It starts out innocently enough.

You walk into a modest, ordinary office for a tarot reading. The reader begins laying out the cards and chatting pleasantly but suddenly a dark look crosses her face.  With grave concern in her voice,  she takes your hand and starts to talk about the “negative energy” surrounding you. Suddenly her eyes become wide as she exclaims:  “someone has put something on you!  You’ve been cursed!”  You’re scared but secretly relieved.  Now you know why your life sucks.  It can’t be your choices – it has to be a curse!  It’s not your fault!

And that’s when the reader begins to lay it on thick like the worst sort of used car salesman. They begin imploring you to get a “cleansing” or “healing” (and of course, only they can do it for you).

It will “only” cost you $99.00.

Now if you are a vulnerable type (which is what the reader is hoping for), you may be frightened enough to pull that money out of your wallet on the spot and get your “healing”.  But guess what? It does not stop there.  Before you long, you’ve spent a lot of dough and added a great deal of superstitious anxiety to your life.

You’ve just been conned.  Ouch.

But before you kick yourself for being a sucker, let me tell you this: it happens more than you know and many of the people who fall for this schtick are reasonably intelligent, normal folk.   And most people who work in the psychic arts are decent, hardworking, honorable and kind.  It’s the rare few that rip people off and give honest readers a bad name.

If you know the simple warning signs, you can minimize your risk and be able to walk away with dollars (and pride) intact.  Here’s what you need to watch out for:

1. Fishing for information.  If the reader constantly asks you questions, they are not doing a reading.  You should be the one asking the questions, not them.
2. Heavy handed solicitation.  Calling you at home, urging you to call them, trying to lure you in – any of these tactics are a huge red flag.  A reader should NEVER bother you for business.  You should only be going to a reader when YOU feel the need to go.  Period.
3. Dubious marketing methods.  Years ago, I had a client who got three mysterious tarot cards in the mail along with a frightening letter from a reader who claimed that they had “special information” for them and they needed to call within 7 days or they would “risk losing a major opportunity”.  Of course, this was nothing more than a ruse to get the client to call a hotline and spend money they didn’t have.  A special offer is one thing – scary mail or “urgent” emails demanding your immediate attention are another.  If you get either, throw it in the trash and/or hit delete.
4. The “curse” line.  If a reader begins to tell you about a curse or negative energy that someone “put on you”, stop the reading right there.  This is the oldest line in the book and a total crock.  No one has the power to put a curse on you.  Your problems stem from decisions or choices that you make in your life.  And you, only you, can change course at any time you want. To believe otherwise takes your personal responsibility away from you and puts all your personal power in the hands of others.
5. Charging you large sums of money for a “cleansing” or “healing”.  I once met a woman who went to a local con artist who demanded she give her $6000.00 to “remove her depression”.  (Needless to say, she was still depressed and six thousand dollars poorer.)  No ethical reader would EVER charge you a big fee to remove a curse, cure “negative energy” or solve your problems.  EVER.  If you really do have major emotional issues, a honest reader would refer you to the proper professionals who can help you.
6. Swearing you to secrecy.  If a reader tells you that you cannot tell anyone about your reading or it “won’t come true” this is a sign that they are not on the up and up.  You should be able to tell anyone you please about your reading and furthermore, you should be able to tape the reading if you wish.  This is a tarot reading, not some back alley drug deal – avoid readers who treat it like one.

These general warnings should protect you from getting ripped off by one of these low-lifes.  But this bears saying again: these people are in the minority.  Most of the time, a tarot reading is a positive, fun and empowering experience and most readers and psychics sincerely want to help you.

Take your time to find a reader that you like and trust.  And always remember this: you are the only one who holds the power to your life.  Don’t let anyone ever convince you otherwise.

Blessings!

Theresa

What are warning signs you look for?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below:

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011

special thanks to taoxproductions for the image

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com 

If you’re going to commit your time to the daily grind of running a tarot business, you’ll need to be motivated every day because it’s hard out here for a tarot pimp (and even harder if you are a tarot wimp).

