How to Become a Professional Tarot Reader

Welcome to the next guide in our Alternative yet Lucrative Career Series:

How to Become a Professional Tarot Reader

May people believe that tarot cards can be used as a tool to uncover insights about their past and future. However, not too many people have the inclination to fastidiously learn all 78 meanings of the cards, and this is why you can profit handsomely if you put in the effort. People will pay you for interpreting the cards because they don’t have the time or motivation to learn it themselves.

So what are the basics for becoming a professional tarot reader?

Your first step, quite obviously, is to learn the cards. There is a plethora of sources out there, (including our new article series, Fervent Times Guide to Tarot) but you want to synthesize it all into information that means something to you. Later, we will explain how you are marketing your own personal interpretation more than you are selling a standardized definition of each card.

After you pick your first Tarot deck, probably the widely popular The Rider-Waite Deck, you want to spend 10 to 15 minutes carefully considering each card.

Write your observations in a notebook you create just for your Tarot studies. Learn not only the meaning of each card, but also the meanings off the numbers, suits, court cards, and each arcana. It sounds like a lot, and that is why people will pay you for it.

But truthfully, you are mostly training yourself to recognize symbols intertwined into the images on the cards. Most of these symbols are as old as time and you are already familiar with them, regardless of your cultural background. That is basically what an archetype is -a broad representation of scenes, roles, and experiences relevant to every human life.

(PS – this is why some writers credit the Tarot for helping them break writer’s block on a project. They lay out the cards and tell the sorry that comes up.)

At this early stage, there is no reason to spend money on special tarot books. There is plenty of free information online. Save that money for purchasing a couple of specialized decks or marketing yourself further down the road.

As you get comfortable with each card, give yourself practice readings using several different spreads. These different spreads are intended to serve different purposes and can add to your expertise as a reader. Feel free to even create your own special spreads.

After you have a strong grasp of the card meanings, it is time to start learning how to perform readings for others. And we really do mean perform.

You need to cultivate a unique style, which you convey to your client. You want to integrate this with your personal beliefs about the uses for the tarot.

At the start of your readings, you want to present this ideology to your client. Not only does this add to your client’s experience, it also adds to your legitimacy – which adds to your bottom line. People do not want to feel like they are being swindled by a fraudster who doesn’t believe in his or her craft. If you make them feel that way, then they definitely will not come back to you for future Tarot advice.

So whether you believe the cards can tell the past, future, present, or the story of our parallel twins living somewhere out in the multiverse, explain this to your client.

Prepare a few different and well worded versions of how the tarot can help the world, then loosely memorize and tell this to your client at the beginning of each session. It will also serve the dual benefit of getting you and your client in the receptive frame of mind.

Well, now how can I find these clients?

You may or may not be surprised to learn that your options are wide open here. We recommend getting your feet wet with free readings for friends and family – but do not make the mistake of making these mere dress rehearsals. These people are the start of your word of mouth campaign, you’ve got to make them believe. Give your whole spiel about what the cards can do for them and explain each card thoroughly as it comes up. Do not leave out details or sacrifice your enthusiasm just because you might feel embarrassed.

Genuine fervor creates followers.

If you feel more comfortable starting with strangers instead, Biddy Tarot offers a low cost program that connects you with people looking for free readings. The joining price is pretty low at only $29 for a 3-month membership. Plus, you would have a lot of opportunities to practice in a professional capacity.

One note is that it seems like your only option for delivering your reading is via written email.
While this might help you gather you thoughts, it isn’t necessarily helpful for practicing your persona out loud.

How do I market myself?

After you’ve had some practice, you are ready to start marketing yourself. Your step should be to create a webpage for yourself. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be clear, easy to read, and representative of the goal you are trying to accomplish – which should be something like helping others by giving them Tarot readings.

You should also explain how and why the Tarot is useful. Remember, this is your sales pitch – but it doesn’t have to sound slimy, and it probably won’t work if it does. This guide is intended for people with a genuine desire to provide meaningful Tarot consultation to others. Money is only relative to the fact that you are providing a service and deserve to be compensated for your time ad expertise.

Now that you have a webpage for yourself, you want to also submit your information to business directories, like the Yellow Pages for example.

Then, put up ads on Craigslist and ask to join online tarot directories. Get brave and creative by contacting summer festivals and renting a booth. Also, reach out to agencies who provide entertainment for private parties, see if they will let you advertise yourself with them.

As you are gaining momentum, volunteer your services for charitable events. Print up business cards and give them out to potential paying clients. Offer free consultations where you get an understanding of their issue and advice them about how the tarot can help them.

So how much money can you make when you become a professional tarot reader?

Quite a bunch actually. Of course, it all depends on how often you work. As you are starting out, focus on getting 6 new clients per month, charging $40 – $80 depending on the details of the session.

That is $240 – $480 per month. The better you make the experience, the more you can charge and the more likely you are to get repeat clients. With some effort, you can quickly work your way into making a few thousand every month just from individual sessions.

Also, be clear about what can be accomplished in one session. You cannot give them insight into all their life problems in one 30 minute reading – but maybe you can meet with them once a week over 5 weeks to help them sort out their issues. Be sure to offer package discounts.

Additionally, have your rates for parties and groups clearly listed on your service menu. It will keep your business fresh in their mind when they are planning their friends bachelorette party, or example. You could make $1000 or more for one single event.

And finally, you could also even run your business like Mary Kay (or the mob) and offer discounts on your products and services to people who host events or refer their friends.

Definitely don’t be afraid to ask your clients to refer their friends, chances are that their friends are people with similar interests and you can also add value to their lives.

This is a business where success is very attainable for the right personality. You need to be able to make people feel confident in the usefulness of the tarot, AND in your expertise. If you can accomplish this, then you will have created a very lucrative business for yourself.

Be sure to ask us any questions you have and to keep us updated on your journey.

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This article is part of a series on how to attain an alternative career that is both spiritually fulfilling and still profitable.  For more in the series, including How to become a Life Coach, just click the link.