Setting Boundaries Without Losing Clients
Let’s be honest, tarot readers, if any of us could predict the winning lottery numbers, we wouldn’t be here discussing how to manage client expectations.
And if I had a dollar for every time a client asked me to do just that, I wouldn’t need to charge for tarot readings at all.
Would-be clients will approach you with their own baggage about divination and the occult. At best, they don’t understand how a deck of cards can reveal personal information. At worst, they’ll assume that a tarot reader is synonymous with a mind reader.
As a professional tarot reader, managing expectations will be one of your biggest challenges, especially if you read in person at markets or family events unrelated to the occult.
It’s not your client’s fault that historical misconceptions dominate divination in the media, but your credibility as a tarot reader will hinge on how well you can quickly educate clients while maintaining professionalism.
So, how can you navigate these awkward conversations without compromising your integrity or your connection with your client?
Like in any business, managing client expectations begins with clear communication. I recommend memorizing canned responses to frequently asked questions like:
How does tarot work?
Can you tell what I’m thinking right now?
Do you see into the future?
The answers to these questions will depend on your personal belief system and approach to tarot. Begin every session with a short introduction, explain what you believe we can use tarot for, and ask the client what they hope to get out of the reading — advice, predictions, connection to a higher power, etc.
I like to mention that the reading will provide a snapshot of a current situation and most likely outcomes if no changes are made. This is to emphasize the power of choice and free will.
By reframing tarot in this way, I set the stage for a reading that is both meaningful and empowering, without falling into the trap of unrealistic expectations.
Disappointment can still happen, no matter how well we prepare. Stay true to your boundaries and ethics. For example, I will not do a reading on health or legal matters. Not because I can’t, but because I feel that it’s irresponsible. There are plenty of tarot readers who would and the client is welcome to find one of them for their reading.
Other times, a client has convinced themselves that someone is their twin flame and they book a reading because they want to hear that the flame is in love with them and is going to surprise them with a proposal. I refuse to lie.
Again, like in any other business, an important aspect of being a tarot reader is learning how to handle disappointment gracefully. And to remain patient and compassionate. This can be challenging, especially if the client is hoping for a specific outcome. But remember, your role is to empower, not to placate.
The more you practice this delicate balance, the more confident you’ll become in your readings — and the more respect you’ll earn from your clients.
So what did we learn today, kids? All together now. Successfully managing expectations requires —
Clear communication: Set expectations from the beginning.
Explaining tarot: Your belief around tarot and how it can be applied
Handling disappointment: Be compassionate and professional.
If you are prepared to manage expectations, it will save you time and reduce the awkward moments when you’re approached by clients who are completely new and wary of tarot.
Happy (tarot) reading!
Thank you for making it this far. I have a free download available: What every tarot card means in a money reading. Perfect for tarot readings regarding business, workplace, or personal finances (for entertainment purposes only, obviously).
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