I look for inspiration everywhere.  And I bet you think my main motivational revelations come from the words of business geniuses such as Donald Trump or Marie Forleo.  Or perhaps from tarot superstars such as Mary Greer or Rachel Pollack.  Well, you are mistaken, my friend.

Don’t get me wrong – those people light a much needed fire under my can.  But my best badass business inspiration actually comes from hip hop artists. Yup. You read that right.

Now before you say WTH and back away with hands in the air and a look of disbelief on your face, let me tell you this: my admiration for rappers isn’t just because I like the beat (or think they are sex-say).  I like the way these cats do their thang, man. They run their businesses with cunning street sense, amazing vision and giant fearless BALLS.

And hear this: many of them come from very difficult backgrounds.  Most do not hold an MBA. In fact, it’s EXTREMELY unusual to find a rapper that comes from a silver spoon ivy league educated background like Donald Trump.  But that doesn’t stop them from succeeding. These guys make it because they set the intention and do it.

Do you think Jay Z let his hardscrabble childhood keep him from becoming one of the richest men in the world?  Nope!  Did 50 Cent let a hail of gunshots stop him from being one of the most respected rappers in the industry?  HELL NO.  So let me ask my fellow tarot readers this: what is stopping you from pursuing your dream to become a professional reader?

Let me dig into some of my favorite rap lyrics that keep me inspired to quit whining and keep on grindin’ and flipping those cards day in and day out like a true tarot thug:

1. “Check yourself before you wreck yourself.” ~ Ice Cube. Before you begin your business, it’s important to reflect on your motivation and to get your personal act together. Money is a good motivator but you must have a burning, yearning passion for tarot and for helping others if you intend to make this your occupation.  It can’t just be about the Benjamins (moola). Oh, and if you are going to be doling out spiritual advice to others, you better have your own life in order.  This work will drain the life out of you if you cannot manage to get your own house clean.  Make your dysfunctions functional and ground yourself.
2. “Gangstas don’t hide so I show my face often.” ~ Slim Thug. You can’t make a living if you are the best kept secret in your industry.  You will have to market your business. Learn how to promote yourself properly (social media is a great tool). And more important: be AUTHENTICALLY you.  Don’t be a weak ass imitation of anyone else.  Put your true self out there, heart on the line, face on the screen.  Let people know the REAL trill you.  Get your website up NOW and get your grill out there.
3. “I’m A Self Made Trillioinaire.” ~ Bun B. It may be tempting to put your business in the hands of someone else and let them host your site through their Ning thing or tweet for you but it is always best to maintain total control of your own content and empire.  Get your own url and host your own damn site (I recommend WordPress).  Be intimately involved with the running of your business, including your own marketing. Don’t give someone the power to pull the plug on your tarot empire.  Be self made, not dependent on anyone.  (PS It’s not as hard as you think.  If I can do it, YOU CAN.)
4. “Paid the cost like a Boss.” ~ Slim Thug. Sure, you can do some things for free but at some point you will have to invest in your business if you wish to grow it.  Paying for an office, accountant, computer, education, tarot conferences, lawyer and marketing may seem like a scary thing but let me tell you this: whenever I have invested in my business, it GREW by a major leap.  You have to spend some money if you want to make money.  Stop being a cheap ass and invest in your career.  It will pay off.  Trust me on that.
5. “Go on brush your shoulders off.” ~ Jay Z. Sadly, you will attract some haters at some point in your career (this happens in EVERY career – tarot readers aren’t the only ones singled out as pariahs in their community).  Negative feedback  and criticism may hit you from people who don’t believe in the tarot; it may come from fellow tarotists or your own family.  Let it go. Focus on good tarot and leave those haters in your dust.
6. “The bigger the bully, the more that bitch gonna bang.” ~ Rick Ross. Think you are going to raise your street cred by talking trash on a public forum?  Think again. Dissing others to make yourself look big will eventually backfire on your sorry ass.  Treat your fellow tarot peeps with respect. Don’t like someone?  Keep it on the lowdown.  Allow people to save face even if you think they are whack. Being courteous is not just good manners, it’s how pros operate.  Remember this – no one likes a hater.
7. “Is it worth it – let me work it.” ~ Missy Elliot. Being a tarot reader is definitely “worth it”.  Every day, you get the opportunity to help people find direction and better their lives.  You’ll have to work harder than you ever thought possible. But it is THE most rewarding career that you will ever have.  So stop waiting. JUST DO IT.

