What Makes a Tarot Reader Legit? Legal Insights and Guidelines

Is tarot reading real? Is it legal as a business?

If these are some of the things that you have been searching for, then you are not alone in this journey!

You see, tarot card readings have turned out to be the ultimate way to get a genuine divination that reflects your heart questions, life aspirations, and challenges.

Some people buy cards to do readings at home for themselves and their friends and family, and some use different services and tarot card reading professionals to see their problem from a different angle or get a more expert view.

But how to know if your tarot reading business is following all the rules? How to know if yours is a legitimate tarot reading business?

Hi. In today’s blog, these are some of the things that I will be helping you with. So, if you want to make sure that you do not end up in a legal problem with your tarot reading, you need to keep reading till the end…

Is Tarot Reading Real? How to Make Your Business Legit?

Considering the fact that tarot card reading falls under the business category of fortune telling, you need to understand that some municipalities or states in the United States have laws related to this. However, these laws are not enforced all the time.

For instance, in New York, there is a law related to psychic readings that comes with the disclaimer “for entertainment purposes only.” Therefore, technically speaking, this business is not really illegal in most of the states.

Additionally, in the state of Virginia, the authorities repealed the infamous 45-year-old ban on psychic practices related to palm reading, clairvoyance, palmistry, or phrenology, which were for monetary purposes.

This was mainly because of the fact that this industry is one of the most growing ones in the United States. And in case you did not know, the industry of psychic services generated an annual revenue of $2.3 billion in 2023, with nearly 100,000 people working.

But, how to really make it legit?

You see, I cannot give you a simple step-by-step roadmap on running a legitimate tarot reading business. 

Why? Primarily because there are way too many varieties on how you want to organize your work, in which countries you want to operate, and which services exactly to present.

However, I have collected major points that we can all agree on when it comes to making your tarot business as legit as possible without digging into too many daunting details. 

So, without further ado, let’s get right into it:

1. Professionalism Is The Base of Legitimacy

True tarot readers approach their work professionally, whether they see their practice as spiritual, entertainment, or both. People may see tarot cards from different perspectives, but you, as a reader, should see them professionally and treat them respectfully.

Clear Service Descriptions

Professional tarot readers clearly explain what they offer. They tell clients that tarot readings provide insight and guidance rather than definite predictions of future events. This honesty builds trust and sets realistic expectations.

Ethical Limits

Legitimate readers maintain clear boundaries. They don’t claim to diagnose medical conditions, give legal advice, or offer services that require special licenses like therapy or financial planning. They present their readings as additions to professional services, not replacements.

Continuous Learning

Serious tarot readers keep learning and developing their skills. This might include studying tarot history and symbols, developing intuition, or improving their communication with clients. Many join professional groups that promote ethical standards.

2. Business Structure: Operating Properly

A legitimate tarot business works like any other small business, following basic business requirements. Here, it is all very much depending on your place of business and on the rules which come with that.

Business Registration

Depending on where they live, legitimate tarot readers often register their business with local authorities. This might mean registering a business name, getting a business license, or forming a legal business type such as a sole proprietorship.

Tax Responsibility

Reputable tarot readers keep proper financial records and report their income to tax authorities. This includes tracking money earned and spent, and giving receipts to clients. Some may need to collect sales tax depending on local rules.

Insurance Protection

Many professional readers get business insurance, especially if they see clients in person. This might include liability insurance to cover accidents or professional insurance to address disputes about services.

It is totally possible to find a tarot reader online and make sure it is legitimate, follows all business and ethical standards. Often, online services like TarotAtlas are more legit than shady underground ones, but to each their own.

3. Honest Marketing Practices in Tarot Reading

How tarot readers present themselves and their services affects their legitimacy.

Truthful Advertising

Legitimate tarot readers advertise honestly. They don’t make false claims about their abilities or what clients can expect. This means not promising to remove curses, guarantee specific outcomes, or deliver unrealistic results.

Clear Pricing

Professional readers have transparent, upfront prices. They tell clients about costs before providing services and avoid surprise fees or pressure to buy additional services during readings.

Honest Qualifications

While formal certification isn’t always required for tarot reading, legitimate practitioners are honest about their training and experience. They don’t make up credentials or claim to belong to organizations they don’t.

4. Client Relations Based On Ethical Practice

How tarot readers interact with clients is at the heart of ethical business practice. In the end — it matters the most.

Legalities are important, but if you miss the human point, all your work is useless and you will get bad reputation.

Legit businesses are not just about papers — they are about respect, interest in clients, etc.

Informed Agreement

Professional readers make sure clients understand the nature of their services before starting. Many use agreements that outline what the reading will and won’t include, such as privacy policies and other essential terms.

Privacy

Legitimate tarot readers respect client privacy and keep reading content and personal information confidential. They explain how client information will be stored and used, especially for online businesses.

Vulnerable Clients

Ethical practitioners take special care with vulnerable clients. This includes not reading for minors without parent permission, being careful with emotionally distressed clients, and referring clients to professional help when their needs go beyond tarot guidance.

Doesn’t sound too difficult, right? Any self-respecting tarot reading business should be able to follow on these. Start building your reputation from the very start, and you will get more clients than you have ever expected.

5. Regional Differences

While general principles of business legitimacy apply widely, specific legal requirements vary significantly by location.

Fortune-telling Rules

Some places have specific regulations about fortune-telling, divination, or spiritual advisory services. These range from simple business licensing requirements to more complex regulations.

Religious Freedom

In many countries, tarot reading may be protected under religious freedom laws when practiced as part of a spiritual belief system. However, this protection typically applies only to the practice itself, not to business operations or marketing claims.

Consumer Protection

Regardless of specific fortune-telling regulations, tarot businesses generally must follow consumer protection laws. These prohibit deceptive practices, false advertising, and fraud — applying the same standards as other service businesses.

6. Building Trust in Your Tarot Business

Beyond legal requirements, legitimate tarot readers build credibility through consistent ethical practice.

Professional Appearance

This includes having a professional website, clear communication methods, and appropriate business documents like service terms and privacy policies.

Client Feedback

Many legitimate readers share honest client feedback (with permission) to build trust with potential clients.

Community Involvement

Participating in professional communities, continuing education, and public education about tarot shows commitment to the craft and helps establish credibility.

Clear Limitations

Reputable readers clearly communicate what tarot can and cannot do, and they’re willing to refer clients elsewhere when appropriate.

Legitimacy as Ongoing Practice

There are no exact universal requirements to be met when we are talking about running a legitimate tarot-reading business. Instead, you need to be guided by an ongoing commitment to ethical practice, professionalism, and following the laws that apply to your location.

Start simple – focus on honesty, transparency, and client welfare. If tarot readers do that, they can build sustainable businesses that honor both the spiritual tradition and the practical requirements of modern business.

Whether you’re a tarot reader starting your practice or a client seeking readings, understanding these principles helps ensure positive, legitimate tarot experiences.

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