Tarot cards have intrigued and fascinated people for centuries. Their mystique lies in their ability to provide insights, reveal hidden truths, and even forecast the future. Each card in a tarot deck holds a specific meaning and story, connecting with the subconscious of both the reader and the seeker. The allure of tarot cards is further intensified by the captivating artwork and symbolism, inviting individuals into a world of mystery and exploration.
The Belief that Tarot Cards Should be Gifted
A prevailing belief in the tarot community is that these cards hold more power and significance when received as a gift. This tradition stems from the notion that a gifted deck comes with positive energy, goodwill, and a stronger spiritual connection. In this article, we delve deeper into the origins of this belief, its significance, and why many practitioners still uphold it today.
History of Tarot Cards
Origins and Evolution
The history of tarot cards can be traced back to the 15th century in Europe, originally serving as playing cards. The symbolism and mystical associations evolved over time, with the cards eventually being used for divination and spiritual guidance. The tarot deck, consisting of 78 cards divided into the Major and Minor Arcana, has undergone numerous transformations, with various artists and cultures contributing to its rich tapestry of designs and meanings.
Early Beliefs Associated with Tarot Acquisition
From the early stages of tarot’s evolution, acquiring a deck held its own set of beliefs and rituals. The notion that a tarot deck should be gifted, rather than purchased, was rooted in the desire to receive a tool of divination untainted by commercial transactions. The gift of a tarot deck was seen as a passing of wisdom, energy, and spiritual connection, establishing a sacred bond between the giver and the receiver.
The Concept of Energy in Tarot Cards
How Energy Affects Readings
In tarot readings, the energy surrounding the cards, the reader, and the seeker plays a pivotal role. Positive and pure energy can lead to clearer and more accurate readings, allowing for a better flow of intuitive insights. Conversely, negative or stagnant energy can cloud interpretations and hinder the connection between the cards and the individuals involved. Therefore, many believe that a gifted deck—imbued with the positive energy of the giver—enhances the quality of readings.
The Importance of Pure and UnCorrupted Energy
Maintaining the purity and integrity of the energy within tarot cards is paramount. Pure energy fosters a conducive environment for the reader to connect with their higher self and the spiritual realm, facilitating insightful and transformative readings. UnCorrupted energy, free from the influences of negative intentions or past traumas, ensures that the messages received are untainted and true. This is why many practitioners place great importance on cleansing and bonding with a new deck, especially if it has not been gifted.
Reason 1: Strengthened Bond with the Giver
The Personal Touch of Receiving a Gift
Receiving a tarot deck as a gift adds a personal and sentimental touch to the cards. This gesture signifies trust, goodwill, and a shared spiritual journey between the giver and the receiver. The personal connection established through gifting not only enhances the energy of the deck but also deepens the relationship between the individuals involved, enriching the overall tarot reading experience.
How Gifts Enhance the Connection between the Giver and the Receiver
Gifts are symbolic of love, thoughtfulness, and a desire to share something meaningful. When a tarot deck is gifted, it carries with it the energy and intentions of the giver. This connection is believed to amplify the spiritual and intuitive capabilities of the deck, making the readings more authentic and powerful. The bond between the giver and receiver is thus strengthened, fostering a mutual respect and understanding for the sacred art of tarot reading.
Reason 2: Avoiding Negative Energy
The Risks of Purchasing Cards with Unknown History
When purchasing tarot cards, especially from second-hand sources or places without a known reputation, there’s a risk of acquiring a deck with an unknown history. Just like objects can retain remnants of energy from their previous owners, tarot cards can also harbor lingering energies. These energies could potentially be negative or discordant, impacting the clarity and efficacy of readings. A deck tainted with previous traumas or unresolved emotions might not provide the pure insights one seeks.
The Belief in Energy Transfer from Previous Owners or Handlers
In the world of spiritual tools and objects, there’s a strong belief in the transfer of energy. Every time someone handles or uses a deck, they imprint a part of their energy onto it. This is why many tarot readers are cautious about letting others touch their cards. When a deck is purchased, especially without knowledge of its history, it might come with layers of energies from various handlers. A gifted deck, on the other hand, generally comes from a trusted source and carries with it the positive intentions and energy of the giver.
Reason 3: Enhancing Intuition and Psychic Abilities
The Role of Intention in Gifting
Intention is a powerful force in spiritual practices. When tarot cards are gifted with the clear intention of love, support, and growth, those energies infuse the deck. This act of intentional gifting can serve as a catalyst, unlocking and amplifying the receiver’s intuitive abilities. The cards become more than just tools; they transform into guides, carrying the weight of the giver’s trust and faith.
How Gifts Can Amplify One’s Intuitive Abilities
When one receives a tarot deck with the powerful energy of intention behind it, it often resonates at a higher frequency. This resonance can help attune the receiver’s psychic and intuitive abilities, allowing them to tap into deeper insights and messages during readings. The combined energy of the giver’s intentions and the receiver’s gratitude creates a potent mix that can elevate the tarot reading experience.