Now go on wid yo bad self and start flipping those cards and living your tarot dream.  No more excuses. Word.

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011

special thanks to taoxproductions for the superfly image

Who inspires you?  Where do you get the motivation for your career?  Post your role models and their brilliance in the comment section below:

Did you ever see that episode of the Simpsons where Marge decides to become a real estate agent?  Her career gets off to a rocky start when her honesty prevents her from selling a house.  Back at the office, schmucky lawyer-turned-realtor Lionel Hutz berates Marge for being truthful and enlightens her on how to sell by bending the facts.  “There’s the truth….” (he says in a dark tone with a scowl on his face as he shakes his head from side to side) “and the truth!” (said with a wide eyed disingenuous smile and a vigorous nod of the head).

I started thinking about that episode after recently reading a thought provoking post by Bonnie Cehovet called “Tell It Like It Is” where she discusses how a bluntly honest tarot reading could be harmful to a client.  Bonnie made some excellent points but this article raised a few questions for me.  Could a frank reading ever be effective and helpful?  Does a gentle approach serve every client and every situation?

How you deliver the information is important and a tarot reader must always be conscious of the client’s highest good.  I’ve been doing tarot for a long time now and one thing I have discovered is this: a one size fits all delivery does not work.  Each client is unique and each person needs a reading that speaks to them in a language that they understand.

As a parent, I’ve also learned some important lessons on giving advice and support.  My children are opposites in temperament.  My daughter is a sensitive but hard headed girl – with her, I had to be delicate yet know when to draw a line.  My son on the other hand is a practical but spacey lad – humor worked well with him but I also had to make sure he was really listening to me.  They’ve also been in situations where I’ve had to be alternately hands off, in your face, hyper sensitive, brutally honest or simply present.

The difference between raising a child and serving a client is this: I get to see the results  of my advice close up with my children, which allows me to see how effective I am.  In the case of a client, once they walk out that door, I have no idea of how the reading served them until I see them again, which could be years or in some cases, never.

A skilled reader needs to bring their intuition to the table before the client even sits down for the reading.  They must assess their frame of mind and particular needs. This requires awareness and sensitivity towards the client’s disposition.  For example, if someone seems really upset or mentally fragile, it may be time to go easy.  However, if they are in a dangerous or illegal situation, this may require a more candid approach.  Advice should be delivered in a way that is clear, helpful and empowering to the client.

And that advice must be adjusted for each person and each situation.  Not everyone will appreciate the balls out truth – and not every person will want a sugar coated version.  Some people may perceive a “tell it like it is” approach to be harsh.  Others may feel a gentle reader may not be being 100% honest with them.  It is up to us as tarot readers to bring awareness for the client’s needs and personality to the reading and not get hung up on which way is the “right” way to do a reading.

“Whenever you have truth it must be given with love, or the message and the messenger will be rejected.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2011

How do you like your reading delivered? Do you prefer blunt and to the point or sweet and gentle?  Leave your thoughts in the comment section below:

Making the decision to enter the world of professional tarot reading is a brave step indeed. This is a quirky and challenging industry and not for the faint of heart.  Each day presents a unique opportunity to touch people’s lives in a deep and spiritual manner – but each day can also be filled with difficult clients and/or skeptics who are gunning to discredit you as well as the many other challenges of running a business.

