Phone Tarot/Psychic Woes

[Shushu]

Hey all! Recently I have started working, for the first time, at a psychic phone line as a Clairsentient and tarot reader. As much as I do love the flexibility and the comfort at home, I do find it a little constraining that callers expect you to have snap-instant answers for every question.

I do know the answers are there in the cards, but sometimes I really do wish I could just have a few good seconds to just look at the cards properly, patterns and energies (especially with larger readings), but they're quite impatient. I do know they pay for the time, but at the same time, just some time for me to truly observe a layout can make the reading more rich and insightful!

Has any phone/internet tarot readers/psychics ever been through this?

 

[nisaba]

This is why I like face-to-face readings. The client can see you building your thoughts.

 

[Shushu]

Definitely! I'd like to do face to face too, if I could. However, I do like working the phone line as it gives me the opportunity to constantly hone my skills, I'm always reading!

 

[Thoughtful]

Shushu, been there done that. Some days it would be utterly wonderful and rewarding, some days it would be dire. It depends on who is on the end of the telephone line. l found that to give a good in depth reading the 20/30 mins they paid for was more than adequate. The callers who said l only have 5 minutes but then wanted far more information than time would allow, were just awful as they would get grumpy and rude. l also was aware that other readers would phone to test you out and jeopardise your prospects by leaving bad comments. This only happened to me a couple of times, but it got to where l dreaded each phone call, had to put a stop to it in the end. So its a case of mixed blessings.

Much prefer my face to face readings, love building up the rapport with them, its so much more relaxed.

If you have a thick skin and are not too sensitive sure you will do well, all good wishes

 

[Shushu]

I know how that feels, definitely, though I do feel pressed for time even when it's just ten minutes because it feels...tense? Just hearing them wait at the other line? They tend to interrupt and ask more specific questions when the aim of my spreads is to clarify the whole situation.
How long did you stay for, Thoughtful?
I would go for face to face too, but there aren't that many places that offer it or advertise positions, and I don't know how to look. How do you earn, if I may ask? I also do what I can to help my family.

 

[Barleywine]

Face-to-face is my way as well, since I consider tarot reading an interactive art that thrives on lively dialogue, not a monologue. I doubt I would do well on such a short leash (20-30 minute sessions) since every reading is unique and unfolds in its own time. Barring any unusual complexities, around 45 minutes (for a Celtic Cross, my main spread) is average for me when querent questions and observations are factored in. Plus, it's almost always easier to work through any negative attitudes or reactions that may arise when someone is sitting in front of you.

ETA: I just noticed your other question. I no longer read for money since there isn''t much opportunity where I live now, and I don't need the income. When I did, I lived in a more urban area where word-of-mouth was sufficient advertising, along with exposure at various group meetings.

 

[Thoughtful]

I know how that feels, definitely, though I do feel pressed for time even when it's just ten minutes because it feels...tense? Just hearing them wait at the other line? They tend to interrupt and ask more specific questions when the aim of my spreads is to clarify the whole situation.
How long did you stay for, Thoughtful?
I would go for face to face too, but there aren't that many places that offer it or advertise positions, and I don't know how to look. How do you earn, if I may ask? I also do what I can to help my family.

Yes l had that the interruptions where they couldn't wait, it just throws the reading all over the place.

l started reading face to face in a lovely shop that sold incense, crystals and cards etc. The owner became a very good friend and allowed me to have a small room kitted out with a table and candles. She had shelving in there that held the most wonderful crystals candles and ornaments. So it made for a very calm and spiritual atmosphere.
From there my readings took off as word of mouth was the thing that brought me more clients. Unfortunately she and her family emigrated to Australia and l missed her and the lovely shop so much.
As l had gained clients l was able to read from home. l have a dedicated reading and therapy room where l also do Reiki.

As to how long l stayed on the phone lines? must have been about a year or so, would never go back to it.

 

[Thoughtful]

Face-to-face is my way as well, since I consider tarot reading an interactive art that thrives on lively dialogue, not a monologue. I doubt I would do well on such a short leash (20-30 minute sessions) since every reading is unique and unfolds in its own time. Barring any unusual complexities, around 45 minutes (for a Celtic Cross, my main spread) is average for me when querent questions and observations are factored in. Plus, it's almost always easier to work through any negative attitudes or reactions that may arise when someone is sitting in front of you.

I so agree with everything you have said here. Its so much more rewarding.

Being able to work through their concerns in an unhurried way is not only valuable for the client, it develops a rapport that eases and relaxes them. This in turn makes for a good in depth reading which l enjoy doing.

 

[Metafizzypop]

Shushu, I know just what you're talking about. I work on one of those phone lines, and I get a lot of customers that want to hear about their future love life, their finances, how things are going to turn out with their children and their neighbors and their pets........and they only bought five minutes of time.

You're not going to be able to do a serious tarot or clairsentient reading in a case like that. It's hopeless. I find myself relying more on common sense than anything else sometimes. If you give your answers with enough authority, the customers will be convinced you're using genuine psychic powers, anyway.

 

[Shushu]

Face-to-face is my way as well, since I consider tarot reading an interactive art that thrives on lively dialogue, not a monologue. I doubt I would do well on such a short leash (20-30 minute sessions) since every reading is unique and unfolds in its own time. Barring any unusual complexities, around 45 minutes (for a Celtic Cross, my main spread) is average for me when querent questions and observations are factored in. Plus, it's almost always easier to work through any negative attitudes or reactions that may arise when someone is sitting in front of you.

ETA: I just noticed your other question. I no longer read for money since there isn''t much opportunity where I live now, and I don't need the income. When I did, I lived in a more urban area where word-of-mouth was sufficient advertising, along with exposure at various group meetings.

That's so lucky! I've been working between jobs and making use of any opportunity I can get. Tarot happens to be one of my skills, and many friends and some family have encouraged me to pursue it.

Yes l had that the interruptions where they couldn't wait, it just throws the reading all over the place.

l started reading face to face in a lovely shop that sold incense, crystals and cards etc. The owner became a very good friend and allowed me to have a small room kitted out with a table and candles. She had shelving in there that held the most wonderful crystals candles and ornaments. So it made for a very calm and spiritual atmosphere.
From there my readings took off as word of mouth was the thing that brought me more clients. Unfortunately she and her family emigrated to Australia and l missed her and the lovely shop so much.
As l had gained clients l was able to read from home. l have a dedicated reading and therapy room where l also do Reiki.

As to how long l stayed on the phone lines? must have been about a year or so, would never go back to it.

Do most people start just by asking like that? I am not sure how to quite approach setting up, or the options I have starting up a desk, since I would love to do that. Though I've mostly done readings for people I know or online/by the phone. I am not sure how I will fare with complete strangers and being face-to-face! Do you have any advice?

Shushu, I know just what you're talking about. I work on one of those phone lines, and I get a lot of customers that want to hear about their future love life, their finances, how things are going to turn out with their children and their neighbors and their pets........and they only bought five minutes of time.

You're not going to be able to do a serious tarot or clairsentient reading in a case like that. It's hopeless. I find myself relying more on common sense than anything else sometimes. If you give your answers with enough authority, the customers will be convinced you're using genuine psychic powers, anyway.

You are quite right, thanks for that perspective...I had been down a little because I thought I wasn't 'working' quickly enough or could not tune in my intuitions, but hearing from everyone it seems it's not really practical when this is the situation. If I had the chance, I'd love to set up face to face or at least learn/work up to it!