Tarot is a tool used by readers to help their clients understand the past, present and future. It is an ancient practice that has been around for hundreds of years. Tarot card reading requires a lot of practice, patience and knowledge to become proficient at it.
To become a tarot reader you need to first understand what each card represents and how they work together with each other. The cards will tell you if someone is going through something good or bad in their life. It can also tell you what steps should be taken in order for someone to improve their lives or make better choices within their daily lives.
The first step in becoming a tarot reader is learning about the different cards that are used within this type of divination system. This includes learning about their meanings as well as understanding how each one works with others within this type of divination system.”
How To Become A Tarot Reader
Getting Started in Tarot
I’d been doing tarot readings for friends and family members years before it occurred to me to turn it into a side gig. Sometimes, I consulted the cards to get some insight into a plot when writing.
This experience, along with a range of Tarot books (and my own card-meaning cheat sheet), gave me the confidence to start charging for my services.
Eventually, I ditched the cheat sheet, learned to interpret cards from memory and moved over to my first paid reading. Looking at how other readers interpret certain cards was also a big help!
What’s in a Tarot Deck?
Don’t have a tarot deck? There are thousands of available decks, each with its own nuances.
For beginners, pick a deck that sticks to “classic” imagery. Here are my top five favorites from Amazon:
Marketing Myself as a Tarot Card Reader
My first step was joining tarot groups on Facebook and networking with other readers.
Some of the groups didn’t allow advertising, while others required a test reading before they allowed ads. Many non-tarot groups have rules specifically against advertising tarot readings.
Make sure you read the rules before advertising on any website or group. Otherwise, you could get banned from all of them!
Within a week, I noticed I had more success advertising in the groups and circles I regularly commented in, rather than where I just placed an ad.
People want to connect with you as a reader before they book and pay for their readings.
I started by offering simple and free three-card readings, so people could get used to seeing me around. From there, I started building a reputation and word-of-mouth took over.
If you intend to do readings more than every once in a while, advertise at local venues, fairs and forums (again, read the rules!).
Also, start a blog or website. Set one up for free through WordPress and use it to showcase your work.
How Much is a Reading Worth?
Rates for tarot readings vary. Expect to charge anything from $5 per reading and up. There seem to be a lucky few who earn up to $250 per reading.
What people are willing to pay depends on your experience, reputation, what kind of reading you offer and how you do it. For example, email readings are often cheaper than those done live or through Skype.
I started out offering $5 three-card readings, and worked my way up to $20 readings within a month. These were much more complex and detailed — and I had built up a good reputation.
People like special offers. Once I stopped the free readings, I offered things like “two-for-one readings” if people book and pay for a friend. I also offered “free three-card readings” to introduce myself to new clients.
With Cartomancy Comes Responsibility
Two hard questions from opposing clients made me realize it’s about more than just fortune-telling or interpreting messages from cards.
People come to you because they want answers and guidance.
Their questions can range from strange (“Should I get a cat this year?”) to serious and life-affecting (“Will my kids be OK if I die?”). It’s up to you to help them out.
I’ve seen cases of tarot readers convincing people to leave their families, sell their homes and go to Mexico — don’t!
You have a responsibility not to give bad advice when people come to you for guidance.
Tarot Tips
Thinking about giving it a shot? Here’s my best advice:
- Get some good tarot books, study up and practice for free with friends, family or yourself before charging.
- Don’t price yourself out of the market: Too low and you’re a newbie, too high and you’re a charlatan!
- Religion shouldn’t be a factor. Clients will come from all walks of life and belief systems. Being a writer, I emphasised writing a beautifully intricate reading, rather than “fortune-telling”.
- Keep taxes in mind when you start doing regular readings
- You’re not just “telling the future.” Don’t rely on tarot cards to give “yes” or “no” answers to questions you don’t want to interpret — and don’t give bad advice!
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How to Make More Money
Here’s how you can charge more for your readings:
- Start small, and work your way up to a higher rate. As your experience grows, so will your rates.
- Turn a $5 reading into a $10 reading by offering added extras or new spreads.
- Change how you read: Can you afford to go to your clients, or will you do it via email or Skype? You can charge more for in-person readings, especially if you travel.
- Expand your reach. Start a website, and learn how to make money from the traffic!
Reading the cards for money started out as an experiment and a way to get my wife and I through a rough time, but I’ve continued doing it on demand.
Every once in a while, a new client comes along or the regulars need some insight, and I’ve just kept on going.
