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Tarot and oracle cards are powerful tools for spiritual exploration, self-reflection, and intuitive development. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with more experience, finding the right deck and building a connection with it can enhance your practice. This guide will walk you through selecting your first deck and offer tips on how to develop a deep, intuitive relationship with it.

Choosing Your Deck

1. Follow Your Intuition

Your intuition is a valuable guide when choosing a deck. If a particular deck catches your eye or resonates with you, it’s likely a good choice. Tarot and oracle decks come in a wide variety of themes and artistic styles, so there is something out there for everyone.

2. Think About Your Interests

Decks that align with your interests or spiritual beliefs can provide a richer experience. For example, if you’re drawn to nature, you might enjoy a deck with botanical or animal themes. If you’re interested in mythology or a specific spiritual tradition, there are likely decks that incorporate those elements.

Buying Your Deck

There is a common myth that tarot decks should only be gifted and not bought. This is not true. You can absolutely buy your own deck, and many people do. The key is to choose a deck that resonates with you. Being gifted a deck can be a wonderful experience, as it often comes with a special significance. However, the most important thing is how you feel about the deck and the connection you build with it.

Connecting with Your Deck

1. Cleanse Your Deck

When you first get your deck, it’s a good idea to cleanse it to remove any residual energies from the manufacturing process or previous handlers. Here are a few methods:

• Smoke Cleansing: Pass the deck through the smoke of some incense.
• Sound Cleansing: Use a bell, singing bowl, or clap your hands over the deck.
• Knocking: Simply knock on the deck to clear the energy, I call this my quick and dirty cleanse.

2. Spend Time with Your Deck

Developing a connection with your deck takes time and interaction. Here are some ways to bond with your deck:

• Sleep with It: Some people like to sleep with their deck under their pillow or next to their bed to absorb their energy.
• Carry It with You: Take your deck with you during the day, keeping it in your bag or pocket.
• Place it On Your Desk: Regularly seeing your deck when you work will help you deepen the connection. You can also place crystals on top to ground my energy.

3. Daily Draws

Pulling a card daily is a great way to start building a relationship with your deck. Take a few moments each morning or when you’ve parked up your car on the way to work or an appointment and draw a card and reflect on its meaning and how it might relate to your day. This is a nice way for you to learn and interpret the cards in your own way without relying on the guidebooks.

Working with Your Deck

1. Trust Your Intuition

When interpreting the cards, trust your intuition. While guidebooks are helpful, your personal insights and feelings about the cards are equally valuable. Over time, you may find that your intuitive interpretations become more accurate and meaningful.

2. Ask Specific Questions

When doing readings, ask clear and specific questions. This can help you get more precise and useful answers. Avoid yes/no questions and instead frame your inquiries in an open-ended way.

3. Practice Regularly

The more you work with your deck, the stronger your connection will become. Regular practice helps you become more comfortable with the cards and more confident in your readings.

What Decks Do I Own & Love

I’m constantly finding new decks to connect with, you can shop my faves by clicking here!

Akashic Tarot

The Akashic Tarot is the only tarot deck I regularly use. Although I own a Rider-Waite-Smith deck, I always gravitate towards the Akashic Tarot for both my personal readings and readings for others. Its clear descriptions and vivid imagery resonate deeply with my spiritual practice.

Season of the Witch Yule Oracle

The Season of the Witch Yule Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz is my newest addition. I’m obsessed with its beautiful imagery and poetic guidance. This deck is particularly great for energy readings because it provides just enough direction without overwhelming my intuition.

Britney Spears Oracle

The Britney Spears Oracle by Cara Nesbit, illustrated by Helen Greene, is my go-to for light-hearted readings. This deck helps me bring levity to my practice and is perfect for everyday questions and lighter issues. It’s a great way to build trust in my intuitive abilities without the pressure of tackling major concerns.

Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck

Gifted to me by the team at Calm, the Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Deck features stunning animal imagery. I use it primarily for sign symbolism rather than readings because the guidebook, although insightful, is difficult to navigate. 

Animal Apothecary Deck

The Animal Apothecary Deck by Cara Elizabeth is my go-to when I want clarity without effort. The guidebook is exceptionally well-written and easy to use, making it perfect for those times when I want straightforward guidance. This deck consistently empowers me and aligns with my personal values and beliefs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing and connecting with a tarot or oracle deck is a deeply personal journey. Trust your intuition, spend time with your deck, and enjoy the process of developing your skills and insights. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, the right deck and a strong connection can greatly enhance your spiritual and intuitive practice. And remember to not get caught up in comparisons or feel pressured to be like other readers. Tarot and oracle cards are tools to help you connect with your intuition. Embrace the process with joy and curiosity.

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