A SPECIAL CONTEST FOR YOUNG TAROT READERS

I want to start this out by saying that I am a huge fan of The Apprentice.  My late mother and I used to get endless pleasure from discussing the show and speculating on who would win.  (For the record, I was always right as I am pretty good at spotting business acumen.)  My mother also had a huge crush on Donald Trump, but I’ll save that for another story.

Anyhow, this show inspired me to create a contest of my own.  I’m searching for a Tarot Apprentice.  Yup, I want someone that I can mentor in the art of tarot and help guide towards being a tarot professional. I am specifically looking for a young tarot reader as my mission is to inspire and motivate more young tarot readers to enter the field.

Here is what I am looking for:

1. You must be between ages of 18 – 30.

2. You must be passionate about tarot.  This cannot be a passing fancy.

3.  You must be able to handle yourself in a professional manner.

4.  You must be willing to dedicate the time.

Here are the details for the contest:

In the comment section below, post WHY you want to be my tarot apprentice.  I will be taking comments until March 31, 2011.  In April, I will be giving the contestants a weekly tarot related challenge (the weekly challenges will be completed here on the blog so my readers can follow along).  At the end of April, I will announce the winner here in my blog.  (The winner will be hand picked by me – this is not a drawing – so do your best!)

The winner will receive:

A FULL YEAR apprenticeship with me.  We will meet once a month (phone or in person – distance is not a problem) to work on different issues.  I’ll help you polish your skills, get a business started and develop the confidence that you need to make your tarot career rock!  (I am no longer offering full apprenticeships so this is very special to me – the cost for this service would be thousands – but the real cost is priceless.  Imagine having a tarot mentor to guide you all the way!)

And that’s not all – the good people at Tarosophy are also adding this juicy prize to the pot:  FREE placement to the 2-year Tarosophy Tarot Hekademia Course worth $3330! This is a comprehensive course for the SERIOUS tarot reader!  Check out the details at Tarosophy Hekademia Tarot Degree.

So what are you waiting for?  I’m dying to say “You’re Hired!”

Blessings,

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011

PS Remember – in the comment section below, post why you want to be my apprentice.  You have until March 31st 2011!  It’s on!

I consider myself to be a very straightforward woman.  I’m the type that won’t mince words and will tell you if your breath smells like cat litter.  It’s just how I roll.  And I happen to like books that have an honest and no b.s. tone as well.  You’ll find that here in Tarot Dynamics, which I found offers a very straight up approach to tarot reading.

This book is different than the rest in that it combines numerology and Tarot in a way that simplifies yet adds depth to the meanings of the cards.  While that may sound like a contradiction, trust me, the author Anna Burroughs Cook manages to lay a foundation that is solid yet open for interpretation.

The author chooses simple keywords for each card, based on the numbers and the suit, or in the case of the Major Arcana, one word to symbolize that particular card (ex: Hanged Man = Tranquility).  This breaks the tarot down to manageable bites – which is incredibly helpful especially for those who are just beginning to explore the cards. She then adds depth by giving different interpretations for the cards based on whether the reading is negative, positive, reversed, or romantically focused.  She also adds information for what the card could mean if it was surrounded by less reassuring cards.  This gives the reader a lot to work with.

There is a picture of each card from the Universal Tarot but this book is not limited to any one deck.  With Burroughs’ method, you’ll get a solid grip on the tarot that can be used with whichever deck you prefer to work with.

In the final chapters the author covers timing, which I consider one of the most difficult aspects of tarot reading. She once again offers a simplified method (based on astrology) that anyone can use – even if you do not have a background in astrology.   Burroughs then includes a few tarot spreads using her methods as well as sample readings which clearly paint a vivid picture of her techniques in action.  (I only wish she would have had visual images to go along with the samples as I am lazy – but after laying out the cards myself, it brought the impact of her formula to life!)

The thing I enjoyed the most about this book was her section on do’s and don’ts and FAQs.  This part was full of practical advice, written in a manner that felt like my “tarot mom” was giving me the straight talk I needed so that I could avoid the pitfalls and problems that many tarot readers struggle with.  I nodded my head often in agreement and enjoyed her down to earth approach to these issues.

If you are new to tarot or just looking for a new perspective, you cannot go wrong with this book.  I give it Two Swords Up!

Blessings!

Theresa

Learn more about the author Anna Burroughs Cook at her website: http://tarotdynamics.com/

Learning the tarot can be a tricky and intimidating affair. Although there are many good books on the market, there is nothing like one-on-one guidance from someone who has experience. Getting help from a mentor can make the journey smoother – especially if you desire to turn your passion for tarot into more than just a hobby.

