What are Tarot cards used for? Why are there so many types of Tarot decks? How do I choose a Tarot deck for myself? What's the difference between a Tarot and an oracle deck? Where can I learn the meanings of the cards? I've heard cards should be specially stored and cleansed, how do I do that ? Should I perform a specific ritual when I am about to read my cards? How should I shuffle and select cards? When I shuffle, certain cards keep dropping out, does this have any significance? What are Tarot cards used for? Tarot cards are used for practical problem-solving, understanding our inner secrets and divination through readings but can also be used for creative visualisation in meditation, self-improvement, it can even be used for card games. Many people simply collect Tarot cards just for the joy of the artwork. Why are there so many types of Tarot decks? Many decks are designed as part of the learning process and are so fabulous that the designer then publishes them as deck. Tarot is also a frequent subject for many artists. As there are so many subjects and themes that correspond with the tarot system or can be applied to the journey of the tarot that there are decks covering everything from Shakespeare to Star Wars. Is it bad luck to buy your own Tarot cards? Actually it is probably better to buy your own cards. You alone can feel the right energy from a deck, and you alone know which style or art that you desire. The notion that they must be given as a gift is a an old wives tale, and although it is nice to receive a deck as a gift, you might find that you cannot get on with the cards given to you. In order to be an effective reader you really need to have a relationship with your cards, allowing your energies to mingle effectively so that they respond to your handling. This leads to the notion that only you should handle your cards, although this is open for negotiation. It certainly makes it far easier to establish this relationship if you choose the cards yourself! How do I choose a Tarot deck for myself? There are several methods for choosing your own deck. Firstly look at a few decks of different styles and artwork to find a selection you like the most. If you're a newcomer to the Tarot, you may also prefer a "beginner" deck like the Universal Waite or Hanson Roberts, as the more standard Rider-Waite-based meanings and symbolism can be easier to learn. Also choose a deck that has images on the minor arcana rather than just pip notation. Once you have a style, type of deck you like the look of, the best choice is the one you feel most drawn to. You may vacillate between a few different ones, but most likely the final choice will be the deck you were drawn to initially. Trust your intuition! If you are still not sure, try tricking yourself – pretend that the deck you think you want is out of stock and not available ever again, see how you feel about that, if you are disappointed then this is probably the deck for you. If it doesn't bother you move on and try the same approach to another deck you like. Try www.amazon.co.uk for a large selection or alternatively e-bay often have many decks on offer. Most major bookshops now stock some tarot decks, but for a better selection find your nearest “new age shop” which should be able to order a specific deck in if you are keen on one. Alternatively locally held psychic fayres normally sell decks as do the national events such as the Mind, Body Spirit Exhibitions that run at least once every three months somewhere in the UK ! What's the difference between a Tarot and an oracle deck? A Tarot deck is at least loosely based on the 78 card structure of 56 minor cards and 22 major cards. An oracle deck is any other deck of cards used for similar purposes to a deck of Tarot cards, but use different symbols and meanings. Examples include angel decks, Titania Hardies Star card etc. See our book section for examples available at amazon.co.uk How can I find a deck that is out of print? This is a bit harder than buying a deck in print, there are several sites that have info on all decks including www.aeclectic.com , who list all decks, in print and out of print and have publisher details as well. Alternatively e-bay may have a seller with an out of print deck for sale. Where can I learn the meanings of the cards? You can visit the card section of this site, also if you have your own deck read the booklet or book that accompanies the deck for information. Also rely on your own intuitive interpretation of the cards. Look at a card and note down the first words that come to you, note how you feel. Use a card as a meditative tool and allow the meaning to come through to you. Investigate and research different symbolic meanings and apply these to the symbols that you see on your cards. For online learning, visit www.learntarot.com for a comprehensive course. Alternatively there are several books on the market which share fascinating insights on how to learn the tarot. If you are interested in an online course, visit TABI who run mentored course using www.learntarot.com as the basis for learning and weekly exercises which are marked by endorsed mentors. I've heard cards should be specially stored and cleansed, how do I do that? You can store your cards in any way you want to, whether that is in the box they came in, wrapped in silk, in a wooden box or under the bed! However you look after your deck the most important thing is that you feel comfortable with them and they are easily accessible to you. Cleansing your new cards are definitely a good idea as whilst they were in the shop or online warehouse they will have been handled by a multitude of people, picking up their energies along the way. To cleanse your decks you can use crystals, candles, incense or smudge sticks, moon or sun water, rock salt, all or some of these in a ritual of your design. If you are not familiar with cleansing rituals visit the crystal section for more details. Should I perform a specific ritual when I am about to read my cards? This is entirely up to you. If you feel uncomfortable performing a ritual, or feel it is forced (because you are reading instructions or trying to remember the right words) then don't. You can make up your own ritual, if you'd like to follow these steps to make up your own ritual: Sit comfortably in front of the area you are about to do the reading. Breath deeply as if you were about to enter a meditation Think of a bright white light surrounding you Ask for guidance from your guardian angel or loved ones or angels or any other being you feel close to or from the universal source of energy Begin reading How should I shuffle and select cards? You can shuffle the tarot cards as you would a normal deck of cards, as long as you maintain respect for them, so no clever vegas shuffling! Some decks are very large and it is difficult to shuffle as you would normally. In this case lay the cards on the table and mess them all up into each other, or just move sections of the cards from hand to hand, alternating sections to ensure a good shuffle. You will know when you should stop, either because the word stop will come into your mind, or you will just feel you need to stop. There are several methods for selecting the cards for a reading. Either choose the top cards from the pack, or fan the cards out on the table and choose the cards you are drawn to. When I shuffle, certain cards keep dropping out, does this have any significance? This depends on how many, if all your cards keep dropping it could be because your cards are too big and you are having difficulties shuffling them! If only a couple jump out then these may have significance. The tarot is known to have a life of its own and I often experience cards jumping out at me! When this happens I acknowledge the card make a mental note and move on. Only if the same card keeps jumping out or if the same cards then appears in a reading do I give it special importance. And when that happens I pay particular notice to that card. |