Contrary to popular belief the true magic of tarot lies not solely in its ability to foretell the future, but rather in its ability to become a profound tool for self-reflection, empowerment, and spiritual growth.
The cards are more than just pieces of cardboard adorned with symbols—they are mirrors reflecting your innermost thoughts, fears, and desires. To truly unlock the wisdom within these cards, one must forge a deep and intimate bond with them.
In this article, we’ll explore the steps you can take to deepen your connection with your tarot cards, transforming them from mere tools into powerful allies on your journey of self-discovery. From choosing the right deck to keeping a tarot journal, we will explore ten ways you can deepen your connection with your tarot deck.
So, open yourself to the possibility of magic. The journey to a deeper connection with your tarot deck awaits, and the insights you uncover along the way may just transform your life in ways you never thought possible.
1. Choose the Right Deck
Choosing the right tarot deck means choosing a tarot deck that you feel drawn to in some way. The art may speak to you or perhaps it was a gift from a loved one. To be able to cultivate a deeper relationship with your tarot deck, you have to start on a positive note.
If you dislike your deck and don’t feel captivated by it, you’re not going to be able to forge that bond. Instead, find a deck that not only intrigues you but speaks to you on a personal level. There are hundreds of tarot decks out there illustrated by hundreds of different artists.
2. Examine Your Cards
One of the first, most exciting, things you can do when you get a new tarot deck is to simply look at each card. Examining your tarot cards is an important first step when it comes to connecting to any tarot deck, new or old. Looking at each card one by one fosters familiarity and connection.
Try the following:
- Take time to examine each individual card.
- Sort each card by number and suit.
- Look how the story the cards tell progresses from ace to king.
- Imagine characters.
- Create or retell stories from your memories.
- Make future plans.
- Indulge in affirmations.
- Find your favorite card, your birth card, and your signifier card.
3. Read the LWB (Little White Book)
Most commonly used as a reference book, the basic card meanings are covered. Reading the LWB gives you the chance to see what that specific artist intended the meaning of the cards to be based on their artwork. You can use it as a guide to help you understand cards in a tarot spread and see if your interpretations are on track.
You can also use the LWB to explore alternative card meanings to the ones you usually use. Enrich your vocabulary by adding those additional interpretations to your repertoire.
Some tarot decks come with just a simple little book, while others come with more elaborate guides to the deck. They can give specific tarot spreads that the author picked to compliment the deck, as well as basics on how to use your tarot cards.
4. Study the Symbolism
The tarot is brimming with rich symbolism. Studying the symbolism and imagery within each card will help you understand fully what your deck has to say. Each symbol will speak to you, communicating deeper meaning. Becoming familiar with the symbolic motifs in the cards strengthens your bond and allows you to reach a new level of intimacy in your readings.
Being able to interpret your cards more effectively transforms them from mere cards into tools of guidance and self-discovery.
5. Meditate with the Cards
Do you meditate? If not, now’s a great time to start! By focusing on embodying the qualities of the card within yourself as you meditate, you can achieve personal growth as well as forge a stronger connection to your deck. Simply envision yourself embracing the message of the card and visualizing yourself manifesting those traits.
6. Interview Spread
Interview tarot spreads help you “meet” your tarot deck by introducing you to aspects of the cards’ “personality”. From which types of readings your tarot deck excels at to what the deck has to teach you, an interview spread helps you become familiar with your tarot deck in an unique way.
Also, why should you always be the one asking the questions? Inquire how your cards are feeling once and awhile and you’ll be surprised by what they have to say!
Try SelfTarot’s interview spread (HERE) or personality spread (HERE).
7. The Daily Draw
Of all the recommendations on this list, doing a daily draw is amongst the most popular methods to connect with your tarot deck. A daily draw can help you quickly memorize frequently drawn cards and see them used in a variety of circumstances. The repetition is key. You will learn keywords to associate with each card and become more confident the more you use them.
8. Keeping A Tarot Journal
Keeping a tarot journal is a must for any tarot journey. To genuinely connect with your tarot deck, it helps for you to get to know each card intimately.
A tarot journal is a book where you keep track of your progress learning tarot. When you write down what happens during each reading and what you learn, it helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses as a tarot reader and shows you how you can improve. One great thing about keeping a tarot journal is that you can gather all the meanings of the cards in one place, so you can use them whenever you need to.
9. Just Use Them!
The number one most important thing you can do to grow closer to and connect with your tarot deck is to use it!
10. Trust the Process
With tarot, it’s all about the journey not the destination. The experience you gain and the growth you achieve ( and don’t forget fun!) should be your focus, not the end result. By embracing the journey you set yourself up to experience all that tarot has to offer as well as all the potential that lies within.
So, instead of being focused on only a set outcome, allow yourself to enjoy the journey and the experiences, growth, challenges, and discoveries along the way.
Whether you acquire your deck as a gift or stumble upon it at a garage sale, the journey of connecting with your cards is both enriching and rewarding. Each session, whether it involves simple daily draws or complex spreads, contributes to your growth and proficiency.
Through consistent practice and dedication, you will evolve into a confident and skilled tarot reader, equipped to navigate life’s mysteries with wisdom and insight.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Be sure to take account of your progress in your Tarot journal!
Not only will it provide you with your own personalized card meanings, but you will also see how much you grow as a Tarot Reader over time.
Learn more about Keeping A Tarot Journal. You’ll be glad you did!
Why not try one of the dozens of FREE tarot spreads available in the SelfTarot Tarot Spread Archive?
TAKING YOUR SELF-DISCOVERY JOURNEY TO THE NEXT LEVEL
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