Tarot work necessitates a strong sense of connectedness and harmony, and both are essential to a good reading. Therefore some type of ritual is usually performed by the Tarot reader to establish this state of being. As there are no hard and fast rules in this regard, Tarot rituals will vary from reader to reader. Since time immemorial, rituals have been central to all religions, and cultures. Ritual is symbolic behaviour consciously performed to discipline the mind, body, and spirit, and it is used to raise the energy and vibration of any process taking place. It expands consciousness and heightens intuitive ability, and is done primarily to get into contact with higher (or divine) energies. The more a ritual is performed the stronger it becomes, and the greater effect it has on the consciousness. Ritual always involves ceremonial objects. While these may vary enormously throughout different cultures, they are always an integral part of all religious and sacred occasions. In Western society rituals have diminished somewhat since the mid 20th Century, but are still widely practised throughout the East, as well as in more primitive cultures where they have great significance. Common Tarot Rituals:- Storing the Cards. Most Tarot cards are stored in a silk cloth in their own special box. This is done to protect the cards from encountering unwanted energies which may adhere to them if they are not stored with the reverence they deserve. Readings: Most Tarot readers have a short opening ritual to raise their personal energy and open themselves up psychically. This ritual will vary from reader to reader. Some offer a silent prayer or short meditation, whilst others recite a few words out loud. Some Tarot readers also include a closing ritual, but this is usually brief, and disconnects the reader from the energy of the client. Shuffling and laying out the cards. All Tarot readers have different ways of shuffling, handling, dealing, and laying out their cards. Some readers permit their clients to shuffle the deck, while others do not, preferring that the clients do not handle their cards unnecessarily. Still others will spread out the cards and invite the clients to select the required number to be used in the reading. Layouts. These too are part of the ritual and there are many and varied layouts. No one specific layout is better than any other. They have no special significance and are generally patterns of layout that the reader himself is comfortable with. Number of cards used: This also varies from reader to reader and there are no rules in this regard. Each reader will use the number of cards he/she is comfortable with. Ritual Objects: Objects are known to pick up and store the energy of those who handle them, and for this reason ritual objects may be used by the Tarot reader in his/her working environment. They are usually of great significance to the reader, but sometimes objects and clothes are used to create an atmosphere and a mysterious ambience. • a special cloth covers the table. It is usually dark, serving as a protection for the cards from unknown impressions stored within the table. Also a dark background will show off the gorgeous colours and pictures on the cards to their greatest advantage. • candles – have a long history of use in religious, magical, and other types of ritual. They are used to illuminate spiritual darkness, attract positive energies and purify the air • crystals and stones – are used for their specific positive properties to attract benevolent energies, and repel any negative influences. Colours are carefully selected for their specific occult meanings. Crystals have a magical lore that has been projected on to them since ancient times when people believed that they could be used as amulets (protectors) against misfortune, or talismans (active forces) to bring good luck to the owner. • Incense – is a staple religious ritual also used since ancient times, believed to purify the air and eliminate negativity. • personal objects of significance to the reader may be used. They could include pieces of jewellery, feathers, charms, etc. • Dress – some Tarot readers are quite theatrical in their dress, and may use it to create a mysterious type of image. Thus in conclusion we can see that ritual is well established and widely practised in Tarot readings, and should not cause the client to feel uncomfortable in any way.