I noticed that there was a shortage of private mentoring for aspiring tarot readers – and for those who want to go pro, there is almost nothing to help them navigate the business world.  Face it, a tarot business is not like a regular business. We deal with many things that many other entrepreneurs don’t:  burn out, crazy clients, laws against fortune telling, etc.. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a seasoned tarot pro help you to get your business running smoothly?

I’ve launched my new venture, Tarot Mentor, to help you become the tarot reader you were meant to be.  Whether you are looking to get your tarot business up and running, remove your blocks or simply learn to read, I’m here to help you succeed.  I will be offering private mentoring and group workshops as well as a home study course “How To Create A Sustainable Tarot Business” for those of you who want to get your business rolling on your own.

In the private mentoring, you get me.  You will not be ignored, tossed off to some forum or handed off to an assistant.  I take a lot of time to work with you and make everything individualized to suit your needs.  I tune into your goals and help you find a way to reach them as effortlessly as possible.

If you are ready to make tarot work for you, visit my site at http://www.tarotmentor.com.  And while you are there, be sure to sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter where I will share tips to help your tarot world rock!

Blessings!

Theresa

Even though I have been reading tarot for many years, I still read a lot of tarot books.  And you may be surprised to hear that I read plenty of beginner’s books.  The reason why is this – each author has a different take or method for learning tarot and I am always finding new ways to understand the cards.  A beginner’s book often will be written clearly without some heady esoteric mumbo jumbo (which I enjoy on occasion) and this lends to clear, practical insights.

Barbara Moore has delivered such a book with her newest offering, Tarot For Beginners.  The writing is crisp and easy to follow – there is no arcane murky language here to contend with, making this book ideal for anyone who wants to delve into tarot but felt intimidated.

She sets a great foundation by covering all the basics without hard and fast tarot “rules”.  This creates an energy that allows the reader to have a strong base but still room to be an individual with their own unique voice.  Moore offers interpretations for each card along with a “core concept”  – which is a short, pithy statement  that defines the core meaning of the card.  This is a great idea and gives a beginner a simple easy to remember sentence, which makes it simpler to grasp and retain the basic interpretation.  I love the extended interpretations as well but the core concept is a brilliant idea – and ideal for budding tarot readers.

Moore also lovingly covers all the basics – numbers, Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, suits, elements, Court cards, spreads, history, different readings styles and more.  This is a lot of information to digest, but once again, her friendly relaxed tone makes it easy to understand.

My only critique: There are three different decks featured in the book – Rider Waite, Shadowscapes,  and Legacy of the Divine.  Some readers will appreciate it (especially those who do not read with the Rider Waite deck) but I felt this was a bit unnecessary and somewhat distracting for me (my brain prefers to focus on one thing at a time – too many things to look at makes me a bit dizzy).  However, this is simply a matter of taste and not a major issue.

I do a lot of  teaching and I especially like working with beginners. I am going to heartily recommend this to all of my students.  It makes a great manual!   But even old hats like me will find something useful here.  So don’t let the “beginner” title hold you back from grabbing a copy.

I give this book 2 Swords Up.  Get it, devour it and start shuffling!

Blessings!

Theresa

One of the hardest things about working in the tarot field is the isolation that some of us feel.  Often times we find ourselves without peers – especially those who may live in a rural area.  It’s not easy to connect but thanks to the advent of the internet and social media in particular, the game has begun to change.  Many of my fellow tarot readers have been delighted to find each other through this medium – and it has made our world a little more inclusive and a lot less lonely.

Recently, a new site launched that has stepped it up a notch and created a true community for us tarot lovers.  It’s called “Tarot Town” and is the brainchild of Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin of Tarot Professionals .  Tarot Town is fun but don’t be fooled by the light tone – there is some SERIOUS tarot stuff going on here – classes, forums, discussions, groups and more!  Not only can you connect and make friends here – you can improve your skills, ask questions, learn about events and more.  If there was ever a Tarot Nirvana for us tarot freaks, I think I have found it here!

Of course, I had to ask Marcus and Tali about the creation and inspiration behind Tarot Town and this is what they had to say to me:

We were inspired to create Tarot Town by listening to the members of Tarot Professionals. We had been asked to provide a service to allow our members to network and socialise outside of the focused studies of Tarot such as Gated Spreads, the Diploma Course, Tarot Houses and other projects. When we looked at our existing forum we realised that it did not fulfil this purpose, although it is where we will continue to hold our Tarot course discussions.

We have exciting plans already in pre-production for Tarot Town. We will be integrating our existing WIZIQ Learning Environment from Tarot Professionals into the Town Hekademia very soon for online courses in the Town. We are already well advanced in a 3d-Avatar environment for Tarot Conferences, Rituals, Discussions and Socialising! If you watch our promo video, you’ll see a sneak preview of the 3D world which will be ready by 2011.