This can be intimidating to anyone but it is especially so for a younger reader who has not developed a thick skin or basic business skills.  Not knowing where to start may prevent many talented young readers from getting their businesses off the ground.  This is where a teacher or mentor becomes invaluable.  Getting guidance from someone who has “been in the trenches” can help a new reader go from an insecure rookie to a confident and successful pro quicker than having to figure it out all on your own.

New people have to learn and perfect their craft to carry on the tradition but where they get that education does matter.  If you are thinking about turning your love of tarot into a career and have considered working with a coach, mentor or teacher to reach that goal, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before you commit to working with anyone.

1. What is their experience? In other words, how long have they been in the game?  The longer the person has been working in this industry, the more seasoned they will be in all aspects of the business. The last thing you want is someone who is “one lesson ahead” of their students.
2. Do they have a self sustaining business? It is important to work with someone who has a stable business model (the exception to that is a retiree). If they do not have a successful business and are not well established, they have no business teaching anyone about business.    If you hitch your wagon to a failure, you will most likely fail as well.
3. How do they run their business? Ask questions about the ins and outs of their practice so that you are sure they are running a legitimate enterprise.  (Ex: How do they market? Is their website and marketing in pace with the current time – or are they outdated? What is their advertising budget?  How many hits do they get on their website?  What business structure do they have?  Do they pay taxes quarterly or yearly?)
4. What type of business do they have? Make sure that you are studying with someone who is doing the kind of business you aspire to have. For example, do you want to be primarily internet based? Do you wish to see people in a private setting?  Are you looking to work at corporate events?  Or do you prefer working a hotline or on demand service?  Get clear on how you want to work so that you are aligned with the right business model.
5. What is their reputation within the tarot community? Are they well regarded or do their peers keep them at a polite (or not so polite) distance? You can judge a man by the company they keep.  If your potential teacher has a bad, unethical or untrustworthy reputation, this is a red flag. Also be very careful of those who try to make themselves look good by trashing their “competition”.  Don’t just take their word as that is nothing more than hearsay – make sure you verify those accusations.
6. Do you feel your personalities are a good match? This is crucial for if you do not like your mentor, they will be worthless to you. And keep in mind that not every teacher can work well with every student. Take time to meet with them before you begin to see if you are a good fit and on the same page.  If not, keep moving on until you find someone who is more in tune with you, your goals and your learning style.

A mentoring relationship is a sacred contract that requires trust.  Therefore it is important that you do your homework before you enter into a teacher/student relationship with anyone.

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” ~ John Crosby

“In every art beginners must start with models of those who have practiced the same art before them.” ~Ruth Whitman

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” ~ William Arthur Ward

Blessings!

Theresa

© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

Have you taken classes in tarot or business?  What has your experience been like?  How did you find your teacher or mentor?  If you teach, what advice do you have to add to this post?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below:

Do you remember those old informercials for Miss Cleo and the Psychic Friends Network?  It was hard to miss them back in the day as those ads were on constant rotation – especially on late night television.  Since that time, some of these companies have gone belly up but psychic hotlines are still big business. In fact, thanks to the internet, they are perhaps bigger than ever.  All you need to do is google “psychic readings” and you will encounter seemingly endless pages of advertisements for live psychic readings – some even proclaiming to be “free”.

Many of my fellow tarot readers and psychics make their living working for these companies – and some do their business exclusively this way.  The beauty of working for a psychic hotline is that you do not need any major business skills to get started. Once you are accepted as a reader, the company takes a cut of your pay but they provide the advertising, the clients and a toll free number that masks your personal phone line. All you need to do is sit home and wait for the calls to come pouring in and voila – you’ve got a psychic business!

Now that may sound remarkably easy and attractive but there are many points to consider before you sign up to work on a psychic hotline.  You still need to do YOUR homework to make sure that the company is a solid, fair and trustworthy business.  A little smart investigation on your part can prevent you from wasting your time or getting defrauded (we often hear about the clients getting ripped off but many readers who work for these companies get swindled as well).