Reason 4: Tradition and Ritual Importance
Historical and Cultural Significance of Gifting
The act of gifting tarot decks has roots in ancient traditions and cultural practices. Historically, spiritual tools were often passed down through generations or given as gifts during significant rites of passage. The gesture was not just about the object itself but also about imparting wisdom, trust, and a sense of belonging.
Keeping the Tradition Alive in Modern Times
While the world has modernized and many traditions have faded, the practice of gifting tarot decks has remained a cherished ritual in the tarot community. By gifting decks, contemporary practitioners honor age-old customs, ensuring the continuity of these traditions and emphasizing the sacredness of the tarot reading practice.
Reason 5: Affirming Readiness and Openness
The Universe’s Way of Signaling Readiness
Receiving a tarot deck as a gift can often be seen as a sign or nod from the universe, indicating one’s readiness to embark on the tarot journey. It’s as if the universe, through the medium of the giver, is affirming the receiver’s spiritual readiness and maturity to delve into the world of tarot.
Embracing the Journey When Tarot Chooses You
When one is gifted a tarot deck, it’s often said that it’s not the individual who chose the tarot, but the tarot that chose them. This unique bond signifies a mutual calling and understanding. By accepting and embracing this gift, the receiver acknowledges their openness to the lessons, insights, and growth that the tarot journey promises.
Reason 6: Increasing the Authenticity of Readings
The Bond Between the Reader and Their Deck
The relationship between a tarot reader and their deck is akin to a partnership. Like any deep relationship, the bond strengthens over time, fostering mutual understanding and trust. A gifted deck often begins this relationship on a foundation of love, goodwill, and positive energy. This strong initial bond can enhance the reader’s connection to the cards, allowing for more authentic, profound, and resonant readings.
How the Mode of Acquisition Can Influence Card Interpretations
The manner in which a tarot deck is acquired can subtly influence how a reader interprets the cards. A deck that’s been lovingly chosen by someone else for the reader often carries an added layer of significance and trust. This can result in readings that flow more naturally and intuitively. In contrast, a deck purchased on a whim or without much thought may not resonate as deeply, potentially affecting the clarity and depth of interpretations.
Reason 7: Encouraging Respect for the Craft
The Significance of Treating Tarot Reading as a Sacred Art
Tarot reading isn’t just about predicting the future; it’s a sacred art of introspection, guidance, and connection with the spiritual realm. Receiving a deck as a gift serves as a gentle reminder of the profoundness of this practice. It encourages the reader to approach each reading with reverence, humility, and an open heart.
Cultivating Respect by Honoring Traditional Practices
By upholding the tradition of receiving tarot decks as gifts, readers pay homage to the lineage of tarot practitioners who came before them. This act of honoring age-old customs fosters a deeper respect for the craft. It encourages readers to approach tarot not as a mere tool, but as a sacred tradition laden with wisdom and insights.
Reason 8: Ensuring Longevity and Care of the Deck
The Commitment to Cherish and Maintain a Gifted Deck
A tarot deck received as a gift often holds a special place in the reader’s heart. This emotional connection encourages the reader to treat the deck with utmost care, ensuring its longevity. Regular cleansing, proper storage, and mindful handling become intuitive practices when the deck is cherished as a precious gift.
The Difference in Attachment Levels Between Bought and Gifted Cards
While it’s entirely possible to form a deep bond with a purchased deck, a gifted deck often comes with an inherent emotional and spiritual connection. This heightened attachment can result in more diligent care and a deeper resonance during readings. The reader is not just connecting with the cards but also with the energy and intentions of the giver.
Contrary Views: The Case for Buying Your Own Tarot Cards
Modern Opinions on Self-Purchase
As the world evolves and individualism becomes a strong theme, many modern tarot readers believe in the empowerment of choosing and buying their own decks. They argue that the act of self-selection allows them to find a deck that truly resonates with their personal energy and aesthetic preferences, leading to more personalized readings.
How Personal Choice Can Also Empower Readings
Choosing one’s own deck can be a powerful act of intuition and self-trust. When a reader is drawn to a particular deck and decides to make it their own, they’re listening to their inner guidance. This act of trusting one’s intuition can amplify the reader’s connection to the deck, leading to insightful and empowered readings.
Choosing the Right Deck: Tips for Givers
Considerations for Those Intending to Gift Tarot Cards
Gifting a tarot deck is a deeply personal and thoughtful gesture. It’s essential to consider not just the aesthetics of the deck but also its resonance with the intended receiver. Think about their personality, spiritual inclinations, and preferences to ensure the deck will be cherished and used.
Factors Like Design, Size, and Type
- Design: Consider the art style. Is the receiver drawn to traditional imagery, or might they appreciate a modern reinterpretation?
- Size: Tarot decks come in various sizes. Consider the receiver’s hand size and whether they’d prefer a larger deck for meditation or a smaller one for travel.
