I don’t know this for sure, but I imagine that most people who learn tarot think about reading professionally. Reading tarot is certainly an option as a career. But it isn’t for everyone. And, most professional readers will tell you, it is not as glamorous as you’d imagine.

Amber K and Azraiel Arynn K’s book, Heart of Tarot, is primarily a primer on adapting Gestalt techniques to tarot reading. However, there are several chapters devoted to the issues of reading professionally. The authors begin this section suggesting first that the reader examine her motivations and, second, consider whether or not she has the necessary skills, such as:

  • Am I really, really skilled at reading the Tarot? Do I consistently have people asking for readings, and are they always pleased with the results?
  • Do I  have the stamina and concentration to do several readings a day without getting bored or losing focus?
  • Can I do an excellent reading even if I am tired, or hungry, or in a bad mood?
  • Do I like people a lot—almost any kind of people? Can I work with a wide variety of clients, from grouchy skeptics to desperate jilted lovers to helping innocents who want a guru to guide their lives?
  • Do I have enough wisdom, eloquence, and charisma to leave every client with a feeling of hope and determination, no matter how difficult their problems?
  • Am I able to empower the client to find their own answers and make their own decisions, even if I am sure I know what they should do in a given situation? Do I have the ability to sit on my own opinions and help them find their own path?
  • Can I survive on a minimal income until my practice is established, and a modest but erratic income even if everything goes well? (This is not for people who love the security of a regular paycheck, good medical benefits, and a company supported pension plan. And unless you live in Hollywood and manage to become a “Card Reader to the Stars,” don’t look for significant money.)
  • Do I have the skills of a business manager and a sales person, to handle advertising, promotion, and record-keeping, especially if I am working solo instead of with an established business?

What do you think of these required skills? Do you agree with this list? What would you change or add or take away?

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Written by Barbara Moore
The tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore’s personal and professional lives for over a decade. In college, the tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, and history. Later, she served as the tarot specialist for Llewellyn Publications. Over the years, she has ...