These are the things I recommend you check out thoroughly before committing to work for a psychic hotline:

1. What is their business structure? In other words, are they an LLC, a corporation or a sole proprietorship?  They should clearly spell this out on their website.  Why is this important?  You want to make sure that you are doing business with a REAL business that conducts themselves in a professional manner – meaning that they took the time to file the proper paperwork and set themselves up legally.
2. Will you be expected to sign a contract? Most legitimate companies will have you sign one.  But it is important that you read the fine print carefully and understand what you are signing.  For example, some of these companies may have a “non compete clause” which could limit your ability to work for other phone lines.  If you do not understand their policies, take the contract to your lawyer before you put your John Henry on the dotted line.
3. Will you be considered an employee or an independent contractor? This is critical to know for tax reasons.  If you are considered an employee, the company will be responsible for taxes – if not, you will have to take care of your own taxes.
4. How will they market you? Or are you responsible for your own marketing?  What is their advertising budget?  This is extremely important as you want to make sure that the company markets smartly especially if this is an area where you lack skills.  A solid business will invest a fair amount of  money into marketing to ensure their readers are busy and making money.  Even with their advertising, you may still have to do some of your own marketing – so keep that in mind.
5. What is the pay cut? Make sure you understand how much of your $2.99 a minute will be going to you.  And remember – in some cases it may seem like they are taking a lot but when you factor in the expenses of running a hotline and advertising, you will begin to understand the reason behind the percentage.  If a company says that they are only taking a tiny percent, be sure to inquire as to how they are spending that money (advertising, website, administrative, etc.) to insure that they are not just taking a fee and doing nothing to get you work.
6. How do they handle chargebacks? Believe it or not, some clients can insist on a refund and the company may eat that money – or charge you for it.  This gets very tricky and could be costly for you.  Get clear on their policy.
7. Will you be getting a 1099 at the end of the year? If you are an independent contractor, the answer is yes.  If not, they should be providing you with a standard W2.
8. What kind of reputation does the company have? This is where you need to take time and look around.  The internet is a great source of information but even better is to actually talk to someone who works for one of these hot lines.  Ask them about their experience.  How much work do they actually get?  How are they paid?  Have they been happy with the company?  What issues have they encountered?  There is nothing like a solid referral to ease your concerns and help you make an informed decision.  Also, be very leery of any company that openly bad mouths another service and promotes themselves as the “antidote”.  If they don’t have physical proof that the other company is fraudulent or engaging in improper behavior, then that is hearsay and should be dismissed as nothing more than unscrupulous advertising on their part.

Now to be completely honest with you, I have had very little experience with this type of work.  I tried it out for a month and didn’t feel that this was the way I wanted to work.  I don’t like to share revenue and I didn’t like feeling tied to my phone.  So I decided it would be a good idea to ask a few questions from S.C., who has spent many years working the phone lines.  This may help give you further food for thought before you get involved with any of these services.

Here are his answers:

Q: What are some of benefits of reading for a psychic phone line?

S.C.: There are actually a couple of major benefits to working for a psychic phone line service or an on demand service.   Psychic phone line services are a really great place for readers that have only a few years of experience under their belt to get experience working with clients and asking questions.   The pay for these services isn’t the best, but how many other apprenticeship programs can you get paid $24.00 an hour for training? With these services you remain pretty anonymous, and your clients do not have your home telephone number, which is a bit of a protection from the general public.  It gives you a bit of ease working with clients, and not having to expose to the world that you are working as a “reader”.   The greatest benefit is that they supply the customers for you, so its pretty much answer the phone and do a reading.  Further, since you are not putting out any expenses it is pretty easy to do your taxes at the end of the year.

On demand services are much different!  These would be sites like Keen.com or LivePerson, which are really great sites to work for depending on your temperament, and whether or not you can work with clients who are pretty much always in crisis.   These sites usually pay you much more for your services.  For example, on Keen.com you make 62% of the call minus phone charges.  In addition, you can utilize other advertising tools that they have to increase your business.    On Demand readings are a great way to supplement your income between private clients.  Plus, these clients do not have access to your direct telephone line (and crisis clients you do not want to have direct access), so you are protected from that 3 AM phone call from the client who is going through a desperate situation.  On Demand readings are not for everyone, and you have to be able to handle intense crisis, feedback systems, and have very firm boundaries.   I prefer to work with these clients, because they have real issues that need to be worked through and addressed, and in many cases they are not able to go to their social circle or clergy to address them.

