Setting a price for tarot consultations is often more complicated than choosing a number and sticking to it. Doubt, hesitation, and sometimes a pinch of guilt can creep in the first time you try to turn your intuitive gifts or dedicated study into a paid service. Yet, finding the right balance between accessibility, value, and respect for your own expertise is a deeply personal and evolving process.
The myths and burdens around charging for tarot
Let’s start at the very beginning. In nearly every circle of tarot readers and psychic advisors, at some point the old saying will surface: “If you’re truly gifted, you shouldn’t charge.” The idea is romantic, maybe even noble. But it’s simply not rooted in the reality of what it takes to offer readings—especially if you intend to work as a professional.
Your intuition is a strength. Your dedication is work.
The truth is: tarot is not simply about natural talent. Even those with strong intuitive senses invest significant amounts of time honing their skills. Many buy card decks, take courses, read books, and learn from mentors. These investments of energy and money matter. It doesn’t make your art or devotion less “pure” to be paid for your time, energy, and wisdom.
Tarot as a professional path (not just a calling)
For some, reading tarot will always be a calling or hobby. That’s valid. For others, the desire grows to build an income—part-time or full-time—around spiritual guidance. Either way, the minute you decide to offer paid consultations, it’s wise to think about tarot as both an art and a business.
Think for a moment about a counselor, life coach, or therapist. No one argues whether they deserve payment. A tarot consultation draws on similar skills: deep listening, holding space, interpreting subtle cues, supporting a client’s journey forward. When you treat your work with this mindset, it becomes easier to find confidence in deciding what your time is worth.
Investing in your practice
The costs of being a tarot reader add up. Let me list a few:
- Decks and books (sometimes several, to match client preferences)
- Workshops, online trainings, and possibly mentorship
- Digital tools, such as scheduling apps or client management tools like MysticLog
- Physical space: maybe you like lighting candles, using soothing music, and keeping a tranquil environment for your practice
All of this goes into building a professional, trustworthy offering. Recognizing these investments helps you see why fair pricing is not just acceptable, but fair and necessary.
Personal needs: how many readings can you really do?
One mistake I made early on was thinking more readings would always mean more growth. But tarot readings—especially honest, insightful ones—require mental clarity and emotional energy. Set your rates too low and push yourself for volume, and burnout is close behind.
Ask yourself:
- How many readings can I do in a day without feeling drained?
- Do I want to read on weekends, evenings, or only certain hours?
- How much rest, study, or meditation do I need between clients?
To be sustainable, your pricing must reflect not only your time spent face to face with a client. It must also support your need for rest, research, and your own spiritual renewal.
The story of my first rate (and why it changed over time)
The first time someone asked what I charged, my heart pounded. I’d seen tarot readers online offering consultations at a wide range of prices. My instinct? Choose something “safe,” or modest. I settled on what was, at that time, about $15–20 USD.
I’ll admit, I kept comparing myself to more experienced readers—for no good reason. But over time, I realized my clients were showing up not only for card meanings. They valued my presence, gentle honesty, and the way I helped them uncover new perspectives.
It was only after I integrated feedback, tracked the energy each reading demanded, and saw appointments fill effortlessly that I raised my rate. Sometimes, the only way to find your worth is to start low and let experience show you what feels right.
What does the market say about tarot pricing?
Let’s be honest—figuring out what others charge can feel intimidating. Rates for tarot readings are all over the place, sometimes from $10 to well over $200 per session, depending on experience, length, and reputation. For example, Mariah Oller, profiled in Axios Charlotte, offers up to 20 readings per week at $177 per session in Charlotte. She blends scientific background with spiritual practice and emphasizes guidance and validation (Axios Charlotte profiles Mariah Oller).
But not everyone is charging like this at the start—and that’s the key. Many new readers begin closer to $15, $30, or $50 per session, and work their way up. Your rate doesn’t need to match anyone else’s unless it feels right for your market and your experience.
Session length and structure: the practical side
It is very common to offer:
- Quick 15-minute readings: perfect for brief questions or events
- 30-minute readings: enough time to dive into multiple topics
- 60-minute readings: for deeper explorations, or for combining tarot with coaching or energy work
Your price can scale up with increased session length or added value.
Feeling good about your price (and your boundaries)
If you find yourself hesitating to name your fee—ask yourself why. Pricing is as much about boundaries as it is about income. You are saying: “My time and energy have worth.” For many, that’s a learning process in itself.
Your boundaries communicate your respect for yourself and your clients.
And, a beautiful discovery: when your price feels fair, and your boundaries clear, your energy during readings is often more relaxed, generous, and inspired. MysticLog, for instance, makes it easier to track your session history and personal notes, so you can reflect back on how both pricing and client satisfaction change as you grow.
Combining paid and pro bono readings
It is meaningful to give back when you feel moved. Some days, you may want to offer a free reading to someone in need. Other times, you’ll feel best keeping your boundaries strong. Both approaches are valid. When you’re organized—keeping your paid sessions on a calendar and allowing a spot here and there for a no-fee consultation—it feels more manageable and generous. Tools like MysticLog help separate your session types, so you don’t lose track.