Marcus Katz is the author of Tarosophy: Tarot to Engage Life, Not Escape It (pub. Salamander & Sons, August 2010) and the founder of Tarot Professionals. He is an MBA graduate, M.A. holder (Western Esotericism, University of Exeter) and currently 3-years into a 6-year PhD Thesis on the Teachings of Occult groups in the Western Esoteric Tradition. He is a therapist and trainer.

Tali Goodwin is the Marketing Director of Tarot Professionals and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Her career has also involved healthcare and occupational therapy. She has also practised Reiki healing.

No matter if you are a tarot professional, a newbie, or just curious, I’d invite you to stop by and take a look around.  You can find me as what else?  The Tarot Lady.  Hope to meet you there!

Blessings!

Theresa

Image property of Tarot Town

When you read for others, your decks are bound to become worn and beat – especially if you are a high volume reader like myself.  Although some may feel that a well used deck has more power, I find that eventually, like any tool, the readings can become somewhat dull.  (This is just the way I feel, by the way, and no means the final word on whether or not a deck is used up!)

Of course, any deck over a long period will acquire nicks and bends but here’s a few tips to preserve your decks:

1.  You may want to consider not allowing the questioner to shuffle the deck.  Personally, I prefer that they DO – but if you decide to allow someone else to shuffle your deck, you have no control over how rough they will be.  Recently, I acquired a beautiful deck that was made on rather thin card stock.  An aggressive client shuffled those cards with such fury that she ended up destroying the deck.  All it took was that one reading – and poof! They were no longer useful.  Think carefully about this.  If you are paranoid about a deck being trashed, then don’t allow anyone to touch it. Or get decks made on sturdy card stock!

2.  Have a variety of decks handy so that you can switch off as often as you’d like. Think of this as rotating the tires on your car – it will give your decks a longer shelf life.

3.  When not in use, keep the deck in a silk scarf or in a wooden box. 

4. If you travel with your deck, I advise you to keep it in a nice silk bag.  I have a lovely one that a dear client made for me years ago.  It keeps my deck safe but also reminds me of her whenever I look at it!

What about a deck that has been completely ruined?  You can either “retire it” – put it away in your collection or choose to give the deck to a person who may want it.  The other option that I like is to put it in a paper bag with an orange cut in half and throw it away, far from your home.  I learned this technique from an old magician who disposed of all of his magickal tools this way. 

Always remember – your deck is the “window to your soul”.  Treat it with respect! With a little care, they can last a long time and serve you well.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

For many new clients, they may not really know what to expect when they come for a tarot reading.  In fact, I find that most people come in with a pretty open mind.  But there are always the few that seem to have some unrealistic expectations about what tarot readers can or cannot do. 

Here’s a list of a few that come into my office on occasion:

1. The Gambler: No, I don’t know when to fold them or know when to hold them but apparently some people expect that I can help them win at games of chance.  I get the request for “lottery numbers” more than I care to mention.  Don’t you think if I knew how to win the lottery I’d be driving a Mercedes or retired by now?  Once I had a client who asked about his “luck”.  The cards indicated hard work, not luck.  He blamed me for his losing streak after then.

2.  The Time Burglar:This is the person who assumes I have nothing to do all day but sit around and wait for them to show up. They are chronically late and don’t seem to understand that there are others waiting. I’ve gotten  much better at handling these narcissists but they never fail to annoy me. Yes people, I do have OTHER things to do!

3.  The Hex Mistress: Perpetually “unlucky”, this sad sack wants me to tell her that she has a curse on her and that her life issues have nothing to do with her poor choices.  She doesn’t want to take responsibility for her issues and make the changes.  She just wants me to “get rid of her bad luck”.  Sorry, I’m not a miracle worker nor am I going to let you off the hook.

4.  The Patient: I’m better than a counselor or so I have been told. Problem is, I am NOT a licensed therapist. This client wants to dump on me and expects me to be able to diagnose their issues.  No tarot reader should ever take the place of a professional.I feel that is unethical and does not serve the client.  I always refer troubled clients to a good therapist as I won’t take that responsibility on.  Years ago, I had a woman who came to me and remarked that she got rid of all of her meds after her reading because she felt so good.  I politely told her to go back to her psychiatrist and refused to see her as a client ever again.

5.  The Critic:This is the client who loves to come in and say “you were right about everything except this one thing..”.  They want to hammer that point home, so they’ll bring it up again and again.  In fact, every time they see you, they only want to talk about “that one thing that didn’t workout”.  They always have a bizarre indignant tone. I never understand what their point is.  Do they want to show me that I’m fallible? I don’t claim to be God.  My theory is that these people are very unhappy and want to make sure someone else feels just as crappy as they do.  I can only imagine how they treat their coworkers or loved ones.  After awhile, I get sick of their passive aggressive nature and just get rid of these clients.  (On a side note, I am thrilled if my batting average is only one thing wrong! Woot!)