Q: What should a reader look for when choosing to work with a particular company?

S.C.: It depends.   I would look for how long the company has been around, and ask your peers whether or not they know anyone that works for them.  I might even consider calling up the line and speaking with a psychic to ask them questions about whether or not they are happy with their experience.  In addition, I would find out how long the line has been in business.   If you chose to do On Demand readings, I would recommend Keen.com or LivePerson since both are owned by reputable corporations.  For example, Keen.com is owned by AT&T interactive, which is a very reputable company.  The stronger the business language of the company the better!

Q:  What are some red flags that a reader should pay attention to?

S.C.: I would be leery of any company standards that asks you to hold clients on the line for any given period.   Some clients only need a 10 minute reading, and do not need a full hour on the phone with you.  I would be very leery of companies that do not have advertising plans in place, or are not transparent when you ask them questions about advertising. If a company does not give you full advertising information (such as where they advertise) it means they are not advertising.  Another thing to be leery of are companies that REQUIRE you to do your own advertising and do not have an advertising budget on their own.  These companies are usually shoe string operations that have no budget, and you could waste your time sitting by the phone waiting for a call.  In the psychic industry, small organizations (Mom and Pop Psychic Shops) are usually not very profitable and it is difficult to make a living with them. Often these companies will offer you large incentives that are not available with other companies, but 70-80% of 0 is 0.   In addition, if companies require you to pay for your own chargebacks (and its not an on demand site) be very leery.  This means that if the clients does not pay for the call the company will subtract the money from you.  This is trickier with on demand sites — Keen.com does not do chargebacks; whereas Live Person does.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remember – even if you are working for someone else’s business, it is your job to be an informed employee.  Do not get involved with any psychic hotline until you have taken the time to completely understand their policies and your responsibilities.  This can be a wonderful way to make a living but like any business, it still has some risks.

Blessings!

Theresa

special thanks to taoxproductions for the image

extra special thanks to sc for taking time out of her schedule to chat with me

Have you ever worked for one of these hotlines?  If so, what was your experience? I’d love to hear your stories in the comment section below.

Ever get a tarot reading and feel the reader was dead on accurate?  Or how about this scenario – you get a reading and nothing makes sense at all.  Yet other people you know raved about this person.  Did the reader suck or were you impossible to read?

Here’s the honest truth: not every reader is right for every person.  As a professional tarot reader, it’s very humbling to admit that you cannot read for everyone.  But it’s a fact that some people’s vibes just don’t mesh.  For example, I do not like to read for super negative thinkers.  If someone is overly cynical, they won’t like my practical, no-nonsense style because it does not conform to their world view.  Therefore, it is best for them to find someone who may be more sympathetic to their way of thinking.

Any time you seek out a tarot reading, there is always the risk that the reading won’t be meaningful for you.  However, there are a few measures you can take as a client to insure that you get the right person for the job.

1. Get a referral.  Word of mouth is often the best way to get insights on how the reader works.  If a loved one had a comfortable and positive experience with the reader, you may as well.
2. Get clear on what “type” of reader you wish to see.  For example, some tarot readers (myself included) are intuitive while others may work with a system or perhaps be more esoteric.  You’ll be very disappointed if the type of reading you want is not what you are getting no matter how talented the reader is.
3. Ask questions.  Most readers are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Don’t be afraid to ask about how they read, what questions they will or won’t answer as well as anything that may be of concern to you.  This will help you to get a feel as to whether or not you will be compatible.
4. Research. If the reader has a website, check it out.  Does the website look professional? Can you get an idea of the person behind the site?  Do they provide testimonials?  Most will provide a FAQ section which may give you a clear picture about how they operate as well as their personality.  If they have a blog, see if you enjoy their writing.  If they are on social media, this is a superb way to view how they interact with other people – not just clients but others in their industry.  Do as much research as you can to make sure they are someone you’d like to do business with.
5. Trust your instincts.  If they don’t feel right for you, then take a pass.  Keep looking until you find the perfect person for you.
6. Keep an open mind.  You may be surprised to know that there are many talented readers who may be under the radar or overlooked.  For example, don’t be put off by their age or background.  Some of the best readings I have ever had have been from people who were young or not even in the industry.

