I was reminded in the previous post of people who ask what they need to do to become a professional tarot reader. After you feel comfortable reading for self, friends (and, maybe, friends-of-friends), here’s my number one suggestion for when you want to make the transition.
Your Rite of Passage
The ideal “rite of passage” is to volunteer for a full day (or better yet, a weekend) at a charity or benefit event and donate everything to the cause. If you keep the price reasonable ($5-15 or sliding scale depending on the length of reading and the venue) then your schedule should be filled. The point is to read non-stop (except for necessary breaks), even to the point of exhaustion (drink plenty of water!). There’s a point beyond which a part of you doesn’t care what you say anymore, and you totally let go. You’ll be surprised at what happens then and how accurate you become when you finally bypass your critic. I can’t even begin to list the number of things you will learn from such an experience, but here are a few:
- Letting go of the critic and trusting the process.
- Explaining what you do and/or don’t do in one short, concrete statement.
- Guiding people efficiently through the question, shuffling, etc.
- Learning to listen as well as speak.
- Realizing you can’t “fix” someone & letting go of the need to do so.
- Releasing the need to be “right.”
- Getting your timing down (how many cards for the time allotted).
- Learning how to end a reading (especially with a clingy or argumentative client).
- Discovering the things you’ll need in a “reading kit.”
- Arranging breaks, keeping hydrated, eating, etc.
A few basic accoutrements for reading at fairs and events:
- One or more tarot decks, appropriate to the clientele and occasion.
- A spread cloth. (Busy designs can interfere with the card images.)
- Business cards & promotional handouts.
- Tissues!!!
- Water! Plus an emergency snack—in case you can’t get away for a meal.
- Clothing to put you and others in the mood, and in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes.
Optional:
- If outdoors, healing stones to keep the cards from blowing away (plus nice to have for the energy).
- Flowers, statue, other decorations. Don’t overdo it.
- Reading sign-up sheet on clipboard & pen.
- Mailing list (if appropriate).
- Cushion for folding chairs. This extra bit of comfort helps.
And eventually:
- A sign. This probably won’t be necessary for the charity event.
- Code of Ethics written by you and to which you adhere. (Google for examples.)
- Optional: Recording device. It’s usually better if the client doesn’t have to write stuff down.
After doing this myself and making this suggestion to others for more than 30 years, as well as doing mini-events like this with my students, I’ve gotten tons of feedback from people who said it was the best thing they ever did to catapult them into the beginnings of professional confidence and expertise. Please, anyone who wants to add to these lists (and I know there’s more to say), do so in the comments.
Mary K. Greer has made tarot her life work. Check here for reports of goings-on in the tarot world, articles on the history and practice of tarot, and reviews.
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November 12, 2009 at 9:17 pm
David Kees
This is an excellent idea! I’ve done smaller fairs and 3-6 hour events for local colleges and universities before, but never an all day thing. Even the 1/2 day affairs are pretty draining. What I’ve always found interesting is when you’re reading for a trapped audience (e.g., members of the same school) and the same or similar cards continually re-assert themselves throughout the day.
November 13, 2009 at 5:33 am
Mary
My personal “rite of passage” was similar- I had been studying Tarot seriously for many years, reading for family and friends, and yet I couldn’t quite decide to take the step of going professional. Then I had an idea: I decided to offer readings to the members of a book club I belonged to. The readings would be free- the only thing I’d ask for would be honest feedback. Some of the clients were friends, but most of them were people I didn’t know at all or only by sight., so they didn’t need to be nice. The experience was very positive- I did nearly 100 readings, got a lot of honest, polite criticism and also much positive feedback. I learned from my mistakes, took a lot of notes and decided that I could really start charging money for my work. Three years later, things are going very well for me as a tarot reader and some of the participants in my “experiment” are today paying clients.
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November 13, 2009 at 7:17 am
Beth Owl's Daughter
This is such fantastic advice, Mary! And it is so timely; I just taught my class “Reading for Others” last weekend. I am going to email all my participants and urge them to read this.
I sure wish I’d had this kind of outstanding guidance 37 years ago when I was getting started. Thanks to your efforts, readers today are starting off on such a high level of wisdom and experience. I can only imagine how amazing they will be in a few more decades!
