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Professional Magic For Others

 
 
Quantum
15:29 / 08.09.05
I've been meaning to start this for a while. I read Tarot for people for money, and the professional side of it all is something I don't often see discussed.

For example, when I read for people I usually put a fairly positive spin on the spread (unless it's dire) because 'normal' people are easily scared by the occult. Most people I read for know very little about the Tarot, nothing about the occult and frequently are unfamiliar with symbolism in general, so when the Tower and the Devil come up together it takes some explaining*.

I often use popular culture similes to make the symbols clear, or common experience, and I try to show how what I'm saying is tied to the image so it's obvious it's not me just making shit up. I give people a written record of the reading so they can look up the most important bits if they want to get a second opinion, and because often there are things that wouldn't seem relevant to me but in fact are spot on, and I think accountability, transparency and integrity are as inmportant as confidentiality.

Anyway, what good advice have people come across about divination for others, other magical services (Reiki and other healing for example) and interaction with clients this way?


*In fact that particular woman felt trapped in a bad romantic situation and was moving house to change it, so I got to tell her she was already doing the right thing, phew.
 
 
daynah
13:11 / 09.09.05
I personally have never been of her persuasion to trust someone who does anything magical for money. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to tell a "good" person from a "bad" person?
 
 
Less searchable M0rd4nt
13:38 / 09.09.05
Anyway, what good advice have people come across about divination for others, other magical services (Reiki and other healing for example) and interaction with clients this way?

Hmmm. Well, word of mouth is always good--if you're looking for a specific service, you might try asking around your social circle.

Use your common sense. What claims is this person making? Are they offering reasonable services honsetly described, or are they claiming to be able to turn you into a millionaire overnight?

Beware of diviners offering free or very cheap readings. The result will often be a solemn shake of the head and a warning that you've got a demon/curse/past life indescretion hanging over you; you urgently need an exorcism/an aura cleansing/angelic forgiveness to avert disaster. Fortunately, the diviner can help you..! and at a very reasonable cost. (Said reasonable cost ranging from 80 or 90 quid to several thousand, depending on how much of a git you're dealing with.)

Reiki, sadly, can be as dodgy as all get-out. I lucked into a reasonably priced course which included training, materials and book recommendations; some people end up paying two grand for a three-day retreat where some shyster hustles them through all three levels one after the other with little or no explanation of what is going on. Without training, even the most well-meaning practitioner won't be able to offer you a very good service. Ask the person what kind of training they got.

I don't have any experience of buying magical spells; I like to take care of that sort of thing myself--it's good practice. Sometimes I'll barter for a spell with someone I trust, but not often.
 
  
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