A lot of people who read tarot cards are very against the idea of reading cards at parties, fairs, festivals, and other events. These people argue that doing so is disrespectful to the art of tarot reading and feeds into negative stereotypes surrounding astrology, tarot reading, and the mystical world in general. On the other hand, however, some people believe that public tarot readings are a great way to spread awareness about this art and to get new people interested in it. Only you can decide how you feel about public tarot readings. If you ultimately decide that they’re “just fine” as far as you concerned and want to try your hand at public readings, keep a few tips in mind.
Prepare to Deal with Skeptics
First things first, you are going to deal with some skeptics when you do public readings. In fact, don’t be surprised if most of the people who pay for a reading have really paid just to challenge you and your abilities. Avoid the temptation to “prove yourself” to the doubters. What usually happens is that you’ll get too worked up and the whole thing will backfire. You don’t have to defend yourself or the art of tarot either. The best thing to do, with your doubters, is to politely explain how tarot readings work and that they can be a useful tool for gaining insight. And, just remember, for every few doubters you encounter, you will come across one or two people who are deeply and positively changed by your reading and by their introduction to tarot.
Consider the Online World
Think you’re too shy to ever give a public reading? While you are encouraged to try stepping outside of your comfort zone at some point, the internet can be a good way to build up your courage. Many tarot readers do quite well for themselves by giving online readings. These readings are sometimes sent via email or held over instant messenger conversations. The latter is usually better since it allows both the reader and the recipient to communicate more easily and naturally. You can sell online readings yourself through merchant websites, like Ebay or even Craigslist. Or, you can apply to work for a site that provides tarot readings to clients. Most tarot readers report that those who use their services online are less skeptical and more sincere in their inquiries.
Be Kind and Gentle
Whether you’re giving your readings online or in public, it’s important for you to be kind, gentle, and sensitive to those who come to you for guidance. Most people who seek tarot readings, especially if they are seeking them for the first time, are going through a difficult time in their lives. Whether it’s a period of transition, of loss, or uncertainty, what these seekers need is a calm, gentle guiding voice. That’s not to say that you can’t be honest with your clients, but you should be careful in your delivery of bad news and kind and reassuring throughout the entire reading.
Learn as You Go
These tips will greatly help you as you branch out into public readings. Of course, experience is also a great teacher, and the more you practice, the more you’ll learn and the better you’ll get at providing readings. Don’t give up; you are providing an important service!
Resources:
http://www.tarotschool.com/Readings.html