As a reader, I am quite aware of my own shortcomings. I can’t work with every client. I cannot fix every issue.  I am humble enough to admit that. 

I am also wise enough to know that most of my clients are real, wonderful and open people.  Therefore, I don’t let a few bummers create an atmosphere where I have a cynical attitude or unrealistic expectations of my clients.  If you are a reader, it is important for you to keep an open mind about your clients – even if they don’t have the same attitude about you.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

I’m the first to admit that I despise the sound of my voice on tape. I even cringe when I listen to my answering service (I am not kidding here!) ! No one else seems to mind though.  In fact, some of my yoga students have even remarked that my voice is soothing! Go figure….

Although this is something I struggle with personally, I find that making an audio recording of your readings to be valuable for the client. In fact, I even insist some spacey types bring in a recorder and make it a habit to do so every time.  This serves a few purposes:

1.  The querent will pay more attention to the reading if they are not scrambling to take notes.  (I talk VERY fast so this is important!)
2.  A forgetful person will appreciate being able to listen to the recording later and it serves to remind them of what you’ve said.
3.  It is easier for the questioner to hear what you REALLY said, not what they THOUGHT you said.

Years ago, I had a particularly cynical woman come in for a reading. She taped it, which I encouraged her to do.  Later she called me to say that she had listened to it on the way home and was glad she did.  In her mind, the reading was not positive at all – but after listening to the tape, she realized that it was HER interpretation that was negative, not what I said.  This is a great example of why taping a reading can be valuable.

So even if you are not a fan of your own voice, be open to providing this service as many clients will appreciate you for it!

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

(I don’t provide a recording device or tapes in my office as I prefer the client to take that responsibility on for themselves.)

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed

Years ago, I had the best reading in my life from a man who was not a professional reader. Although I initially doubted him (never underestimate a triple Scorpio!), it turned out he had amazing abilities that blew me away. But he never directed his talent into a career as he had other aspirations. I have since lost touch with him but always wonder what “might have been” if he continued on this path.

I am sometimes surprised by the people who should be doing tarot but aren’t – but more shocked by the ones who do this as a living and probably shouldn’t. Who am I to judge you may ask? (I even ask myself that!) Well, sometimes I am here, undoing the damage that some of these readers do to people. And I have been witness to many readers who seem to do worse damage to themselves.

Here are some of the pitfalls that many readers need to watch out for:

  1. Ego. As the old saying goes, “pride goeth before a fall”. It is
     easy to fall into the trap of thinking you are “powerful” when you
     get some accurate results from your readings. It is even easier to
     begin to think you “know it all”. This is NOT a good place to be
     in because this type of thinking blinds you. I have seen some well
     intentioned readers become so enamored of their own abilities that
     they begin losing sight of the real purpose of a reading – it is
     to EMPOWER the client, never about your authority. If you find
     yourself feeling smug, it is time for an attitude check. Readers
     who become egomaniacs often lose their abilities.

  2. Burnout. Doing reading after reading, working all hours of the
     day, 7 days a week, available to everyone’s beck and call won’t
     make you a popular reader. It will make you sick and tired.
     Working in this manner does not serve your clients – it makes you
     a slave to them. Eventually, resentment sets in and then you are
     no good for anyone. Set boundaries. Do other things in addition to
     tarot. Most importantly, make time for YOU. When you take care of
     yourself first, you are always a more grounded conduit.

  3. Stereotyping. Some readers really get into the whole “show” aspect
     – which is similar to ego. However, this takes it a step further
     as the reader will go with every awful stereotype – crazy “witchy”
     costumes, turbans and affectations ala Gloria Swanson in “Sunset
     Boulevard”. Although this is harmless, no one will take you
     seriously and this runs the risk of making tarot a joke. If you
     are doing a Ren-fair, go for it – but if you want to be seen as a
     professional, drop the act. (If you are a full on goth though and
     love the fashion aspect, then rock on!)

  4. Negative Nancys. There are some readers who thrive on telling
     people bad stuff. In fact, they seem to only focus on negative.
     Why? It can feel powerful to make someone frightened is my only
     guess. This does not help a client. I have found that these types
     of readers tend to live negative lives themselves and have a
     crummy attitude. Which leads to the next and most important issue:

  5. Projecting. If your life is not in order, it is easy to put your
     own crappy spin on other people’s readings. The first thing every
     reader should do is fix their OWN lives. If you are not living a
     life that is healthy, positive and balanced, you have no business
     doing this work. You are a living example and should be a beacon
     of integrity, love and divine spirit! Manifest the best for you
     and you will be in a position to help your clients to create lives
     that are full of abundance and joy!

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed