Tips for Starting Fresh with a New Tarot Deck
Starting fresh with a new tarot deck can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned tarot reader, venturing into uncharted territory with a new deck can be a dream come true. However, if you’re not sure what you’re doing, there are a few tips that can help you get the most out of your tarot readings.
Cleanse and Bond with your New Deck
The first step in starting fresh with a new tarot deck is to cleanse and bond with it. This will remove any existing energy that the deck may have absorbed and help you create a stronger connection with it. There are a few ways you can do this, such as lighting a white candle, smudging your deck with sage, or anointing it with essential oils. Once you have cleansed your deck, reflect on your purpose for using tarot, and then take a few moments to just ‘be’ with your cards, really getting to know them.
Familiarise Yourself with Your Deck
Once you are comfortable with your deck and the connection you have formed, it’s time to start getting to know your cards. Start by studying the artwork of your deck, familiarizing yourself with the interpretations of the minor arcana and the Major Arcana – in particular, the Major Arcana. Pay attention to the colours, symbols, and patterns. As you explore, you may find that certain cards remind you of people, places, or events in your life, and this is perfectly normal. Let your observations run free, and take your time when studying your deck.
Start Off with a Simple Spread
When you’re finally ready to do a reading, start off with a simple spread. This could be the traditional Celtic Cross, a three card spread, or a spread designed specifically for a certain issue you’re looking to the tarot for guidance on. When you go through the spread, focus on each card, and the connection it has with the cards around it. Make sure to take notes during your reading, as this will help you to better interpret and understand the overall message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When starting out fresh with a new tarot deck, there are a few common mistakes you will want to avoid:
- Not Being Open-Minded: Don’t be stubborn in your interpretations. Keep an open mind when studying your cards and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.
- Going Too Fast: Take your time when getting to know your deck. Don’t rush through your readings or expect to have perfect accuracy right away.
- Not Listening: Pay attention to your inner voice as you go through your readings. You may not always understand the message in the cards, but be open to any advice or insight from your inner voice.
Have Fun!
The best part about starting fresh with a new tarot deck is that it gives you the opportunity to explore and discover something completely new. So don’t be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun! Tarot is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you gain insight into life’s many questions, so find the joy in it and let the journey begin.
What is the best way to cleanse and energetically charge a new tarot deck?
The best way to cleanse and energetically charge a new tarot deck is to use the power of intention. Sit with your deck and set the intention of cleansing and charging the deck. Visualize a white light washing over your deck, purifying it. You can also pass the deck through the smoke of sage or a Palo Santo stick to further cleanse and charge it. Once the deck is cleansed and charged, it is important to give it gratitude for the work that it will do for you.
What are some effective tips for reading with a new tarot deck?
1. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the deck: familiarize yourself with the imagery, card meanings, and design of the cards.
2. Write out your own card interpretations: take the time to write out your own interpretations for each card as you learn its meanings. This will help you to really understand the card’s message and to be more confident when you read for yourself or others.
3. Pay attention to the card’s visuals and symbols: one of the best ways to understand a tarot card is to pay attention to its visuals, symbols, and context. Look for clues about the card’s message and consider its relationship to other cards in the spread.
4. Connect with the deck’s energy: do rituals to connect with the energy of your new deck, such as cleansing and blessing it before use.
5. Practice with yourself or friends before reading professionally: try out different spreads and read tarot for yourself or friends before attempting to do professional readings. This will give you confidence and experience as you begin to read tarot professionally.
How can I create a personal connection with my new tarot cards?
To create a personal connection with your tarot cards, you can start by setting your intention. Spend some time meditating on what you hope to gain from working with your tarot cards. Once your intention is set, you can make an altar or special space in your home to keep your tarot cards. You can then use this space to connect with your cards on an emotional level by lighting a candle, smudging the area with sage, or burning incense. Dressing your cards with crystals, oil, or herbs can also help create a deeper connection between you and your cards. Lastly, you can create personalized spreads for yourself or use your cards as a muse for intuitive journaling. It can take time to build a connection with your cards, so be patient and enjoy the process.
How can I make the most out of my new tarot deck?
The best way to get the most out of your tarot deck is to become familiar with the tarot card meanings and symbolism, as well as to set an intention for the cards and practice regularly. You may want to meditate on the card deck before and after readings, as well as create rituals to help you focus and open yourself to the energy of your deck. Exploring different spreads for readings and using your intuition to craft unique questions for yourself can also help you develop your tarot reading skills.
What tarot deck should I choose if I am starting out?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question; the best tarot deck to choose depends on your personal preference. Popular beginner decks include the Rider Waite Smith, Universal Waite, and Shapeshifter Tarot. When selecting your first deck, look for something that has art that speaks to you, easy-to-understand symbols, and a manual that can help guide your readings.