Tarot reading
I've been messing around with Tarot cards since I was 13. As an adolescent I got quite obsessed with that kind of stuff and know my way around a Rider-Waite deck to the point where a reading becomes intuitive (I can also draw up astrological charts without the need for a computer, interpret the I-Ching etc. etc.). However about the age of 18 I decided this obsession was rather silly and decided to get on with life without "magical" props.

Then last year I got myself a new deck of Tarot cards, deciding that this time it might be just a bit of fun - reading tarot could be my party trick so to speak. Since then I've done a number of readings for people online, because I'm interested in the feedback I get. I always stress they shouldn't take it too seriously and that I can guarantee nothing, but it's amazing how many people claim my readings work for them in some way. I've even been offered money to be transferred to my paypal account, which I've always declined because it seems exploitative.

But then I get to rethinking.. I'm reaching the end of my overdraft and have no job at the moment so I'm wondering what the possibilities could be. I see "buy it now" readings on ebay for as much as a fiver, and my local hippy shop advertises tarot consultations at £15 per half-hour. This is easy money compared to anything I've done before.. but would I be selling my soul?
(lost, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 14:57, 12 replies)

if people want to believe it
and want to pay you for it, then do it

they are entering into it of their own accord

and if you don't take their money then someone else will
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:00, closed)

There will always be people wanting the type of service you offer.
Better that you do it than some rip-off merchant. If your as up-front about it as you say you are then I don't see a problem.
( girlinthehole, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:00, closed)

!!
Yeah go for it. As long as you don't tell people it'll cure their cancer I don't see the harm. People spend a fiver on worse stuff, don't they.

But how do you do an online reading? I'd like one please.
( browser still relating boring anecdotes into a void on, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:01, closed)

Whoooooaaaaaa!
Do not answer any more questions!

What you need sweet lovey is a manager. Someone who will look after your interests and promote you in a way that is both profitable and ethical, someone who knows the business inside out.
Lucky for you I am he. 80/20 split is slightly better than the industry standard but I have a good feeling about you.

Now, to get the ball rolling:

1. No more freebies.
2 All requests from saddoes - sorry 'clients' are to be dealt with only through me.
3. If you could pm me the £250 enrollment fee I can be on your side getting you slots on GMTV within a month.

Welcome to showbiz sweetheart.
(Tugnut Ex of this parish, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:14, closed)

^Browser
OK, I'll do you a reading, but only for you - no-one else request one please.. Gaz me a specific question (but don't make it too specific - I'm not an oracle) and I'll gaz you back. I'm not putting a reading in the public domain 'cos you lot will no doubt rip the piss..

I'm seriously thinking of putting a few ads on ebay now. The morality of it seems a bit of a grey area but hey.
(lost, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:32, closed)

^Drtugnut2
arf arf.. but it can be quite lucrative. A friend's mum works for the psychic channel making £100 an hour, and she doesn't entirely believe in it either.
(lost, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 15:34, closed)

Hello
My friend does Tarot readings, and as long as you are honest and the payee is consenting and knows what to expect then all is well.

If they ask stupid bloody questions then it doesn't work and beat them.
(Halfy By light alone, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 16:11, closed)

I would say
that doing this sort of thing when you don't actually believe in it is even more dishonest and morally reprehensible.
(Bazongaloid, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 16:13, closed)

^al
..I kind of do believe in it, just not absolutely, and there's a danger of people taking a reading so seriously they obsess over it and it does them no good. Didn't want to admit to much genuine belief around here because I know most b3ta people are pretty hardline atheist types who will snort with either laughter or rage when someone gets esoteric on their arses.
(lost, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 16:25, closed)

Two minds
I know it's all just cold reading, but I'm in two minds.

My honest, rational, well-fed self says "No, it's dishonest, you know it's a con, don't do it."

But, I'm not at the end of my overdraft with no job, and as long as you're not taking money from other people who can't afford it, my what-the-hell, skint self says knock yourself out.

Please, though, don't start believing your own PR and go off the deep end like Sylvia Browne or Doris Stokes.
( Amish Information Systems hates misplaced, commas, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 18:22, closed)

if...
you decide to go ahead and use paypal, get a micropayment account. Much lower fees for payments under £12.

We have one. It took a bit of setting up with PP and the bank but now it's all in place it's great.

Best of luck.

You could do live voice readings over skype too you know.
(MadBouncyDog Barking at the moon since, Fri 1 Aug 2008, 18:34, closed)

Nah..
it's not really my thing. I'm not comfortable taking money in exchange for my flights of fancy over some randomly-drawn cards. otherwise I would have done it a long time ago. It's an empty life, unless one really is psychic, which I can't claim to be in all honesty. Oh well. Maybe it's ab out time I sold my record collection.
(lost, Sat 2 Aug 2008, 1:34, closed)