How To Choose a Tarot Deck For Yourself & To Gift
Earlier this week, I had a peer (who knows nothing about tarot) ask me how to choose a tarot deck to gift to a friend and I realized I didn’t have any resources on it.
So, here you go!
Just F.Y.I., I’ve heard a lot of people tell me this myth that you’re not supposed to buy your own tarot cards and you’re only supposed to be gifted them— I just want to set the record straight and tell you that’s B.S.
You 100% are allowed to buy your own decks, and I definitely recommend it over asking someone to choose one for you or wait around for you to be gifted one.
I’ve bought a decent amount of Oracle and Tarot decks for myself, and I’ve also been gifted a few decks. It’s neither good nor bad, but what you want to be aware of is:
the energy physical items carry
the energy intentions of your actions carry
When you’re buying a deck for yourself, think of it as an extension of your intuition.
It’s another way to flex your creativity, to open your perspective, and to receive guidance that’s outside of your awareness. Often times you’ll hear the suggestion that if you’re not sure what to pick, to just go with the classic Rider-Waite deck. While that’s fine, I just don’t think it’s very fun.
My first deck was The Mystical Cats Tarot by Lunaea Weatherstone.
Why? Because I love cats and I love magic. It holds a very special place in my heart and while I’ll read for myself using all my cards, this deck is only used for my own personal readings.
As far as choosing a deck for a friend, it’s a very similar process:
I’d suggest both considering who they are, their likes and dislikes, and also feeling the decks and choosing one that feels resonate with their energy
For example, I have a friend that I gave a deck to and she’s very sweet. When I think of her I feel warm, I see meadows and chamomile flowers— she’s a very pure energy, and i know her style is cottage core, and has a soft palate with pastels and such. Aesthetics are important to her in both her wardrobe and her home, so when choosing a deck, I knew I wanted it to complement her energy, or better yet, feel like a natural extension of her energy.
I immediately thought forest faerie vibes for her and when I looked up “faerie tarot,” the first thing that popped up was the Mystic Faerie Tarot deck, and I immediately bought it.
Honestly, I didn’t over think it (and I encourage you not to as well).
I’m sure I could have also Googled, “cottage core tarot” and have plenty of searches come up, but this is also the fun part of being an intuitive. I just know things!
You can look into the imagery, the descriptions, the artist and also consider the intention of why you’re gifting them a deck— those will all influence which you choose, but just trust your vibes.
Intuition is pretty straightforward, so the best thing to do when you’re making an intuitive decision is to get in a headspace + heartspace where you feel the most love towards the person you’re gifting a deck to, and then choose what feels right to you.
You can check out a local metaphysical shop if you’re avoiding Amazon, and surprisingly, Barnes and Nobel actually has a decent selection of tarot and oracle cards as well! Sometimes you’ll find them in little novelty shops that sell home goods, decor, etc.
When you’re picking up a deck, tune into your personal energy, the energy of the person you’re gifting to, and the relationship you two have.
The intention behind me getting my friend tarot cards was a blend of her being able to use them for herself, and because she had asked me to give readings at her Bachelorette party!
Side Note: Since I was going to be using the deck in addition to her, I consecrated the deck through a smoke ritual— clearing the energy of the deck in a sage-blend incense burning in my amethyst crystal— and imbued it with my heart’s energy of pure love, light, and truth for the highest good of whoever the cards were reading for.
While you typically wouldn’t open and consecrate a deck you’re gifting, this was a special circumstance that I cherish the memory of.
I find Tarot and Oracle to be quite an intimate gift.
Remember, these are spiritual tools to connect with one’s inner wisdom, to reflect the energy of their highest and best timeline, and to guide them in their divine path in life. It can be deep and meaningful, while being fun and light.
Give The Gift of Tarot
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