When I first began reading cards, I did what now feels to be quite an elaborate pre-reading "ritual". I'd smudge the area with incense, I'd lay out some sort of cloth, I'd light candles for specific intent, bring in crystals for influence, etc., I'd meditate beforehand, had a specific area for my readings and so on. I did that for years and while it brought great comfort to me and I really enjoyed doing it, I've noticed that over time, those "rituals" have slowly faded in frequency for me. That's not to say that I never bring in incense, have candles or crystals or meditate beforehand but now, I just read whenever, wherever. In the car, in the park, on the couch, at my kitchen table, outside at the patio table, no matter. It just feels more natural now to just read. To keep it simple and basic. To just pick up the deck and sling the cards. Without accessories or what-have-yous. It's been a natural progression for me, a point I've gotten to that, at one time in the beginning, I never thought I'd enjoy so much. I love it.