How do you prepare yourself to open your mind and heart to helping another person? You begin by clearing your mind of any preconceptions — and then clear the space in your environment. Find a quiet, designated space for doing private readings. Many palm readers have small tables covered with a soft velvet tablecloth.

There are lots of things you might have on the table. Helpful tools for a palm reading include the following:

• A notebook or a tape recorder to keep a record of the reading for your clien

• A magnifying glass (for those fine, hard-to-read lines)

• Some crystals (if they help you focus) Incense (preferably patchouli or lavender, which are believed to offer protection)

• A few candles (for effect)

• Some soft, simple music (Chinese flute music or anything in the New Age category will work just fine)

• A timer with a soft alarm sound so that your client will gently be reminded when their time is up (otherwise, most readings do run overtime)

• A good palmistry reference book, especially if you're still a beginning reader

Once you get more used to doing readings, you may find lots of other objects to add to your list. Many palm readers have portable reading tables so they can offer readings at festivals, flea markets, and other public places. If you decide to go public with your palm reading, be sure to secure the proper business licenses so that you don't violate any of your local tax laws. You wouldn't want anyone to shut down your booth!

Your most important tool, however, is yourself. Make sure you are in a happy, healthy state of mind, body, and spirit. If you're feeling off-kilter, your reading may be affected by it, and you do want happy clients who refer others to you for additional business — not dissatisfied customers who tell others your reading was not up to par. If you're going to do this professionally, you must have this kind of sensitivity toward your clients.