Tag Archives: readings

Zoom Readings Are Live

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Here’s the TL; DR version: I’ve officially launched live video readings via Zoom!

Zoom screen

For those who want a little bit of background, here’s the story: I’ve been procrastinating. I should have launched live video readings a long time ago, even before Covid struck. But I didn’t. There was always something preventing me like my Internet service wasn’t good enough, I didn’t have a decent camera, and so on.

Then, when the Coronavirus struck, forcing us all into lockdown, I had to face the reality that I wouldn’t be doing face-to-face readings for a long time. Although I started years ago just doing virtual readings, I’d all but abandoned them when I started doing events, parties, and regular sessions at local venues. So, as soon as we went into lockdown, I should have started video readings then. But I didn’t. 

I wanted to get it right. I did some tests using Zoom (my initial platform of choice, because lots of people have been using it for work or school) with my daughter. I learned its ins and outs. I did some tests with some valued friends. I even did a couple of readings for clients (I told them I had not officially launched the service but would offer it to them as an option). Then I started looking into the possibilities of getting a better webcam, instead of having to use my phone (that debacle is described in my recent blog post). 

No more excuses. Yesterday, I added the code to the Order page here to enable live video readings via Zoom to be selected. I’ll be adding other video chat platforms soon, once I test them out. I’ll be using my laptop’s webcam pointed at me, so you can see me when I talk with you, and my phone will be in a holder, pointing down at the cards on the table, so you can see those too. I’ll also soon be adding some helpful information about using the Zoom application, but for now, the service is up and working. Except for the odd glitch from the software and internet connection, the experience is close to what you would experience from getting a reading from me in person. Give it a try!

Video Readings Now Available

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Screenshot from video tarot readingAs I wrote in an earlier post here, I recently experimented with video readings. The reaction was fantastic; the people who received them all gave me positive feedback, referring to things like the “personal nature” of the readings, and how they enjoyed seeing the process of me actually doing the reading. So I’m very pleased to announce that video readings are now available to everyone! You’ll find them listed on the Order a Reading page.

So, what are the differences between the two types of readings I’m now offering, and which should you choose? It’s largely down to personal preference; but I wanted to describe some key features of each, to help you make a decision:

Written Readings:

  • are easy to refer back to.
  • are searchable.
  • can easily be compared with subsequent or past readings.
  • are organized versions of my thought process.

Video Readings:

  • are a record of your reading as I did it live.
  • are very personal – like a conversation between the two of us.
  • allow me to point to areas of cards to illustrate a point.

In addition, I’ve found that, simply put, some people find the written format easier to follow, whereas some find the video format easier to follow.

Finally, for those wanting a really comprehensive reading, I’ve also provided a combination written/video reading option, which gives you the best of both worlds at a discount price.

 

Order Your Reading Here

Video Readings: You Like Them… You Really Like Them!

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As I wrote recently, I’ve been looking into expanding my services. One area I’ve been exploring is video. Initially, I figured that live video readings via Skype would be a logical next step. I thought that it might work well if I could find a device to hold my phone parallel to a table so the camera showed a spread of cards on the table as I did a reading. I found a gooseneck-type holder that fit nicely on a lap desk I already have. That was the easy part. I had absolutely no idea if I would feel comfortable doing a reading live on video – that was the real challenge!

In order to help meCameraman to practice and iron out any wrinkles, I decided that, for a limited period, I would give my clients a recorded video reading as a free bonus with a regular reading and ask for some honest feedback. There was definitely a bit of a learning curve and I did encounter a few technical issues, but thankfully, with the help of a friend who is a video expert, I was able to overcome them and so for a short while, I’ve been sending out video readings. I was anxious to find out what people thought of them.

I was completely blown away by the overwhelmingly positive response! Here’s just one excerpt from an email I received with feedback, “Graham, I have to tell you how much I LOVED the video reading! What a great way to connect with your clients! It was so personalized…” Incidentally, it turns out that there are some fans of my English accent out there too!

Not only has this feedback convinced me that I was on the right track when I considered offering video readings, but I’ve decided that the recorded video readings stand well enough on their own to be worthwhile offering separately. In fact, I will be launching recorded video readings before I offer any other additional services. Look out for an announcement soon.

Thank you to my clients who acted as guinea-pigs during my little pilot project and gave me such great feedback. You’re the best!

 

 

(Image courtesy of vectorolie at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Free Video Readings!

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Free buttonIf you follow my page on Facebook, you’ll know that I’ve recently been looking into other formats and venues for my tarot readings. One of the things I’ve been experimenting with is video. I’ve done some tests with my phone, Skype, a special holder on an arm and a lap desk. The idea is that hopefully I’ll be able to do live readings via Skype, while being able to show the cards and point to elements in the cards on video. I may also consider adding recorded video readings.

For a limited time only, while I’m ironing out the wrinkles, anyone ordering a reading directly from my website (this offer does not include readings offered via Fiverr.com) will receive a recorded video version of their reading as a free bonus, in addition to the regular PDF text file with photo that I usually send.

I would love to hear your feedback about the video readings if you get one. I’d also like to know whether you’d be interested in live readings via Skype if I offer them in the future. Finally, if you have any ideas of services you’d like me to offer, please do get in touch. Simply comment on this post or use my contact form.

Gift Certificates Are Back!

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When I recently revised my pricing structure, I had to temporarily remove the ability to purchase gift certificates while I worked out how to price them. I’ve done this now, so I’m delighted to announce that I have brought the certificates back.

Sample Gift Card Image I originally launched gift certificates last year, in time for the holiday season, and they did very well then. But they are available all-year-around, so they make a unique gift to send to family, friends, work colleagues or business contacts for birthdays, other events, or “just because.”