Remember, that any time you are using any service it is always important to be a good consumer.  Know what you want, ask questions, shop around, take your time and get informed.  With this strategy you are more likely to have a tarot experience that is insightful, helpful and enjoyable.

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

I’d love to hear your insights on what kind of reader you like to work with, how you found your tarot reader or if you are a reader, any thoughts on this post in the comment section below.

image courtesy of taoxproductions

Fortune Teller.

Some people in the tarot community don’t even like to say it out loud. Some are fearful that it may just stick to them like a giant scarlet letter.  If a client innocently uses this word, some readers will give an uptight lecture on how they are “not one of those” and how their work is somehow above all that.

Some don’t offer predictions at all and make a really big deal about stating that their work is more about counseling and that predictions and fortune telling are not in the client’s best interest.

Why does “fortune teller” have such a bad rap?  Why are we so quick to treat these two words as somehow disrespectful to our profession?  I find it odd that so many readers fear this title, considering how many people call me on the phone and ask for the “fortune teller” or “psychic” without one iota of disrespect or trepidation.  Clients don’t give a damn about which title we use – they just want insights into their future.

There are several reasons why “fortune teller” has gone out of vogue in our industry.  First of all, divination of any sort is frowned upon by some religions. This has created a stigma against this type of work as it is often associated with “witchcraft” or “sorcery”.  This “witch hunt” mentality is the source of many of the laws against fortune telling, some of which exist to this day. This has forced many tarot readers to use a different title such as “spiritual advisor” out of fear of prosecution.

The practice of fortune telling has also become dirtied by con-artists who will tell a vulnerable client that they have “negative energy” and then offer to remove the “curse” for a large sum of money.  This illegal fraudulent activity that preys on people’s fear and superstition is committed by a VERY small minority but has managed to create a nasty stereotype that no professional reader in their right mind would want to be associated with.

That said, there are con artists in EVERY profession.  Do we stop using the title “doctor” and only use “physician” because there have been some unethical doctors?

There has also been a growing trend in the community itself where readers do not want to offer predictions to their clients and prefer to be “counselors” regardless of whether or not they possess the education, license or credentials to claim that title.  Even those who have appropriate credentials to be counselors are doing a great disservice to the heart of tarot reading when they dismiss predictions as somehow disempowering.

When a prediction is made, it shows the potential of what may come and this gives a client a clear road map so that they can choose to continue on or make changes. Awareness allows us to live more consciously and perhaps avoid potential problems.  I like to compare it to driving down a road with a radar detector.  If that detector goes off, I know a cop is around the corner and I can choose to slow down or risk getting a ticket.  That radar detector lets me know what possibilities lie ahead.

A tarot reading can be therapeutic.  But, the main reason people come to see me is to find out about their future.  They WANT me to “tell them their fortune”.  And it is in this process that they have the chance to gain insight into their own inner workings through the reading.

So I am making an effort to reclaim the title “fortune teller”.  If quality readers act professionally and ethically, there is no reason we cannot redeem the dignity of this profession regardless of the title one chooses.

My name is Theresa.

I am a fortune teller.

I read tarot cards.

I divine the future.

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Blessings!

Theresa

special thanks to taoxproductions for the image and help editing

I started my own tarot journey at the tender age of 16.  Ten years later, I went pro and have been working full time at this gig ever since.  For me, this is a calling that unfolded without a lot of forethought.  In fact, I never envisioned that I’d be working as a tarot reader.  I thought I’d be doing something else (artist, muse for a rock star, chef, gun moll, etc.).  But here I am, decades later and still at it.