Why a stable environment matters
If your intention is to *keep reading* over months or years, your workspace should support your well-being as much as your clients’. Whether you read in a quiet room, via video, or even at local events, create rituals that let you transition gently in and out of “reading mode.” That way, you’ll avoid feeling scattered or depleted as bookings increase.
Simple ways to add value to your tarot consultations
Pricing isn’t just about the clock. Think about what you can offer that makes your readings memorable, useful, and supportive for your clients. Here are a few ideas:
- Session summaries: Write a short reflection after the reading, with a few main messages or action steps. Many clients love having a record, and MysticLog is designed for exactly this.
- Combining modalities: Pair tarot with reiki, meditation, astrology, or coaching, if you’re trained or interested. Modular sessions are often perceived as more valuable (and command higher prices).
- Loyalty or referral discounts: Offer a return client a special, or send a thank-you code to someone who recommends you to a friend. Simple, but powerful in building word-of-mouth.
It’s not always about giving more time, but about deepening the impact of the time you share.
Stories of pricing growth: raising rates with grace
Most readers start with a “beginner” fee and grow into higher pricing only after seeing the real value they offer. I know a reader who started at 60 reais (about $12) per session, quickly filled her schedule, and felt exhausted six months in. She hesitated to charge more, but finally nudged her rate to 100 reais, then 150. Not only did her satisfaction increase—her clients respected her more, showed up with better focus, and many even commented, “I wondered when you’d raise your prices!”
There’s no single magic moment for raising rates. Sometimes it’s when your calendar is always full. Sometimes it’s because your skills or certifications expand. Sometimes, it’s simply because your rent goes up. Don’t be afraid to move up gradually. If you lose a few clients, it’s often okay—the openings create space for new clients who value your evolved skills and presence.
Making it personal: quality, service, and the client experience
Tarot is a deeply interpersonal process. Every session is unique. Creating a warm, open, and respectful atmosphere does more to encourage client loyalty than any discount code or marketing tactic. Over time, your returning clients and their referrals will fill your schedule far more than advertising can—especially as you refine your own voice and style.
In the end, people return for how you make them feel—not just the cards you pull.
So whether you’re tracking your consultations in MysticLog, journaling on paper, or noting client insights to remember for the future—focus on service as much as on structure. Want more ideas for nurturing referrals and steady bookings? The tips in this article on growing your tarot reading business give more on building good relationships.
Building confidence and cultivating your business
Confidence in your pricing comes with practice and seeing positive results. You can find strategies for building it in articles like the practical steps for stronger tarot readings and by reflecting on your experiences. The tools you use can also help—MysticLog’s organization allows you to observe patterns, spot gaps, and grow a client list that supports your goals.
If you are just starting, or learning more about the business side of tarot, resources such as the beginner’s guide to building a tarot reading business and basic tips for new tarot readers can clarify the path as you set up your own consultation pricing.
And as your operations grow, understanding why specialized tools (like CRMs for tarot readers) can help you deliver a consistent and reliable service is just as important as keeping an eye on your fees.
Conclusion: stand in your value and move forward
Pricing your tarot consultations is a journey, not a single decision. Start where you are, reflect on what feels sustainable and fair, and give yourself permission to adjust as your business and skills evolve. There will be moments of doubt, and that’s completely normal. Yet every step you take toward honoring your gifts—through thoughtful pricing, boundaries, and excellent service—is a step toward a more prosperous, fulfilling career.
If you want to nurture your growth and keep your work organized, tools like MysticLog are designed to support you. Your path is your own, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Start confidently, and let every decision reflect the real value you bring to every reading.
Curious to simplify your workflow and invest more energy with clients and less on admin? See how MysticLog can become your steady companion—learn more and take the next step in your tarot journey.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I charge for tarot readings?
Your fee depends on your experience, session length, the depth of your readings, and your market. Beginners might charge $15–$30, intermediates $40–$80, and advanced readers may go higher. Factors like your energy, client demand, and local pricing trends also count. The key is to pick a rate that feels fair to you and sustainable for longer-term work.
What affects tarot consultation prices?
Prices are shaped by factors like your experience, reputation, the quality of your offerings, session length, and even city or region. Adding value with session notes, combining techniques like coaching or meditation, and providing a polished, welcoming environment can allow for higher fees. Regularly review and adapt your pricing as your skills and costs grow.
Is it worth it to offer discounts?
Discounts can help attract first-time clients or reward loyalty and referrals. However, use them with clear boundaries so clients understand your full value. Small, thoughtful discounts (such as for repeat bookings or special occasions) can build goodwill, but regular deep discounts may reduce the perceived value of your work.
How do I raise my tarot rates?
You can raise rates as your skills, demand, or costs increase. Notify regular clients in advance and be open about the changes. Often, clients are understanding—especially if you’ve invested in your training or the quality of their experience. Adjust rates gradually if needed, and trust that new clients will find you as your reputation grows.
What is a fair price for beginners?
A fair starting price might be $15 to $30 per session, or a similar amount in your local currency, depending on typical rates in your area. As you gain confidence and positive client feedback, you can and should adjust your fees. Remember, even at the beginning, your time and intuition are valuable.
