Is Running a Tarot Business Legal? What You Need to Know

Thinking about starting a tarot business? Before you set up shop, you need to know whether it’s legal in your state, county, or city. In some places, fortune-telling is completely illegal. Others require special licenses. And in many areas, how you label your business can make the difference between legal or not.

Here’s a breakdown of U.S. laws, plus how to legally protect yourself while running your tarot business.

1. Some States and Cities BAN Tarot Readings for Money

Some jurisdictions completely prohibit fortune-telling, classifying it as fraud or a misdemeanor. If you charge for readings in these areas, you could face fines or criminal charges.

🚫 Pennsylvania – State law prohibits charging for fortune-telling. It’s considered a third-degree misdemeanor under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7104.

🚫 New York – Fortune-telling for compensation is illegal unless it’s explicitly for entertainment (e.g., a stage performance). Violating this law can lead to fines or imprisonment under N.Y. Penal Law § 165.35.

🚫 Other Restricted Areas – Some cities and counties within otherwise permissive states still ban fortune-telling. For example:

• Anne Arundel County, Maryland prohibits fortune-telling under local fraud statutes.
• Several Illinois municipalities have local bans, even though the state doesn’t.

How to Protect Yourself: If you live in one of these areas, you cannot legally charge for tarot readings unless you frame them differently (see Section 4).

2. Some Places Require Licenses & Permits

Even if tarot reading isn’t outright banned, some states and cities regulate it by requiring special business licenses or permits.

📝 Massachusetts – Requires a fortune-telling license, which can only be granted to residents who have lived in the city for at least one year.

📝 Virginia – Some counties require tarot readers to pay an annual tax of up to $1,000 just to operate.

📝 California (Varies by City/County) – Some areas require permits and police background checks, while others limit advertising:

• San Francisco – You must obtain a police permit to perform tarot readings.
• Los Angeles – You cannot advertise yourself as a fortune-teller unless you meet certain conditions.
• Tulare County – Requires a specific business license for fortune-tellers.

📝 Other Cities with Regulations – Many towns and counties have their own local ordinances, which may require background checks, business inspections, or residency requirements.

How to Protect Yourself: If you live in a regulated area, apply for the necessary business license or permit before charging for readings.

Where Tarot Businesses Face the Least Restrictions

Some states and cities have little to no regulation regarding tarot readings.

✅ Connecticut – No specific laws regulating fortune-telling, but you must comply with general business regulations.

✅ Texas – No state laws prohibiting tarot readings, but local zoning laws may apply.

✅ Most of the Midwest – States like Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri have no specific laws targeting tarot businesses.

Even in places with fewer regulations, business laws still apply, including tax registration, liability protections, and advertising rules.

How to Avoid Legal Issues: Smart Business Labeling

If your area has restrictive laws but allows entertainment-based readings, reframing your business can help. Here’s how:

🔹 Use Disclaimers – Adding “For Entertainment Purposes Only” to your website, social media, and client contracts can help avoid legal trouble in places where fortune-telling is restricted.

🔹 Change Your Business Title – Instead of “Tarot Reader” or “Fortune Teller,” use alternative titles that focus on personal growth, intuition, or coaching:

• Spiritual Advisor
• Intuitive Consultant
• Life Path Coach
• Mindfulness Mentor
• Metaphysical Consultant

Clearly Define Your Scope – Explicitly state that your readings do not offer legal, medical, or financial advice, and do not predict the future with certainty.

🔹 Sell Your Readings as Part of a Broader Offering – Some practitioners bundle tarot readings into coaching services (e.g., “Tarot-Informed Life Coaching”), which may help in restrictive areas.

5. Protecting Yourself Legally

Even if tarot readings are legal where you live, you still need to protect your business from potential legal risks.

📌 Register Your Business – Choose a business structure like an LLC to protect your personal assets from lawsuits.

📌 Get a Business License – Even if your state doesn’t require a fortune-telling permit, a general business license may still be required.

📌 Consider Liability Insurance – Protect yourself from claims related to misrepresentation, emotional distress, or negligence.