They are currently available for 1 reading, 3 readings or 5 readings, each one being successively better value, so the more you spend, the more you save. Recipients don’t have to ask all their questions at the same time, either, so a five-question certificate could provide some great guidance for an entire year (the gift certificates never expire, by the way)! They are delivered via email, either directly to the recipient, or to you so you can print it to send via mail, to give in person or to put with another gift.

Purchase a gift certificate now.

Changes To My Price Structure As Of July 1st, 2015

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When I first started reading tarot seriously, I had a “proper” job, and I was reading as a sideline. I considered tarot to be a calling, and I didn’t want to deny anyone a reading just because they happened to be on a low-income. Therefore, I had a “pay what you will” policy. Some people gave me a pretty good donation for my services, while others didn’t pay at all. My attitude to this was that if anyone took advantage, that was their problem, not mine. I felt pretty comfortable with that policy, but I did have a steady income from my regular job.

Unfortunately, the company I worked for went through a restructuring process, and I was laid-off after many happy years working for them. As with many others in that same situation, I had difficulties finding new employment. It was at that point that I decided I would change the nature of my tarot reading services, and started offering a fully paid-for service, firstly via Fiverr.com, and then via my website. Still wanting to make my readings available even to people on a low income, I set my prices very low. Many of my clients have actually said at one time or another that they felt my prices were too low, especially considering the time I spend doing a reading and the service I provide.

calculator and pen imageI’m sure many of you have been through the process my family and I went through recently; we looked at our financial situation. As a result of that, I felt I needed to contribute more towards my family. I have a difficult time with anything financial; my eyes glaze over when I see numbers! Nevertheless, I sat down and created a spreadsheet. On it, I put the various services I provide, how much time each takes me, and the money I make. I was shocked at what I found. It was worse than I thought.

I had to make some tough decisions, and you’ll see the results of those decisions immediately. I’ve eliminated a few options, because there was no way I could make them financially viable. Some will be temporarily removed until I can make some changes and reintroduce them. And the prices of what I continue to offer have been increased slightly. I have tried (and I think I’ve succeeded) to make the increase minimal, while at the same time, they will make a difference to what I can contribute to my family. As for Fiverr, since I can’t increase the base price of a reading there, I will streamline what I provide, so I can complete a reading in less time. I would definitely encourage you to pay just that little bit extra to obtain your reading directly from my website, so what you get will be more complete. Please know I will always strive to provide a simple option at as low a price as I can.

One final thing: I’ll be offering some exciting new services soon. I’m working on some of them right now. Once they’re ready, I’ll let you know.

Your feedback is important to me. Do please tell me what you think.

Order Your Reading Now

(Image courtesy of adamr at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Get a Free Tarot Card Reading Right Now Courtesy of Fiverr and AppSumo!

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As you may know, I started offering my tarot reading services on Fiverr.com. I normally encourage people to order from me directly now, because I get more of a cut of the price. But I do still offer my services on Fiverr. Deal site AppSumo is offering a free “gig” (the Fiverr terminology for a job) for new Fiverr accounts only (and while stocks last). You know what that means? You can get a free reading from me – and I’ll still get paid! That’s a great opportunity for anyone who has been nervous about pulling the trigger on a reading. Here’s a link:

http://www.appsumo.com/fiverr-freebie/

Once you’ve got your free gig, here’s a link to get a reading from me: http://fiverr.com/foucault/give-you-a-no-nonsense-empowering-tarot-reading

What To Expect When You’re Expecting… a Tarot Reading!

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As some of you of you know, I really enjoy receiving feedback from my clients when I’ve done readings for them. I consider myself to always be learning, and getting comments is a big part of the learning process for me. Every so often, I get some feedback that reassures me that I’m on the right track, not just with what I’ve said in my reading, but with the way I present my readings too. I got such a message recently from Samantha Popp, one of the winners of a free reading I announced recently, praising me for my “professional” approach, and it reminded me that I should talk a little here about what you actually get when you come to me for a tarot reading.

Document FolderI e-mail you a PDF document (so it’s readable and printable, regardless of platform and software you use) with your name, the date of the reading, your question and the cards I drew. Then there’s a photo of the actual layout of cards in your reading, so you can follow along with what comes next. I describe each card individually, drawing attention to the parts of the card that are relevant to the question. Then I summarize the entire layout and what it means in the context of your question.

My ultimate goal is always to show you exactly what I see in the cards; I think it’s more meaningful for you that way. I also hope that you’ll hold on to this document and refer to it now and in the future.

ORDER A READING NOW

 

(Image courtesy of Keerati at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Announcing the Winners of a Free Reading!

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CongratulationsCongratulations to Samantha Popp (of La Force School + Services – I love that her business name was inspired by a tarot card!) and “K” who have both won a free tarot card reading. Samantha is a recent subscriber to my Newsletter and “K” is a longtime subscriber.

Sorry to those new and existing newsletter subscribers who did not win this time. Please stick with us – there will be more freebies and other offers available in the future. In the meantime, I hope you find the newsletter to be entertaining and informative.

Subscribe to my Newsletter now

 

(Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Express Readings Now Available

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ExpressA recent request via Fiverr made me realize I hadn’t yet included an “express” option for ordering your readings on my website. That is now fixed!

Depending on how many orders I have at any given time, I generally return the results of my readings within 3 days at most. Sometimes, however, you’re faced with an imminent decision, and a fast tarot reading can be really useful. So, for a little extra, I’ll drop everything, put your order at the front of the line (or “queue” as we Brits refer to it!), and get your reading to you within 24 hours.

You’ll see the option on my Order page. I hope you find it useful.

 

(Image courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net)