About the Author
Christine Jette (pronounced Jetty) is a registered nurse and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She is the Llewellyn author of Tarot Shadow Work, Tarot for the Healing Heart, Tarot for All Seasons and Professional Tarot. Christine lives in the Cleveland area with her husband and three cats
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1 Taking the Leap Trust that still small voice that says, This might work and Ill try it. Diane Mariechild In this chapter, youll assess the strengths and challenges of a professional tarot reader and examine attitudes and beliefs about money. Abundance is an outlook: you learn how to draw the energy of money to you for success. As a professional reader, you will examine the culture of money and the value you place on your services. You will also explore the myth of competition and learn how to carve out a niche market that expresses the one-and-only you. Lets begin with a scary proposition. A Scary Proposition People tend to get tarot readings at a time of indecision or personal crisis. They are vulnerable to suggestions and are looking for advice. Knowledge is power. As professional readers, we have the power to influence our clients because people in need tend to hang on to every word we say. This is a scary proposition for a lot of us because it carries awesome responsibility. Two things can happen: we either charge headfirst into a situation we are not prepared for and it blows up in our face, or we doubt our own abilities and never take the leap of faith needed to become a professional reader. Here are some of the most common beliefs that hold us back from success as professional readers. Im not . . . good enough, talented enough, smart enough, etc. psychic. [fill in the blank]. I cant . . . charge money for reading the cards. make a living as a tarot reader. [fill in the blank]. I dont know . . . where to start. how to find clients. [fill in the blank]. I must . . . have all the answers. fix everything. be able to tell the client what to do. take responsibility for my clients problems. [fill in the blank]. Professional Tarot explores these self-limiting beliefs in depth. Read on. Why Do You Want to Be a Professional Tarot Reader? It is important to be clear about your motives and intentions before you read the tarot cards for another person.Why do you want to be a pro? Stop and really think about this.Make an entry in your journal. To get you started, the following are some possible reasons for becom- ing a professional tarot reader. Bear in mind that this is not an allinclusive list. I want to become a professional tarot card reader in order to help the client gain greater insight and objectivity about asituation; help the client discover new solutions to old problems; empower the client to face changes with courage; educate the client about the value of tarot as a tool for spiritualgrowth and awareness; make money; gain personal satisfaction in helping others; increase intuitive skills and knowledge; enhance personal growth and increase self-esteem; make a reputation for myself, have increased popularity, and gainwell-deserved attention; become an authority in the field; be more fully alive and engaged in a magical life; [insert your own reasons here].Oil and Water I have volunteered for various causes throughout my life. Everyone is happy to have my free services, time, and skills. Several years ago, after two years of volunteer work, I very much wanted to become a paid employee for a certain organization. As soon as I mentioned money, everything changed.My qualifications were immediately in question. I found this puzzling because I was asking to be paid for the job I had done for two years as a volunteer. I learned there is a big difference between doing something for free and charging for those same services. No tarot book can equal the experience of doing actual readings. Reading free for friends is a great way to practice and fine-tune your skills. Friends are patient with the learning process and tolerant of shortcomings. Reading for relatives and friends who want you to succeed creates a positive atmosphere. You have an added edge during a reading because you already know something about them. Without charging money, a reading has no strings attached and can be all in fun. But at some point, you may feel you are skilled enough to charge something. For paid readings, you may be starting with people you know, friends, or coworkers. The old saying goes that friends and money dont mix, especially if you have been doing free readings for them.Asking for money from a friend can be awkward. Charging a fee encourages you to fine-tune your skills to increase competency. Slapdash methods of mediocrity are okay when your readings are free. You work harder at a reading when people are paying you for it. As a LOréal commercial might phrase it, you charge money for your readings because youre worth it. Only you can decide if you will charge money when reading for friends.Money has destroyed more than one relationship, and just like oil and water, friends and money mix with difficulty.My advice is once you do start charging for tarot readings, its not a good idea...(Continues)
