Is it feasible for a beginner to perform Tarot spreads on themselves? Yes! It most certainly is. Tarot is a technique that aids in deepening our understanding of the present moment, honoring our intuition, and predicting future possibilities.
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Is reading your own Tarot cards a negative thing?
It’s normal to be a little clumsy when you first start practicing the tarot. Tarot study is similar to learning a new languageit takes time to become proficient. But what happens if you no longer require the booklet and have intimate familiarity with the deck? Are you able to read yourself? No, except in a few rare cases. Simply put, it’s a horrible idea.
You see, the majority of us turn to astrology or tarot when we’re looking for clarity amid a period of ambiguity. Tarot card interpretation is subject to our consciousness, as opposed to astrology, which is extraordinarily technical. Working with your personal interpretation of the cards, you are not constrained by short- and long-term cycles like the planets’ orbits. It might be tricky to go beyond your current circumstances while utilizing the tarot to better understand a trying scenario. Even if all the cards are spread out in front of you, putting them together requires such a broad perspective that it is all but impossible to fully understand the meaning of each card. Basically, any biases you already have will always be reflected in your tarot reading!
Are Tarot cards available as gifts?
The holiday season is approaching, and if you’re looking for the ideal present for a buddy who leans toward metaphysics, go no farther than our list of the top tarot card decks. Even though we may have already compiled a list of the top presents for our fellow sister witches, we believed that the tarot merited its own comprehensive guide.
We picked 14 of the most unique and collectible tarot cards available as a vital divination tool for the contemporary witch (and, hey, curious non-witches, too).
These choices are guaranteed to be favorites, whether they are intended for a seasoned card reader wishing to upgrade from their Rider-Waite deck or a friend looking to explore the mystical for the first time. These major and minor arcana interpretations are true works of art in addition to being functional. If you need more proof, just look at Serpentfire’s gorgeous She Wolfe deck by author and artist Devany Wolfe or the ferociously feminist Slutist Tarot by artist Morgan Claire Sirene.
Bonus? These decks are perfect for beginners because some of them include their own tarot guides in the packaging.
Below are our top deck options for your companions’ (or your own) occult adventure.
Questions you don’t really want answered
Even though it might seem apparent, it’s advisable to refrain from asking the tarot cards questions that you aren’t prepared to hear the answers to. That’s because answers to these questions can reveal information you’re just not quite ready to hear.
“Tarot can definitely come off as offensive if you’re not willing to hear the truth or consider an opposing point of view. Tarot reading Nicole Fortunaso
According to tarot reader and life coach Nicole Fortunaso, “tarot may truly come out as offensive if you are not willing to hear the truth of the problem or look at an alternate viewpoint.” She advises considering why you’re responding the way you are in order to reflect on the best way to address the underlying cause if you ask the question and are unsatisfied with the response.
Do you allow daily Tarot card readings?
Although some people may find it easy to interpret tarot cards, as with anything you learn, practice makes perfect. Kelly Sarber, a psychic medium and intuitive based in California, told INSIDER that daily practice is just as crucial as picking the best deck.
What is the Tarot’s most potent card?
The Fool is typically seen as a card from the Major Arcana when performing a tarot reading. Contrary to popular belief, the Fool does not fall under either category in tarot card games. Instead, the Fool serves a function that is distinct from both the simple suit cards and the trump cards. As a result, the Fool has no number assigned to it in the majority of tarot decks that were initially created for playing games. Although Waite assigns the Fool the number 0, in his book, the Fool is discussed between Judgment (number 20) and The World (number 21). The Tarocco Piemontese is the only traditional game deck that numbers the Fool 0. Since the 1930s, the corner index for the Fool in Tarot Nouveau decks has frequently been a black inverted mullet. The Fool is one of the most expensive cards in practically all tarot games.
What transpires if your tarot cards are touched?
If you have been reading Tarot for years without allowing anybody else to touch your cards and this is how you prefer it to be done, maintain reading in this manner. Do it if it works.
However, if you are new to tarot and unsure about whether you should allow others to touch your cards when reading for them, REST! Others are welcome to touch freely. In fact, I believe that doing this makes a reading seem more genuine. You simply need to believe in the strength of your intention to afterwards purge any negative energy from your Tarot deck.
