Many tarot readers view their reading space as sacred, and most place items around them when they read to bring clarity, comfort and insight.
Some call this space an altar (particularly those who identify as Pagan or Wiccan), but it is really just a space where can be comfortable and “get into the zone.”
It should be a quiet space, free from interruptions, and it should be an aesthetically pleasing place for you. Those are really the only requirements.
As you do more readings, you will add the components that speak to you, but here are some common items found on a tarot readers table:
- Candles
- Crystals
- Feathers
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Incense
- Trinkets (gifts from friends and family)
- Representations of the four elements (earth, water, air, fire)
At the very least, most readers will include items that represent the four elements on their reading table. Earth, Water, Air and Fire are also represented in the tarot cards themselves, but readers like to call upon the elements for assistance in understanding the cards and their meanings.
Below are some ideas for items that can represent each element. This list is not exhaustive, of course, so I would love to hear what you have chosen for your table.
EARTH – sticks, coins, salt, pot-pourri, soil or sand, plants, acorns, essential oils, tree of life, brown and green crystals (tiger’s eye, malachite)
WATER – seashells, holy water, water in a scrying bowl, chalice of water, vase of flowers with water (earth + water), mermaids, ocean/river picture, dolphin, fish, otter, white and light blue crystals (opal, moonstone, aquamarine)
AIR – feather, birds, angels, fairies, wind chimes, incense, bell, fan, book, musical instruments, purple and blue crystals (lapis lazuli, labradorite, amethyst)
FIRE – candles, matches, volcanic ash, wand, picture of flames or sun, cinnamon or cayenne pepper, salamander, dragon, phoenix, red and orange crystals (fire agate, sunstone, carnelian)
Sandy Toe Tarot 