure if I had a place with all the bells and whistles that was not also the domain of my family and dogs, I could up my prices on that alone without improving my skills and making bolder, more accurate predictions. But style should never take precedence over substance. Quote: If special weren't important, we wouldn't be buying new tarot decks. Instead, we'd be huddled around trying to get the best readings out of a poker deck. http://www.hedgewytchery.com/cartomancy.html There is nothing wrong with reading a poker deck! In many cases it really IS better to "knock on the back door and ask the scullery maid." Quote: Making clients feel special is a real bonus and I think that is the gist of your style question. I once saw an interview with Ken Kesey on television. He did a trick, made a coin disappear. Then he said something like, "You know it was a trick. But just for a second weren't you in the presence of the Mystery? Just for a split second, wasn't anything possible? That's the 'ripple'." (A reference to the Robert Hunter lyric, "Ripple in still water, where there is no pebble tossed, nor wind to blow." From the song Ripple, of course.) While cartomancy is not some sleight-of-hand trick, like a coin trick, we ARE dishing up the same thing. The shiver in the spine, the awe, the jaw dropping, the "wowwww...". The Ripple. If it makes a client feel more special for having experienced it, all the better. I am not at all concerned with making them feel special the way a hairdresser or a commissioned salesperson might. Of course style is not to be put aside entirely! I'm just saying that window dressing is window dressing. ;) BB, Stella

augursWell	13 Jun 2005
wizzle wrote: Which leads me to the anwer to your question. Who doesn't want to feel just a bit special when they get a reading? If special weren't important, we wouldn't be buying new tarot decks. You'll need to analyse your own assets in terms of style. Do you have lovely hands? Interesting tarot bags? Flowers from your garden? Some nice crystals? Cool hats? Yes this is what I was referring to when I used the term "style". I'm not a big believer in fads or being stylish for styles' sake. I completely understand your concept of feeling special. I need to find that in myself and in that way find it in the querent/sitter.

tarotbear	13 Jun 2005
"Style" is something you have or it develops as you do. You cannot create your 'style' as though it's something made by Martha Stewart on sale at K-Mart this week, like a shade of wall paint. *** the musical show queen in TB comes out, a la Ethel Merman in 'Gypsy' *** Mama Rose: You either got IT or ya ain't - and boys - I got IT! Ya like IT? Well - I've got IT! Some people got IT and make IT pay; Some people -- can't even give IT away! ... You either have IT - or you've had it!

wizzle	14 Jun 2005
tarotbear wrote: "Style" is something you have or it develops as you do. You cannot create your 'style' as though it's something made by Martha Stewart on sale at K-Mart this week, like a shade of wall paint. *** the musical show queen in TB comes out, a la Ethel Merman in 'Gypsy' *** Mama Rose: You either got IT or ya ain't - and boys - I got IT! Ya like IT? Well - I've got IT! Some people got IT and make IT pay; Some people -- can't even give IT away! ... You either have IT - or you've had it! Now isn't that just like a man? TarotBear, honeybear, there is an entire industry here in lala land which sells style to them that ain't got it. In the olden days, the studio system packed up style for their stars. It's a commodity and CAN be learned. I've been invited to a wedding shower and will bring my cards along. Here's what I plan to do. I'm a fat old lady. So there is no point in fancy clothes or make up for me. But I do have a lovely collection of jewelry, particularly crosses. I'll wear one to the party and take along several more. When the readings start, I'll slowly put on another cross. And set up one of my crystal balls. I'll ask the querant to put her hand on the ball prior to asking her question. The ball....of course, as we all know....will drain negative energies away from our reading. Actually, I've added the ball because the hostess of the party is giving off nervous vibes about tarot cards. <>