How I wish I would have had guidance along the way.  I had to learn (the hard way) how to run a business and deal with some of the rather “unique” situations that come up in this profession.  It’s been interesting to say the least.

I have noticed that there seems to be a lack of younger people diving into this career.  Perhaps I am simply not seeing them – or maybe they are like I was back in the day: uncertain and feeling insecure about their skills (both with tarot and business).  I’d like nothing more than to see a bunch of fresh tarot faces hitting the scene and making tarot their full time job.

To help that vision come to life, I am offering a contest.  If you are between the ages of 18 – 28, I’d like you to post your reply to these questions in the comment section below:

1. What is your vision of tarot in the future?
2. How do you see yourself in it?
3. What are the obstacles that a younger tarot reader may face?

After careful consideration, I will personally choose a winner.  They will receive:

1. A copy of my manual, “How To Create A Sustainable Tarot Business”.
2. Four private mentoring sessions with me where we can begin to get your tarot world rocking.  This will be your chance to get answers, learn about the business and get started on the right path.  This valuable service would cost $1000.00 if you purchased each session separately.

If you are serious about becoming a tarot reader but think you are too young or inexperienced, you do not want to miss this opportunity!  Get the training and mentoring you need so that you can build your career without the hassles, mistakes and pitfalls that so many of us old school readers had to endure. The deadline is Sunday December 19th at midnight.  Winner will be notified on Christmas morning.

Blessings!

Theresa

http://www.thetarotlady.com

http://www.tarotmentor.com

image from the 1911 Pictoral Key to the Tarot

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

Most people call a tarot reader to get a glimpse of the future.  Yet the husky voiced woman on the other end of the line insisted that she wanted me to “tell her details about her past”.  Puzzled by this odd request, I asked her why she would want such a thing. It didn’t make sense to me. She then said that she wanted me to do this so I could “prove” my abilities to her.  Sigh.  I informed her that I am running a business and am not a trained poodle who does parlor tricks on command.  I don’t roll like that.  And in truth, her attitude did not create an ideal atmosphere for a tarot reading as it brought out a defensive mindset for me.  Once my brain is in that mode, I have zero interest in connecting with the client.

In order to foster the best tarot reading, both client and reader must have an open mind seeking answers.  The reading will be obscured or complicated when one or the other approaches the reading with a hidden agenda.

For example, a tarot reader must be aware of their own prejudices, which can color a reading and create a situation where the reader “projects” their own fears or experience onto the client’s situation.  Years ago, I met a reader who was very bitter about her love life.  She gave me a reading that reflected this mindset and insisted that I had troubles in my relationship due to my husband’s dishonesty.  (For the record, I live with a goody goody Dudley Do-Right who could not lie if he wanted to and we have a blissful 20 year union with no issues to speak of.)  It was obvious to me that she was projecting her own life issues into my reading.  If I were vulnerable, imagine the damage that this reading could have done.

On the other side of the coin, when a client wants to “test” the reader (like the caller I described above) this skeptical attitude makes their question bifurcated and dishonest and puts the tarot reader in a hostile environment.  The reading is no longer a request to the universe – it’s an aggressive push toward a preconceived notion that a tarot reader is crooked. This makes the experience a onerous chore. Pulling teeth to get answers from a closed off aggressive mindset is neither pleasant nor productive.

Both client and reader need to be open to receive questions and answers.  A reading must be approached with honesty. Neither party should engage in a reading with agendas or preconceived notions.  If both the reader and the client approach a reading with an open mind and a sincere question for the universe, then whatever answer comes is more likely to be useful and whatever it is, that’s the job for the client to interpret how it applies to their own life.

Blessings!

Theresa

How do you deal with clients that come with an attitude?  Has there ever been a time where your own attitudes got in the way of you being able to do a reading?  I’d love to hear your experiences!  Post ‘em in the comment section below!

image courtesy of taoxproductions