When I first became interested in Tarot, I tried trawling through books, but information didn't seem to work or stay in my brain for that matter, so I tried a different approach. I put the books away and sat with each individual card and wrote about how I felt it spoke to me, after which, I used the books as a reference to see what other angles there might be. In between this, I was giving readings to friends and family and even without that foundation 'knowledge' somehow, what I was saying, seemed to make sense to those receiving readings. I then went onto join various Tarot Groups, giving free readings and being mentored to reach a high standard of reading. I met many people on my journey, all of which helped me gain confidence and experience - today, I am teaching Tarot and giving professional readings both face to face and via email and best of all, this journey isn't just unique to me; anyone with an interest and enthusiasm for Tarot can do this too.

From a professional point of view, I have found that one of the most important things to have is boundaries. Boundaries let the Querent (personal receiving the reading) know what they can expect from you, but also what they shouldn't expect too - having your own working code of ethics is a good idea too. Once these boundaries and ethics are set, stay within them as much as you can because it keeps you, as a Reader, safe. Payment for readings is one important boundary - think for a moment of any professional and how they advertise themselves - would an electrician work for free? It's nice when you can help people with free readings, but does it give the right impression from a 'Professional' point of view if you do it all of the time. Payment is also an energy exchange - you are giving your professional energy for an exchange; however payment isn't always money! It can be reading for someone who gives a reading in return.

Timing of the reading is another important aspect to consider too - how long have you suggested for the reading? Don't go over this time; bear in mind that a counselling hour is 50 minutes and not 60, so should a Tarot reading be any more?

From a reading point of view my school of thought used to be that the longer the reading the better. Not always. Sometimes, using a simple to-the-point spread is much better; this approach not only gets to the point of the question that the Querent is asking, but also allows the cards to give an honest answer too, as generally when people are asking a question they would much prefer a direct answer, rather than lots of positivity, but no actual answer! It is really helpful to get a question from the Querent as you then have a focus point for the reading thus discarding any unwanted waffle and wasting valuable time but, this said, the cards will answer a question that is at the forefront of the Querent's mind regardless, which is handy if they have more than one! Of course you must trust your intuition to guide you on what is right in each situation.

A handy and very good spread to use would be;

Card 1 - The situation

This position would generally show the situation around yourself or the Querent as it is.

Card 2 - What not to do

This next position would advise yourself or the Querent on what not to do in the said situation - even a positive card can prove to be accurate in this position; think of how many times things have been seen through rose-tinted glasses!

Card 3 - What to do

Finally card 3; what to do - this gives the answer of how to move forward generally, although both cards 2 and 3 are a positive way of moving forward despite how the cards might look and the answers you might receive.

Of course there is also the option of adding a 4th card beneath card number 1, asking for additional information or advice - play around with the spread and see what messages you get.

Above all enjoy the Tarot - have fun and allow the cards to help you and those around you and trust the cards you use; give readings as often as you can, and allow yourself to develop. So, in answer to the question...... you are a Professional Reader when you confident, happy and trust in your ability as a Reader. When you feel ready, tell yourself you are professional, as well as anyone that asks too!!