You’ve seen them before. Maybe you’ve even worked at one of them. Psychic fairs, spirit fairs, renaissance fairs….they come with all different names. Are they worth participating in?
I retired from public appearances many years ago. I have read tarot in occult shops, small fairs, bars in addition to lecturing at bookstores. It provided stellar experience and really helped to hone my skills but I am at a point now where I feel more comfortable in my own office.
But for many tarot readers, these fairs and other venues can be a great resource for clients, exposure and money. Before you consider donning a costume and signing up for one,let me give you a few insights that may help you decide if you want to be out and about or behind the scenes.
Let’s look at the good, the bad and the ugly,shall we?
The Good:
- Public appearances are the easiest and best way to promote yourself. Whether you are on television, in a fair or reading at a public event, you have the opportunity to get yourself in people’s faces. This allows people to see YOU and get a feel for what you are doing. There is no better way to do this. Make sure you bring business cards and brochures to these events!
- You can build a client base fast. This is especially important if you are a new reader. Where do you start to find clients? Any public event is sure to attract some new people who may click with you. The more you are out there, the more likely and quickly you will meet potential clients. Some of my best and most loyal clients came from my public appearances!
- You can connect with other readers.Community is vital to readers. Many of us work in secret or feel isolated. If you have the opportunity to meet other readers, you can share war stories, support each other and refer when necessary.
- You get to wear fun costumes. At some events, like renaissance fairs, you get to be gypsy or knave for the day! If you are the type who likes to play dress up, this is your chance to do it and getaway with it!
- You have the chance to educate people about Tarot. There are many misconceptions about Tarot – namely that it is “evil”. These events are an opportunity to dispel myths and allow people to become familiar with the wisdom of the Tarot. My lectures at the bookstores, for example, were an excellent way for me to answer questions about my work.
The Bad:
- You have no control over who you will have to serve. Drunks, crazies, rude people –they all can show up at your table and you may be stuck with some potential drama. Years ago, I was at one event and a belligerent drunk started screaming at me and calling me Satan. He went on a tirade for about 20 minutes and no one did ANYTHING. I was extremely frightened. Finally some guy came to my rescue and dragged this jerk away.
- Your reputation is tied up to the event. If the host of the affair loses face for any reason, you may be forever linked to their name. Make sure you are working with ethical, reputable people.
- The environment may be unsuitable.Outdoor festivals can be thwarted by Mother Nature (I’ve had cards blow away on a windy afternoon!). Indoor venues maybe dirty, loud or unorganized. One time I got set up next to a speaker system and had to scream my readings over the music. Not a fun night in my Tarot career!
- You may be forced to wear a costume.Personally, I don’t like to wear one so for me, this is a deal breaker.
The Ugly
- You could ripped off. There are some very unscrupulous vendors out there. Be sure to get a contract if possible. Keep good tabs on how many clients you read for. Balance out what you are owed. If they give you a check, be sure you have information handy if the check bounces. I learned these tips from my husband, who is a musician and has dealt with many public events and a few crooked vendors. I’ve been very lucky and this has not happened to me – but I know of others who have had some pretty sour experiences.
- Burn out comes quicker. Too many events, long nights, rude people – it can wear your nerves down quicker than you can say Major Arcana. Space these out wisely.
- Some vendors are fickle and vicious. I worked long and hard to help another person establish their business only to have them turn on me for no reason. They went out of their way to bash me. Ironically, they failed a few years later and I’m still going strong.
- Some readers don’t like to share the spotlight. I attended an event once where another tarot reader copped an attitude with me because she thought I had more clients than her. It created a very uncomfortable vibe in the air and made it hard for me to stay focused on my work. I don’t like being given the stink eye when I am trying to do my job!
Can I close off by making a confession here? I am actually quite introverted. You’d never guess it if you met me. I hide those sweaty palms and the queasiness quite well. For me, being in the spotlight is a scary affair and I rarely venture into it. But if you decide to grab that brass ring and put yourself out there, I tip my hat to you.
Blessings!
Theresa
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