📌 Understand Tax Obligations – The IRS requires all tarot business owners to report income. Use the correct NAICS code:

• 812990 – “All Other Personal Services”
• 711510 – “Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers”

📌 Secure Your Brand – If you create your own tarot deck, course, or written material, copyright your work to prevent theft or imitation.

Final Thoughts

Running a tarot business in the U.S. isn’t as simple as setting up a website and pulling cards. In some places, it’s outright illegal. In others, you need a special license or permit. And even where it’s allowed, how you label your business and present your services can determine whether you run into legal trouble.

Before You Start Your Business:

✅ Check your state and local laws – Some areas allow tarot reading freely, while others ban or heavily regulate it.
✅ Use disclaimers and adjust your branding – In restrictive areas, label your services as entertainment, coaching, or spiritual guidance to avoid legal issues.
✅ Stay compliant – Get the right permits, licenses, and legal protections to operate safely.

General Tarot Reader Disclaimer

Here is a general disclaimer you might consider using for Tarot readings. Note that I am not a legal professional, and advice you to get a disclaimer written by someone who practices business law in the state and county you live in.

All tarot readings and intuitive services provided by [Your Business Name] are for entertainment and personal growth purposes only. The insights and guidance offered during a reading are not a substitute for professional advice in any field, including but not limited to:

• Legal matters – If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.
• Medical or psychological concerns – If you have health-related questions, please seek guidance from a qualified medical or mental health professional.
• Financial or investment decisions – If you need financial planning or investment advice, please contact a certified financial advisor.

By engaging in a reading, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and interpretations. [Your Business Name] assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice. Laws vary by location—consult a qualified attorney or local authorities to ensure compliance.

A No-Nonsense Guide to Building a Thriving Business

In a world where spirituality and entrepreneurship are finally holding hands, selling tarot readings online is a powerful way to connect with clients, create financial freedom, and do work that actually feeds your soul (instead of draining it).

But let’s be real: simply offering readings isn’t enough. You need a strategy. Clients won’t magically appear just because you lit a candle and shuffled a deck. You need to attract the right people, build trust, and create an experience that keeps them coming back.

This guide will show you exactly how to:

🔮 Establish your online presence (so clients find you and actually book).

💰 Price your services with confidence (no more “pay what you can” energy).

📢 Market yourself without feeling salesy (hint: storytelling > stiff promos).

🚀 Scale your tarot business for long-term success.

By the end, you won’t just be “offering readings.” You’ll have a clear roadmap to a sustainable, aligned, and profitable tarot business—without selling your soul (unless, of course, that’s part of your niche).

Ready? Let’s dive in..

Where to Sell Your Tarot Readings Online

So, you’re ready to sell your tarot readings online—but where should you do it? Should you set up your own website? List your services on a marketplace? Trust the cards to guide you?

Let’s break down your options.

A. Website vs. Marketplaces—What’s the Best Move?

🌙 Option 1: Your Own Website

✅ Full control over your branding, pricing, and client experience.
✅ No middleman taking a cut of your earnings.
✅ Builds credibility and trust long-term.

🚨 The downside? You have to bring in your own traffic. No built-in audience means you’ll need to market yourself through SEO, content, and social media.

🔮 Option 2: Third-Party Marketplaces (Etsy, Fiverr, Keen, etc.)

✅ These platforms already have people searching for tarot readings.
✅ Easier to get started—just create a listing and go.

🚨 The catch? High competition. And when competition is high, people start undercutting prices to attract clients. That leads to a race to the bottom, where readings get cheaper and clients start treating them like disposable purchases instead of valuable guidance. If you’ve ever seen someone offering a full tarot reading for $5, that’s the result of this spiral.

The Smartest Approach? Use Both.

Start by creating your own website—even a simple one—so you have a space that’s fully yours. Then, use marketplaces strategically to gain experience, collect reviews, and generate early income. Just don’t get stuck in the cycle of pricing yourself too low. When you’re ready to step away from third-party platforms, you’ll already have an audience and credibility built up on your own turf.

B. Setting Up Your Website (Without the Tech Headache)

If you’re going to have your own site, make it work for you—meaning people can find you, book a session, and pay without hassle.

