Getting to Know Your Deck
There's nothing like opening a new deck of cards. It's exciting and can be overwhelming. There is so much potential, but sometimes it's hard to know where to start.
These are just some tips for getting to know and fostering a positive relationship with a new deck. I not trying to suggest that cards are sentient, but there are certain decks that speak to you and certain ones that just don't mesh well. Being able to connect with your deck is important to being able to get the most out of a reading.
New cards are a blank slate, which is a wonderful thing. But that means you can't just open a fresh deck and expect it to be charged to your intuition. Most decks are made in factories and have no soul, so to speak. If you're working with a used deck they're probably attached to someone else, which is much harder to deal with.
First, look them over one by one and commit the illustrations to memory. Pick out any symbols or specific cards that really speak to you. Then shuffle them for a long time. Soften them up. If you have tiny hands like me, maybe you fan them out on the table to mix them up. Do what feels right. Try to touch each one. Make it a real tactile experience.
When you're ready, try this spread to test your relationship.
The Getting to Know You Spread
Type: Self-Reflection
Level: Beginner
0. What is the basis of our relationship?
I. What can you provide me with?
II. What do you expect in return from me?
III. What is your personality?
IV. How do you view me?
V. What are your limits?
VI. What are my limits?
VII. How will this relationship change or affect my life?
VIII. Intuition check up
The most important thing when doing any reading is to take your time and focus. Place the deck on the table face down. Draw the cards one by one and place them face down in a circle around it. Card 1 goes above the deck and the rest follow clockwise until you reach 8. Flip the final card, zero, and leave it on the deck. After you read that card flip and read each card individually starting with 1.
If at first it seems like the relationship isn't clicking, don't despair. You may just need to give it some time. One way to cleanse the cards and put a little of yourself into them is to wrap them up with your favorite crystal in something you're attached to, like a blanket or a scarf. Put the bundle in the room you spend the most time in, give it a few days, then try the reading again.
I recently went through this process with a new commemorative edition Pamela Coleman Smith deck that I purchased. The first reading was an actual disaster. It described our relationship as disappointing and said it could provide me with despair. It seemed pretty hopeless that we would ever click. But, I wrapped it in my silk scarf with my favorite chunk of rose quartz and left it in my office for about a week. This is the reading I got when I returned:
I won't go too in depth for the sake of brevity, but here's my basic analysis:
Our relationship is based on the exchange of emotions and intuition. You can provide me with insight into my inability to reach my full potential in terms of work and finance. You expect me to bring the will power to make things happen. You are nurturing, comforting, and wish to help me accomplish my goals. You see my potential for growth because I am dedicated to following my inspiration. You have no limits as long as I am willing to leave my comfort zone. I'm limited by my ability to cope with disappointment. I have to shake things off to move forward. Our relationship will ignite and support my pursuit of knowledge. Right now my intuition is in shambles from having too many dreams shattered.
I obviously have some stuff to work on, but I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
