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Reviews: Tarot Decks
Tarot & Cartomancy
Deck & Book Reviews
by Bonnie Cehovet, TE
Tarot Master
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Professional Tarot
The Business of Reading, Consulting, & Teaching
author: Christine Jette
Llewellyn Worldwide
2003
ISBN #0-7387-0217-X
It is a giant leap from studying the Tarot to becoming a Tarot professional - i.e. reading for money. The obstacles here are both external (state laws, community environment) and internal (charging for a skill that you see as a gift). Jette has written the first book that covers this subject in depth, and with wisdom and heart.
Jette certainly has the background to write this book, as she is a reader, a consultant, and a teacher in the field of Tarot, as well as being a registered nurse, therapeutic touch practitioner, and part-time writing instructor. She has faced the issues that she talks about, and uses her experience to light the path for those that follow.
Many of the issues that Jette addresses were issues that I personally faced when I became a professional reader, such as licensing and tax structures. Some of the issues that I faced were different, as I chose to read, for the most part, over a 900 line.
Jette starts the book out by noting that she had to refer to business, psychology, and astrology books in referencing the information for her business. She would not be the first person to note that, since astrology is essentially an associated art, that this is a resource that Tarot readers can turn to.
One of the suggestions that Jette makes in making best use of the material in this book is that you do not have to start with the first page and read straight through to the last page. You have the option of going straight to the section that you need the most help with at any given time. The book is organized as follows:
1. Taking the Leap: Here the reader gets to look at their own beliefs and attitudes about money. For many people the challenge is to charge for their services in the first place. For me, it was not knowing whether I was going to actually be of any help to my callers (900 line) or not. Jette notes that we need to draw the energy of money to us to experience success. We are also asked to look at "why" we want to become Tarot readers, and to get professional readings of our own done at intervals so that we can see the techniques employed by other readers. She also suggests other resources that help create ambiance, an appropriate environment, and tone, as well as how to relate to the cards in a reading. Jette also debunks the myths surrounding owning ones own business, and presents an exercise entitled "The Power of Three" - (1) Belief in Self (Queen of Wands), (2) Willingness to Work (Queen of Pentacles), and (3) Desire to Be of Service (Queen of Cups). Also discussed is the development of your own personal style and voice. Styles presented include The Teacher, The Interpreter, The Healer, The Mystic, and The Alchemist, which is an amalgam of each of the other styles.
2. Building Your Practice: The topics here are what to name your business, what to charge for your services, and how to talk to clients. Getting the money up front - before the reading - is one thing that is essential to a well run practice. Also, in what manner you are going to accept money: cash, check, money order, or credit card. There are some interesting pro's, as well as con's, to how we may decide to accept money, whether we will work with a "payment plan", and whether we give discounts. Guaranteeing readings, and offering refunds, also rears its head in this chapter. Personal safety tips for those reading at home, or in other people's homes, and having a "Tarot-to-go" kit ready at all times are integral to this chapter, as well as tips on advertising your business.
3. Global Tarot: Here we move to the world wide Internet, phone readings, and building a business in cyberspace. Here Jette also touches on something that I face as a 900 line reader - recognizing and working with at-risk callers. Also discussed, but not at length, are some of the ways that an Internet site can be set up, and which software is easiest to use. How to answer your phone, and what information to give out, are extremely pertinent to the acceptance and growth of your Tarot business. Jette also presents an interesting series of question to Tarot Passages web mistress Diane Wilkes.
4. The Business of Tarot: This chapter presents the nitty gritty of zoning laws, licensing, untaxed income, record keeping, using a computer for business purposes, and closing down a business (which may have more steps than you think!). How to organize your office space, and necessary supplies, find their way into this chapter. How computers can help keep track of your Tarot business is also discussed. Something that I had not thought of - but Jette did! - was closing down your business in a professional manner, including whether or not to sell you client list.
5. Counseling Clients: This chapter discusses the interaction between reader and client, and the expectations (verbalized or not verbalized) of both. Jette quotes Angeles Arrien (in "The Four Fold Way") as to the qualities of a successful reader:
1. Show up
2. Pay attention
3. Tell the truth
4. Be open to outcomes
There is a very important message in this chapter for every reader: be prepared to recognize someone who is in crisis. Recognize someone who may be headed towards hurting themselves, or hurting someone else. Keep a list of contact numbers (800 lines that deal with specific types of crisis), and try to get your clients contact information so that you can place a 911 call to get them some help.
6. Teaching - and Learning - Tarot: This is a must read chapter for anyone that wishes to teach the Tarot. Organizing classes and seminars is presented, as well as the ability to view yourself and your teaching style through the eyes of your students. Tips are also given for "problem students" - the ones that we always hope won't pop up, but they do! Learn how to handle this situation with grace.
Epilogue - The Energy to Succeed: This section looks at the very real problem of burnout, and how we can recognize it, and resolve it.
There are a series of Appendix at the end of the book filled with wonderful resource material. Diane Wilkes has shared her personal Code of Ethics for reading; Jette has shared course outlines for a sample Tarot course, as well as advanced and specialty courses; Jette presents references for business books, business organizations, starting and maintaining an on-line business, working with counseling, Tarot web sites, and Tarot decks and books.
If you are thinking of starting a Tarot-related business, or want to expand an existing business, this book belongs in your library.
© January 2007
Bonnie Cehovet |
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Bonnie Cehovet,
Tarot Educator, Reiki Master/Teacher
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Bonnie Cehovet is a Tarot Educator, a professional Tarot reader with over ten years experience, a Reiki Master/Teacher and a writer. Bonnie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii, Manoa campus, and is certified as a Tarot Educator with the American Board For Tarot Certification.
She has served in various capacities with the American Tarot Association, to include Secretary on the ATA Board. She is co-founder of the World Tarot Network, and Vice President (as well as Director of Certification) for the American Board For Tarot Certification.
Her articles and reviews currently appear in the World Tarot Network newsletter (www.worldtarot.com),
The Meta Arts Magazine (www.themetaarts.com),
the Aeclectic Tarot site (www.aeclectic.
net/tarot),
and on her own site,
www.tarot.
thecrystalgate.com.
For the past three years she has edited her own monthly Tarot newsletter - Gateway to Tarot. She also has articles appearing in the 2004 and 2005 "Llewellyn Tarot Reader".
www.americanboard
fortarot certification.org
www.tarot.
thecrystalgate. com |
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