🔹 Domain & Hosting: Get a professional domain name (not mysticalreadings420.wordpress.com). Something simple like YourNameTarot.com works.
🔹 Website Platform: WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace—pick one and don’t overthink it.
🔹 Essential Pages: You need at least these:

• Homepage (Who you are + what you offer)
• About (Your story + why clients should trust you)
• Services (What you offer + pricing)
• Testimonials (Because social proof sells)
• FAQ (Answer common concerns upfront)
• Contact (Make it easy for clients to reach you)
  🔹 Payment Processors: PayPal, Stripe, or Buy Me a Coffee—because nobody likes a complicated checkout.

Your website doesn’t need to be fancy. Clear, easy, and professional beats flashy and confusing every time.

Final Recommendation

Think of your website as your long-term home and marketplaces as short-term rentals. Use them to get started, but don’t get stuck competing on price. Build your brand, set your worth, and create a business where people value your readings—not just hunt for the cheapest one.

Pricing Your Tarot Readings

(Without Undervaluing Your Magic)

Pricing isn’t just about what feels right—it’s about making sure your readings are profitable, sustainable, and actually valued by your clients. Because let’s be real: people don’t take a $5 reading seriously. And you don’t want to spend hours pulling cards for pennies.

Here’s how to set prices that make sense:

💰 Competitor Research (With a Caveat): Check what other tarot readers in your niche are charging, but don’t feel pressured to match them. Some are underpricing out of fear. Don’t join the race to the bottom.

📊 Tiered Pricing: Offer different levels of service at different price points. For example:

• Quick 3-card reading: $XX
• Full Celtic Cross reading with voice memo interpretation: $XXX
• Live 60-minute session with recording: $XXX+

🎯 Value-Based Pricing: Charge based on transformation, not just time. A 10-minute reading that gives someone clarity on their life’s purpose is way more valuable than a 60-minute reading that leaves them confused. Price accordingly.

🎁 Bonuses & Bundles: Want to justify a higher price? Add value instead of just slashing rates. Offer things like:

• A PDF summary of the reading.
• Personalized journal prompts.
• An affirmation or tarot-inspired mantra tailored to their situation.

💡 The Big Pricing Rule: If you wouldn’t confidently pay your own rate for the quality of insight you provide, it’s time to raise your prices.

Transparent, confident pricing builds trust and positions you as a professional—not someone just pulling cards for coffee money.

Marketing Your Tarot Readings

(Without feeling like a pushy salesperson)

You can be the most gifted tarot reader in the world, but if no one knows you exist? That deck is just collecting dust. Marketing isn’t about “selling”—it’s about making it easy for the right people to find you, trust you, and book with confidence.

So, how do you attract paying clients without feeling like a walking advertisement? Let’s break it down.

A. SEO & Content Marketing: Get Found Without Paying for Ads

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound like something only tech wizards care about, but here’s why you should: it helps people find your tarot readings while they’re actively searching for them. That means less chasing and more booking.

🔎 Keyword Magic: Sprinkle relevant search terms throughout your website and content (think: “buy a tarot reading online” or “how tarot can help with love decisions”). Don’t overdo it—Google can smell desperation.

✍️ Blog Like a Boss: Write content that answers common client questions. Think:

• “What to Expect from Your First Tarot Reading”
• “The Difference Between a One-Card Pull and a Full Spread”
• “How Tarot Can Help You Make Big Life Decisions”

📩 Freebies That Hook People In: Offer a free guide (like “3 Tarot Spreads for Clarity”) or a mini reading in exchange for an email sign-up. This helps build a list of potential clients who already love your energy.

🚀 Long-Term Strategy: SEO takes time, but once your content starts ranking, clients come to you instead of you constantly hunting for them.

B. Social Media & Community Engagement: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Booked

Like it or not, social media is where a lot of potential clients are hanging out. But the secret isn’t just posting—it’s creating connection and engagement so people trust you enough to book a reading.

