To properly use the Tarot, most people choose to get or purchase the inexpensive items listed below. We describe each item and, for most items, list some places you can purchase them.

Waite-Rider Tarot Deck and Box or Bag
You can find this Tarot deck in most local bookstores, or from Barnes and Noble online at http://www.barnesandnoble.com. You will want to store your Tarot deck to protect it, after it's keyed, in a box or bag made of all natural materials. You can make your own bag, use an old cigar box or buy a Tarot box. You can buy Tarot boxes from 13 moons: http://www.13moons.com.

Book of Shadows
You will want to purchase or make a Books of Shadow for recording readings. It's preferable to use a new book, not one that has already been used for other purposes. For recording readings, some people use a 3-ring binder and fill it with copies of the Tarot reading temPlate provided in this course. Other people use blank books. To protect your Book of Shadows you may want to put some kind of picture (dragon, tiger, hawk, etc.) or symbol on the front and back covers.

Wisdom and Protection Candles
You will need to purchase 2 white, sky blue or sun yellow candles to use for Tarot readings. The candles should match in color and type. We prefer taper candles, which are easy to snuff out.

Firebowl and Firebowl Materials
You will need a working Firebowl to key your Plate, which you will need to key the cards in your Tarot deck. You can find Firebowls at Pier 1, Wal-Mart or other retail stores (also online). Your Firebowl should be:

• Made of brass, cast-iron, ceramic or a hard hardwood
• 4 to 6 inches in diameter
• 4 to 5 inches deep
• A shape that is easily held with one or both hands
• Light enough to carry in one hand if necessary
• Stable when placed on a flat surface
• Slightly curved-in and flared back out at the top rim to promote "columning" of incense or smoke (see the drawing below)

Your course materials include a firebowl kit, which has the sage, resin and charcoal needed for your firebowl.

Chalice
You will need a Chalice to key your Plate, which you will need to key the cards in your Tarot deck. You can use any wine goblet or buy a Chalice at Pier 1, Wal-Mart or other retail stores (also online).  Your Chalice should:

• Be any goblet-shaped drinking cup that has a stem for easy handling.
• Have a good-sized bowl. The bowl can have patterns on it as long as the patterns are not too deep.
• Be made of only one material. Avoid combinations of material, such as glass and metal. Glass and ceramic work best, although you can also use Chalices made of silver, pewter or copper. Some people prefer clear glass because you can see what is in the Chalice, and other people prefer Water Blue Chalices since we often use Water Blue in working with the Chalice. Wood Chalices do not work well because they have too much air element in them. 

To key your Plate using your Chalice, you will also need:

• Rain, spring or distilled water. Tap water will not work!
• Sea salt or crushed rock salt that is non-iodized (table salt will not work because some of the minerals and crystal structure inherent in salt have been destroyed during processing)
• Pure cotton cloth

Plate
You will need a Plate, which we will teach you how to key, for keying your Tarot cards. The Plate, known in magical circles as a Shield or Pantacle, is the tool used to handle earth energies. It is known as a Shield because it is often used magically to shield various operations against outside interference. You can use any regular plate or buy one at Pier 1, Wal-Mart or other retail stores (also online). Your Plate should:

• Be made of wood, ceramic or porcelain. Glass or metal will also work.
• Be colored with earth tones or have plant-based designs in earth tones. Be sure that the patterns are not carved very deeply into the Plate.
• Six to ten inches in diameter, which is slightly larger than a salad plate. You should be able to hold it easily by placing your thumbs in the center of the Plate and the rest of your fingers on the edge.
• Be round in shape for even energy flow and slightly dished in the center.

Sun Candle
A Sun Candle is a bright yellow candle that has no hint of orange or red in it. You can use either a pillar or taper candle.