Connecting With Your New Tarot Deck

By Kelly O'Tillery

Choosing a Tarot deck is just the beginning of your exploration into the mysteries of the Tarot. It is very important to create a special bond and connection between you and the cards. Creating this bond involves cleansing the cards, filling them with your energy, touching and working with the cards, and getting acquainted with the colors, images, and symbols they portray. You will also need some accessories to go with your new cards.

Begin the process of creating a special bond between you and your cards by cleansing the cards. "Smudging" is an excellent technique for cleansing the cards. Smudging is done by burning dried herbs (usually sage, cedar, sweet grass, or any combination of the three) and using the smoke from the herbs to cleanse an object. Light the herbs just enough to create a little smoke. Pass your cards through this smoke several times, focusing on the thought that the smoke is cleansing and removing all unwanted energies from the cards. Once you have finished this cleansing ritual your cards are ready to be charged with your energy.

Place the cards under your pillow while you sleep. This is a very effective way to begin connecting with the cards and filling them with your energy. Sleep with the cards under your pillow for four nights in a row. If that is not possible place the cards with some very personal possessions near your bed (or under it) for the same amount of time. Sleeping with the cards under your pillow also gives your subconscious mind the opportunity to become "in tune" with the cards, their images and symbolism.

The process of getting acquainted and creating a special bond with your cards also involves taking time to get familiar with the pictures in your new deck, and handling (shuffling, touching and examining) the cards. This should be done before you begin reading the booklet that came with the cards, or any other books on Tarot card interpretation. Spread your cards out and begin looking at them one by one. As you look at each card notice the feeling you get from the card and the thoughts which come to mind. This is an excellent time to begin a Tarot Journal. Write down your impressions of the cards as you look at them. Your personal thoughts and feelings about a card should always be the root from which you interpret the card. 

As I mentioned in "The Mystery of the Tarot," the cards are layered with meaning and symbolism, your personal interpretation is most important. This is the foundation from which you will interpret each card, from here you will build or layer the added information you derive from experience, books, teachers, and other readers. 

Accessories you will need to accompany your new cards include a silk wrap (or a wrap of another natural material), wooden box, drawstring pouch, and Tarot cloth.

The purpose of the wrap is to protect your cards from outside vibrations. Choose a color which appeals to you and resonates with the energy you want connected to your cards. 

The wooden box is where you will keep your cards when you are not using them. There are a variety of styles and sizes from which to choose, hand carved boxes with intricate patterns and designs, to others that may be hand painted with suns, moons, and stars - or you might choose a simple, plain wooden box you can decorate yourself. 

You will also need a bag or drawstring pouch if you plan to carry your cards with you. You may want to select a bag or pouch made of silk, velvet, or linen - again considering the fabric, design, and color as you make your selection. Your Tarot cards are to be respected and treasured, so choose a wrap, box, bag or pouch, which symbolizes your feelings for the cards.

A special surface on which to lay your cards is very important, you will need a Tarot cloth or cover at least two feet square, made of velvet, linen, or any material which allows you to spread the cards easily. Keep in mind, once again, the fabric and color as you make your selection. 

For more information on the meaning and influence of color read, Color - A Secret Language Revealed, by Diane Ronngren (can be ordered online at www.etcpublishing.com). §

Kelly is a professional Astrologer, Tarot reader, & instructor in Metaphysical Practices. She is also an author, poet, and Certified Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming. Kelly can be reached for readings at Astrology of Alexandria, Las Vegas, NV 702-278-1447 or email: Otillery@aol.com