Grizabella
I just wanted to update this thread. I thought we all gave good advice without malice, so it will still be a very helpful and educational to anyone who is wanting to go professional who reads the thread now.
I'm adding my comments because my rates and practices have changed. I just took donations for a long time and then when I charged a set fee, it was very low, but I've now raised my price to $50 for a thorough reading. I don't skimp on time and effort. However, I've been running a special for the last few months of half price for the first 10 members who book a reading a month for my AT "family".
I felt that posting to bring this thread up might bring some more tips for new readers or those just considering going professional. I think the most helpful and honest tip I can give is not to quit your day job. Many people new to the cards seem to believe it's going to be a piece of cake---just learn some book meanings and off you go to make a tidy and substantial living. That's not how it works, though. Sometimes it's feast, but a lot of time it's famine, so you can't depend on it for a living that will pay the rent reliably. I use the money made from readings to pay for non-essentials. Bills that have to be paid without fail every month are not "non-essentials" of course, so I don't count on readings for those.
I'm adding my comments because my rates and practices have changed. I just took donations for a long time and then when I charged a set fee, it was very low, but I've now raised my price to $50 for a thorough reading. I don't skimp on time and effort. However, I've been running a special for the last few months of half price for the first 10 members who book a reading a month for my AT "family".
I felt that posting to bring this thread up might bring some more tips for new readers or those just considering going professional. I think the most helpful and honest tip I can give is not to quit your day job. Many people new to the cards seem to believe it's going to be a piece of cake---just learn some book meanings and off you go to make a tidy and substantial living. That's not how it works, though. Sometimes it's feast, but a lot of time it's famine, so you can't depend on it for a living that will pay the rent reliably. I use the money made from readings to pay for non-essentials. Bills that have to be paid without fail every month are not "non-essentials" of course, so I don't count on readings for those.