A new tarot deck. The anticipation, the stunning artwork, the promise of new insights. But once you have ripped open that package or maybe you are being more patient than I am what do you do next? How do you really connect with this new tool?
Unboxing
This isnt just about getting to the cards, its about making your initial connection.
Open your pack with intention. Dont just tear it open. Take a moment. Acknowledge this new arrival. What energy are you bringing to it? Excitement? Curiosity? Gently remove the outer packaging.
Once its out of the box, take a moment to really feel the deck. Whats the cardstock like? Is it smooth, textured, matte, glossy? Is it thick or thin? Heavy or light? Every deck has its own unique tactile presence.
Admire the art throughout the pack. This is probably why you bought it, right? Take a few minutes to slowly fan through the cards, looking at the backs, appreciating the overall aesthetic. Dont worry about individual meanings yet, just soak in the artistry. What colors dominate? Whats the overall vibe? Does it feel whimsical, serious, ancient, modern? This initial sensory experience is crucial. Its your first handshake with the decks energy.
Getting to Know Each Card
Go through every card, one by one. This is a cornerstone step. Take your deck and starting with the Major Arcana, then the Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles, slowly go through each and every card.
Look at the Imagery. What do you see? What story is being told in the picture? Pay attention to details, colors, symbols, expressions.
Notice your gut reaction as you look at each card, whats your immediate feeling? Does it resonate with you? Or does it confuse you? Does it spark joy or a sense of caution? Jot down these feelings in a tarot journal if you like, they will be helpful later.
Read the little white book with your deck. Many decks come with a small guidebook. Now is a great time to read through the designers intentions and the basic meanings they have assigned to each card. This isnt the only truth, but its a fantastic starting point for understanding the deck creators vision.
Dont Rush this step. This process can take a while, but its really woth it.. Break it up if you need to. The goal isnt speed, its connection.
This meet and greet helps you absorb the decks unique language and personality. It also helps you start to physically get comfortable holding and handling the cards.
Cleansing and Charging Your Deck
Okay, you have met your cards. Now its time to prepare them for their journey with you. Every new deck, even straight out of the factory, carries the energy of everyone who has touched it, the creators, the printers, the packagers. We want to clear that out and infuse it with your energy. This is where cleansing and charging come in.
Cleansing removes any old, lingering energies. Here are a few popular methods.
Smoke Cleansing. Gently pass the deck through the smoke of palo santo, sage or incense.
Sound Cleansing. Use a singing bowl, chimes or even gentle clapping around the deck to break up stagnant energy.
Crystal Cleansing. Place a clearing crystal like Selenite or Black Tourmaline on top of or next to your deck for a few hours or overnight.
Moonlight Cleansing. Place your deck on a windowsill or outdoors under the light of a full or new moon.
Tapping. Simply tap the deck firmly three times on a surface to wake up the cards and shake off old energy.
Intention. Hold the deck, close your eyes and visualize white light surrounding it, clearing away all unwanted energy.
Choose the method that resonates most with you! Theres no single right way.
Once cleansed, its time to infuse the deck with your personal energy and intention.
You can sleep with it. Place your deck under your pillow or on your nightstand for a few nights. This allows your subconscious energy to mingle with the cards.
Or carry it with you. Tuck your deck into your bag for a day or two. Let it absorb your daily rhythm and experiences.
I like to meditate with them. Hold your deck while you meditate, focusing your intentions and energy into the cards.
You can even talk to your deck. Yes really! Hold your deck and simply tell it your hopes for your journey together, what you want to learn and how you want to connect.
This step really helps forge that personal bond, making the deck a more accurate reflection of your energy when you read.
Dedication & Storage
After all that energetic work, some people like to dedicate their deck.
Hold dedication ceremony. This is a simple, personal ceremony to set your intentions for the deck. You can light a candle, hold the deck in your hands, and state aloud or silently something like:
I dedicate this deck as a tool for clear guidance, wisdom and inner growth. May it always serve my highest good and the highest good of those I read for. I honor its wisdom and its mystery.
Now how are you going to store your deck? How you store your deck is important. It protects the cards physically and energetically.
In the original box? Perfectly fine, especially if its sturdy and beautiful.
Some people use a tarot bag or pouch. A soft cloth bag made of silk, velvet or cotton is a popular choice. It protects the cards and keeps their energy contained.
Or a wooden box. Some people prefer a beautiful wooden box for more robust protection.
Even on your altar. Many keep their active decks on a dedicated altar space, often with crystals or other spiritual items.
Just make sure its a place where the deck feels honored, safe and undisturbed by unwanted energies.
Your First Readings – Learning Together
Now your deck is welcomed, cleansed, charged and dedicated. Its time for the moment you have been waiting for, your first reading. Dont feel pressured to do a complex Celtic Cross right out of the gate. Start simple.
The Daily Draw (One Card).
Every morning, ask your deck, what energy should I focus on today? Or what message do you have for me today?
Draw one card.
Look at the image, consult your little white book or a trusted tarot reference book and then journal about what you feel and understand.
At the end of the day you can reflect on how did that card manifest?
The Deck Interview Spread. This is a fantastic way to deepen your bond. Heres a simple 3 card spread:
Card 1: What is your most important characteristic? What kind of deck is this generally?
Card 2: How can we best work together? Whats its preferred style of communication?
Card 3: What can I expect to learn from you? What kind of wisdom will it offer?
Again, journal your answers. The more you interact with your deck, the more its unique personality will shine through. Dont be afraid to experiment, and remember, there is no wrong way to interpret a card if it genuinely speaks to you. Trust your intuition above all else!
Remember, building a strong connection takes time and consistent interaction. Be patient, be open, and most importantly, have fun with it!