If you are new (or new-ish) to Tarot and not sure how to effectively use the cards, you are certainly not alone. Perhaps you just acquired your first deck, but now what? Or perhaps you have had a deck (or a couple) lying around for some time, but never really felt connected or inspired, and not certain if you were using them “correctly.” Don’t worry – this is a common experience, and this is arcane stuff after all.
Truthfully, aside from a few basic guidelines, how you “use” Tarot should be up to your own intuition. Tarot is so much more than cards – it’s a divination art, a practice. Tarot is so much more than some math equation of memorized interpretations that equal a “reading.” Tarot strengthens and applies the intuition of the reader. Therefore, in my view, you should let your intuition primarily guide your relationship with your Tarot decks.
Your first step should always be choosing your own deck. Really choose your deck – let your intuition and your preferences guide you. Your “spirit” should choose your deck. Allow an Old-Timer to interject a tip: research your deck. Be sure to look at several samples before you make your decision. Even if the box looks delightful to you or the theme is simply perfect for you, do a quick Google image search, and get a good look at the images on the cards. Be certain that you connect with the deck before you purchase. Don’t believe the old wives’ tale that your deck needs to be gifted by somebody else. I quite confidently call humbug on this. You just go right ahead and shop for yourself. Oh, and online shopping is fine. Just make sure you get a good virtual look at the deck before you purchase.
Here are some tips and tricks I have found useful in my own practice:
1. Respect your deck! This is where intuition comes in. What “respect” means has basic definitions (don’t mock them or speak disrespectfully to them, don’t use them roughly, don’t neglect them, etc), but the details of what “respect” means are individual to you, and individual to your spirits. Intuition must guide you in ways to show respect to your deck. How you show your respect to your Tarot deck will define your relationship with them.
The best way to start with the practice of relationship-building with Tarot, is to “home” the decks you use. I suggest providing your decks with their own box (wood, metal, plastic, so long as the box is in good condition). At the very least, give them a nice silk or velvet bag.
2. Don’t neglect your deck. This is part of the aforementioned respect, and a common pitfall of inexperienced readers. If you intend to use a deck, do not just leave it in the original packing box (or heaven forbid, bound with a rubber band or hair-tie!). If you rarely handle or interact with Tarot, naturally your relationship with them will not be strong.
3. Connect with your deck. Again, let your intuition guide you on the details, but make a conscious effort to establish connection with your deck. When you get a new deck, you should shuffle and handle the cards thoroughly. Do a ritual to cleanse and “activate” them if you like. Sometimes I feel inspired to sleep with my deck on my nightstand. Do “getting-to-know-you” readings. Do daily card pull rituals and focused meditations on select cards. When I read, I like to offer incense – and I let my intuition choose what variety. Perhaps jasmine pleases the spirits today, but tomorrow they ask for black opium incense.
(oh yes, those naughty spirits definitely asked me for black opium incense a couple of times. I trust my intuition, folks). Let your spirit guide you – but connect!
4. Do regular “maintenance.” I personally believe your Tarot decks should be routinely cleansed and charged. How you do this is – again – up to your own intuition. Some readers simply knock three times on their decks to cleanse and discharge stagnant energies. I personally prefer intentional shuffling and “smoke baths” with purifying incense (my go-tos are frankincense, sandalwood, or palo santo for cleansing). Many readers swear by leaving their naked Tarot decks on a windowsill (the inside, of course!) under the full moon’s light to cleanse and re-charge the deck. I strongly suggest that between every reading, you thoroughly shuffle your deck with the intent to cleanse and discharge energy. Speak a mantra to this effect as you cut and shuffle your deck at least 5x. This will help prevent buildup of any astral yuckies.
5. Another Old-Timer’s tip – keep the original box, even if you don’t keep the deck in that box. You never know what might change. Perhaps you use the deck until it becomes battered and creased and ready for “retirement.” You can thank your old deck and retire them to their original box as a keepsake – thereby freeing up their “home” box for your new deck (and saving storage space too). Perhaps you get a deck, but you just never really connect with them and they fall out of use. Resale is an option with decks in good condition that have the original box, thereby funding and freeing up space for a new deck that works better for you. And finally, some Tarot decks can become quite valuable as collectibles. I had a deck as a teenager that was not terribly popular or expensive at the time, but nowadays I have seen that edition sell to collectors for upwards of $200. Be kind to your future self and safely store the original package and any add-ons of the deck away.
As you have probably discerned by now, the care and keeping of your Tarot is a rather personal and intuitive practice. Although Tarot is a sacred divinatory tool, a tool can only be used. The paintbrushes and charcoal didn’t make Da Vinci, and your Tarot cards do not make you a reader. You are still the artisan, Tarot is your tool, and your intuition is your inspiration, your art, your finished product. I certainly hope I was able to offer some helpful tidbits with this blog, but I encourage you to seek your own way with your Tarot practice.
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