- Type: There are various types of tarot decks, from the classic Rider-Waite to themed decks like animal or angel tarots. Think about what might resonate most with the receiver’s spiritual journey.
Receiving a Tarot Deck: Etiquettes and Gratitude
Actions to Take When Gifted a Deck
- Cleansing the Deck: Before using the deck, it’s a good practice to cleanse it, which can be done using sage, moonlight, or crystals, ensuring it’s attuned to your energy.
- Bonding with the Deck: Spend time touching and shuffling the cards, meditating with them, or even sleeping with them under your pillow to foster a deeper connection.
- Thank the Giver: Acknowledge the thoughtfulness behind the gift, expressing genuine appreciation for their gesture.
Expressing Gratitude and Setting Intentions
After receiving a deck, it’s beneficial to set aside a quiet moment to express gratitude, both to the universe and the giver. This can be done through a small ritual or meditation. Setting clear intentions for how you plan to use the deck can also guide your tarot journey and strengthen your bond with the cards.
The Middle Ground: Gifting Yourself Tarot Cards
The Pros and Cons of Self-Gifting
Pros:
- Personal Resonance: Choosing your own deck ensures that it resonates with you on a personal level.
- Empowerment: It allows you to trust your intuition and judgment, strengthening your self-belief.
- Diverse Options: Self-purchasing allows you to explore a wide range of decks, finding one that truly speaks to you.
Cons:
- Missing Out on Traditional Energy: Some believe that a gifted deck comes with added blessings and positive energy from the giver.
- Overwhelm: With so many decks available, the choice can sometimes become overwhelming.
Balancing Tradition with Personal Desire
While tradition holds its own charm, it’s essential to recognize and honor personal desires and instincts. If you feel called to a particular deck, it’s a sign that the deck has something to offer you. Gifting yourself a tarot deck can be seen as an act of self-love and trust in your intuition. After all, the most crucial aspect of tarot reading is the connection between the reader and the cards, regardless of how the deck was acquired.
FAQs
Why is there a belief that tarot cards should be gifted?
The belief that tarot cards should be gifted stems from age-old traditions and spiritual practices. Historically, spiritual tools, including tarot decks, were passed down or presented as gifts during significant rites of passage. When given as a gift, it’s thought that the deck carries the positive energy, intentions, and blessings of the giver, which can enhance the efficacy and clarity of readings.
Does buying your own tarot cards really affect readings?
The efficacy of tarot readings primarily depends on the reader’s connection to the deck, their intuition, and their interpretative skills. While some argue that a gifted deck comes with an added layer of positive energy and blessing, many modern practitioners believe that buying one’s own deck, especially when feeling particularly drawn to it, can be equally powerful. The key is the resonance and bond between the reader and the deck, regardless of its mode of acquisition.
How can I cleanse a purchased tarot deck from negative energies?
Cleansing a tarot deck, whether gifted or purchased, helps attune it to your energy and removes any lingering energies from previous handlers. Common cleansing methods include:
- Smudging: Using sage or palo santo, waft the smoke over the deck with the intention of clearing away negative energies.
- Moonlight: Place the deck under the moonlight, preferably during a full moon, allowing the moon’s energy to cleanse and recharge it.
- Crystals: Placing a clear quartz or selenite crystal on top of the deck can help clear and amplify its energy.
- Visualization: Holding the deck in your hands, visualize a bright light surrounding it, purifying and energizing each card.
What if I’m gifted a deck that doesn’t resonate with me?
If you’re gifted a tarot deck that doesn’t resonate with you, it’s essential to trust your feelings. While it’s a thoughtful gesture from the giver, not every deck will align with every reader. You can:
- Keep it: Even if it doesn’t resonate now, it might in the future.
- Pass it On: With the original giver’s blessing, consider gifting it to someone who might connect with it.
- Use it for Different Purposes: Some decks might be more suitable for meditation or art, rather than readings.
Can I gift myself a deck if I feel a strong connection to it?
Absolutely! Trusting your intuition is a core aspect of tarot practices. If you feel drawn to a particular deck, it’s a sign that the deck has messages and insights to offer you. Gifting yourself a tarot deck can be a powerful act of self-trust and affirmation of your spiritual journey. Embrace the deck and the insights it promises to bring.
Conclusion
The tradition of gifting tarot decks over buying them is deeply rooted in history, spiritual practices, and beliefs about energy transfer. From fostering a strengthened bond with the giver to ensuring the purity of energy, there are various reasons many opt for gifting. But in the evolving world of tarot, there’s also a place for self-gifting and choosing decks that resonate on a personal level.
Ultimately, whether a deck is bought or gifted, the most vital aspect is the connection between the reader and the cards. Tarot, at its core, is a tool for introspection, guidance, and connection to the spiritual realm. So, to all readers, seasoned and new: Trust your intuition, cherish your decks, and embrace the journey that tarot promises.
