Becoming a Professional Reader

What does it take to become a professional reader? That's a question I am asked usually at least once a week. Truly there is not a one-answer-fits-all, but I hope to be able to offer some helpful suggestions. I've been through the process myself, and I've also mentored and coached a few others through it as well.

The first bit of advice is to examine why exactly you want to be a professional reader. Are you looking for wealth and fame? If you are, then being a reader probably isn't the best option for your future endeavors. You would have greater opportunities, both financially and for recognition, in other avenues. I have found that such ambitions are usually not enough to sustain someone through the difficulties of being a full-time reader.

I personally feel that the best reason to read professionally for others is born out of a sincere desire to help others in need. Yes, you will need to make enough money to sustain your life, but the desire to help your future clients should be of greater focus than buying a new BMW or a Chanel handbag.

Once you have an idea as to why you want to do it, then I would suggest that you put in adequate time to study and become very familiar with the tools you either already use or would like to use. Don't expect to be an expert on Tarot or Lenormand after a few weeks of casually reading a how-to book. It doesn't exactly work that way for most people. Allow the cards to grow within your mental continuum, so that you really understand them and the way that the symbols communicate their deeper messages.

Most people are not 100% comfortable with their knowledge base when they start reading publicly. To be honest, most readers with years and years of experience still have moments of trepidation from time to time. I started reading Tarot publicly in Jackson Square in New Orleans, back in the 1990s. It was truly trial by fire and an incredible rite of passage. I would set up my table and sign, put out chairs, and then sit there in the heat and humidity and pray that someone nice would sit down, preferable someone with a sense of humor. Much to my surprise, they did! I have many great memories of incredible readings that transpired right there in front of St. Louis Cathedral. Even as wonderful as they were, I will admit I was absolutely scared almost the entire time! There I was, still a teenager, sitting out in public with a Tarot deck!

Eventually the nerves will subside so that they don't bother you as much. When they flare up, I found it helpful to simply focus on the cards and the client, work through the methods you have learned to read the cards, and listen for Spirit to guide you in the messages to deliver. It's one of the big reasons I strongly advocate that aspiring readers really put in plenty of study and practicing the cards with friends and family members.

Ok, so you've become well-versed in your chosen tool(s), you've practiced with family and friends, and you feel confident enough to strike out and do it for others. Now you must decide where you will actually work as a reader. I recommend going to psychic fairs where people are trying out new readers. Perhaps there's a shop in your city that you can approach about offering readings. Some go ahead and put up their own website and offering Skype and telephone readings to others.

You will have bad readings, that's just the truth. Even readers with decades of practice still have bad readings from time to time. Let's face it -- we're human. It sucks, but it's the truth. If you decide to work through one of the online networks, at some point you will have a negative review. Again, it sucks. You can be accurate in your reading, but if it's not what the client wants to hear, sometimes they will retaliate by leaving you a scathing, not-so-nice review. That's just the reality of the work. If you are serious about doing the work full-time, however, it's something that you'll have to get over at some point.

I have found it useful over the years to maintain a network of fellow readers, to offer support as well as to be supported. There are online forums these days that didn't exist when I started out. Some forums are all about "Look at me! Aren't I wonderful!" And there are also plenty that are populated by individuals who are serious about reading and are there to mentor, support, offer advice, and simply be a friend.

So you've struck out as a reader. It's a huge step! Just make sure you don't quit your day job just yet. You should probably build your business before cutting off all other financial means of support. If your life-partner or family can support you for a while, that's wonderful, but give yourself at least several months before you realistically expect to support yourself 100% through readings alone.

The psychic networks get a lot of flack from loads of people -- they always have. At the same time, I know many excellent readers that subsidize their regular private practice by working on the networks at least part-time. Don't have any clients scheduled this week? Then log on to whichever network you've applied and been accepted at, and take the calls or webcam sessions that come your way. It's also another great way to build your confidence level as you'll be reading for people that call from all over the world, from different countries and backgrounds, all wanting answers to life's questions in usually 10 minutes or less.

Sure, there are people working the networks that are not quite legit. There are individuals in every field that probably shouldn't be in it. I must admit that as a reader coming from "proper tea rooms," I had a negative opinion about the networks in the beginning. That was before I actually met readers who worked on them. So, before you judge them and rule them out, you might want to at least consider them. There are excellent ones out there if you are willing to search for them.

The next big secret: keep practicing. You will have rough days in which you wonder why in the world you started down this path at all. You will also have days where you are amazed by the work itself, and the feedback from clients will make all of it worth it.

This isn't a big secret, but please drink plenty of water and eat regularly. I have found that some days I get so busy that I forget to fill my water bottle and I don't take 20 minutes to eat something. By the end of those days I usually have a headache. That's especially important to remember if you work at a psychic fair. Pace yourself, take care of yourself, otherwise you'll end up crashing.

Before going in with a client, take a moment to examine yourself. Take some deep breaths, smile, and have confidence in the time you've spent getting to know your cards.