An old superstition (Serenity Bly discussed how we feel about superstitions here) says it’s “bad luck” to buy your first tarot deck for yourself. Some believe the deck won’t “work” if you buy it for yourself – you must receive it as a gift.
I’ve even heard people say that not only must you receive your first deck as a gift, but you should receive every deck as a gift. I know many people with massive collections of tarot card decks who wouldn’t have any if they sat around waiting for someone to give them one.
Where did this superstition come from? It seems no one knows, but the tarot is steeped in mystery and superstition. In all likelihood, tarot beginners at one time purchased their own decks, and began using them before they were proficient. They may have gotten frustrated with their inexperience, muddling along with no support other than a small black and white guidebook included with the cards.
Meanwhile, other people who received a deck as a gift also received mentoring from the gift-giver. With someone to guide them on their tarot journey, they advanced quickly, getting accurate information from the cards nearly immediately.
But that is only a guess! The truth is, no one I’ve spoken to knows for sure how this silly superstition got started, but serious tarot enthusiasts all agree that it’s just not true.
It’s perfectly fine to purchase your own deck of tarot cards, whether it’s your first deck or your tenth.
4 good reasons to buy your own tarot deck
1. Tarot cards work best if you forge a personal connection with the deck you use. The imagery should speak to you. It may even take several decks before you find one you really like. If someone buys you a deck, sight unseen, it may not be a deck you particularly like.
2. Many tarot readers are also tarot deck collectors. It’s lovely to receive a new deck as a gift, but I don’t know one person who doesn’t like to add to their own collection of anything – be it stamps, books, Precious Moments figurines, teddy bears or tarot cards. If you want a deck – buy it.
3. I know many talented tarot readers who might still be waiting if they had to wait for someone else to buy their first deck.
4. The tarot is all about empowerment. What’s more empowering than selecting your own deck from the thousands on the market to begin your personal tarot journey?
Tarot decks do make great gifts!
Having said that, as we enter the holiday season, tarot decks (and books, and even personalized readings!) do make great gifts. Whether you’re buying someone their first deck or just adding to their collection, a tarot deck is a kind, personal gift that shows you put some thought into their present and that you have some idea of their tastes.
If you’re beginning your tarot journey, we’d like to invite you to shop our online store for a large selection of tarot decks and books, including some of our favorites. If you’ve already been reading for a bit, why not treat yourself – or a loved one – to a new tarot deck for the holidays?
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2 Responses to “Is It OK to Buy a Tarot Deck for Yourself?”
I was introduced to Tarot by my mother when I was twelve with a deck called The Inner Child. The cards were larger than life and decorated with brilliant colors and classic fairy tale stories. It was a marvelous deck to capture the imagination of a child.
When I was older I started reading Tarot alone using a Mythic Tarot deck that belonged to my mother. It was a beautiful deck and I love the vibrant colors and mythical stories for each card. But when I left home I left behind the beautiful collection of Tarot Decks my mother owned.
While I was pregnant with my daughter I ventured into a spiritual store and browsed their shelves for the perfect deck. I discovered The Sacred Circle with it’s soft hues and Celtic heart. It spoke to my soul and despite being one of the more expensive decks on the shelf I knew I couldn’t walk away without buying it.
Years later, I acquired the Mythic Tarot Deck that is now my favorite. I belonged to my sister and was abandoned amongst many of her rejected belongings when she traveled overseas.
While I have fond memories of each of these decks, I tend to turn, primarily, to the Mythic Tarot. The Sacred Circle works well but it has a different air, a unique energy that makes it a deck that I call on for special occasions. For day to day readings, and for most of the readings I give with Future-Tarot I draw from the Mythic Tarot.
I believe, it’s not where the deck comes from but how the deck speaks to you, the connection and bond you develop through committed use and sincere faith that truly makes a deck remarkable.
Serenity Bly´s last blog ..Queen’s Cup Runneth over this Thanksgiving
Thanks for sharing another good piece of information. Bye, Michael Bride ~ tinypocketpeople