Episode 48: Reading for Parties and Events
One major venue for reading in for other people is events and parties. Ginny Hunt interviews me about doing this. It can be a great environment and you can reach a large number of people this way. There are a few things to consider and workout before you get started.
- How much to charge
- How many people you can read for
- How & When to Accept Payment
- Contracts & Invoices & Deposits
- What you need provided (Tables, Chairs)
- What to Bring
Small Tarot to Go Kit
- Attractive Box
- Tarot Deck
- Aromatherapy
- Tea light and Holder
- Business Cards
- Matches
- Sacred Object
- Post-It
- Pen
- Podcast Promo Card
Large Tarot to Go Kit
- Candles
- Clock
- Tissues
- Lighter
- Red Silk Cloth
- Golden Hand Candle Holder
- Purple Silk Wrap for Tarot Deck
- Tarot Deck
- Red Leather Box with Office Supplies
- Business Cards
- Paper
- Pen
- Aromatherapy
- (Add Water & Goblet)
- (Crystal Ball)
Hermit’s Journey with Bonnie Cehovet - Symbolism of the Hermit and Wheel of Fortune
Welcome to the Hermit’s Journey. My name is Bonnie Cehovet, and today we will be continuing on our journey through the symbols in the Major Arcana. As I noted in the first Pod Cast of this series, that of the Fool, the imagery and symbolism in the Tarot is what connects us to its archetypal qualities and wisdom. It acts as a gateway between our conscious and our unconscious worlds. Each deck carries with it its own unique brand of imagery and symbols. For the purposes of this discussion, I will be referring to the Waite-Smith Tarot (also known as the Rider-Waite Tarot), as it is a traditional reference, and quite often used for teaching purposes. Interpreting the imagery and symbols is done in two ways: through the intent of the author/illustrator (and here we need to remember that the background for the Rider-Waite deck is that of the Golden Dawn), and how the Seeker sees it through the veil of their own personal life experiences.
Let’s continue our journey through the symbols of the Hermit and the Wheel of Fortune. The major theme for the Hermit is that of doing inner work. His is a solitary path … that of self-learning. He represents individual effort, and the knowledge that comes as the result of such effort. The Hermit is the energy that we need to work with when we need to work alone. His tools are contemplation and individual effort.
… The theme for the Wheel of Fortune is that of cycles … universal cycles, and personal life cycles. It represents a life in constant movement, and the lessons learned … or not learned through our life experiences. The sphinx at the top of the wheel acts as the guardian of mysteries, asking us to put our wisdom to best use. It also represents a sense of equilibrium in life.
The snake at the outside edge speaks of kundalini energy, moving up through the chakra system to allow us to express our creative natures. The snake also speaks of renewal.
On the four corners of the wheel are symbols representing the four elements, and the four fixed signs of the Zodiac (Aquarius, symbolized by man; Scorpio, symbolized by an Eagle; Leo, symbolized by a Lion; and Taurus (represented by a Bull). They also represent the four winged Archangels … Raphiel, Gabriel, Michael, and Auriel.
The Terminator by Ginny Hunt
“All but Death, can be Adjusted—
Dynasties repaired—
Systems—settled in their Sockets—
Citadels—dissolved—
Wastes of Lives—resown with Colors
By Succeeding Springs—
Death—unto itself—Exception—
Is exempt from Change—”
-Emily Dickenson
What does that card image say to you? Hi, I’m Death, right? It’s all there, the human skeleton, the scythe, cutting a swath through the remnants of human affairs. The lives of noble and peasant alike laid waste: the artist, the scholar, the kings and queens, the laborer, all meet the same end. The great equalizer: Death. Is there anything in this image suggesting rebirth? Fun things on their way? I don’t see it, do you? Call me a party pooper, but Death means end, finale, termination. “Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.” This card is from the Classic Tarot deck, a reproduction of a Milanese deck, dated 1835, but it’s a very typical, historically accurate portrayal of death symbolism in art since the early Middle Ages.
So why do so many tarot readers insist this card does not mean what it clearly portrays? That look of terror in a client’s eyes in the middle of a reading is one reason. Nothing can cast a pall over a for-entertainment-purposes-only tarot reading faster than having Joe Black make an appearance. Readers are quick to say, “Oh no, Death doesn’t mean literal death, it’s symbolic, you see, calm down…have a mint.” Soft-peddling death is a natural reaction. We don’t like death. It’s unpleasant. It hurts. It’s scary. However, no matter how you candycoat it, death represents an end. True, that end doesn’t have to be the literal end to someone’s life, but it certainly means an end to an aspect of someone’s life, be it a relationship, a career, a phase or way of life. It’s an ending that cannot be resisted, it’s going to happen, like it or not, and the attending grief likewise cannot be avoided. (read the full post)
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June 28th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Excellent episode. I loved learning about reading at parties and events. And I was very interested in Ginny’s segment on the Death card.
July 1st, 2007 at 3:42 am
What a fun interview! Reading for parties seems like it would be a quite intriguing experience. Leisa was full of heaps of great info. I would be interested to hear more of her party stories.
July 3rd, 2007 at 5:50 am
Thanks so much for this in depth look at reading at parties. I’ve read at several fundraisers over the years to supp0rt local events and cancer research, but I hadn’t fully considered the possibilities of the tarot party market. Frankly, it seemed a bit strange that someone would want to hire a tarot reader for a private event, but you’ve presented a whole new professional side to it for me.
Thank-you once again for an excellent podcast, sharing your experiences, and opening up new possibilities for your listeners.
July 3rd, 2007 at 6:01 am
I agree that it is strange that people have the idea to hire a tarot reader for a private event. I wonder where they get the idea. I’ve never been to a party myself where this is the case.
As you know reading for big fund raisers and events can be very hectic. I’ve found private parties the most enjoyable venue to read in.
One thing I forgot to mention, is that it can be helpful to have some kind of a sign around that says what you are doing, if you accepting payment for the readings, and what the time frame that you will be reading for. (7-10 pm).
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:07 pm
The fundraisers I’ve done have varied in size and arragement, with my first being the largest - several hundred people at an event, with the majority wanting readings, with very loose arrangements. I read for nearly seven hours with very few breaks - absolutely insane, I (now!) know.
There was so much trial and error when I began; this podcast will be a fabulous resource for anyone interested in reading for public or private events as the structure is essentially the same.
You’ve prompted me to take a serious look at revisiting this service and how I present it - the letter of agreement in particular is a wonderful idea. Thanks again.
July 10th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Leisa:
What a wonderful conversation! I am someone who would never want to do parties (or Psychic Fairs, for that matter), but for those who do, your discussion about what is involved will go a long way towards making their path an easier one. Kudo’s!
Blessings,
Bonnie