How to Make Your Own Tarot Cards with Playing Cards

Creating your own set of tarot cards can be a deeply personal and rewarding experience. While there are countless beautiful tarot decks available for purchase, making your own tarot cards with playing cards adds a unique touch to your practice. This process allows you to infuse your energy and intentions into the cards, making them even more powerful tools for divination and self-reflection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your own tarot deck using regular playing cards.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we dive into the process of creating your tarot cards, let’s gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable creative experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A standard deck of playing cards
• A set of fine-tip permanent markers or colored pens
• A ruler
• Clear adhesive plastic or laminating sheets (optional)
• Cardstock or thick paper (optional)
• Scissors

Step 1: Preparing Your Playing Cards

The first step is to prepare your playing cards by removing all the cards that are not part of the traditional tarot deck. A standard deck of playing cards contains 52 cards, while a tarot deck consists of 78 cards. Remove all the playing cards with values higher than ten (such as the Jacks, Queens, and Kings), leaving you with Aces through Tens. You can set aside the extra cards for other creative projects or simply discard them.

If you prefer a more traditional tarot experience, you can also replace the Jokers with additional blank cards to make up the full 78-card tarot deck. This will allow you to create your own Major Arcana cards or include any additional cards that hold personal significance to you in the deck.

Step 2: Designing Your Tarot Cards

Now that you have your deck of playing cards ready, it’s time to start designing the tarot cards. Each card will represent a specific concept or archetype, just like in a traditional tarot deck. You can either follow the traditional tarot symbolism or create your own meanings and interpretations based on your intuition and personal connection to the cards.

Using the permanent markers or colored pens, draw or paint your desired designs on the face side of the playing cards. It’s helpful to use a ruler to ensure consistent sizing and alignment. You can include symbols, images, numbers, or any other elements that resonate with the meanings you wish to convey.

If you prefer a more polished look, you can print your designs on cardstock or thick paper and then glue them onto the playing cards. This will give your cards a sturdier feel and allow for more intricate designs.

Step 3: Adding Card Names and Keywords

Once you have finished drawing or printing your designs on the playing cards, it’s time to add the card names and keywords. Tarot cards are usually labeled with both the card name and a brief keyword or phrase that captures the essence of the card’s meaning.

You can write the card names using your preferred lettering style, whether it’s elegant calligraphy or simple block letters. Make sure the card names are easily readable and centered on each card.

In addition to the card names, you can also write or print the corresponding keywords or phrases at the bottom or top of each card. These quick references will help you familiarize yourself with the meanings of each card as you begin using your homemade tarot deck.

Step 4: Protecting Your Tarot Cards

Preserving your homemade tarot cards is crucial to ensure their longevity and usability. One option is to laminate each card individually using clear adhesive plastic or laminating sheets. Laminating your cards will protect them from wear and tear, spills, and fading, making them more durable over time. Additionally, card lamination provides a smooth surface that shuffles well.

If laminating is not an option, storing your cards in a sturdy box or pouch can help protect them from external damage. To keep your cards safe from scratches, you can also consider wrapping a cloth or silk scarf around them before storing.

Step 5: Cleansing and Bonding with Your Tarot Cards

Finally, before you begin using your homemade tarot cards, take a moment to cleanse and bond with them. Cleansing the energy of your cards helps remove any residual energies they may have collected during the creation process.

To cleanse your cards, hold them in your hands and visualize a bright white or golden light surrounding them. You can also pass them through incense smoke or gently tap them on a hard surface to release any stagnant energies.

Once cleansed, take a few moments to connect with each card individually. Meditate with them, shuffle them, or simply hold them in your hands. This process allows you to attune to the energy of your deck, establishing a personal bond that will enhance your intuitive readings.

Conclusion

Creating your own tarot cards using playing cards is a wonderful way to deepen your connection with the cards and infuse them with your own energy. By following these steps, you’ll have a unique and personalized deck that reflects your intuition and spirituality. Remember, the most important aspect of any tarot deck is the energy and intention you bring to your readings. Embrace the creative process and trust in your ability to interpret the cards’ messages to embark on a fulfilling journey of self-discovery and divination.