When it comes to pulling cards, I see it as having a conversation. Similar to how I engage with specific individuals for particular discussions, I choose cards from specific decks for various situations or topics.
Just like you would familiarize yourself with a friend, colleague, mentor, or family member, I like to establish a connection with my decks. Although the process is more streamlined, it is equally comprehensive.
Consider having a friend who excels in discussing big ideas and business strategies but isn't the best at giving relationship advice. On the other hand, your nana might be the perfect person to consult for relationship advice, while she may not be the go-to for gardening or manifestation tips... Different people for different conversations.
We can use a similar concept when connecting with the tarot to grasp the personality of your deck. I have a straightforward method called "interviewing" for this purpose. Here's how it works: I acquire or get a new tarot deck, cleanse it, conduct an interview with it, contemplate our interaction, and write down my reflections in a journal.
There is a belief that your first tarot deck must be a gift. While I find this idea charming and have gifted many first decks myself, I don't think it's absolutely essential. I see it as a missed chance to skip getting your first deck just because of this notion. If a deck resonates with you, go ahead and explore it.Tarot is an intuitive and personal journey, and the most important thing is the connection you feel with your cards. Each deck has its own unique energy and artwork, which can profoundly influence your readings. Whether gifted or chosen, the deck that calls to you is the one that will help unlock your intuition and guide you on your spiritual path.
When selecting a tarot deck, consider what themes and imagery resonate with you. Are you drawn to traditional designs, or do you prefer a more modern, abstract approach? Perhaps you feel a connection to a particular culture or mythology that is represented in a specific deck. Take your time to explore different options and trust your instincts.
Once you have your deck, whether it was a gift or a personal purchase, take the time to bond with it. Spend time handling the cards, examining the artwork, and familiarizing yourself with their meanings. You might want to perform a simple ritual to cleanse and dedicate your deck, such as passing each card through incense smoke or leaving them under the moonlight.
Remember, the power of tarot lies not in the cards themselves but in the insights they help you uncover. Embrace the experience with an open heart and mind, and let your intuition guide you on this fascinating journey of self-discovery.
Get ready with a journal, a pen, and your deck. After cleansing your deck, ponder these questions while drawing cards. Personally, I prefer to shuffle three times post-cleansing, divide the deck, and draw one card at a time. I pose my question, draw a card, interpret its significance, and jot down my reflections in the journal before moving on to the next question. This method allows me to gain more insight by pulling a second card if needed, continuing the dialogue and grasping the message better. Follow this procedure for all six questions, and you will gain a clear understanding of the essence of your deck.
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Tell me about yourself.
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What are your strengths as a deck?
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What are your limits as a deck?
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What are you here to teach me?
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How can I best collaborate with you?
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What is the potential outcome of our relationship?
Feel free to adapt your approach when pulling cards and to adapt the questions as you see fit. This is the process that works for me and has helped me understand the tarot better. I strictly pull cards for my own personal growth and interest and do not offer any kind of readings.
Full transparency; I have been using this interview spread for many years, but I have no idea of its origin. I likely came across it on Pinterest or in a book and copied it into my journal. It has stayed with me all these years and I never considered that I would be 'sharing' it - forgive me for not crediting its source. With that said, if you know its origin, kindly let me know and I will update this post.