Umbrae	14 Jun 2005
wizzle wrote: ...It's a commodity and CAN be learned. ...Here's what I plan to do. I'm a fat old lady. So there is no point in fancy clothes or make up for me. But I do have a lovely collection of jewelry, particularly crosses.... Sounds to me like you've got your 'image' down. Crosses help assuage the fear of devil worship. I think there really is a difference between image and style. I’m a young looking guy in my fifties, who’s skinny, with a high forehead, and I wear glasses. I’m kinda goofy looking. I have this deep nasal voice, which can be very loud - -especially when I get excited. I tend to dress in darker earth tones, and own and wear far too many blazers and ties. That’s image. But style…that’s different. Like it’s not what you say but how your say it… My style is what makes the sitter open up. My style is what helps us build a relationship. My style is what helps create a good reading in the eyes of the sitter. It’s not the candles – not whether I bring in my accouterments in a briefcase or basket (I use both), that’s image. My style is how I say… Do I lower the volume of my voice to make you lean in…? That’s style. And wizzle...sounds to me like you got some style to go with your image already...

Alissa	14 Jun 2005
I have trouble pinpointing my "style" of reading. I think Umbrae's right, there's costuming, and then there's the performance itself, if you will. The costume sets the atmosphere, and gives visual clues to the querent on what to expect. In this metaphor, Style is your method of delivery. I'm in my mid-30s, and I'm fairly attractive. I wear jeans and t-shirt most of the time, and I'm thin, although not terribly curvaceous. Attractiveness will make people react positively, this is innate human nature. We gravitate towards the "cute" things around us. (For me, this means, as a librarian, every nutjob off the streets saw my "light" and came right for me - have to watch that too). I have this sometimes-gift that when I smile at people, they react. The reaction is what tells me the kind of person I'm dealing with. Sometimes they soften and smile into my eyes, sometimes they turn away or avert their eyes quickly, sometimes they "fall into" my look (which is a charismatic trick, and doesn't work on everyone). My smile is my style. Once I see how they react to my "aura" of friendly, open, no-holds-barred energy, I know how to treat them. I may even know, at a glance, if they have the Gift strongly themselves - they just "look" at me differently, don't know how to explain it. I'm a Libra, I'm a diplomat. All my life, from my parents on up, I've been the negotiator... so I'm good at careful speaking, choosing one's words carefully before speaking. Years of customer service training has weened all the "trigger words" out of my everyday speech (avoiding "You" statements that encourage defensive posturing, etc etc). This affects my style of speaking, delivering the messages As a writer, my vocabulary spills into my speaking, so I use words most folks don't in casual conversation. Some say my verbosity is very helpful, and I can usually find the right words to fit the energy pattern I'm feeling/reading (from a card, a palm, or what have you). I have a low voice, which puts many people at ease, especially if I make it "purr" (but that's not a reading trick, so much as another charisma trick). I don't "look" like a psychic, I don't wear extravagent, outlandish clothing, or broom stick skirts and rings on every finger.... My style is open, full-blown sunny energy, in your face... and then if they can't handle that much sunshine, I tone down the amount of energy I'm dumping on them, and into the reading, to moderate it to something we can all tolerate.

tmgrl2	14 Jun 2005
I usually read in my home office. I have a round oak table large enough for a CC, which I push near my desk. I often light a lovely candle that has a dried rose along side it...from my first paid live sitter...I have some obsidian and morganite stones out.... Other than that....I have a period where we set up, chat, start building some rapport as Umbrae says...this is crucial. We shuffle, cut...we talk about whether or not sitter has a topic or question, spread... And then the process begins... What I wear...well, I'm 6 feet tall, 62 years old, but dress like I forgot I got older .... I usually wear a pair of jeans or cargo pants, with a t-shirt....sandals...which I often kick off as we progress...not always. I offer water, soda, tea at outset.... The rest I find shapes itself as we progress. terri

augursWell	14 Jun 2005
Well, I didn't really expect Ethel Merman to show up. :) Maybe we could take a look at Internet and/or Phone readings? It might be safe to assume that most of you who've responded don't like the idea of Internet readings, or maybe not? Perhaps only as a learning method? When you pare it down to just words on a page (come to think of it we could probably even include Tarot readings by postal mail?) where are we then? I'm moderately good at the writing thing so I could probably come up with a Tarot reading format constructed with beginning, middle, and end, etc. -- provided one can adequately catch the "vibes" needed from the sitter over the phone or the Internet.

