🔮 A Beginner’s Tarot Kit

Tools I Recommend as a Professional Reader

I’ve been reading tarot cards since I first discovered them in my grandmother’s basement at the age of six. I learned the system years later, and many years after that, I became a professional reader. As my practice evolved, so did my psychic abilities - and today, I teach others how to give intuitive and psychic readings of their own.

One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “What do I actually need to get started?”

The tarot is just one of many tools you can use for developing your psychic abilities and it's one of my personal favorites. Whether you’re brand new to tarot or refining your practice, the truth is simple: you don’t need dozens of tools - you need the right ones. Below are my personal recommendations, based on years of reading, teaching, and mentoring students on their spiritual path.

1. Tarot Decks (I Recommend at Least Two)

It should go without saying that you can’t begin reading tarot without a reliable deck. My best advice here is to follow your intuition. Pay attention to which decks seem to “speak” to you.

A fair warning, though - once you start collecting decks, it’s hard to stop. I’ve accumulated well over 100 decks over the years, but in practice, I consistently return to just two or three favorites. These are my go-to recommendations.

🌙 My Top Tarot Deck Recommendation

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck®

This is the deck I recommend most often to beginners and students, and it’s the reference deck used in my book Psychic Tarot: A Guide to Intuitive Readings.

Why I love it

• Clear, classic, traditional symbolism

• Easy to learn with

• Works beautifully for both intuitive and structured readers

• The deck I reach for when teaching or mentoring

👉 There are many versions of the Rider-Waite deck available. My top recommendation: Smith-Waite® Centennial Tarot Deck in a Tin — compact and perfect for carrying with you.

🌕 Two Other Decks I Love (Depending on Your Style)

👉 If you’re more intuitive or visually driven: Tarot Illuminati Kit

I love this deck for its rich imagery. Each card tells a story, making it ideal for personal interpretation. This is the deck I often use when tapping into a deeper level of clairvoyance.

• Image-led interpretation

• Softer, expressive artwork

• Excellent for intuitive readers

👉 If you prefer depth, shadow work, or modern symbolism: Dreams of Gaia Tarot: A Tarot for a New Era

This deck is wonderful for developing a more personal relationship with your cards and spirit guides. Its layered symbolism and rich colors make it ideal for deeper, psychological insights.

• Complex, symbolic imagery

• Beautiful artwork with gold edging

• Ideal for reflection and inner work

2. Tarot Books

Reading other readers’ perspectives can greatly enhance your understanding of tarot. I recommend having:

• One or two instructional books

• One book dedicated to tarot spreads

While creating your own spreads is ideal, spread books are incredibly helpful when you’re first starting out or when you want inspiration.

These are especially helpful for:

• Students who prefer structure

• Readers who want to deepen their technique

👉 My go-to tarot spread book: Tarot Spreads: Layouts & Techniques to Empower Your Readings

👉 And of course, my very own instructional guide: Psychic Tarot: A Guide to Intuitive Readings

Buy it On Amazon

3. Tarot Journal or Notebook

Keeping a tarot journal is essential for growth. You don’t need anything fancy - just something dedicated solely to your tarot practice. Record your spread, question, your feelings and intuitive insights. Recording your psychic nudges is helpful in many ways but most of all as evidence that your psychic skills are increasing!

Years ago, I created a simple tarot journal for my students, and they loved it. It includes space for reflections and moon phases as well as an area to sketch your card layouts.

👉 Get My Tarot Journal: Tarot Readings: A Psychic Journal

🔥 Optional Enhancements (Nice-to-Haves)

These tools aren’t required, but creating a sacred space can deepen your connection and focus.

Candles - Nothing sets intention quite like candlelight. I like to use a fresh tea light for every reading and formally invite Spirit into the space. These are the tealights I buy.

Incense - Incense is excellent for clearing energy. My favorites for protection and cleansing include frankincense, dragon’s blood, and sage. The incense I buy.

Tarot Cloth - Not necessary, but a tarot cloth adds atmosphere and helps set the mood for your readings. The one I bought.

✨ How I Recommend Using These Together

Start simply. Read through your books first and gather inspiration - there’s no need to absorb everything at once.

When you feel ready:

1. Cleanse your space with incense

2. Set your cloth and light a candle

3. Invite your spirit guides into the space

4. Choose one deck and cleanse it with incense smoke

5. Shuffle, connect, and begin your reading

6. Record your insights in your tarot journal

I recommend spending time with your deck daily in the beginning. Allow your intuition to develop naturally. These tools are meant to support your awareness.

🌟 Want Guidance While You Learn?

First, I recommend reading and studying my book, Psychic Tarot: A Guide to Intuitive Readings and see what you can do on your own. Developing your psychic gifts take practice and devotion and the tarot is a wonderful tool to help you. My book offers guidance on tuning into your cards, intuitive exercises, games to help learning be fun, spreads to get you started as well as and traditional symbols and interpretations.

If you’d like support as you develop your intuition, I offer private readings, mentorship, and monthly memberships. You may also feel called to join my Psychic Academy, a 12-week intensive psychic development course offered seasonally.

👉 Book Your Mentoring Session

👉 Join the Psychic Academy

🔮 Final Thoughts

There’s no “perfect” tarot setup - only what feels aligned for you. These are simply my recommendations based on what has worked for me. Trust your instincts, start where you are, and allow your practice to unfold naturally.

Happy reading!

Rachelle Barron Knight

The Laughing Gypsy

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.