Tarot Supplies

Besides a flat surface and an open mind, all you need to do a tarot reading is a deck and a journal.

There are hundreds of types of tarot decks—from small, travel-friendly models, such as the Zerner-Farber, to historical versions, such as the Golden Tarot, which features artwork from the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. There are even round-shaped decks, such as Motherpeace and Tarot of the Cloisters. A great deck for beginners is the Rider-Waite deck (depicted in this guide), which features colorful, easy-to-interpret drawings. The Rider-Waite is by far the most popular tarot deck.

Two of the best places to check out the options are bookstores and metaphysical shops. The deck you decide on should appeal to you in design and overall presentation. Choose one that simply feels right.

After selecting a deck, treat it right. To contain the energy of the cards, many store their decks in velvet bags or special boxes or wrap them in pieces of soft fabric.

When you’re starting to learn tarot, it helps to have a journal in which to jot down your thoughts. Use it to note cards that come up repeatedly and record your interpretations of various spreads. Keeping a journal is also a great way to look back and survey your progress.