Online Tarot Readings: Best Practices

BY NICOLE LAU

Introduction: Sacred Space in Digital Space

Online tarot readings are no longer a compromise—they're a powerful, legitimate way to serve clients anywhere in the world. The pandemic proved what many readers already knew: sacred connection doesn't require physical proximity. Energy, intuition, and insight flow through screens just as powerfully as across a table.

But online readings do require different skills than in-person sessions. You need technical competence, the ability to create sacred space virtually, strategies for maintaining connection through screens, and systems for delivering readings via video, phone, or email. Done well, online readings can be as profound—sometimes more so—than in-person sessions.

This guide reveals best practices for online tarot readings, from technical setup to energetic connection, platform choices to client experience, and how to deliver readings that honor the sacred nature of this work while leveraging the power of digital technology.

Why Online Readings Work

Energy Transcends Distance

Tarot accesses intuitive, energetic information that isn't bound by physical location. The cards work just as well when you're reading for someone across the world as across the table.

Accessibility and Convenience

Clients can access your services from anywhere, at times that work for their schedule. No travel time, no geographic limitations.

Comfort and Safety

Some clients feel more comfortable in their own space. Online readings can feel safer and more intimate than meeting a stranger in person.

Scalability

You can serve more clients without geographic constraints. Your potential market is global, not local.

Technical Setup: The Foundation

Internet Connection

Minimum: 10 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload
Ideal: 25+ Mbps download, 10+ Mbps upload
Test: Use speedtest.net before sessions
Backup: Have mobile hotspot as backup if home internet fails

Camera and Audio

Camera:
- Built-in laptop camera: Acceptable for starting
- External webcam (Logitech C920 or similar): Better quality ($70-100)
- DSLR as webcam: Professional quality ($500+ total setup)

Microphone:
- Built-in laptop mic: Acceptable but not ideal
- USB microphone (Blue Yeti, etc.): Much better ($100-130)
- Headset with mic: Good for reducing echo ($30-100)

Audio Quality Matters More Than Video: Invest in good audio first.

Lighting

Natural Light: Face a window (not behind you—creates silhouette)
Ring Light: 10-18" ring light creates flattering, even lighting ($30-100)
Desk Lamps: Two lamps at 45-degree angles work well
Avoid: Overhead lighting (creates shadows), backlighting (makes you dark)

Test: Do a test call and check how you look on camera.

Background

Physical Background:
- Clean, uncluttered wall
- Bookshelf with spiritual books
- Altar or sacred objects (tasteful, not overwhelming)
- Fabric backdrop or tapestry

Virtual Background:
- Use Zoom/platform virtual backgrounds if needed
- Choose something professional and on-brand
- Test to ensure it doesn't glitch

Avoid: Messy rooms, distracting movement, inappropriate items visible

Reading Surface

Setup:
- Stable surface at comfortable height
- Reading cloth that shows well on camera
- Good contrast (dark cloth for light cards, light cloth for dark cards)
- Overhead camera angle if possible (shows cards clearly)

Camera Angle:
- Eye level for connection
- Angled down slightly to show cards
- Test to ensure cards are visible and in focus

Platform Choices

Video Platforms

Zoom:
Pros: Reliable, recording feature, screen share, breakout rooms
Cons: 40-min limit on free plan, requires download
Best for: Professional practice, recording sessions

Google Meet:
Pros: No download needed, integrates with Google Calendar
Cons: Fewer features than Zoom
Best for: Simple, straightforward sessions

Skype:
Pros: Free, established platform
Cons: Less reliable than Zoom, dated interface
Best for: International clients who already use it

FaceTime:
Pros: Easy for Apple users, good quality
Cons: Apple-only, no recording
Best for: Casual readings with Apple users

Instagram/Facebook Video:
Pros: Clients already have accounts
Cons: Not professional, poor quality, privacy concerns
Best for: Free mini-readings, not professional sessions

Phone Readings

Regular Phone: Simple, accessible, no tech barriers
WhatsApp/Signal: Free international calls, encrypted
Pros: No video pressure, works anywhere, lower bandwidth
Cons: Can't show cards, less personal connection

Email/Written Readings

Format: Client sends question, you send written interpretation with photo of spread
Pros: Asynchronous, client has written record, you can take time
Cons: No real-time interaction, harder to clarify questions
Best for: Clients in different time zones, those who prefer written format

Pre-Recorded Video Readings

Format: Record reading, send private video link
Pros: Asynchronous, scalable, client can rewatch
Cons: No interaction, can't ask follow-up questions
Tools: Loom, private YouTube, Vimeo

Creating Sacred Virtual Space

Opening Ritual

Before Client Joins:
- Light candle (visible on camera)
- Clear your space energetically
- Ground and center yourself
- Set intention for the session

When Client Joins:
- Welcome warmly
- Brief tech check ("Can you hear me clearly?")
- Invite them to get comfortable
- Brief grounding exercise together ("Take three deep breaths with me")

Maintaining Sacred Container

Minimize Distractions:
- Close unnecessary programs
- Silence phone notifications
- Put "Do Not Disturb" sign on door
- Ensure pets/family won't interrupt