augursWell	14 Jun 2005
Alissa wrote: (For me, this means, as a librarian, every nutjob off the streets saw my "light" and came right for me - have to watch that too). Wow, a sexy, psychic librarian. Time to check out the Library. :) Alissa wrote: I may even know, at a glance, if they have the Gift strongly themselves - they just "look" at me differently, don't know how to explain it. I've wondered every now and then if a particular person I see on the street or around town reads Tarot. I sometimes wish there was a secret handshake or something. :)

Satori	14 Jun 2005
Great post Alissa. I like your sunny energy reference! I think we grow into a style as we develop as readers. It's funny, but we talk about needing the books at the beginning, then throwing away the books, and then returning to the books. I think the same is true of style. At first you aren't sure if your readings are awesome so you have the really pretty spreadcloth and bag set, the killer incense, the perfect color candles, and everything coordinates somehow. Then when you get more comfy with the information coming out of your mouth, maybe you forget the candles..(guilty)..and maybe you don't always light incense..(guilty)..and then maybe the spreadcloth didn't make it into the wash and the wax stain from a few days before is right there.... And then suddenly you're getting meticulous about candles and crystals. The reading is what to focus on right now. The other bells and whistles will come together. In my humble opinion.

tmgrl2	15 Jun 2005
True, elf...about the change... Although, I can't stand using a spread cloth...I bought a very smooth round oak table on a pedestal about 26-28 inches in diameter, with inlaid wood... The cards slide beautifully across... Then...there was a time I used my dining room table which usually had a table pad covered by a tablecloth...so that was like a "spread cloth." I forget the candle sometimes...also. I don't think any of it is "necessary"....it changes from time to time as you said....the candle just has a great smell....better than my office ...LOL.... I like what Alissa says about reactions to her smile....we do pick up so much from how people carry themselves and respond terri

Alissa	15 Jun 2005
augursWell wrote: Wow, a sexy, psychic librarian. Time to check out the Library. :) ROFLMAO~! :D Thanks augers... I really needed that today. You made me smile.... :D Quote: I've wondered every now and then if a particular person I see on the street or around town reads Tarot. I sometimes wish there was a secret handshake or something. :) Yea, like the Masons! ... Maybe we need a cool Tarot ring.... }) Spot the ring, then you KNOW. Quote: Maybe we could take a look at Internet and/or Phone readings? It might be safe to assume that most of you who've responded don't like the idea of Internet readings, or maybe not? Perhaps only as a learning method? For me, it makes no difference - if anything, I very much like online readings (email, chat, etc). When I type out a reading, you may get a more complete reading as a result. I will go back, reread what I wrote, fix it to make sure I'm expressing the image correctly... and I've never had trouble connecting energetically. Our newest god, Cyber, likes connections though, and has always tied my loose ends onto exactly those I was seeking. I honestly don't believe physical proximity makes any difference. And I've had extremely good results with internet readings. Phone readings are the only ones that can get tricky on me, I dunno why. Maybe cuz I hate balancing the phone on my shoulder to touch my cards, hands-free things help with that I've found. But sometimes I do have the hardest time "connecting" to a reading when it's via phone. But I do them all the time for folks, every week. I should clarify that all the Paid Readings I've ever done were NOT long distance (at this point anyhow), since this thread is about Paid Readings.

augursWell	15 Jun 2005
Alissa wrote: Yea, like the Masons! ... Maybe we need a cool Tarot ring.... }) Spot the ring, then you KNOW. Yea, cool rings are where it's at. They are such a neat and easy plot device in movies and such, like Tarot cards. It would have to be the kind that rotate so the symbol can be turned inside the ring and some unimportant decorative device now shows on the outside. And of course cameras would always be focusing in on them, as if by magic, especially if you put your hand on someone's shoulder. [queue the twilight zone theme] (sorry, stole that from the latest episode of The Dead Zone) :D Alissa wrote: I should clarify that all the Paid Readings I've ever done were NOT long distance (at this point anyhow), since this thread is about Paid Readings. In hind sight, I should've left off the "Paid" part in the title. I really meant to direct my question at anyone with *experience* doing personal readings for others on a regular basis, as I have none of that.

The Paid Readers: What about Style?? thread was originally posted on 05 Jun 2005 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.