You either were gifted a deck or finally bought that deck that caught your eye (yes, it’s perfectly fine to buy your own decks). Either way, you’re eager to jump right into readings.
WAIT…
Before you start asking questions of the cards, I suggest a simple, intentional ritual. You don’t have to do this, but it’s a beautiful way to welcome your deck and begin building a relationship with it.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t sit down with someone new and immediately start asking personal questions without first saying hello. Your Tarot deck deserves the same respect.
Here are some straightforward, helpful steps to follow before your first reading:
1. Unbox and Study the Cards
Take your time unboxing the deck. Go through every card, one by one.
- Notice the artwork and the artist’s style
- Pay attention to colors, symbols, and mood
- Note what immediately catches your eye
Arrange the cards in order and look at them all together.
- Does the Major Arcana tell a familiar story, or does it feel different?
- Are there recurring themes or motifs within the suits?
- Lay out the Court Cards together—do they reflect unique personalities or roles?
Move slowly and purposefully. This is how you begin learning the deck’s language.
2. Don’t Throw Away the Guide Book
That companion book exists for a reason. I suggest you read it through at least once.
The creator often shares their intentions, symbolism choices, and any deviations from traditional Tarot structures. Some decks, for example, rename suits, reinterpret Court Cards, or modify classic meanings. Understanding this upfront will save confusion later and deepen your readings.
3. Cleanse Your Cards
It’s important to cleanse your cards of stagnant energy. This is even more important if a deck was gifted to you. There’s no single “correct” way to cleanse a Tarot deck. Choose what feels aligned for you.
Some simple options include:
- Gently tapping the deck while visualizing stagnant energy clearing
- Passing the cards through smoke from sage, incense, or palo santo
- Using sound—bells, chimes, singing bowls, or even clapping
4. Shuffle with Purpose
Give your deck a thorough shuffle. As you do, focus on putting your energy into the cards with your intention to work together clearly and respectfully.
5. Interview Your Deck
Yes—interview it.
This step helps you understand how the deck prefers to communicate and what kind of work it’s best suited for. There are many interview spreads available, but here’s a simple and effective one that I created and use:
- What type of readings are you best used for?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
- What are you here to teach me?
- What will our relationship be like?
Record your impressions. These answers often become surprisingly accurate over time.
6. Store Your Deck with Care
When you’re not using your deck:
- Wrap it in a cloth
- Store it in a Tarot bag or box
- Or place it on an altar or dedicated shelf
Choose a method that feels respectful and practical for your space.
7. Recharge Regularly
Many readers like to recharge their Tarot decks under the full moon each month. This can be as simple as placing the deck near a window overnight with the intention of renewal and clarity. For an extra boost, put it on a selenite plate with your choice of crystals. I like black tourmaline, clear quartz, and labradorite, but you can choose any crystals that resonate with you.
A new Tarot deck isn’t just a tool; it’s a conversation waiting to start. Taking a little time at the start helps that relationship unfold with trust, clarity, and depth.
Do I need to cleanse my new Tarot deck before using it?
Yes. I recommend cleansing a new Tarot deck before your first reading and periodically after it’s been in use. Cards can absorb energetic residue, or what some people call psychic “debris,” from handling, readings, or even the environment they’re stored in. Cleansing is simply a good practice. There’s no single right way to do this. Choose what feels natural to you: Gently tap the deck while visualizing stagnant energy clearing. Pass the cards through the smoke of sage, incense, or palo santo. Use sound—bells, chimes, singing bowls, or even clapping. The intention behind the act matters more than the method itself.
How do I bond with a new Tarot deck as a beginner?
Begin by getting to know your deck gradually and intentionally. Unbox the cards and examine each one, paying attention to details like color, symbolism, and overall mood. Allow the imagery to speak to you. Read through the guidebook to understand the creator’s intentions but remember that your intuition is just as important as any written meaning. One of the best ways to build a connection is to interview your deck—ask it how it works best and what it’s here to teach you. Yes, really. This practice helps establish trust and clarity from the very beginning.
Can anyone learn to read Tarot, or do you need special abilities?
Anyone can learn to read Tarot. You don’t need psychic powers or special gifts to begin. Tarot is a skill that develops through practice, patience, and a willingness to trust your intuition. Over time, your confidence grows, your interpretations deepen, and your personal reading style naturally emerges.
Should I let other people touch my Tarot cards?
This is a personal choice, not a rule. Some readers are comfortable letting others shuffle or handle their cards, while others prefer to keep their deck to themselves. If you do allow others to handle your cards, you might want to cleanse the deck afterward—especially if the reading felt emotionally heavy or energetically intense. Trust your instincts here. Your comfort is more important than tradition.
Do Tarot cards predict the future?
Tarot does not predict the future in a fixed or definite way. Instead, Tarot reflects current energies, patterns, and possibilities based on the present moment. The cards provide insight, guidance, and awareness, not destiny. Because free will and choices are always involved, Tarot is best seen as a tool for clarity and conscious decision-making rather than fortune-telling.