You have made a world of difference for readers everywhere. I know you probably know this, but maybe you don’t really get thanked enough. So thank you!
– Beth
November 13, 2009 at 8:48 am
Medium Laura Evans
I follow this in my work! Thanks Mary for putting it out there! You are an inspiration!
Medium Laura
November 13, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Lea Elisabeth
This is wonderful, I’ve been looking for something like this for a while. Thanks so much
November 13, 2009 at 2:22 pm
mkg
I’m glad you all get it. Since certificates and certifications are not consistent nor overseen, they don’t mean a lot in the Tarot world. We have to give ourselves our own graduation tests and ceremonies.
While offering readings for free to a sizeable group is a good way to do a rite of passage, I also have found the old adage true that we don’t always value getting something for nothing. I believe it is more valuable for the clients to exchange something for the experience, even if it is nominal. Plus, everyone feels satisfied when the money (or whatever) goes to a good cause. However, this is not an absolute — just something to consider. Always do what seems best in your particular circumstance.
November 14, 2009 at 5:27 am
Douglas Gibb
Hi Mary,
Great article. I couldn’t agree more!
November 14, 2009 at 6:52 am
Theresa A Reed
This is good advice – it will either make you or break you as a reader! Years ago, I used to read at the bar I worked at and it was the BEST learning experience of my life. I learned how to deal with some real jerks, challenging situations, timing, etc. I’ve been working professionally now for over 17 years and some of those old “bar clients” are still clients.
November 14, 2009 at 7:05 am
Barbara Moore
Perfect and practical advice.
November 14, 2009 at 7:48 am
Suzi
Awesome suggestions Mary! While being a reader for many years, I only started doing public parties 2 years ago, and there is always something new to learn from each experience. And the ‘reading kit’ as you mentioned is what probably helped me the most… just TOTAL preparation of ’stuff’, and to be ready for anything! I do love the idea of having your ethics written and available, and the stones on cards in the wind!!! Thank you so much for the tips and information!
November 14, 2009 at 8:57 pm
James Wells
A great rite of passage indeed! And years later, I stopped doing these events because they’re draining and don’t have the sense of temenos that I prefer. However, do jump in for a while and see what happens. Some of my friends and colleagues still love doing readings at public events and psychic fairs and make a fair living at these activities. My own preference is to do deep stuff one-on-one.
November 15, 2009 at 1:53 pm
mkg
James – As you note, each professional tarot reader will find their own niche for reading tarot. I don’t advocate reading regularly for fairs unless it works for you, but it can provide a lot of quick lessons and breakthroughs about what to do and what not to do. The point is to read a lot of strangers in quick succession so that you don’t get stuck obsessing about any single experience but have to move on to the next.
Of course, people who are going to read only or primarily via the internet might find a different kind of experience serves best as a rite of passage. For instance, the American Tarot Association has (or had?) a site for free readings, where trainees read while being overseen by a mentor.
November 15, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Ellen Zucker
Excellent post, Mary. I read primarily at parties which has to be one of the more challenging environments around. You learn to set boundaries (now that we talked about my job can I ask you about my relationship), deal with the wise guys who want you to ‘prove’ you are ‘for real,’ etc. But even at a formal corporate party, people come with real issues and you can touch them and help them in a profound way. Imo, if you can read at parties, you can read almost anywhere.
November 16, 2009 at 5:12 am
Martha Miller
Hi Mary!
I loved doing that “sink or swim” Tarot reading night at the Omega cafe after our workshop! That was Kick Ass! Love your blog!
xo
Martha
November 16, 2009 at 4:33 pm
mkg
Martha – Good to hear from you. We don’t do the cafe reading every year, but it has had profound effects on both the readers and clients.
November 17, 2009 at 11:08 am
La Vonne
I love this idea and has gotten my mind reeling with ideas. I am currently looking for new ways to get my name out there in this new city, San Marcos, Tx.,, I have moved to for creating a whole new client base.
I have been reading publicly for years but the way I started out, getting my toes wet, was I went to a Borders Books and Music twice a month, set up my table with incense, candles, pretty tablecloths, stones, etc., and a big vase/jar decorated with glass beads. I did readings for free but always mentioned that I take donations and pointed to my jar. I passed out my card and a little brochure that listed a few tarot facts to set people at eaze. I did this for 2 years until I was asked to leave because the christians organized and picketed me out of there. Weird since I had no problem reading for clients with their christian bands playing live music in the background…but don’t let me get started on that.
