Hi Dawn, I'm very much into the mystic and "alternative" side of life. Which type of tarot are you doing? I know some people can be a bit wary of some of the decks, and tend to more comfortable with the astrological tarot. I have had a few, one in particular which was so accurate, even 9 years down the line she is still bang on.
regards atmosphere, I think that if people want to have a reading, then they expect, to a certain extent a nice environment, maybe a few dim lamps, a dimmer switch perhaps? candles, a nice incense, or if you don't like the smoke, perhaps a gorgeous oil in a burner, not forgeting the crystals, I love a huge quartz crystal I have that has been wrapped in silver wire and small beads threaded through, maybe a wind chime tinkling away gently in the corner or by a narrow opened window? ,,,,, my wind chime tinkles without any breeze though,,,, scares the hell out of my partner!!! how about lots of huge cushions on thwe floor to sit on? I have a mixture of golds, reds, purples and blues, a little table with a deep purple cloth looks nice too.
It's nice to have a couple of drinks and nibbles available for the end of the reading, chilled fruit juice in fancy coloured goblet type glasses, and a plate of cinnamon biscuits,,,,, yummy.
Regards taping the reading, how about asking the client to bring their own if they want it taping? that way it takes a bit of pressure off you, and your'e reading won't cost as much for the client then. It's nice to be able to go back after and re listen, or even re read a reading, so perhaps you could have a note book and pencil nearby and let them write it down themselves.
Just a few ideas, perhaps you may find them usefull,,,,,,, I'm lucky, I live just down the road from Glastonbury, home of witchcraft and the likes, I'm always popping over there.
Let us know how they go,
Trrrraaaaaa
Christine.