What are your thoughts on this? I’m interested to know! Therefore, please share your thoughts regarding individuals touching your cards in the comments section below. Do you agree with it? Or do you strictly enforce a no-touch policy?
How can I obtain my first deck of tarot cards?
I can still clearly recall my very first tarot deck buy. On a rare trip to the mall, I entered my all-time favorite store: the bookstore. I was headed for the tiny new age area because I had recently begun studying astrology.
My eyes landed on a tarot deck as I combed through the modest collection of astrology books with my fingers.
The Tarot of Marseilles!
On the shelf, it was the sole item.
I grabbed it and made the decision to buy it out of curiosity.
For a beginner, this deck was challenging, but I persisted.
I was adamant about learning all this tarot stuff!
I returned to same mall a few months later and once more hung out in the new age area.
The Rider Waite Smith Tarot was anxiously waiting for me, as I soon discovered.
When I went home and opened the deck, something clicked.
“My deck” was this.
Even now, I occasionally stray to different decks, but I always return to my reliable Rider Waite Smith.
(I also have a tendency to be brand loyal; I’ve been wearing the same Loreal inky black eyeliner for years.)
I persist with anything once I find it enjoyable.)
Getting your paws on deck is the first step if you’ve been considering exploring the beautiful world of tarot.
In readiness?
Let’s get a foolish superstition out of the way first.
Ever hear the saying that someone else must buy your first tarot deck?
I’m here to tell you that’s bullocks.
You can be sure to receive a deck you don’t like if you do that.
or being made to wait.
When you’re asked to read tarot cards, it makes no sense to wait for someone else to get up and get you a deck (and you definitely don’t want to whine your way to getting one).
So immediately discard that idea.
Find a store that sells tarot cards next.
If you’re fortunate, your neighborhood will have a well-stocked metaphysical store.
If not, you might have to search your nearby bookstores like I did.
The appeal of a physical location is that you can physically feel and see the deck.
If this is “the one,” it will depend on how it feels and looks.
This is my preferred way because I’m a very visual and tactile person.
Your best bet is to go online if that isn’t a possibility.
Through a website like Tarot Garden or Amazon, you might be able to find a deck you enjoy.
You might also want to speak with the creator of self-published decks or the publisher directly (ex: Fountain Tarot or The Wild Unknown).
You can view photos of the cards on some of these websites.
There are also a ton of websites that offer reviews of decks, like Aeclectic Tarot, frequently with lots of images to help you get a sense of how the deck looks and functions.
For individuals who are unfortunate enough to lack a nearby store, this can be useful.
Give the deck a thorough inspection. Examine the cards thoroughly and take your time. Which deck do you like best? Do you notice that certain cards have graphics that “pop” for you? How does it feel in your hands if you are holding it? Does the card stock feel flimsy or strong? Is it simple to shuffle the cards?
Trust your instincts and sense of style. It must fit well and look fantastic on you, much like a quality pair of slim jeans. Your final choice should be based on how you feel.
Still uncertain? You can always get opinions from your buddies who enjoy using tarot cards (does this tarot deck make my butt appear big?). They might be able to point you toward some of their particular favorites.
Grab The Rider Tarot Deck if all else fails and you’re still unsure. The majority of contemporary tarot cards are based on this classic. There is no way to err.
It’s time to open the deck after you get it home and to start reading!
Some people who use tarot cards want to open it slowly and reverently.
Not me.
I’m not as patient with stuff like that as a child is at Christmas. I simply rip the box open and throw it away!
Next, give it some time. Mix it up. Spice it up. Learn about it. Use it by yourself for a bit to become accustomed to the deck. Simply continuing to work with it until it feels as comfortable as an old sweater is the greatest method to establish your relationship. The deck is “broken in” and prepared to read for others at that moment.
To “consecrate a new deck,” some tarot readers perform unique ceremonies.
Common practices for cleansing and preparing the deck include leaving it out in the moonlight surrounded by crystals, saying an invocation or prayer, smudging with a sage wand, or even sleeping with it under their pillow (I’m too princess and the pea for that). I don’t do any of it; instead, I shuffle the deck frantically for several weeks until I think it’s ready to play.
Several typical inquiries:
A: This is a personal choice.
It won’t harm your deck, so it’s not a terrible idea, but it’s not necessary.
A: Sure thing! Try it out if your grandmother leaves you a deck or if you are drawn to a used deck you see in a shop. Since I want my decks to be related to only me, I don’t work with old decks personally.
