Why your wellbeing is just as important as the cards you read.
When we think about being a tarot reader, we often focus on the skills—learning the meanings, understanding the spreads, and connecting with intuition. But what many readers forget, especially when starting out or offering readings for free, is how important it is to take care of ourselves.
Let’s be honest—reading tarot is a beautiful exchange of energy. It’s deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and mentally demanding. Whether you’re doing a couple of readings a week or back-to-back sessions, your personal energy and balance need just as much attention as your tarot deck.
So let’s dive into some real, grounded ways to care for yourself while walking the path of the tarot reader.
1. Take Breaks—Real Ones
Tarot can be intense. You’re holding space for people, tuning into their questions, and offering guidance. That takes energy. So taking breaks isn’t optional—it’s essential.
This could mean:
- Taking 30 minutes between readings to breathe, meditate, or ground yourself.
- Taking a full day off if you feel drained.
- Or even stepping away from reading for a week or more if your spirit says, “I need rest.”
The key here is to honor your own rhythm. Your intuition will work best when you’re refreshed and in alignment with yourself. Don’t wait until burnout hits. Tune in early, and take the time you need.
2. Reconnect With Your Why
Why did you start reading tarot?
Was it to help others?
To grow spiritually?
To learn something new and connect more deeply with the Universe?
When you feel tired or unmotivated, come back to that original reason. If you’re reading for free or for practice, are you still getting the experience and feedback you hoped for? If not, maybe it’s time to shift your focus.
Try this:
- Journal about your tarot journey so far.
- Reflect on what you’ve learned and where you want to go.
- Ask your guides or higher self for clarity.
This kind of reflection helps you realign with your purpose and keeps your work meaningful and joyful—not just another task on your list.
3. Get Into the Right Headspace
Before any tarot reading, make time to get centered. You don’t need an hour-long ritual (unless you want one), but you do need a moment to transition.
Here are a few simple ways to “get in the zone”:
- Take 3 deep breaths.
- Light a candle or some incense.
- Say a short affirmation like, “I open myself to divine wisdom.”
- Hold your deck and tune into its energy.
- Do a quick grounding meditation.
When you step into a reading clear and focused, the messages come through stronger and more accurately. You’re not just reading cards—you’re reading energy. Make sure yours is in a good place.
4. Stick to a Reading Schedule
One of the fastest ways to feel overwhelmed is to say “yes” to every reading request that comes your way. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Creating a simple system to track your readings helps you stay organized and avoids that panicky feeling of forgetting someone.
What you can do:
- Create a spreadsheet or use a planner.
- Record your clients’ names, dates, and requests.
- Choose specific days or times for readings—this might be every Tuesday evening or Saturday mornings, for example.
Having a routine protects your energy and builds trust with clients. You’re creating boundaries, which is something every reader needs.
5. Don’t Overload Your Spreads
It’s tempting, especially when you’ve just learned a powerful new spread, to want to use it for every reading. But more isn’t always better.
A 21-card spread for every request? That’s a fast track to exhaustion.
Instead:
- Stick to 1–3 card readings for general or practice readings.
- Use longer spreads sparingly or when the situation truly calls for it.
- Remember: short doesn’t mean shallow. Some of the deepest insights come from a single card.
Keep it simple. Respect your time and your energy. It’s not about proving yourself—it’s about offering clarity and compassion.
6. Pace Yourself
There’s no race here. The tarot community will still be here tomorrow, next week, and next year.
You don’t have to do five readings a day to be a “real” reader. In fact, that mindset often leads to resentment and burnout. Give yourself permission to pace your growth. Focus on quality, not quantity.
A steady, consistent practice builds more confidence than pushing yourself too hard and burning out.
7. Get Organized & Use Tools
If you want to offer your readings with clarity and ease, systems are your best friend.
A few ideas:
- Set up email templates for replying to reading requests.
- Use a scheduler to manage appointment times.
- Keep your deck cleansed and ready to go.
This might not sound magical—but being organized creates space for the magic to happen. It reduces stress, saves time, and lets you focus on what matters: the reading itself.
Final Thoughts: Your Energy Matters
At the end of the day, your energy is your most valuable tool as a tarot reader. The more you care for it, the better your readings will be.
You’re not a machine—you’re a human being offering real wisdom and connection. So take the time to care for yourself, just like you care for your clients. That’s what makes you not only a good reader, but a sustainable, joyful one.