TAROT FOR BEGINNERS BY BARBARA MOORE

Sacred Space

Pagans will be familiar with the idea of sacred space and the ritual of casting a circle. A tarot reading doesn't require a magical circle (although if you are so inclined, it doesn't hurt); however, many readers like to create the sense of being in a special place. A cloth or scarf is a portable and quick way to create an instant space. It defines the space to lay out the cards and becomes a focal point, causing everything else to recede into the background. This can be very helpful if you are reading in a public place with other potentially distracting activity going on around you. The cloth can be of any material, although traditionally silk was favored, especially if used to wrap the cards in afterwards, because it is said to energetically protect the cards from undesirable vibrations. More important than the material, however, is the color and pattern. The cards should always be the focus and the cloth nothing more than background, so select a color and pattern that enhance but do not clash with your cards. A cloth of velvet or cotton helps the cards stay in place; cards may slide around or be difficult to pick up on a silky fabric or satin cloth.

Many readers like to include items that represent the tarot's elemental energies. A stone, crystal, pentacle, bowl of salt, or a little soil can represent pentacles/earth. A glass of water or a seashell can indicate cups/water. A candle is the most common symbol for wands/fire, although an actual wand or twig can be used as well. Swords/air is present in the form of incense or a feather, or a small knife, or athame, for a more literal representation. Depending on your belief system, you can get as detailed as you like with your symbols. You can pick a crystal based on its healing or divinatory properties, such as tiger's-eye; an incense that promotes psychic abilities, such as frankincense; and candle colors for specific ideals, such as white to represent purity or purple to represent spirituality and higher wisdom. 

People who have a knack for creating great experiences know that all the senses should be involved. Sight is easy: there are the cards themselves plus whatever else is included in your reading space. Scented candles or incense engage the sense of smell. Some readers rub essential oil into their hands and then hold their tarot deck, rubbing the oil into the edges of cards so they pick up the scent. Playing soft music in the background, ringing a small bell at the beginning of the reading, or regulating your voice bring in pleasing sounds. As for the sense of touch, there is a product called fanning powder used by stage magicians to keep their cards from sticking. Fanning powder is applied to the cards and makes them feel wonderful. It takes some time to apply, because you have to cover and then wipe off each card individually, but it is worth the effort and really enhances the feel of any deck in your hands and whoever else touches or shuffles your deck. Finally, there is the sense of taste, which can be pleased by sharing with your querent a simple beverage, cookie, chocolate, or piece of fruit. Keep it simple and small—and clean; no one wants food smudges all over their cards.