Every new witch exploring tarot cards should know that you absolutely can purchase your own deck. The misconception that tarot decks must be gifted is rooted in fear, a concept that strips people of agency and control. There’s no truth to the idea that it’s dangerous or spiritually harmful to buy your own tarot cards. Tarot decks are simply inanimate objects; their power lies in the reader’s ability to interpret their meaning, not in the cards themselves.

Tarot has a rich history stretching back to 15th-century Italy, where it began as a card game called Tarocchi. These early decks were decorative playing cards, not mystical tools. It wasn’t until the 18th century that tarot was linked to esoteric knowledge by French occultists, who popularized its use in divination. Despite claims of ties to ancient Egyptian wisdom, tarot’s history is rooted in European culture. Over time, tarot evolved into a versatile tool for self-reflection and spiritual growth, embraced by people worldwide.

It’s also important to understand that tarot is not inherently witchcraft. Tarot is a divination tool, a method for gaining insight by interpreting spiritual or intuitive messages. Divination encompasses various practices, including runes, oracle cards, pendulums, astrology, and numerology. While many witches use tarot, it’s not a witchcraft-specific tool like altars or spellwork. Tarot operates as its own system, accessible to anyone—witches and non-witches alike.

Modern witches often turn to tarot to connect with their intuition and subconscious. The imagery and symbolism of the cards help uncover hidden truths, interpret energies, and gain clarity about life’s challenges. However, it’s not mandatory to incorporate tarot into a witchcraft practice, and its use can vary depending on personal preference.

Some believe it’s improper to let others touch their tarot decks, but this is entirely a matter of choice. If you’re comfortable, you might have others shuffle the cards during a reading. What truly matters is not the cards themselves but the reader’s ability to connect with them. That said, tarot cards can absorb energy over time, so cleansing them occasionally is a good practice. Popular cleansing methods include saging, placing them under moonlight or sunlight, and using crystals, sound, or infused water. If you choose water, ensure it’s applied gently to avoid damaging your deck.

Your relationship with tarot may ebb and flow. During challenging periods, you might find yourself drawing cards daily for guidance and spiritual understanding, as many do when navigating personal hardships. In calmer times, your need for tarot may diminish, and that’s perfectly fine. Tarot is always there when you’re ready to use it again, offering wisdom and clarity whenever you seek it.

What else would you like to know about tarot or tarot cards? Please leave a comment!