📍 Pick the Right Platforms:

• Instagram → Perfect for daily card pulls, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging stories.
• TikTok → Viral potential for quick, punchy tarot insights or mini-readings.
• YouTube → Longer-form content like “Pick a Card” readings or deep dives into tarot wisdom.

📢 Content That Converts: Mix it up with:

• Educational posts (e.g., What does The Tower REALLY mean?)
• Daily/weekly tarot pulls (Bonus: invite engagement by asking, “Which card are you feeling today?”)
• Live Q&A sessions (Let people experience your reading style before booking)
• Personal stories & client testimonials (Social proof = trust = bookings)

📌 Hashtags & Engagement: Don’t just post and ghost. Use hashtags like #OnlineTarotReading and #SpiritualGuidance, then actually interact—comment on posts, reply to DMs, and build relationships.

⚡ Pro Tip: The more consistently you show up, the more people remember you when they need a reading.

C. Email Marketing: The Secret to Repeat Clients

Social media is great for visibility, but email? That’s where the real magic happens. An email list lets you stay in touch, build trust, and turn one-time clients into loyal fans.

📬 Welcome Sequences That Warm People Up: Create an automated email series introducing yourself, explaining your reading style, and sharing a few quick tarot insights. Think of it as your “get to know me” series.

📆 Regular Newsletters That Keep You Top of Mind: Send weekly or monthly emails with:

• Tarot insights (“Energy forecast for the week ahead”)
• Behind-the-scenes stories (“How I prepare for a reading”)
• Special offers (“Subscribers get first dibs on my next 5 live reading slots”)

🎁 Exclusive Perks That Drive Sales: Reward your email list with VIP discounts, priority booking, or bonus content. Make them feel like insiders—not just customers.

🚀 Why It Works: Unlike social media (where algorithms decide who sees your content), emails land directly in your client’s inbox. That means more eyes on your offers and more bookings.

Turning Browsers into Buyers

People love to window shop—even in the spiritual world. They’ll scroll through your website, watch your TikToks, maybe even DM you with “Hey, I’m interested!”—and then… crickets.

If you want more actual bookings (and fewer “let me think about it”s), you need two things: trust and an effortless booking experience. Let’s make that happen.

A. Building Trust & Credibility (So Clients Feel Safe Booking with You)

Tarot is personal. People need to trust you before they hand over their money (and their energy). The faster you build credibility, the faster they’ll say yes to a reading.

🔮 Collect & Showcase Testimonials → If you don’t already have reviews, start collecting them now. Even a simple “That was so accurate!” from a happy client can help. Feature testimonials on your website, social media, and booking pages.

💌 Offer a Sample Reading → A free one-card pull, a mini report, or even a detailed post showcasing how you interpret a spread can give potential clients a taste of your style and accuracy.

📖 Share Real Success Stories → Got a client who gained clarity, made a big life move, or felt empowered after a reading? Tell that story (with their permission, of course). Seeing tangible results helps new clients feel confident about booking.

🎥 Use Video or Voice Introductions → A short “Hey, I’m [Your Name], here’s what to expect from a reading with me!” video builds instant connection. People book with people—not just services.

💡 Pro Tip: Post “before & after” insights. For example, “This client came to me feeling lost in their career—after our reading, they had clarity and took action toward a new job. Here’s how the cards guided them…”

B. Creating a Seamless Booking Process (Because Confusion = Lost Sales)

If your booking process is clunky, complicated, or full of unnecessary steps, people will abandon it. Make it so easy that clicking “Book Now” is a no-brainer.

📅 Use Scheduling Tools → Platforms like Calendly, Acuity, or Square Appointments let clients book instantly without back-and-forth messages. The easier it is, the faster they’ll commit.

📩 Automate Confirmations & Reminders → Missed appointments are annoying. Set up automatic email or SMS reminders so clients actually show up.

👀 Set Clear Expectations → Tell clients exactly what they’re getting. Before they book, they should know:

• How the reading will be delivered (Live? Email? Video recording?)
• How long it takes to receive
• What kind of questions they can ask

💳 Offer Multiple Payment Options → Some people love PayPal. Others swear by Stripe. Some prefer Buy Me a Coffee for casual transactions. Give options, and you’ll get more bookings.

