Do You Need Tarot Qualifications?

There have been many discussions about "certification" in the tarot community.

Some readers feel that an official looking tarot qualification in form of a pretty certificate reflects their knowledge and skills and makes them look more professional.

Other readers don't see it necessary to pay a lot of money for a "qualification" that no client is particularly interested in.

Here are my thoughts on this:

1. A certificate doesn't tell anyone how good you are as a reader.

2. But it can be a great confidence booster giving you a sense of achievement.

3. You may have gained a lot of theoretical knowledge by having completed an expensive long-term tarot course, but applying it is a different matter.

4. It's practical experience that will help you grow and develop as a reader.

5. Reading the Tarot for clients isn't just about Tarot; you also need people skills.

Consider getting a qualification in counselling or coaching rather than trying to obtain an official looking tarot certificate. 

6. Some knowledge in psychology is also useful. Get an overview either by reading books, such as Understand Psychology, and again learn more by enrolling on courses, if this topic intrigues you.

7. It isn't necessary to have a tarot qualification as the industry isn't regulated in this way.

8. Instead, join a tarot organisation that offers training and professional development including guidelines on tarot ethics. This is also the place, where you can meet and network with fellow tarot enthusiasts for help and advice. Check out TABI.

9. When choosing a certified tarot course, make sure that content is focused on practice rather than an overload of theory and elaborate jargon.

10. It's not an official tarot certificate that endorses you; it's how you engage with people and also related work, interests and knowledge that add to your qualification as a reader.

Perhaps you have worked in a medical / helping profession or teaching capacity.

 You may have extensive knowledge on crystals, herbs, reiki, healing, angels and/or astrology, which you can combine with Tarot, adding to the value of your readings.

11. Ongoing training and study is also a vital part of your qualification, but an official certificate isn't always necessary. 

Consider participating in self-study groups or work with a mentor on a 1-2-1 basis, both of which will contribute to your true skills as a reader.

12. A certificate (or even a diploma!) doesn't mean you can handle calls on a psychic phone line. Any theory won't save you from having to learn the hard way. Instead, keep on practicing.

13. Still wanting to frame a pretty tarot certificate? No need to spend a fortune; TABI offers courses and endorsement in return for a small annual membership fee.

14. While official tarot qualifications may indicate a certain level of knowledge, they are no guarantee to draw in clients, if you want to make a living as a tarot reader.

Don't be tempted to choose a tarot course only because it offers certification. Contents and quality of its delivery is more important.

Last but not least, before you rush out to become a "qualified" tarot reader, remind yourself what first drew you to the Tarot. Was it

• the mystery, magic and wonder?
• the forbidden with that connection to witchcraft and the occult?
• the unknown and exploration of the unexplained?

How can you possibly package all that up into a sanitised tarot "certificate"? 

What next? Tarot readings that comply with Din ISO 9001 quality control? 

Will the title "Grandmaster of Tarot" not create unrealistic expectations?

What do clients, who come for readings, really want? That you can present a certificate, or perhaps they would prefer to think you have some kind of psychic gift?

What are your thoughts on tarot qualifications? I'd love to hear from you💚

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

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Medium - Simplify your Life

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Silence and the Art of Listening

 

Our world is noisy, and most people accept artificial noise as natural – TV, radio, music on the go, talking, busy public places, traffic, public transport, the phone…

The High Priestess loves silence. Without silence there is no ability to listen.

Listening to ourselves, to others and to spirit is neglected in the Age of Noise; it has become a lost art.

Talking is only one part of communication. Without listening, we cannot communicate and relate to each other.

Talk less, listen more.

We can learn to listen by embracing silence. Silence helps us to understand. Silence can heal.

Worries and pain can be healed when we listen.

“Spiritual medicine is ever-present in the soul. Whenever we need it, to whatever extent we need it, we can find it within.” - Brahma Kumaris

Be like the High Priestess – create a period of silence every day to get in touch with your soul. No artificial noise surrounding you. The length of this period depends on your lifestyle, but try and make it a minimum of 20 minutes.

Many people aren't used to silence. Noise can easily turn from a habit into a kind of addiction. You may need to overcome the initial discomfort of silence and persevere. It will get easier with regular practice, and you will reap benefits over time.

Introducing periods of silence into your life doesn’t mean you have to sit still with your eyes closed and meditate. You can simply get on with the tasks at hand such as cooking, reading, gardening, jogging, driving, writing, filing your paperwork etc.

You can even practice silence in the company of others, as long as you agree not to talk to each other during that time. You will find you discover new subtle ways to communicate and deepen your connection with the people you share silence with.

And while you get on with your activities, you can listen to the natural sounds surrounding you – the rustling of paper, the humming of the fridge, the clock ticking, your footsteps on the path, your breath…

You can listen to even more:

• Your hopes and fears and dreams
• Advice and solutions starting to emerge from the stillness of your soul
• Answers to why, how and what now

Silence heightens your awareness of your surroundings and deepens mindfulness of your actions, keeping you fully present in the moment.

Your mind doesn’t get clogged up with the tyranny of information overload and details of the screwed-up lives of others.

It’s just you and the present.

Silence is prayer.

Silence is golden.

Silence is better than bullsh*t.

Silence helps you learn to know thyself.

The High Priestess is your divine channel to self-knowledge. Nurture her with silence as part of your daily spiritual practice, and listen to all the new insights she will reveal to you in return.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

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The Meaning Of The Chariot in the Tarot

Tarot of Quotes

The Chariot is all about moving forward into uncharted territory, leaving your comfort zone behind.

When this card comes up in a reading, is your personality or year card, the emphasis is on growth and self-development, so be prepared to make some decisions that can be seen as risky or perhaps uncomfortable.

It's never easy letting go of what you know in favour of the unknown and pursuit of distant dreams and goals.

But this card may be a sign that you simply have to get off your favourite armchair and out into the fresh air of possibilities and opportunities.

Whether it's turning a business idea into reality, sorting out your love life, moving home, improving your fitness, or tackling any other lifestyle issues—harness the energies of The Chariot for progress and positive change.

The Chariot in the Tarot suggests forward movement, momentum, travelling, action, change, conquest, control, determination, overcoming challenges and victory.

Victory and achievement are within your grasp, but the Chariot is also a reminder that it won't be easy, and you may well encounter struggle and tension along the way.

But it is exactly the hard parts of your journey that will help you grow and live the life you want to live.

You may need to 

• learn to balance opposing forces, just like the coachman has to lead two horses into the same direction. It's your time to lead
• develop resilience, self-discipline and determination to succeed. It's your time not to give up but persevere
• learn to assert yourself and take control of situations or aspects in your life, which need resolving

Astrologically, the Chariot is linked to the zodiac sign Cancer and the element water. 

There is a strong link to emotions, so you may have to learn to control negative emotions such as anger, jealousy or other aggressive impulses.

What to avoid: fear of change, apathy, impatience, recklessness

If you’d like to learn more about the Chariot and all the other cards in the Tarot, please check out my ebook The Cosmic Faery Tarot Guidebook.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Connect with me on:

Substack - Live more Magic

Medium - Simplify your Life

Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot Journaling