A: When a deck’s edges become so frayed that it cannot be properly shuffled, I retire it.
A shoddy deck, in my perspective, results in a shoddy reading. I prefer my tools to be clean and precise. I must thus encounter numerous Rider Waites here! In spite of this, a lot of people find an ancient deck impressive since they believe it to be more powerful, especially if it has been passed down from generation to generation. The key is to “trust your intuition on this and feel it out.” Retire the deck if it seems to be lacking “juice” or if it begins to deteriorate.
If it still holds sentimental value for you, you can store it in a drawer. Alternately, you may donate it to a used-deck-accepting metaphysical store or bookstore. Consider recommending it to a friend. You can discard it. Or, you may try these ideas: Gonzo Tarot7 useful tarot card usage.
I’m finding it difficult to recall the meanings from the small white book.
What ought I to do?
A fantastic beginner’s book, like Joan Bunning’s Learning the Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners, is a must-have if you’re brand-new to tarot.
(I suggest the following list of tarot books.) Compared to that tiny white book, this will give you a lot more to work with. Every day, take a card and carefully read it. If you like, write down your interpretations. Alternately, use a marker to draw a few of the interpretations directly on the deck (yes, I know some tarot readers are aghast at the idea but cards CAN be replaced). If you persist in doing it every day, eventually those interpretations will become true, and you’ll be astounded by both yourself and your friends. Keep practicing and don’t give up.
My Tarot deck needs to be cleaned.
There are occasions when you might want to perform something more particular and ritualized rather than simply shuffling the tarot deck to purify and clear the energy of the cards. Cleaning your deck could seem like a nice place to start if you’re just starting to understand tarot.
You might want to clean your tarot deck for a variety of reasons, including:
- beginning with a fresh deck
- readings for other people
- You think you need to recharge.
- Your card readings seem a touch “odd” or “disconnected”
- Your deck hasn’t been used recently.
- Your deck has been handled by others
- You think you’ve been utilizing your deck a lot. A LOT, especially for books with strong emotional content
Why should you cleanse or clear your tarot deck?
Tarot deck cleansing helps keep the energy flowing between you and your deck. To keep the link strong and clear, think of it as a little spiritual hygiene. It’s not necessary, but if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, try a few of the energetic cleansing techniques listed below and note which ones seem to work the best for you.
How often should you cleanse your tarot deck?
This is another way of stating USE YOUR INTUITION: there are no hard and fast laws. Don’t worry about it if you don’t think your deck need it. Alternately, if you like to cleanse them once per week or once per month, that’s great. If it feels appropriate to you, you can even place your favorite crystal on the balcony each night.
If you frequently place crystals on your deck and store it on an altar while not in use, you might not feel the need to cleanse it frequently because this quick ritual will likely be sufficient to keep your deck feeling nice.
There are numerous ways to cleanse your cards, just as there are numerous reasons why you might desire to do so.
Different ways to cleanse your tarot deck
Use holy smoke. Light a dried rosemary, lavender, cedar, sage, or palo santo cleansing wand until it begins to smoke. Hold the smoke a safe distance below the deck while holding the burning herbs in one hand and the deck in the other so that the smoke drifts upward onto the cards. Turn the deck so that the smoke covers it from all angles. Next, safely put your deck to the ground and put out the fire.
On the deck, set a selenite stone (or a black tourmaline or a transparent quartz). Although an hour would suffice, I prefer to let it rest like this for the entire night.
Set them on display during a new moon. The New Moon is energy of a blank slate; you can purify the deck by setting it on a window sill on a new moon night. At this moment, you can also make a brand-new intention for your deck.
Place the cards in a salty dish. A strong and stabilizing cleaner is salt. My preferred choice for a thorough cleansing is this. Allow it to sit anywhere from one to eight hours in a dry area.
Shuffle in chaos. Spread the cards out on the ground, then shuffle them around like a child playing in dirt. This method’s freedom and randomization serve as an excellent reset.
the shuffle and sort. Set up the deck in rows of seven cards across, commencing with the Major Arcana numbers 0 to 22. (see photo above). Next, arrange the cards, Ace through King, one for each suit, as follows: Swords, Pentacles, Cups, and Wands. View the deck in this configuration, then mix everything up (like the chaotic!) and shuffle it thoroughly.