It’s My Party And I’ll Scry If I Want To

Since the beginning of my tarot career, I have worked at various types of parties and venues.  In fact, this time of year tends to be quite popular with Halloween right around the corner!  (That date usually gets booked a year in advance!)

Over the years, I’ve had great experiences and not-so-good ones.  Let me share a few as this may help you to know what to expect if you are ever asked to work a party.

In some ways, parties are more challenging than working in my own office.  First of all, I have no control over the environment.  Which means I am either in a calm room or a chaotic mess. The most extreme example was the time I entered a dim apartment above a bar.  I have terrible night vision but I thought I saw something run across the table.  After my eyes adjusted, I watched cockroaches running up and down the wall and mice scuttering about with great urgency. Horrified, I clutched my purse to my lap and silently prayed that I would not take any roaches home with me.  I refused to read for these people again.  In fact, I now avoid going to areas that may be sketchy.  It’s just not worth it.

I’ve had the good fortune of meeting some wonderful hosts that make me feel very welcome. There is nothing nicer than coming into a home where you are made to feel like a valued guest, rather than the “hired help”.  One of my favorite clients has a party every November and it is always a treat to go to her house.  Not only does she have a beautiful and comfortable home, but I am made to feel like a friend of the family. There is always an invite to eat or imbibe as well as a cozy room to read in.

There will always be a few rude ones who expect that you “owe” them something since they booked you.  One time, a woman asked me if I wanted to join them for a bite to eat before I began reading. I took a very small plate of chips and snacks.  We were chatting a bit when all of a sudden she asks me in front of the whole group of people if I was going to give her a “hostess gift” since she was “providing the space and the food”.  I was so shocked that I could barely utter a word.  It was not easy to get in the mood to read after that!

At another event, a client brought me a sandwich to eat and then asked me when I would be “giving him a free reading”.  He added “we’ve been awfully good to you” (because he gave me a sandwich??).  As you can probably guess, I stopped doing parties for both of these clients.  I can’t or won’t read for people that offend me.  I find myself being unable to because this attitude makes me incredibly uncomfortable. And when I am not feeling relaxed, it is difficult to read.

On occasion, you may find yourself getting stuck reading for a jerk.  When you are in the party atmosphere, you are at the mercy of whoever the host invites.  I remember walking into one house where the whole gathering was a group of gang members!  It was a scene straight out of “Training Day”!  The questions revolved around police and who was betraying who.  I read those cards on pins and needles, worrying that if the wrong card came up, I’d be helping to sign someone’s death warrant!

I’ve gotten better at screening who will be at these parties – but you never know.  Sometimes there may be a drunk in attendance.  Or the one “skeptic” who wants to challenge you in front of the whole group.  I take it all in stride now.  I have dealt with enough mean people that I no longer take any of it personally. I’m not even afraid to say that I won’t read for a person right to their face.  “Is it worth it to me?” is what I ask myself.  If the answer is no, I won’t even put myself into a situation that isn’t healthy or positive.

When I was first reading, I would travel all over the place.  As I’ve gotten older, I realized that I really don’t like driving much.  So, I’ve put some limits on my driving time.  I’ve lost a few clients who were mad at this development but I just don’t see the point in driving for an hour each way. Especially in bad weather. I’ve driven in a few blizzards and won’t do it any longer.  Last year, I got stuck in an unexpected snowstorm that developed during the party. It was a white knuckled drive the whole way home and I barely missed being hit a few times!

Once in a great blue moon, I’ve gotten shortchanged.  It is an embarrassing thing for me and the host.  I don’t have an issue calling and getting my money – but that uncomfortable exchange has cost me a client or two.  I don’t really care as it is the principle to me.  If I am owed another 20 dollars, then I am owed it.  Period.  I’ve even gotten overpaid in one situation!  The client called me the next day (I had not even counted the money yet!) and I was able to get the money back to her immediately.  It works both ways!

One of my biggest pet peeves is an unorganized event.  This is when I end up sitting, with nothing to do. It usually happens because the hostess has not gotten her situation under control.  I now insist that readings MUST be back to back and that has pretty much solved that problem.  I also request an EXACT head count. This way, I know how to budget my time and this makes the hostess take her party more seriously.  It may seem a bit controlling, but saves countless headaches in the long run. Trust me on that.

Knowing my own limits is probably the most important lesson.  I have  restricted the hours I will read.  Back in the day, I would do parties that lasted 6 hours or more.  It was like a psychic gang bang and very draining!  I gradually cut my time down.  Now, 3 hours is the max because my voice starts to go after all that talking.  My body has given me the signal that my stamina is not what it used to be and I must heed that.  In my opinion, a shorter party means more quality readings anyway.

If you decide to venture into doing parties as part of your tarot career, make sure you have some basic boundaries in place.  Not only will you stay sane but you’ll help to make these events a success for the hosts as well!  Party on!

Blessings!
Theresa
thetarotlady.com