Years ago, I went to see a psychic who was well regarded by a few friends. I had high expectations and couldn’t wait to see what she’d come up with. A group of us went together and my anticipation grew as each person walked out of the room excitedly sharing their stunning results. Finally my turn arrived and I practically shoved the previous person out of the way to get in the room with this amazing mystic. After paying her fee, I sat down with bated breath and proceeded to get one of the most bizarre readings I have ever had. She told me that I was a biker who danced on bars for men. And that people loved to watch me dance. Um…okay. And that was pretty much the extent of it. (Those who know me well know that a) I can’t dance worth a lick b) I hate motorcycles despite living in Harley land and c) wouldn’t be on a bar dancing as I also have a fear of heights.) I realized the woman gave me the reading based on my wardrobe – I was wearing a rather skimpy top and motorcycle boots!
When I walked out, everyone couldn’t wait to hear my take on the reading. And they were utterly disappointed that I was not impressed. I was never invited again to a psychic outing because they now assumed I was being snooty and critical because I am in the same line of work. C’est la vie.
Whenever you are in a “service” type of job (and I consider tarot/astrology/psychic work to fit this category), you are bound to get some griping from clients. It’s par for the course. I’ve had it happen too. It’s not as bad as you think and you can learn from your clients if you keep an open mind. A few strategies for some of the most common complaints can help you and your patrons to have a more satisfying experience.
Here’s the usual gripes I have heard about or dealt with personally and my solutions:
1. I can’t remember a thing that tarot reader said! This is a complaint that I have had from many clients when I first began reading tarot professionally (mainly because I talk VERY fast). I found keeping a notepad handy for note taking is a smart move. I also will recommend a client bring a tape and tape player to record their reading – which has been hugely successful for the more absent minded types. I don’t provide the machine or tapes myself because not everyone will have the same players, etc.
2. I forgot what I wanted to ask! A good way to avoid this is to suggest to your customers that they write down their questions before they come to see you. This way, they are assured they don’t walk out without the pertinent questions answered. I’ve learned this the hard way myself. Years ago, I was frantic about some situation and visited a reader for clarity. Well, I got there and forgot all about the big dramatic issue and walked out without asking one question about it! I was really mad at myself for that one. Lesson learned.
3. All my friends said this tarot reader was so great and she didn’t hit on one thing with me! Sadly, not everyone is a good fit. This can’t be helped. The energy may not be compatible and there is nothing the reader or client can do about it. I’m always more than happy to recommend another reader if I don’t feel the chemistry. Keep a list of your colleagues handy in case this situation arises. (I also recommend not confusing the reader by wearing skimpy tops and motorcycle boots unless you really are a biker! LOL)
4. The psychic told me that I had negative energy and wanted me to give them a bunch of money to remove a curse! I’ve had to undo more damage from these types of psychics and tarot readers than I care to discuss. They are a scourge on this industry! These con artists give this work a real black eye and for ethical readers, we are helpless to prevent it. However, you can educate people on this scam. Let your clients know that this is not an acceptable practice and that no one has the power to put a curse on them.
There are other potential issues of conflict but in all my years of work, these complaints were the most common. If you are a tarot reader, I’d love to hear what criticisms you have heard and how you dealt with it. Or if you’ve ever had a reading, what was your biggest grievance? Share your stories below in the comment section!
Blessings!
Theresa
© The Tarot Lady 2010 | Theresa Reed | http://www.thetarotlady.com
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Interesting Blogg
As a tarot reader I have had some interesting comments made about several readers…….
Once a lady went to pyschic Tarot reader and was told she would never get over the situation, it was hopeless but for X amount she could help her… luckily she came to see me………
Another young girl went to a Medium Tarot reader…. she was told she was pregant… and the best thing would be for her to terminate it as she was to young and needed to be out living life…..luckily she came to see me….. she wasn’t pregnant but to make sure she should go to the midwifery centre and get the test.. she came back to me and told me was not pregnant and thank you to me for being honest…
that is just 2 of the clients I have picked up becasue of ego based readings…… locally…
keep up the goodwork and interesting blogs…..
Theresa,
Once again this reminds us of the importance of keeping EGO in check. If someone doesn’t like our services we need not take it personally. I like the idea of having plenty of reliable referrals on hand. Gestures like this can help ease the bruising of the ‘black eye” that less ethical readers leave on the face of reading. I also know people who have fallen prey to the curse scam. Unfortunately there are unethical greedy jerks in all professions. Hopefully the good works, and good information that people have access to (like this blog) can help prevent some of the damage these people are capable of doing.
thanks Tarot Lady
Jen
Hi Jenny! Thank you for your comment. You are so right on – there are a lot of greedy jerks in every profession. Isn’t that sad to say? I’m an idealist and would love to believe that everyone functions with a good moral compass but alas, that is not the case.
I’ve known so many people that have also fallen in for that whole curse scam – you cannot believe how I have had to “undo” the damage these con artists do! One of my clients was suffering from depression and she went to see a reader who told her that she had a curse and for $6000.00 she’d make it go away. Well, the client was so desperate to get rid of her depression that she gave this con the money. And ended up being broke and depressed. Isn’t that awful? This woman needed therapy, not a rip off!
And oh yes….the dreaded ego. So many readers get hung up on it. It really does weigh down the quality of their work. And it inhibits. Not taking things personally is challenging but liberating!
Blessings!
