By Isabella Vale
If you had told me ten years ago that one day I’d be making part of my income by reading tarot for strangers under the stars on a tropical island, I would’ve laughed. And yet, here I am, doing exactly that.
Tarot has always been a deeply personal journey for me. It started as a quiet, sacred ritual in the corners of my home, something I turned to for guidance during life’s crossroads. But over the years, it grew. What once was a private tool of introspection became something I now joyfully share with others, not only as a spiritual practice, but also as part of my livelihood.
Readings at My Little Space in Koh Phangan
I live on the island of Koh Phangan, a place that pulses with creative, spiritual, and nomadic energy. It’s no surprise that so many people who cross my path are open to self-reflection and inner work.
A few times a week, I open my small reading space, a shaded patio surrounded by palms, incense in the air, crystals on the table, and a gentle playlist humming in the background. Locals, digital nomads, travelers, and curious wanderers book sessions, or sometimes just walk in on a whim.
Some come in with specific questions, about love, purpose, or a recent decision they’re unsure about. Others just want to see what the cards have to say. Each session is different, but always rich. It feels like an exchange, a shared moment of vulnerability and magic.
And yes, I charge for these readings. I’ve learned to value the time, the energy, and the insight I offer. Some pay in baht, some offer gifts, and some come back again and again. It’s not just a side hustle, it’s a heart-led income stream that feels aligned with who I am.
Festivals, Events, and the Magic of the First-Time Reading
One of my absolute favorite ways to share tarot, and earn from it, is by setting up at festivals or local events.
I bring my foldable wooden table, my favorite cloth, a selection of decks, some candles, a few crystals, and an open heart. It never takes long before people gather. Sometimes it’s a couple walking by hand-in-hand, sometimes it’s a group of friends daring each other to “go first,” and often it’s someone who’s been silently circling my table, curious but unsure.
I love those moments. Especially the ones who say, “I’ve never done this before.” There’s something so special about being someone’s first tarot reader. The surprise in their eyes when a card touches on exactly what’s been weighing on their mind, that spark of recognition, the pause, the goosebumps, it never gets old.
Some readings at events are quick, light-hearted, and fun. Others go deep. And every single one is a chance to connect, to offer a moment of clarity, and yes, to earn a bit of money doing something I genuinely enjoy.
Why It Works for Me
For anyone wondering whether tarot can be a real source of income, the answer is yes, especially when you lead with authenticity. I don’t promise future predictions or flashy fortune-telling. What I offer is space. Presence. Insight. And a little bit of magic.
Being able to do this in Koh Phangan, at events, and in my own space, lets me balance work with family life, stay creative, and meet amazing people. And to be honest, I have fun doing it.
That, to me, is the most rewarding part of all.
With gratitude,
Isabella Vale