Making the decision to enter the world of professional tarot reading is a brave step indeed. This is a quirky and challenging industry and not for the faint of heart. Each day presents a unique opportunity to touch people’s lives in a deep and spiritual manner – but each day can also be filled with difficult clients and/or skeptics who are gunning to discredit you as well as the many other challenges of running a business.
This can be intimidating to anyone but it is especially so for a younger reader who has not developed a thick skin or basic business skills. Not knowing where to start may prevent many talented young readers from getting their businesses off the ground. This is where a teacher or mentor becomes invaluable. Getting guidance from someone who has “been in the trenches” can help a new reader go from an insecure rookie to a confident and successful pro quicker than having to figure it out all on your own.
New people have to learn and perfect their craft to carry on the tradition but where they get that education does matter. If you are thinking about turning your love of tarot into a career and have considered working with a coach, mentor or teacher to reach that goal, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind before you commit to working with anyone.
- What is their experience? In other words, how long have they been in the game? The longer the person has been working in this industry, the more seasoned they will be in all aspects of the business. The last thing you want is someone who is “one lesson ahead” of their students.
- Do they have a self sustaining business? It is important to work with someone who has a stable business model (the exception to that is a retiree). If they do not have a successful business and are not well established, they have no business teaching anyone about business. If you hitch your wagon to a failure, you will most likely fail as well.
- How do they run their business? Ask questions about the ins and outs of their practice so that you are sure they are running a legitimate enterprise. (Ex: How do they market? Is their website and marketing in pace with the current time – or are they outdated? What is their advertising budget? How many hits do they get on their website? What business structure do they have? Do they pay taxes quarterly or yearly?)
- What type of business do they have? Make sure that you are studying with someone who is doing the kind of business you aspire to have. For example, do you want to be primarily internet based? Do you wish to see people in a private setting? Are you looking to work at corporate events? Or do you prefer working a hotline or on demand service? Get clear on how you want to work so that you are aligned with the right business model.
- What is their reputation within the tarot community? Are they well regarded or do their peers keep them at a polite (or not so polite) distance? You can judge a man by the company they keep. If your potential teacher has a bad, unethical or untrustworthy reputation, this is a red flag. Also be very careful of those who try to make themselves look good by trashing their “competition”. Don’t just take their word as that is nothing more than hearsay – make sure you verify those accusations.
- Do you feel your personalities are a good match? This is crucial for if you do not like your mentor, they will be worthless to you. And keep in mind that not every teacher can work well with every student. Take time to meet with them before you begin to see if you are a good fit and on the same page. If not, keep moving on until you find someone who is more in tune with you, your goals and your learning style.
A mentoring relationship is a sacred contract that requires trust. Therefore it is important that you do your homework before you enter into a teacher/student relationship with anyone.
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” ~ John Crosby
“In every art beginners must start with models of those who have practiced the same art before them.” ~Ruth Whitman
“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” ~ William Arthur Ward
Blessings!
Theresa
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady
Have you taken classes in tarot or business? What has your experience been like? How did you find your teacher or mentor? If you teach, what advice do you have to add to this post? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below:
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. 
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