Theresa
Howdy You,
Just wanted to say that I loved the post. The one problem I have is with the picture. I think a picture of you in the leather skirt and skimpy top would have been much more appropriate.
Love and Light,
Bulal
Oy Vey Bulal! Those days are long past! LOL
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Much love,
Theresa
As a reader, I have a problem related to your issue #1. I run into people weeks after I’ve done a reading for them. Oftentimes, they ask me something like, “What was that you told me about XYZ?” Well how am I supposed to remember that? I do dozens of readings, I can’t keep them all in my head forever. Perhaps I should make recordings, as suggested.
Hi Charles!
I can soooo relate! I’ll have people call weeks later and want to discuss the reading. I have a hard enough time remembering my own grocery list much less a weeks old tarot reading! LOL
I have a policy of not discussing past readings. And yes, taping is a great solution!
Thanks again,
Theresa
Hi, This was very interesting reading for me as I also do tarot although not as a career, just to friends, myself etc.. but I enjoy it and know what I am doing as I have been reading for 12 years now! I went to a person that claimed to be a ‘psychic’ & had been recommended by a friend and had an awful reading. First of all it was in same room as my friend as we went together, which I thought was weird and her dog snarled and barked at me the whole time she was reading for me on the sofa in her living room! She pointed at me and said ‘i will start with you, I can pick up on your energy the most’ (i felt my energy was negative!) and then told me straight away that there was no point being with the guy I am with as I will never have children with him!! Which I thought was an awful thing to say to me! I am still with him but it played havoc with my mind for years and still does slightly but I can only think that she couldn’t read me very well, she also told me he had aspergers syndrome which he doesn’t! all very odd indeed, I did not get a good vibe from her, what made it worse was the fact my friend got a great positive reading & she thinks she was spot on and brings it up constantly, something I do not need to be reminded of! So I am not sure if she was genuine or not.. all i know is she upset me and i was put off seeing any more and trust my instincts and my own tarot cards now.
)
Hi Claire
Thank you for your comment. Your story perfectly illustrates that no reader can read for everyone. The fact that your friend was happy shows the reader does have talent – but is just not a good fit for you.
It happens to all readers – and it is humbling but a good way to keep the old ego in check!
Blessings!
Theresa
Hi, Theresa – this was great.
I always meet people at a coffee shop due to safety concerns, or in a party situation. I don’t feel comfortable having clients to my house, and everyone is pretty cool with that.
How do you deal with security? There are some looney’s out there, I’m sure.
Hi Melissa!
Great question – I am hyper vigilant about security. I screen my clients carefully and my husband is usually here during my working hours, so it is not a problem.
Public places are a great and safe venue for the most part but believe it or not, the most nasty confrontations I have ever had were in pubic places! I had a guy once scream at me that I was the “devil” and kept getting in my face, swearing and spitting all over my cards. Finally, some guys grabbed him and threw him out. This is not the only incident….people can be enraged by the mere site of tarot cards – especially with a little “alcohol courage”. So you can never be too sure who will be a nut!
Blessings!
Theresa
I really enjoy your blogs, Theresa. I am on the verge of becoming a professional Tarot Reader and I appreciate your logging of your experiences in your blog.
Hi Donna! Thank you for the comment. I hope my blog will give you some good food for thought so that you make the transition smoothly. If you have questions about this type of work that you’d like to see addressed here, please send me an email with your queries at: tarotlady@wi.rr.com
Blessings!
Theresa
Great blog! When I do in person readings (I generally read over the phone) I do provide a tape of the reading for my clients. It has nothing to do with talking fast (although I do talk fast!), it has to do with clients being so (a) excigted, or (b) nervous that they forget what is being said.
Hi Bonnie!
Thank you for your comment. You are right that sometimes the client will forget due to nerves. They also forget when they are only focused on one issue. Taping is really a great idea!
Blessings!
Theresa
Girl, I will PAY to see that! Forget Tarot reading. I see a brand-new career for you!
LOL I am sure it will not be worth it! Hee hee…..
Tһе Death card іn tһе tarot card deck һаѕ bееn used іn movies tο illicit fеаr іn even tһе braveѕt οf heroes. Usually, іt comes wіtһ background music tһаt enhances tһе feeling οf impending doom fοr tһе viewer. One glance аt tһе imagery οf tһе Death card саn send a chill through tһе questioner, a gasp, a shudder, аnԁ аn immediate feeling οf something ԁаrk аnԁ sinister encroaching іntο tһе room.
HI and thank you for your comment! Yes, the Death card has been maligned in movie world but hopefully good tarot readers can educate the public about tarot and dispel these notions.
Blessings!
Theresa
Theresa – I’m another one who’s a speedy talker – especially if the reading is just flowing!
A girlfriend of mine – who has never had to pay for a reading from me – shelled out quite a lot for a reading with a guy who works for a Scottish newspaper.
I couldn’t believe the ridiculous predictions that he apparently spouted and when I tried to explain to her that this information didn’t come via any standard meanings to the cards that I knew, she got a bit prickly with me.
Needless to say, the predictions did not come true and, needless to say, I’ve never offered her another free reading either
Ali x
HI Alison!
I have found that when I do freebies for friends or family it leads to bad mojo all around. They rarely will listen to free advice and it also creates a vibe where they feel that I should do readings on demand for them! Boundaries and mutual respect are the only way to go!
Blessings!
Theresa