Your Opinion Please....

[Amethyst Rose]

I'm starting up a home based business, selling tarot cards and books as well as doing tarot readings and teaching tarot classes.
For the purpose of the readings and the classes, do you think it would be better for business, or even morally, if I was certified by the Tarot Certification Board of America as a Certified Professional Tarot Reader? I feel that I qualify, but I would have to be examined and then pay a fee of $150 to get my certificate.
Anyway, what's your take on it? Is it worth it? Do you think it would make people feel better about their readings/class if I was certified? Do people even know a tarot certification board even exists? :lol:

[Faeawyn]

The average Joe Schmoe on the street doesn't have a clue they exist... so just for doing readings, I wouldn't worry about it....however, if you're going to be teaching others...it might not be a bad idea.

[Jenne]

I do. Here's why:


People tend to be sketchy about tarot readings (why the doubters go and still do it is beyond me, lol) anyway. I think you might get a wider audience of clientele if you certify. Plus, it shows you aren't afraid to invest in a little certification in order to show you're on the up-n-up, kwim?

Anyway, I would do it. In fact, should I ever DO a business like that, I would myself.

Good luck, Hon, with your new enterprise! I'm excited for ya! :)

[Flaire]

Jenne stole the words from my mouth. :)

Good luck, Amethyst!

[nan]

for those who come to seek the wisdom of the tarot; they already believe..so if I were seeking a reader i would seek the comments from another who had a reading from this person before...like an evaluation of the sitter...i would think that this would be better than a certification from the tarot society...u know word of mouth is what keeps people coming back and others looking to find you; so why not ask your sitters to give you an evaluation of the readings and post that for the new clients to read?

[Phoenix Blue]

For the purpose of the readings and the classes, do you think it would be better for business, or even morally, if I was certified by the Tarot Certification Board of America as a Certified Professional Tarot Reader? I feel that I qualify, but I would have to be examined and then pay a fee of $150 to get my certificate.
I've never heard of these folks. . . exactly what does their certification offer that not having the certification does not? :)

[Antoninus]

The average Joe Schmoe on the street doesn't have a clue they exist... so just for doing readings, I wouldn't worry about it....however, if you're going to be teaching others...it might not be a bad idea.
I second that. Untill...20 seconds ago, I didnt know they had a qualification board. But like Fae said, if your going to TEACH, itd be a good idea.

[Nighthawk]

I agree with ALL the points made... perhaps get it, but PB made a huge point.. what does it offer you over not doing it? (I have never heard of them..)

[Amethyst Rose]

so why not ask your sitters to give you an evaluation of the readings and post that for the new clients to read?

Thanks, I'd already planned on doing this :)

exactly what does their certification offer that not having the certification does not?

More validity, I would guess. It may make people who are taking my classes feel better knowing that I'm qualified and not just making things up. A certification would do that, wouldn't it? Kinda like teachers have to be certified to teach in a school....

[Amethyst Rose]

Incidently, here' s the link for the Tarot Certification Board, if anyone's interested.

http://www.tarotcertification.org/

[Azure]

Well, that clarifies a great deal - my thought is this - I don't personally agree with all their methods - for example, I don't read reversals - and I don't hink for a reading all this is necessary. However, for teaching purposes, if you think thier course of study will add to what you can offer students, then it's not a bad idea. It might diversify your outlook, no bad thing.

[LisaT4P]

I hate to keep posting links to another site, because MW is really great, but I just thought some other opinions might be helpful, and since I can't type all of it all over again.... http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?threadid=10426&highlight=tarot+certification+board

Enjoy.
Lisa :)

[hedgecub]

I feel that the $150 spent getting the certification will easily be balanced out by the added number of people who will get readings and lessons from you. Some people look to the teacher, not to the paperwork, but there are others who do the opposite, and you would gain a greater client base with the certification.

Have you got anything to lose?

[zakzekezedd]

I'd venture that going ahead with the certification would be a good investment...as long as the certifying body is legitimate. It would definitely help to establish you as a "legitimate" practitioner and not some "flake" out to make a quick buck. As ridiculous as it may sound, certificates and diplomas do make some people feel more secure..after all, why else would doctors or other professionals display all those diplomas, and certificates in their offices?

[Kiya]

I'd go for it, if I was in your position. It doesn't make you a 'better' tarot reader, but certification can make querants feel more comfortable with you. Let us know how you get on!!

[rain_fallen_tears]

At the risk of sounding like a fool, I've never even heard of these people... it seems odd to make such a free art "certified" I wouldn't worry...if you feel its trully neccisary, than go for it, if you doubt I wouldn't, it seems odd to charge people for such a thing...anyhow all the luck in the world with your new business!:D

[Amethyst Rose]

The problem I'm having now is in actually contacting the board to find out how to become certified.... I sent them and email and haven't heard back. Now I'm beginning to wonder if I should even bother.

[Phoenix Blue]

:hugz: Don't hold your breath waiting for them, but if you feel it's worth pursuing, keep at it. ;)

[Romani Vixen]

IMHO... it would probably be good to get. What I would do is to go and start the business. Take a bit of the procedes and ear mark it for that. not that it even makes a diff... consumers like to see certifications... lol

so... you have decks? :D

[Amethyst Rose]

so... you have decks? :D

You mean will I be selling them? Yup, when I'm all set up you should have about 200 to choose from. :)

[Romani Vixen]

do let us know when you're ready to start selling. I personally don't give a hoot about certs! :D

[Amethyst Rose]

Only hours after posting on here that I can't get ahold of them, I just got an email to start the first part of the certification process. I wonder if someone from the tarot boards reads the forums? :lol: