BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL TAROT READER

When I first became interested in Tarot, I tried trawlingused to be that the longer the reading the better.  Not
through books, but information didn't seem to work oralways.  Sometimes, using a simple to-the-point
stay in my brain for that matter, so I tried a differentspread is much better; this approach not only gets to
approach.  I put the books away and sat with eachthe point of the question that the Querent is asking, but
individual card and wrote about how I felt it spoke toalso allows the cards to give an honest answer too,
me, after which, I used the books as a reference toas generally when people are asking a question they
see what other angles there might be.  In betweenwould much prefer a direct answer, rather than lots of
this, I was giving readings to friends and family andpositivity, but no actual answer!  It is really helpful to
even without that foundation ‘knowledge'get a question from the Querent as you then have a
somehow, what I was saying, seemed to make sensefocus point for the reading thus discarding any
to those receiving readings.  I then went onto joinunwanted waffle and wasting valuable time but, this
various Tarot Groups, giving free readings and beingsaid, the cards will answer a question that is at the
mentored to reach a high standard of reading.  I metforefront of the Querent's mind regardless, which is
many people on my journey, all of which helped mehandy if they have more than one!  Of course you
gain confidence and experience - today, I am teachingmust trust your intuition to guide you on what is right in
Tarot and giving professional readings both face toeach situation.
face and via email and best of all, this journey isn't justA handy and very good spread to use would be;
unique to me; anyone with an interest and enthusiasmCard 1 – The situation
for Tarot can do this too. This position would generally show the situation around
From a professional point of view, I have found thatyourself or the Querent as it is.
one of the most important things to have isCard 2 – What not to do
boundaries.  Boundaries let the Querent (personalThis next position would advise yourself or the
receiving the reading) know what they can expectQuerent on what not to do in the said situation –
from you, but also what they shouldn't expect too –even a positive card can prove to be accurate in this
having your own working code of ethics is a goodposition; think of how many times things have been
idea too.  Once these boundaries and ethics are set,seen through rose-tinted glasses!
stay within them as much as you can because itCard 3 – What to do
keeps you, as a Reader, safe.  Payment for readingsFinally card 3; what to do – this gives the answer of
is one important boundary – think for a moment ofhow to move forward generally, although both cards 2
any professional and how they advertise themselvesand 3 are a positive way of moving forward despite
– would an electrician work for free?  It's nicehow the cards might look and the answers you might
when you can help people with free readings, but doesreceive.
it give the right impression from a ‘Professional'Of course there is also the option of adding a 4th card
point of view if you do it all of the time.  Payment isbeneath card number 1, asking for additional information
also an energy exchange – you are giving youror advice – play around with the spread and see
professional energy for an exchange; howeverwhat messages you get.
payment isn't always money!  It can be reading forAbove all enjoy the Tarot – have fun and allow the
someone who gives a reading in return.cards to help you and those around you and trust the
Timing of the reading is another important aspect tocards you use; give readings as often as you can, and
consider too – how long have you suggested forallow yourself to develop.  So, in answer to the
the reading?  Don't go over this time; bear in mind thatquestion…… you are a Professional Reader when
a counselling hour is 50 minutes and not 60, so shouldyou confident, happy and trust in your ability as a
a Tarot reading be any more?Reader.  When you feel ready, tell yourself you are
From a reading point of view my school of thoughtprofessional, as well as anyone that asks too!!