Problem: Article: One of the most interesting aspects of tarot cards and tarot card reading is the number of tarot decks from which to choose. By and large the differences between any two decks will be cosmetic--the pictures or the names of the cards may differ. The vast majority of tarot decks will contain 78 cards of two parts: the Major Arcana (22 cards without an affiliated suit) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards, divided into 14-card suits). Tarot decks can usually be found at bookstores or occult shops. If you're not in such a populated area, you may have to try ordering your deck online. The most common and recognizable tarot deck is the Rider-Waite deck. If you're just starting out, consider choosing the Rider-Waite; many guides and books on tarot reading will involve the Rider-Waite almost exclusively. Again, the differences you'll find between tarot decks will almost always be cosmetic ones. If you'd like to have your readings associated with a particular religion or brand of spirituality, there's most likely a tarot deck with images and names to match that association. In terms of setting up, the sort of deck you choose will make no difference, unless the deck includes any explicit instructions to do otherwise than recommended here. It's in reading that deck choice will really matter (a reason why the Rider-Waite is recommended to first-timers). You'll draw different implications from decks which use differing images and names for their cards. Don't be afraid to pick up and try multiple decks. Since they're so interchangeable, there's little risk of confusing yourself or mixing rules. Ultimately the choice is totally yours. Whether you intend to delve into divination or just want to entertain your friends, the choice of tarot deck is an entirely personal one. While the specifics of preparation will eventually depend on the "spread" (method of reading) you choose to use, most will involve shuffling your deck before beginning. Even before that, take time to look over the cards in your deck, recognizing which are Major and which are Minor Arcana. Be sure to remove any extra cards from the deck (blank or instructional cards) before setting your deck down to begin. While not every spread will demand the separation of the Major and Minor Arcana, you may want to anyway, if only to get a better sense of the different cards. Regardless of whether or not you'll need to separate the Major/Minor Arcana, there's no specific amount or type of shuffling you need to do. Do it as much (or as little) as you'd like. The space required for a tarot reading will also depend on the spread which you eventually decide to use. Some spreads only call for a small surface in which to place a handful of cards, others call for significantly more space to form a circle of several cards. Do your best to match your reading surface to the purpose for a reading. If it's a personal reading, find somewhere relaxing and comfortable where you can be at ease. If you're reading for friends or to entertain, find a place with some space. Again, there's no specific right or wrong when choosing a place to perform a reading. There's also no rule saying it needs to be the same place twice. Don't be afraid to move around if that's what is comfortable for you.
Summary: Choose your tarot deck. Prepare your deck. Find a suitable reading surface.

Problem: Article: Sit down with your legs in the criss-cross (applesauce) position. Make sure your butt is stable on the ground and your back is straight. If you're a little more flexible and want to do the lotus position, take your right foot and place it on your left thigh and lift your left foot onto your right thigh. If you have a knee problem, place bolsters or blankets beneath your knees so they don't get strained. If you have a back problem and can't sit up straight, lean against pillows or blankets to find a comfortable semi-upright position. As long as your spine is straight, you're good to go! Yoga meditation should not be done lying down. Although this is a relaxing position, it encourages sleep rather than concentration. Simply rest your palms face down on your knees with your fingers relaxed. If you're more comfortable with them in your lap, that's an option too. To do this with some monkish style, layer your fingers on one hand on top of the fingers on your other hand with your palms facing up. Set them in your lap up against your body and press the tips of your thumbs together to make a triangle. If you'd like, try the wisdom seal position by placing your hands palms-up on your knees and holding your thumb and index finger together. Take a deep inhale into your belly and half-speak, half-sing the mantra "OM" (which is pronounced "ohm" or "aum"). Sustain the mantra for as long as you can as you exhale. This mantra is thought to focus on purification and dissolving negativity. Inhale through your nose all the way into the bottom of your belly. Take note of your belly extending and contracting as you inhale and exhaleyour shoulders shouldn't move up and down. As you do this, you might think to yourself, "breathing in, I calm my mind and body, breathing out, I smile to my body." If you like a more structured approach, try inhaling slowly for 8 counts, holding your breath for 8 counts, and exhaling for 8 counts. There's no right way to breathe in meditation so find what works for you. If you feel strained or lightheaded from breathing a certain way, try a different way. After you become familiar with basic breathing techniques, you can practice yogic styles of breathing that energize the body (like bhastrika or kapalabhati).
Summary:
Sit on your mat with your legs crossed or assume the lotus position. Place your hands on top of your knees or put your hands in your lap. Chant the "OM" mantra 5 to 10 times if you desire. Breathe from your diaphragm, focusing on each inhale and exhale.