9 tips for choosing a tarot reader

There are a LOT of tarot readers out there, some good and some really bad ones. How can you be sure that the reader you choose is one of the good ones? Keep reading for 9 tips for choosing the right tarot reader for you.

It's an important process to follow, because the bad readers out there make it harder for the good ones to be taken seriously. Here are some of the best tips for making sure that when you choose a tarot reader that you are choosing the best one for you. ​

1. Learn about the reader

This is a simple case of doing some research. Is the person new on the scene, or have they been around a while? Do they use a real name or a "stage name"? Digging into the reader by googling their name can usually uncover quite a bit about them. Read through some of those results and see what the general vibe around them is. If they have a website look at it really well. Does it look like a reputable person, or is there no indication that there is a real person behind it?  Some of the sites out there operate under a company name and they never mention WHO is actually doing the reading. It'll all be very vague and mysterious. That is usually a sign that you are not going to get a personalized experience.

​2. Find a personal connection

This one is going to vary depending on what is important to you. When I look for a reader I personally look for someone who is down to earth and approachable. I don't want that gypsy with the crazy scarves and jewelry. That isn't what I want from an experience. Some people DO like that, and if you are one of them that is OK too. Get a feel for the reader as a person. This sort of ties into the idea of learning about the reader. See what they are presenting themselves as. I once looked at a reader who was recommended as being AWESOME when it came to dealing with questions about divorce (I was going through one at the time) but a closer look at her on the web and social media showed her to have white supremacist rantings online, and she had a policy of not reading for someone who wasn't white. She is entitled to run her business how she sees fit, but I don't have to support her. I tend to connect a lot with readers who are moms like myself, and a lot of the time they have left corporate life to work at home to be there for their kids. I like that kind of energy. Each person has their own things that they want. Make sure that you feel a connection to your reader.

​3. Get the details

Find out what you are paying for. There is nothing worse then paying for a reading only to discover after that the reader only does Skype readings. Or that you thought you were getting to ask several questions only to find out that you only get to ask one. Look at the details before you book a reading. Look at how long the reading is, how many questions you get to ask, how it will be delivered and how long it will take. There is nothing worse then thinking you are getting one thing and are actually getting another.

​4. Read testimonials, Feedback and reviews

Any good reader should have some sort of social proof of how good they are. For me, you can go to the tab above that says CLIENT FEEDBACK and you can see what people have said about working with me. When looking at a reader see if they show feedback on their site. Do they have ratings on Yelp or on Facebook? Read through these paying particular attention to those that are negative. See what those people say in addition to the good reviews. Ideally there should be quite a bit of feedback to go off of. Not having a lot of feedback isn't always a bad thing, because for a lot of us readers only about 2-3% of clients bother to leave feedback. You are looking more at people's feelings about how the reading was conducted, how fast it was, and how accurate. 

5. What is their experience?

This is also a consideration. Keep in mind that every reader has to start somewhere, and there are plenty of readers just starting out that will offer free or discounted readings in exchange for getting experience and feedback.  What you might look for here is things like did they get certified (which isn't a requirement), have they done any events? Look at if they have written any books, or produced any decks. You are looking to see that they actually have working knowledge of the subject. These days it is really easy for anyone to pick up a deck of cards and claim to be a reader, so try to make sure that you choose someone who knows what they are doing.

​6. Ask for samples of their work

You want to know that the person has a style that works for you. What if you like simple to the point readings and the reader you chose uses big words and metaphors? That might not be what you really like. Most readers do readings of some sort in their blogs, or on social media. This can give you a good idea of what to expect from your reading with them. I try to have examples on my site (and right now I am re-working them) so that you can read a full sample reading. Ask them if they have something like that if you can't easily find. 

​7. Check the fine print

The fine print is important for a couple of reasons. You need to know what your recourse is if you aren't unhappy with your experience. If you really hate your reading do you have the ability to get a refund? Is there a time frame when you have to ask for one?  I personally only offer refunds on readings if I have not done them yet. If I put you on my schedule for Monday, but Sunday afternoon you message me that you changed your mind then I will issue a refund. If you wait until Tuesday to say something chances are that you are not going to get a refund, or at least not a full one. This is because when I put you on the schedule it blocks off that part of the day for someone else. It is a lot like how if you bail on a doctor's visit an hour before your appointment they might charge you a no-show fee. I do try to work with people if they have issues, and have been known to redo the reading for no charge or to offer them a discount or gift card to use on a different reading. For my physical products like books and decks, I accept returns within 14 days, but they need to be in the same condition they arrived. Items damaged in shipment are different of course. So look at the terms and conditions on the website.

​8. Look for a code of ethics

This isn't a requirement per say, but readers who belong to professional tarot organizations should have some sort of code they adhere to. Some readers won't read for anyone under the age of 18. Others won't read for certain people. A code of ethics should outline who they read for, what their philosophy is, and how they plan to treat their client. For me personally I say things like I read for people regardless of age, sex, race, or sexual orientation. I also do not offer medical diagnosis, legal or financial advice because I am not licensed as any of those professionals. A code of ethics is there to ensure that you are treated fairly and with respect.

​9. Stick within your budget

You should never have to go bankrupt to have a good reading. If you live paycheck to paycheck you can still get a quality reading. Don't look at readings that are far above what you can really afford. I try to have a couple of different options as far as pricing. I have readings starting from $5-10 because almost everyone can afford that. Then I have more expensive options that are up to $40-50 dollars which is still affordable for most people. Then I have what I call my specialty services that can be up to $250. These are also usually options that you would only do like once a year, so they would be something that you save up for.  Know what your budget is, and look for readers who can provide you with what you need. A word of advice though? Don't try to haggle with a higher priced reader to get them to read for you for free or a deep discount. Some people find it offensive, in much the same way that you wouldn't haggle with a doctor or lawyer.


Did we miss anything? Is there something that you would like more clarification on? Drop your comments and questions below!