🚀 Bonus Tip: Add a “Book Now” button everywhere—on your website, social media bios, email signature, and even in Instagram Stories (hello, link sticker!). The less work clients have to do, the better.

Your Tarot Business, Your Rules – Now Go Make It Happen

You’ve got the talent. You’ve got the vision. Now, you’ve got the strategy to turn your tarot business into something profitable, sustainable, and actually fun to run.

Here’s the game plan:
✅ Get visible—SEO, social media, and email marketing = your new best friends.
✅ Make booking effortless—No one should have to DM you for a link.
✅ Charge what you’re worth—No more $5 readings that clients don’t value.
✅ Scale smart—Passive income, high-ticket offers, and outsourcing will set you free.

Success isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy and consistency. And if you’re ready to keep learning, growing, and actually enjoying your business…

🔮 Subscribe to my newsletter! Get exclusive tarot biz tips, marketing insights, and behind-the-scenes wisdom straight to your inbox. Because your gift deserves to be seen and paid for.

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4 steps to launch and market your tarot biz – plus free resources to make it even easier.

Imagine having everything you need to start a thriving tarot business delivered right to your inbox. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can create a business that’s uniquely yours and perfectly aligned with your energy and vision.

This guide will show you how to get started and how to access a free resource packed with checklists, tools, and insider tips to take your tarot business to the next level.

What’s covered in this guide:

• How to define your unique tarot offerings to stand out
• Steps to create a professional online presence as a tarot reader that attracts clients
• Proven methods to nurture and grow your tarot audience
• Tips for confidently selling your tarot services without feeling pushy

Step 1: Define Your Unique Tarot Offerings

Your tarot business starts with understanding your gifts and what you’ll offer to your clients. It’s a great idea to take some time to reflect on the following: before diving to deep into starting your business. Having a strong foundation here will set you on the path for success and scalability going forward.

• What services light you up? Whether it’s one-on-one readings, group workshops, or a monthly membership, focus on offerings that feel aligned.
• Who are your ideal clients? Are you drawn to helping other spiritual entrepreneurs, guiding people through life transitions, or providing clarity for career decisions? Get the worksheet below 👇
• What makes you unique? Maybe it’s your intuitive storytelling, your deep knowledge of astrology, or your ability to connect tarot insights to actionable steps.

✨ Pro Tip: Start small and build from there. If you’re not sure what to offer, a single service like email tarot readings is an easy entry point.

Step 2: Create Your Online Presence

To attract clients, you need a professional and inviting online space. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert—this doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

• Website: Create a simple website where people can learn about you, book your services, and read your blog. Grab by Visibility Audit for recommendations and to set this, as well as your social profiles up in a way that’s un-ignorable. 👇
• Social Media: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are great for connecting with potential clients. Share daily card pulls, quick tips on interpreting spreads, or stories about how tarot has impacted your life.
• Email List: An email list is a game-changer. Start building one early by offering a free resource or tarot-themed lead magnet (more on that below).

The key is consistency—show up regularly, share value, and let your audience get to know you.

Step 3: Attract and Nurture Your Dream Clients

It’s not enough to set up shop—you need to actively attract the clients you want to work with. Here’s how to start:

• Engage Your Audience: Post consistently on social media, respond to comments, and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process.
• Offer Free Value: Create free content like blogs, videos, or live Q&A sessions that showcase your expertise and build trust.
• Build Relationships: Collaborate with others in the spiritual space, such as yoga teachers or energy healers, to expand your reach.

Step 4: Confidently Sell Your Services

Many spiritual entrepreneurs struggle with selling, but think of it as inviting people to experience the transformation you offer. Here are some tips:

• Be Clear: Clearly outline your services, pricing, and how clients can book with you. Make it easy for them to say yes.
• Use Testimonials: Highlight client success stories or feedback to show the impact of your work.
• Offer Packages: Create irresistible offers, like a 3-month tarot mentorship program or a bundle of readings.

Your Next Step: Get the Insider Marketing Tips Delivered Straight to You