What to Do When You Get a Tarot Deck
So, you’ve finally gotten your hands on a tarot deck. Whether it was a gift or something you purchased for yourself, congratulations! Working with tarot cards can be a fascinating and transformative experience. However, if you’re new to the world of tarot, you might be wondering what to do next. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when you get a tarot deck.
1. Connect with Your Deck
The first step is to establish a connection with your tarot deck. Hold the deck in your hands and take a moment to breathe and ground yourself. This allows your energy to flow into the cards, creating a personal bond. You can also meditate with your deck or sleep with it under your pillow to further enhance this connection.
2. Get to Know Your Cards
Each tarot deck consists of 78 cards, including the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The Major Arcana represents significant life events and spiritual lessons, while the Minor Arcana relates to the everyday experiences and challenges we encounter. Take time to familiarize yourself with the individual cards, their symbolism, and meanings. You can refer to the accompanying guidebook or explore online resources for additional interpretations.
To make the learning process more manageable, you can divide the deck into smaller sections and focus on studying a few cards at a time. Create flashcards or a study chart to help you memorize the card names, keywords, and associated symbolism.
3. Cleanse and Clear Your Deck
Before using your tarot deck for readings, it’s essential to cleanse and clear the energy of the cards. This ensures that any residual energies from previous owners or manufacturing processes are removed. You can choose from various methods to cleanse your deck, such as:
- Saging or smoking: Pass the cards through the smoke of sacred herbs like white sage or palo santo.
- Crystals: Place a clear quartz or selenite crystal on top of your deck overnight to absorb any negative energy.
- Moonlight: Leave your deck under the light of the full moon to cleanse and recharge.
4. Establish Your Tarot Ritual
Creating a ritual around your tarot practice helps to set intentions, focus your energy, and create a sacred space. Your ritual can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. Some ideas to consider include:
- Greeting the deck: Before each reading, take a moment to silently greet and acknowledge your deck.
- Lighting candles: Adding candlelight to your space can create a soothing ambiance and enhance your focus.
- Setting an intention: State your intention or questions clearly before you begin a reading.
5. Start with Simple Spreads
A tarot spread is a layout of cards used to address specific questions or areas of life. As a beginner, it’s best to start with simple spreads that provide clear insights. The three-card spread is an excellent place to begin:
| Card Position | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | The past or the foundation of the question |
| 2 | The present or the current factors at play |
| 3 | The future or the potential outcome |
As you become more comfortable with your deck and interpreting the cards, you can explore more complex spreads and develop your intuitive skills.
6. Document and Reflect on Your Readings
Keeping a tarot journal allows you to track your progress and gain insights over time. After each reading, take some time to jot down the cards pulled, your interpretations, and any feelings or thoughts related to the reading. This practice helps you develop a deeper connection with your deck and deepen your understanding of its symbolism.
Reflecting on past readings can also provide valuable guidance and clarity as you navigate your personal journey.
7. Seek Knowledge and Practice
Tarot is an ancient practice with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom associated with it. To truly master tarot reading, it’s essential to delve into its history, symbolism, and various interpretation techniques. Read books, take courses, join online communities, and engage in regular practice to enhance your skills.
Conclusion
Getting a tarot deck opens up a world of self-discovery, guidance, and intuition. Remember that each tarot deck has its own unique energy, so take the time to connect and build a relationship with it. With practice, patience, and a willingness to learn, you’ll unlock the transformative power of tarot readings and gain valuable insights into your life’s journey.
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