There comes a time in every fledgling Tarot readers process where they may choose to read for others. Very often, this includes friends and family or maybe even friends of friends. These friendly readings are very helpful as far as developing the readers skills and the personal interaction necessary to take a reading from good to excellent. But, there may also come a time when word of mouth takes you into the psychic fair circuit.

I will never forget my first psychic fair. I was visiting a local new age shop, and they just happened to be short a reader. The owner of the shop knew that I read the Tarot, and I had even given her a quick reading or two on occasion. So, she asked me if I would care to fill in for the missing reader. With more than a few butterflies circling around in my stomach, I agreed.

The next six hours were a blur of faces and cards and noise. I had never read for more than one person at a time, and that was always in the quietude of either their home or mine. So, the hustle, bustle and energy vibrations present during the fair left me feeling feverish, sick to my stomach and totally drained when I was done for the day. Luckily there were several veteran readers there who took me aside and taught me the ropes of reading at a psychic fair.

Here are some pointers to consider if you do find yourself in the position of being asked to read at a psychic fair.

1. Stay well hydrated. Bring a very large bottle of water or two and make sure you are sipping in between readings and very often throughout the day.

2. Make sure to bring some healthy snacks like peanuts, raisins, granola bars, or fruit.

3. Make sure to clear the energy of both your cards and your station in between readings. This can be a moment of meditation or creating an energy bubble around yourself. I use the Reiki symbol Raku, which looks like a lightening bolt to sever the energy between myself and my previous client.

4. Don't be afraid to refuse a reading if you feel that it isn't the right thing for you to do. There are times that the energy between yourself and a potential client just isn't right. Just politely direct them to another reader.

5. Bring along an egg or other type of timer to set for five minute intervals. After the timer goes off, wrap up the reading, and get ready for the next one.

6 Wear comfortable clothing. Bring along a blanket or a sweater in case you get cold. And don't forget a raincoat if rain is in the forecast. Even if you are under a canopy there is a good chance that you are going to get wet.

Most of all... use common sense. Take a break if you are tired, make sure to get up and walk around several times during the fair to keep you circulation moving, and above all, have fun!!