How to Make Tarot Cards at Home

For centuries, tarot cards have been used as a tool for divination, self-reflection, and guidance. The intricate designs, rich symbolism, and mystique surrounding tarot cards have captivated people from all walks of life. While there are countless decks available for purchase, creating your own tarot cards can be a fulfilling and creative experience. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of making tarot cards at home.

Materials Needed

Before diving into the creative process, gather the following materials:

• Cardstock paper or blank playing cards
• Art supplies (such as colored pencils, markers, or paint)
• A tarot book or online resources for symbolism and meanings
• Scissors or an X-Acto knife
• A ruler or straight edge
• Clear contact paper or laminating sheets (optional)

Designing Your Tarot Cards

The first step in making tarot cards is deciding on the theme and design. You can choose to follow the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith symbolism or branch out to create a deck with your own unique interpretation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you throughout the process:

1. Research and Planning: Familiarize yourself with tarot symbolism and meanings. Choose a theme or concept that resonates with you. Sketch out rough ideas for each card’s design.
2. Card Size: Decide on the dimensions of your cards. The standard tarot card size is 2.75″ x 4.75″, but you can adjust it based on your preference.
3. Creating Templates: Using a ruler and pencil, create a template for your cards. Draw rectangles with rounded corners, ensuring they are all the same size.
4. Card Back Design: Design the back of your tarot cards. This should be a unifying design that will appear on the back of all the cards.
5. Front Designs: Begin illustrating the individual cards. Start with the Major Arcana if you’re following the traditional tarot structure, or jump straight into the suits if you’re creating your own system.
6. Symbolism and Colors: Incorporate symbolism and colors that align with the traditional meanings or your personal interpretations. Research the symbolism associated with each card and incorporate it into your designs.
7. Details and Borders: Add intricate details and borders to enhance the visual appeal of your cards. Consider using metallic pens, colored pencils, or paints to bring your designs to life.
8. Card Titles and Numbers: Include the name and number of each tarot card on the illustration. You can either handwrite these directly on the card or digitally add them later.

Printing and Finishing Your Cards

Once you have completed the design phase, it’s time to print and finalize your tarot cards:

1. Printing: Print your designs on cardstock paper or blank playing cards. Ensure the print quality matches your expectations.
2. Cutting: Cut out each card using scissors or an X-Acto knife. Trim them carefully, following the template you created earlier.
3. Protection: Optionally, you can cover your cards with clear contact paper or laminating sheets to protect them from wear and tear. This step is especially useful if you plan to use your tarot cards frequently.

Connecting with Your Homemade Tarot Deck

Now that your homemade tarot deck is complete, it’s time to connect with it on a deeper level:

• Cleansing Ritual: Before using your new tarot cards for readings, cleanse them energetically. You can do this by placing them in moonlight, smudging them with incense or sage, or holding them in your hands while setting an intention.
• Connecting with Your Deck: Spend time familiarizing yourself with each card. Meditate on the symbolism and meanings you have incorporated. You can also create a reference journal for your interpretations and personal insights.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Use your homemade tarot deck for personal readings and practice. The more you use them, the stronger your bond with the cards will become.

Remember, creating your own tarot cards is a highly personal and creative endeavor. It allows you to infuse your energy and intentions into each card. Embrace the process, trust your intuition, and enjoy the journey of using your homemade tarot deck for self-discovery and guidance.

Disclaimer: Tarot card reading is a form of divination and should be approached with an open mind and a sense of personal responsibility. The interpretations of the cards vary and can be subjective. Trust your own intuition when working with tarot cards.