Create Atmosphere:
- Soft lighting
- Candles (if safe and visible)
- Crystals or sacred objects in view
- Calm, centered energy

Maintain Presence:
- Make eye contact through camera
- Speak clearly and warmly
- Don't multitask or look distracted
- Stay fully present despite the screen

Closing Ritual

End Intentionally:
- Summarize key messages
- Ask if they have final questions
- Offer grounding guidance
- Thank them and close sacred space
- End recording (if applicable)

Conducting the Reading

Pre-Session

Send Confirmation: Email with Zoom link, time (with time zone!), what to prepare
Intake Form: Collect question and any context beforehand
Payment: Collect before session (prevents awkward money conversation after)
Tech Instructions: How to join, what they need (quiet space, headphones recommended)

During Session

Show the Cards:
- Hold cards up to camera clearly
- Or use overhead camera angle
- Describe what you're seeing ("I'm pulling the Three of Cups...")
- Consider screen sharing if using digital deck

Maintain Connection:
- Look at camera (not screen) when speaking directly to them
- Use their name
- Check in: "Does this resonate?"
- Watch their reactions (even through screen)

Handle Tech Issues:
- If connection drops, have backup plan (phone number)
- If audio is bad, switch to phone audio
- Stay calm and professional
- Extend session time if tech ate into it

Post-Session

Send Follow-Up:
- Photo of spread
- Brief summary of key points
- Recording link (if you record sessions)
- Thank you and invitation to book again

Document:
- Note key points for your records
- Track what worked/didn't for improvement

Best Practices by Format

Video Readings

Do:
- Test tech 10 minutes before
- Dress professionally (at least top half!)
- Have water nearby
- Use good lighting and audio
- Record (with permission) for client reference

Don't:
- Eat or drink (except water) on camera
- Wear distracting patterns
- Have messy background
- Multitask or look distracted

Phone Readings

Do:
- Use landline or strong cell signal
- Be in quiet space
- Describe cards verbally since they can't see
- Send photo of spread after
- Take notes during call

Don't:
- Use speakerphone (unless quality is good)
- Read while driving or in public
- Assume they know what cards look like

Email Readings

Do:
- Set clear turnaround time (24-48 hours typical)
- Include photo of spread
- Write thorough interpretation (500-1000+ words)
- Proofread before sending
- Offer one round of clarifying questions

Don't:
- Rush or send sloppy work
- Use tiny photos they can't see
- Be too brief (they're paying for depth)
- Engage in endless back-and-forth

Common Online Reading Challenges

Challenge: Feeling Disconnected

Solution:
- Make strong eye contact through camera
- Use client's name frequently
- Do grounding exercise together at start
- Trust that energy flows regardless of distance

Challenge: Technical Difficulties

Solution:
- Always have backup plan (phone number)
- Test everything before session
- Stay calm when issues arise
- Extend session if tech caused delays

Challenge: Client Distractions

Solution:
- Set expectations in confirmation email (quiet, private space)
- If they're clearly distracted, gently address it
- Offer to reschedule if they can't focus

Challenge: Showing Cards Clearly

Solution:
- Invest in overhead camera setup
- Or hold cards close to camera one at a time
- Describe cards verbally as you show them
- Send photo of spread after session

Pricing Online Readings

Same as In-Person: Don't discount just because it's online. The value is the same.
Or Slightly Less: Some readers charge 10-20% less for online (no travel time for client)
Email/Recorded: Often 20-30% less than live sessions (no real-time interaction)

Example:
- In-person 60-min: $150
- Video 60-min: $150 (or $135)
- Email reading: $100-120
- Pre-recorded video: $100-120

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Recording Sessions

Always Get Permission: "I'd like to record this session for you. Is that okay?"
Know Your Laws: Some states require two-party consent for recording
Provide Recording: Send link or file to client after
Delete Eventually: Don't keep recordings forever (privacy)

Privacy and Security

Use Secure Platforms: Zoom, Google Meet (not public social media)
Password Protect: Use waiting rooms or passwords for sessions
Secure Payment: Use reputable payment processors
Confidentiality: Same rules as in-person (don't share client info)

Disclaimers

Include in booking confirmation:
"Tarot readings are for entertainment and spiritual guidance purposes. I am not a licensed therapist, doctor, or lawyer. Please seek appropriate professional help for medical, legal, or mental health concerns."

Conclusion: The Future Is Digital

Online tarot readings aren't a lesser version of in-person sessions—they're a powerful, accessible, scalable way to serve clients globally. With proper technical setup, intentional sacred space creation, and skilled delivery, online readings can be just as profound and transformative as face-to-face sessions.

The key is treating online readings with the same professionalism and sacred intention you'd bring to in-person work. Invest in good equipment, create beautiful virtual space, maintain presence despite the screen, and trust that energy and intuition flow through technology just as powerfully as across a physical table.

The digital realm is simply another space where sacred work happens. Master it, and you'll serve clients anywhere in the world, build a sustainable practice unconstrained by geography, and bring tarot's wisdom to those who need it most.

The future of tarot is digital. Embrace it.