Brigit and my Biddy Tarot Family have been a huge part of 2014. My journey started in late winter/early spring when I received a scholarship from Biddy Tarot for the class, Master the Tarot Card Meanings. I grew leaps and bounds from the class and was generously gifted the second class, Read the Tarot with Confidence by an anonymous donor. The class was a blessing and once again, Biddy Tarot enriched all areas of my life. I have grown as a Tarot reader, connected with a wonderful community of other readers and discovered a group of supportive, positive friends who encourage me when I need lifting up. Now, through yet another fortunate blessing, I am taking, Grow Your Own Tarot Business Online.

This is exciting for me because I’m not someone who fits into conventional workplaces well. I’m only 30 but I’ve traveled the world and this world experience often makes it difficult for me to understand my bosses and coworkers who have never left the country. Many people find me downright intimidating from all the travel I’ve done. I’m tired of apologizing for being a confident, independent woman. I’m tired of being labeled as having a “strong personality” because I stand up for myself and others when I think something is wrong. I’m tired of being told I shouldn’t ask questions when I don’t understand something.

All of these things have led me to the realization that I have my sights on bigger things than most companies have to offer and in the long run, my best plan of action would be to develop my own business. Taking this step is VERY intimidating, but Brigit and the Biddy Tarot community are so supportive. I believe with their encouragement, I will be able to get a good first start.

Another reason this class is important is that I need to learn all the marketing and business skills I can for pushing my novel. I’m shooting for traditional publishing first, but because my book is edgy, it may be a tough sell. My book is also Tarot based, so it will be interesting to see how I can integrate my story into my Tarot business. I know they can both feed my business, but I need to figure out a way to market them together. Fashion is another passion of mine so I’m also considering Tarot accessories and clothing, but that’s a while off because I need to make some investments and  build a stock.  With the occult fashion trend building, it could be a good move but I have to act fast.

We had the first class on Thursday but due to computer issues, I missed the first hour. I need to go back and watch the webinar on my off day (Tuesday) but I started working through the workbook in the meantime.  Brigit provided a spread for us to help get our Tarot Business Goals in focus.

If you’re familiar with the way I read Tarot, I’m not too keen on spreads. But this one looked fun so I decided to give it a try. I also used my digital SLR for the picture of this spread instead of my iPhone to up my game. One of the cards is crocked though 😦 Looks are everything so I need to try my best to make photos of my Tarot spreads appealing. That’s one game change I can make immediately.

Anyway, I used the Goddess Tarot, which I’ve really connected with lately. The spread reads line by line from left to right.

1) What is my purpose or Calling: 10 of Pentacles

Insights: This card indicates that my purpose is to live the life I’ve dreamed of financially. I dream of working for myself from home and not having to answer to anyone. I’m a very busy person who has my hands in all kinds of projects and oftentimes, my job will try to call me in when I’m doing something like volunteering, performing or working on a deadline for a contest or a writing agent.  Sometimes I can’t go in when my work needs me because they’re so random about calling me and that creates problems. I’ve done my best to find another job but the job market is really tough for Millennials. I need to try something different because nothing is working so starting my own business seemed like the next logical step.  I want to be my  own boss, be responsible for my own income and do the things that are important to me. I think working hard on something I’m passionate about will ultimately leave me with a feeling of deep satisfaction.

2)How can I bring my ‘calling’ into my business? Princess of Wands

Insights: I need to jump right in, rely on my creativity and intuition and connect with the adventurous side of myself. There was a time in my life when I believed I could do anything, and for the most part, I’m still that person, but bad luck since returning to the United States from abroad 3 years ago has reduced my moral from time to time.  For a while, I got really depressed and felt hopeless. I gained a lot of weight and stopped doing the things I love. But this year, I found empowerment through embarking on a healing journey and  I am working on developing a confident “I can” attitude again. By being adventurous, I can create the life I want to live.

3)How can I get the greatest fulfillment out of my business? Six of Cups.

Insights: This goes back to reclaiming the person I used to be. I need to approach this with all the energy, enthusiasm and confidence I had during most of my twenties when I was dancing on stages all over the world. I was always filled with new, fresh, ideas. I constantly reinvented myself and watched trends to figure out how to stay on top of the performing game. I need to take this same new, fresh, cosmopolitan way of thinking that I used in the past and incorporate it to my business planning. Coming up with new ways to sell my Tarot business will set me apart from the clones in the industry and once word gets out, it will help me generate the income I need to move forward. Interestingly enough, if we look at the communication between the cards, the Princess of Staves is moving toward the Six of Cups. Usually, I would see this as getting stuck in the past, but in this case, it’s a good thing that I’m looking to the past for inspiration because that was when I felt the most empowered and confident.

4) How can I offer authentic value to my customers? Three of Cups

Insights: I need to continue to be the life of the party. I need to focus on empowering my clients by showing them what they have to celebrate in life. I also need to connect with others who can help me build a team. Also, working events would be a good place to start getting the word out because from working in entertainment on and off my entire life, I’ve learned how to be the life of the party and I can bring that energy to markets and festivals and grow my business.

5) What products or services can I offer? Seven of Pentacles

Insights: The woman on the Seven of Pentacles card has worked very hard and is seeing the fruit of her labors. I take this to mean teaching Tarot classes would be a good way to go. I used to teach English as a profession abroad so teaching comes naturally and easily to me. I also think that advertising Tarot Parties would be a good idea since I am a social person and I enjoy parties. This will take a little planning but since it is Halloween season, it would be as good of a time as any to start advertising Tarot parties. Then there’s accessories and my novel, which I also need to think about.

6) Where do I need to focus my business in the next 1-2 months? Six of Wands

Insights: Focus on my successes. Even if there’s set backs, I need to look at the positives and not get caught up in the negatives. I also need to develop a game plan as to how to reach future successes.

7) Where do I need to focus my business in the next 6-12 months? Prince of Pentacles

Insights: I need to get the word out about my services. If we look at the dialouge between the cards, the Six of Wands is moving toward the Prince of Pentacles. He’s offering her a coin so if I get my act together and start getting the word out about my services, I will receive a financial boost.

8) What is the future potential of my business? Two of Swords

Insights: Don’t forget to see the bigger picture in times of frustration. Always confront problems. No “I can’t”.

9) What new opportunities exist? Eight of Swords

Insights: There is a way out of the financial slump I’m in right in front of me. I need to believe in myself and take action to get out of my downer work situation and work towards living the life I dream of.

10) Overall, where is my business heading in the next 6-12 months?

Insights: Abundance is possible but success is ultimately up to me. Lakshmi and (I guess that would be Shiva but he’s not blue in this picture …) are flying into the sunrise. A new path is waiting for me. I just need to believe in myself and take steps to make myself successful.