I've been lax again, but with reason. My keyboard was broken for awhile, and it was a frustrating mess to type without half the keys.
Anyhoo, I'm back now, and with a regular tarot gig.
Thoughts:
Shoesday came up rather suddenly, as in I found out about it last week. The event was last night, and I read for "free" again. Three card readings this time. I learned my lesson about spreading myself too thin, for sure. Honestly, I dreaded it. Last time left more of an impact on me, than I really thought. So, I dragged through my day, threw some clothes on (forget a dress and heels, I was ready to peel off all my clothes last time, halfway through the night), and headed over.
It started a little later, this time, and had about half the attendees. I made super sure I had a good table, as opposed to the tiny little side table I worked from last time. Good seating, and a good crowd. It was all together a classier affair, there was a long wine/food tasting, and no vendors competing for floor space. The women were all bubbly and in a good mood (without being all insane, like last time) and since it was quieter, I was able to communicate better. I did have to shout at times, and my voice was sort of shot by the end of the night, but again, way better than last time. I'd say I read for about 20 people, including DJ Pete. I made a lot more money this time, for a few reasons. I had a tip jar out, for starters, and I was able to say at the beginning of each reading "Three cards are free, but for $5, I'll do a six card reading..." and so on. I was able to concentrate and connect to each person, and really every single reading was a total home run. I got chills, gave chills, was moved almost to tears, moved at least two women to tears, consoled, encouraged, and empowered and that's *really* why I do it, to empower. One thing came as a surprise, quite a few people opted for the $10 Celtic cross readings. I know $10 is cheap for a ten card full spread, but I went through them fast, and people were really satisfied, which earned tips. One thing that helped, I'm sure, is staying hydrated. I made a strong tea of mugwort, mint, and wormwood (bitter! but worth it), and sipped it from my thermos mug throughout the night. I never flagged. By the end of the night last time, my well was empty, and I was sort of grasping at straws. This time, it all flowed through to the end.
Today, I'm in my pajamas all day, and relaxing. I don't think I grounded poperly after coming home from all that. I was thoroughly energized all night, and came home glowing and buzzing. Then, shortly after I got home, and ate something...I passed out. Like someone unplugged me. I woke up this morning crazy, confused, disorganized, groggy. Something to keep in mind, next time.
Next time being tomorrow. My regular gig is now twice a month at Ader's on Thursday nights. If last night is any indication, I'm gaining quite a following. Some weeks it's good, some it's a struggle to sit there and look busy all night. Like, last week, I earned 15 bucks. A few weeks ago, I earned a lot more. What I really hope for, is face to face appointments, from all this.
It's been a slow, steady rolling start, but I can say I'm really earning money from this tarot gig, now. It's becoming a source of not only joy, but income, now.
