25 Tips To Be A Happy Tarot Reader

I’m not going to lie to you: reading tarot for a living is hard work. Now don’t get me wrong – it’s fun and interesting most of the time and I would never want to do anything else. But it can also be draining.

Many readers that I have talked to over the years mention the “burnout factor”. It’s more common than you think. A lot of tarot readers admit that at times they just feel beat down from dealing with people’s problems and dramas day in and day out.

It is key to keep yourself aligned body, mind and spirit if you intend to make this your full time job for any length of time. Which means making YOU a priority.

I’ve been doing this a long time and have learned a few things to keep myself engaged, sane and happy. Here are my tips to help you keep your tarot mojo running smoothly:

Take time off. Resting is important. Doing tarot every single day of the week will burn you out. Vacations are a MUST. (I also recommend limiting your days of the week and hours to a strict schedule. I only read 4 days a week, for example.)
Meditate. A daily practice will keep your mind centered and anchored in the present moment. It also helps you to connect with your inner guidance – which leads to better tarot readings.
Surround yourself with supportive people. Not just your family but friends and colleagues as well. This work can be isolating – you’ll want a posse of positive peeps to ground you.
Go to tarot conferences. This is a fantastic way to expand your skills, meet fellow readers and get exposed to some cool new decks! There are plenty to choose from: Reader’s Studio, Tarosophy, SF BATS, and TABI just to name a few.
Get rid of clients who drain you. Not every client is a good fit for you. Recognize when the energy is poor and let them go. In some cases, you may want to refer them to a reader who may be better suited for their needs/temperament.
Exercise! Get in your body. Most tarot people that I have met tend to “live in their heads”. Getting physical every day helps you to center – plus it gets rid of stress!
Study new methods. Look at the way other tarot readers interact with the cards. Try a new technique. Don’t get too hung up on your own formulas. Investigate and stay fresh!
Treat yourself to a new deck now and then. (I recently pre-ordered the Bohemian Cats tarot deck and can’t wait for it to arrive!)
Teach what you know. Teaching can be an enriching experience for both teacher and student. Share your knowledge!
Don’t undercharge for your readings. Set a fair price that you are comfortable with – and that will make your life comfortable.
Learn how to run a business. If you want to succeed in this work, you have to tend to the business side of things. Invest in your business and in your business education.
BREATHE.
Know your niche. Are you an esoteric reader? Therapeutic? Prediction oriented? Find your “style” and market yourself appropriately.
Say no. It’s okay to refuse to read for someone. You do not have to serve everyone who seeks out your services.
Get a tarot reading from someone who uses a completely different deck or method. (I recently had an awesome reading from James Wells that was very helpful. His style is much different than mine – he’s a tarot counselor. It was interesting and insightful!)
Join a Tarot Meet Up group. This is a great way to network and practice! If you don’t have one in your area, create a group!
Create a sacred space in your home for tarot reading. This doesn’t have to be a complete room (although lucky you if you are able to have one!). Even a small corner in a room can be turned into a tarot sanctuary.
Take a class now and then. The Tarot School offers a whole tarot course plus ongoing classes. There are many other options as well. One only has to peruse the internet to find a huge range of classes to choose from!
Get therapy. If you have deep seated issues, don’t work them out in your tarot readings – work them out with a trained counselor. You’ll be glad you did. (My wise friend Diane says: “Everyone needs therapy because everyone had a childhood.”)
Grow a thick skin. Some people won’t like you or your work. Some will think you are in league with the devil. Hit the ignore button. Go on and brush your shoulders off, playa.
Pace yourself. Too many readings in a row is a recipe for burnout. Take mini breaks in your day. Turn your phone off. Don’t be available on demand.
Get a massage. I get them once a month and it is worth every nickel!
Check out new books. The tarot world is constantly coming out with interesting books. I’m always scouring amazon for new goodies!
Journal. I have a regular journal and a tarot journal. Writing down your thoughts helps to purge your mind and unload your worries. A tarot journal is a good way to keep track of your readings and thoughts about tarot. (Read “Tarot Journaling” by Corrine Kenner for ideas.)
Be you. You never have to read like anyone else. No way is the “right and only” way. The only way that will ever matter to you is the one that works best for you. Never be a cheap imitation of anyone else.