There are many tarot readers out there advertising and charging for their services, but are they true professionals?
If you are thinking of starting your own tarot business, you can use this checklist based on the Major Arcana to find out what it takes to be a professional tarot reader:
0. The Fool
You never assume anything and treat each reading like a blank sheet of paper. You know nothing about your client, looks can be deceiving, and you are open to all possibilities.
1. The Magician
Before you carry out the reading, you communicate clearly with your client about how much you charge and the type of reading you provide.
2. The High Priestess
When interpreting the cards, you trust your intuition. You listen carefully to what your client has to say and observe body language. You may even have had some formal training in counselling.
3. The Empress
You nurture your clients by making them feel comfortable and giving them your full attention and compassion.
4. The Emperor
You are clear about your boundaries and stay in control of the reading. You are not pressured into answering questions you feel uncomfortable about, e.g. financial advice, pregnancy, medical conditions etc.
5. The Hierophant
Rather than being set in your ways, you are open to learning more and enhance your skills. You may be familiar with the cards, but there is always something new to discover. You enjoy using different decks, read new books and articles on Tarot to avoid stagnation.
6. The Lovers
You strive to encourage your clients to make their own choices based on love and knowledge.
7. The Chariot
Difficult readings can be a challenge, but you persevere and do the best you can. Most of the time you will succeed. Occasionally, you will need to bow out gracefully. Learn from it and move on.
8. Strength
You empower your clients with gentle guidance and kindness.
9. The Hermit
You take regular breaks to renew your energy and declutter your mind. Never do readings when pre-occupied with your own personal issues, and keep all information shared by your client as strictly confidential.
10. The Wheel of Fortune
You remind your client that nothing is set in stone, and luck can change at any moment, especially when "big" questions are asked, such as "Will I ever find my soulmate / twin flame, get married and have children?"
11. Justice
Make sure you are "legal". Register with the tax office as self-employed and arrange public liability insurance cover, if you work in public places or offer readings at your home. It is also useful to list some basic Terms & Conditions that cover issues such as refunds, cancellations etc.
12. The Hanged Man
You offer your clients different perspectives on their issue, so they can move forward rather than live in denial or ignorance.
13. Death
When this card comes up in a reading, you won't be telling your client that s/he (or a loved one) is about to die.
14. Temperance
You aim to offer readings that are healing, based on a balanced mix of offering choices, illuminating what is hidden, highlighting opportunities and exploring future possibilities.
15. The Devil
You avoid being tempted to manipulate your client into making decisions or choices you think are right for them.
16. The Tower
Rather than letting negative feedback destroy your confidence and trust in your abilities, you use it to learn and grow. Be objective: was the client ready for your message? Did they resist change? Or were you trying to dazzle them with some dubious statements or predictions you "saw" in the cards?
17. The Star
Your highest intention is to give hope and offer inspiration to your clients even at the darkest of times. Occasionally, you will encounter sad and tragic stories, and you will have to draw on your innate ability to be a guiding light towards healing, renewal and a new purpose.
18. The Moon
You help your clients face and overcome their insecurities and fears.
19. The Sun
You aim to raise your client's confidence and optimism.
20. Judgement
Never judge your client or people that come up in a reading. Remember you only hear one side of the story.
21. The World
You have come a long way, have found your niche and established a reputation. But you also know it is time to expand your horizons and take your skills and experience to the next level.
New networks, ideas and projects will offer you new opportunities for growth and fulfilment.
⭐Where are you on your journey? I'd love to hear from you.
Warmest wishes,
Christiane
Connect with me on:
Substack - Live more
Magic
Medium - Simplify your
Life
Ko-Fi - Creative Tarot
Journaling