Who This Is For: This is for self-taught readers, students, or professionals who are tired of vague advice - and want to build real skill and clarity in their Tarot practice.

Based on over 20 years of experience studying, reading and being read for internationally (US, UK, Europe, India, SEA, UAE, South America), I’ve observed four common patterns that often weaken a reading:

1. Relying heavily on intuition without structure

2. Over-identifying with being “spiritual” but lacking discipline

3. Avoiding standards or accountability in their practice

4. Imposing personal beliefs onto clients

A strong sign of a weak reading is when a client leave the session unsatisfied, frustrated, mind-boggled, and disarrayed. This list of core traits isn’t for those who want to wing this profession. It’s for readers who take the work seriously - who want to grow, refine, and deliver readings that actually serve.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that strong readings don’t come from intuition alone. They come from how you manage yourself - your health, your words, and your awareness. These 10 traits form the foundation of effective and ethical Tarot practice. Revisit them often. Keep refining.

First of all, I want to say this clearly: nobody starts with all ten. But if you’re serious about this work, this is where your compass should point. I’m still refining these myself - and I can feel the difference it makes every time I do. 

 

1) Foresight & Accuracy [⭐️Top Trait For Client Retention]

The mark of a serious Tarot reader is the ability to read beyond the surface, to spot what logic can’t explain, and to deliver insight that’s specific and ahead of time. 

We’re not here to diagnose or heal - that’s not our role. As divinatory professionals, our responsibility is to stay ahead of time with clear foresight, supported by accuracy. Otherwise, why would clients come to us for a Tarot reading? If they’re looking for healing, they’ll go to a licensed therapist or counsellor, which is what we, at Purac Soul, will encourage. 

2) Self-awareness Part 1: Emotional Filters

Keeps personal beliefs and emotional triggers from influencing how the reader interprets the client’s situation, emotions, and the card messages. Without self-awareness, the reading risks becoming a reflection of the reader’s inner world rather than the client’s reality.

3) Self-awareness Part 2: Health

Sleep, physical exercise, and nutrition keep the reader mentally clear and emotionally balanced. When these are neglected, fatigue and stress can quietly distort the reading for others. The Big 3 are your first line of defence against mis-attunement.

4) Self-awareness Part 3: Mental Clarity > Sensitivity

If you’re not caring for your body through sleep, physical exercises, and nutrition, then you need to be well-read, inspired, and informed about the world. Energy work like Reiki may raise sensitivity, but it doesn’t replace critical thinking or wisdom. 

5) Empathy

Helps the reader understand what the client is feeling beneath the question or behaviour. Here’s a subtle truth: Empathy isn’t just about feeling what others feel. To truly empathise, a person must also be mentally sharp.

6) Emotional Steadiness

Clients often bring anxiety, grief, or shame - you need to be the calm centre.

Subtle Truth: Hormonal regulation shapes emotional regulation. If your nervous system is off, you can't be calm enough to hold space for someone else. Manage your hormones well. It’s not just self-care - it’s part of the job.

7) Strong Boundaries

Boundaries protect both the reader and the client - and help prevent burnout. They’re especially important when dealing with difficult clients or situations that may escalate. Clear boundaries create safety, uphold professionalism, and reduce the risk of personal overexposure or reputational harm. 

8) Open-mindedness

Makes space for all kinds of clients, beliefs, and life choices - without judgment. Imagine having to explain yourself to a Tarot reader who insists on pushing their own views. It’s frustrating - and a waste of time and investment.

9) Clarity in communication

Delivers insight in a way the client can actually absorb and reflect on. If the message isn’t clear, it creates confusion - and confusion leads to frustration. 

10) Calm confidence

Helps the client feel held and supported, without being overpowered. We’re not here to dominate the session. Confidence is that quiet and steady energy - not forceful.

What I’ve Learned After Decades of Doing This Work

There are other traits that matter too - things like niche, patience, humility, and timing. And to be clear, I don’t mean predicting dates. Timing, in this work, is about knowing when to speak, how much to say, and whether the client is ready to hear what’s in the cards. Some things land better when said simply. Some things need to wait. If you speak too soon or say too much, it can overwhelm the client or shut them down. That’s why timing matters.

I’m not perfect at this yet, but I’ve done enough to know when a reading feels clear and useful - not messy or confusing. And if something goes off, I know how to catch it and course-correct quickly. That kind of response only comes with experience.

Still, if there’s one trait that makes the biggest difference in a reading, it’s foresight and accuracy. So, people come to us when logic runs out. They want direction, a straight answer, a sense of what’s coming. That only happens when the insight makes sense, clear and accurate / near-accuracy. Tarot isn’t therapy although it can feel like one to most of my clients! Kindly take note that it is illegal to advertise tarot services as Therapy.

If these traits resonate with you - or you’re realising where you still need to grow - that’s a good thing. This isn’t a race. But if you want to take Tarot seriously and serve people well, these are the muscles worth building.

If you’re ready to go deeper - whether you’re just starting or refining - check out our Beginner and Advanced Programs:
👉 https://www.puracsoul.com/collections/professional-tarot-courses

Yours Truly,

Jean T

Founder 

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