Tarot holds a unique place in the world of self-inquiry. It is a mirror, a map and an inner conversation starter – offering reflection and insight rather than prediction or control. Yet with this powerful tool comes responsibility. Whether you are the one offering readings or the one seeking them, understanding the ethical foundation of Tarot is essential. Without clear ethics, even the best reader can unintentionally cause confusion or harm, and even the most well-meaning client can misunderstand the nature of the work.
Ethics are not just something professional readers should think about – they are the cornerstone of trustworthy and transformative Tarot practice. In this article, I’m explore ethics from both perspectives: the reader and the client.
The Reader’s Responsibility
When you step into the role of reader, you take on a position of influence. Whether you realize it or not, your words carry weight – especially when someone is sitting across from you, vulnerable, looking for clarity or navigating a life-altering decision. Ethical practice requires that you hold that responsibility with care. It asks that you remain humble, aware of your role and mindful of your boundaries.
One of the first ethical considerations is the temptation to claim certainty where there is none. Tarot is not a crystal ball, and no ethical reader should promise absolute answers or guaranteed outcomes. Your role is not to predict someone’s future but to help them explore their present, their choices and their personal agency.
It is also your responsibility to recognize the limitations of what Tarot can offer. You are not a doctor, lawyer or financial advisor – unless you are trained and qualified to offer those services separately. An ethical reader will not make medical diagnoses, give legal advice or guarantee financial outcomes. Doing so crosses a dangerous line and places unnecessary risk on the client. You can, however, explore the emotional and energetic dynamics surrounding these topics, helping clients gain clarity on their feelings and actions, while encouraging them to seek professional support where appropriate.
Another key ethical boundary is consent. It is never appropriate to read on behalf of someone who hasn’t asked for a reading themselves. While clients may be curious about what a loved one is thinking or what a romantic partner might feel, it is unethical to read for third parties without their knowledge or permission. The reading should always focus on the client -their role, their insight and their choices – not on spying or prying into someone else’s private life.
Ethical readers also create an empowering experience. This means helping clients connect with their own inner knowing, not positioning yourself as the authority over their life. It means asking reflective questions, inviting dialogue and reminding clients that they hold the power to make their own choices. Your role is to guide, not to direct or dictate.
Finally, your business practices are part of your ethical foundation. Clear communication about pricing, session structure, confidentiality and boundaries builds trust before the reading even begins. Clients should know exactly what they are agreeing to, how their information will be handled and what kind of experience they can expect. Ethical readers are transparent, reliable and professional – never manipulating clients into dependency or pushing unnecessary services.
The Client’s Role in an Ethical Reading
While the responsibility of holding ethical space begins with the reader, clients also have a role in maintaining the integrity of the reading. Ethical clients come with openness, curiosity and realistic expectations. Tarot is not a tool to control other people or guarantee outcomes. It is a tool for self-reflection and personal growth.
As a client, it is important to ask questions that invite exploration rather than absolutes. Instead of asking, “Will I get the job?” or “Is this relationship going to work out?”, try asking, “What can I do to position myself for success in this opportunity?” or “What do I need to understand about this relationship dynamic?”. These kinds of questions open the door to insight and empowerment rather than chasing certainty.
It is also helpful to choose readers who are clear about their approach, their boundaries and their ethical standards. Take the time to read their website, listen to their content or review their policies before booking. Ethical readers make this information easy to access so you can make an informed choice.
Finally, remember that you always hold personal agency. No matter what the cards reveal, the choices you make are yours alone. Tarot is a tool to support your journey, not to control it or replace your own decision-making. A healthy client-reader relationship is built on mutual respect, where both parties understand their roles and responsibilities.
Why Ethical Practice Matters
When ethics are missing, Tarot can easily become a space of misinformation, emotional harm or false promises. But when ethics are the foundation, Tarot transforms into something far more powerful – a tool for self-awareness, clarity, and conscious action.
This is why ethics are at the heart of my Tarot Mastery Mentorship Program, which I will be co-teach alongside fellow South African reader, Leonie Maritz. Together, we bring decades of professional experience to the table, offering the kind of mentorship we both wish we had when we were starting out. As predominately self-taught readers ourselves, we understand the challenges of finding professional training that feels accessible, relevant and grounded in real-world practice. This program was designed to fill that gap and to help nurture the next generation of readers.
We won’t just be teaching you how to read the cards. We will be guiding you in building an ethical, professional and empowering practice – so you can serve your clients with confidence and integrity.
If you’re ready to become the kind of reader people trust, respect and return to, I invite you to explore the program. Enrollment opens on May 25th, and I would love to support you in taking your Tarot practice to the next level.
