Last month, I started this series by discussing how to beware of untrustworthy readers. These guidelines can apply to Tarotists, psychics, astrologers, and just about any kind of alternative practitioner.Now, let’s take a look at what you can look for in good readers.
Experience
There is just no substitute for experience. Some folks are,certainly, dazzlingly talented. But like good intentions, raw talent alone does not make for excellence in readings.
An experienced reader will have honed their abilities over time. And I believe it is experience that teaches deep compassion and understanding for the diverse concerns of each individual seeker. It is the voice of experience that enables readers to communicate effectively in ways that will support and empower you.
This does not mean that newer readers should be avoided - not at all! But if a lot is at stake, you might want to choose a more seasoned professional. And in any case, you have a right to know what their background is - how long they've been practicing, where they've studied, and so on. Ask for details; listen carefully to their answers.
Organizations and Affiliations
Many readers belong to national or international organizations. For instance, calling oneself a “Tarot Master” sounds impressive, but you, as the consumer, have a right to ask “according to whom?” Such a title should be backed up by an actual organization and documentation.
Titles of certification may be granted by the Tarot Certification Board of America, or the Canadian Tarot Network. Other respected organizations for practitioners of the intuitive arts include the International Society for Astrological Research, the National Council for Geocosmic Research and the American Tarot Association. These are but a few.
Not every honest, skilled reader belongs to an association, but many do. And please bear in mind that membership alone does not automatically guarantee the quality of the reader. Levels of accreditation in particular can be highly subjective and expensive (which is why I, personally, have never sought them).
But if your reader is serious enough to invest the time and expense to join a legitimate, recognized group, that’s a good sign.
Code of Ethics
Often, the main purpose of these organizations is to encourage ethical, skilled service from their members. Therefore, most of these organizations have at least a rudimentary Code of Ethics that their members must agree to abide by.
Whether your reader belongs to a group or not they should have an ethical code, in writing. And good readers are eager to share this with you. A Code of Ethics goes a long way to separate the amateurs and rip-offs from the serious, honest professionals.
Testimonials and Referrals
So, how do you know if they abide by their Code of Ethics? First and foremost, ask your friends or trusted colleagues for their suggestions and opinions.
If there are none available, the next best thing is to ask for the reader’s testimonials. Of course, confidentiality is very important to most clients, so your practitioner may not share any full names. How can you be sure that these reports are real?
Ask questions. Good practitioners are proud of the feedback they've received. Listen carefully to their responses. If their stories seem vague, hard-sell, grandiose, overly dramatic, or if the people they describe don’t seem believable, you’re probably right.
The Money
Good readers always tell you their rates in advance. They never hedge or add on unexpected extras without discussing it up front. And like any other professionals, they expect payment either in advance, if the reading is not in person, or at the time of service.
The good readers are not the cheapest ones. Excellence is valuable and good readers deserve to be paid fairly (please, no haggling!) for their time and skills. But once your reading begins, you’ll know right away that they are much more concerned about you than the money.
Coming Next: I'll offer some tips on where to find good, ethical readers as well as how to make the most of your session.