November 17, 2009 at 11:55 am
Fred Crouter
La Vonne said she is looking for new ways to get her name out.
Might I suggest going to the libraries and placing your card in the Tarot and new ages books. It just looks as if you were using it for a book marker but seems to generate a lot of interest
November 21, 2009 at 6:03 pm
wordgirl1000
I recently learned all this the hard way, when I decided to hang up my shingle as an income while I finished grad school. It’s been such a blessing! I think we really do know when we’re in alignment: the search engines place you first; the referrals keep coming. I have decided not to do too many more festivals and fairs. They are emotionally hard as well as physical. I left a wedding reception recently, having taken on so many feelings that I became physically ill. But it’s more good than bad, and I find that many of these people have personal lessons for me, as well. We are brought to each other to grow.
November 22, 2009 at 7:33 pm
mkg
wordgirl1000 – A large number of tarot readers are empaths so its not unusual to pick up a lot of emotional stuff, especially when reading for many people in a short time. It’s one reason why I also encourage continuing education in tarot and in psychic development classes from teachers who’ve learned ways of handling the energy. Such training has become pretty sophisticated over the years.
It’s also important to learn the kind of context and style in which you (that is, any reader) do best.
I’m not saying that all readers have to read at fairs or large events, but I do believe that the experience can provide a lot of learning very quickly and “bump” you up to the next level of practitioner. But, it takes a special kind of reader and good skills to stick with it as a regular venue and not get burned out.
November 23, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Deborah
Sunscreen. The last time I did an all-day event I wasn’t in the sun until it suddenly showed up to my west for the last reading (the beginning of sunset). It was an intense reading and I was stuck–with a sunburn that was still visible 2 months later. Ow.
And this is 20 years into professional reading. Plus I didn’t have enough stones.
November 24, 2009 at 12:40 pm
mkg
Deborah – Be prepared! It’s stories like these that help us not have to make the same mistakes – sometimes. Thanks.
Of course, when readers are going to regularly be doing fairs or events they need additional supplies. You can get as fancy as you want (and can handle) with your set-up—tent, curtains and cloths, fancy signs, lights.
Joseph Martin (creator of the Quest Tarot deck) has an elaborate set-up that he can put together very quickly – with giant signs, flashing lights, lots of glitter and new age gimmicks, decks for sale, and even a video presentation. And, his readings are rock solid.
It’s also handy to keep a tackle box with an assortment of things like scissors, duck tape, extension cord, clothes pins and safety pins, index cards (instant mini-signs), permanent marker, extra pens, sunscreen, etc., etc. And, if possible, an assistant.
November 25, 2009 at 7:32 am
TJ
How do you know if tarot reading is legal in an area? I live in the NW ‘burbs of Chicago and I have heard that in Schaumburg (a suburb), you need a license to read for money. And the license is expensive (apparently, to discourage readers).
November 25, 2009 at 2:37 pm
mkg
TJ – You will need to check with both your city and county to get the specific laws—go to the Court House—many will have a law library with a librarian who can help you find what you need. You can also check with the owners of any New Age/Metaphysical bookshops in your area. They usually have some idea of the laws.
The ACLU has assisted many people with getting discriminatory licensing laws off the books in their areas. Discriminatory licensing has not been upheld in any court that I know of – but it can be expensive to pursue such a tact.
You’ll sometimes find psychic readers just outside of the city line because a city or town may have such a law but the county won’t – but don’t depend on that.
Also, look into laws regarding registering as a business. Sometimes all you need in a DBA (“Doing Business As”) announcement in your local newspaper.
And, pay your taxes if you want to claim yourself as a professional reader!
November 26, 2009 at 8:23 am
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November 26, 2009 at 10:28 am
Moira
Thank you so much for this! I have been reading for friends and family – a few months ago I volunteered to read for a benefit. I set up my table at 5pm and read until almost 2am! I experienced everything you wrote about. I had my cauldron to collect the cash and never even counted it out before donating the whole lot to the charity. What I found there is confidence. Someone very special to me once told me, “the cards never lie. People just choose to exist in their own lies.” This has helped guide me through readings, especially when the client is not affirming.