5 Things Every Professional Tarot Reader Needs

You think all you need are a deck of cards and you’re ready to roll?  Not quite.  If you make the leap from tarot fan to professional tarot reader, there are a few things you’ll need:

1. Sturdy Tarot Cards – If you have a lot of people handling your decks, you need to purchase decks made on good card stock.  So choose carefully.  I’ve had some decks that lasted years and others only a few months. Recently, I purchased the Sharman Caselli deck, which was made on rather thin paper.  One aggressive shuffler later, the deck was toast.

2.  A Quiet Room – I’m lucky as I have my own spacious office, right in my home.  This allows me to control the environment and make it as peaceful as I need it.  My clients often remark at how calm and relaxing my space is.  If you are not able to have your own office, try to find a local coffee shop or other public venue that is as laid back as possible. Even a small corner in a room at your home is fine as long as there are not too many distractions.

3.  Phone And Email – This is a no brainer but you would not believe how many tarot readers I know who have neither! (This is one of the many reasons we have a flaky reputation!) I don’t know how their clients can find them!  I’ve had the same phone number for 15 years – so my clients have no trouble finding me if they lost my business card.  The world wide web has made things even easier and many clients love being able to shoot me an email, which can sometimes be easier than catching me by phone!  If you change your number, make sure that your clients are able to get the new one.  And while you’re at it – don’t forget to have business cards with your phone and email plainly written.

4.  A Good  Accountant – I adore my accountant, Sam and he is worth his weight in gold!  He keeps me on track, makes sure my taxes are paid and always has good advice about money.  If you decide to go pro, remember that you will be paying self employment tax (which feels like a penalty at times!).  A reliable accountant will ensure you keep your books straight and stay on good terms with the taxman!

5.  Thick Skin – This is one profession where people feel free to call you a devil worshipper, a fraud, etc. so if you are sensitive to judgments, you are going to get your feelings hurt a lot.  Some clients can dump on you or have unrealistic expectations of your services.  And there is always one jerk who wants to prove you wrong.  This comes with the territory.  Learn to let things roll, do the very best that you can and don’t take anything personally.

Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com

©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed