Perfectly Imperfect

This article states tarot/oracle but I hope that the exercises can be useful for any chosen divination method. People get their decks from many different places, sometimes they are a gift, sometimes they yell at you from the store shelves. All forms are valid, I have no desire to gatekeep how you acquire your divination tools. As Scott Cunningham said: “Do what feels right.”

In order to start working with your deck the first thing to think about is how do you want to read. There are many ways, but they boil down to two major forms. Textbook, this is lots of memorizing the definitions of cards and their correlations. This method is fantastic especially if you have never experienced the tool you are using. Intuitive readers get a feel for the cards and how they work together. Both ways are valid, and I personally like a good balance of both. The ability to work with the concrete and abstract simultaneously creates a state of mind that I believe allows for a clearer relationship with your cards. This makes the readings clearer and easier to translate in my experience.

The method figured out now it is time to introduce yourself and get to know one another. Lots of people interview their decks, Asking it a series of questions. This is not a practice I use but it is valid and can be especially useful. I have two basic guidelines:

• Keep Them Close

• Use them Often.

Keep them Close.

Bonding is important. Like any new relationship spending time together will help to form your relationship. Sleep with them under your pillow or in a bedside table for a few days before using them in a large spread. Keep them in your purse or bag during the day, if your able to. I like to wrap mine in a scarf I designate for them. This keeps them clean and gives me a surface to do readings on when I am out and about. Silk is a traditional material but not a rule. At one point I had a large ornate box I kept them in, but it did not feel right to me, but it is a wonderful option I have seen used. If they are safe that is what matters.

Are you going to read on the go at bus stops, or in your home? Will you have a designated space for reading them with candles and incense or is your kitchen table okay? Your cards your choice. It is about getting a feel for the cards and how you can connect with them. Make yourself a list and try them. From complex to simple and everything in between. What do you like? What do they respond best to?

Here is a good time to make a note. Not every person bond with every deck. Some people do not find it necessary to read, which is perfectly acceptable. Some people just do not feel it with specific decks and move on gifting their decks to people that are drawn to them. I love gifting a deck to a friend that has resonates with it. I have met people who bonded with a deck that they never would have imagined working with aesthetically. Give yourself time and allow the relationship to form organically with your deck.

Use them often.

Touch them, play with them get a feel for the different cards and what they feel like alone and together. Place some of your favorite stones in with them. Visualize a connection matching colors or a thread from you to them. Even when you are not holding them, they are connected to you.

Remember if one of these exercises does not resonate with you to leave it. This is a deeply personal practice and should be something you are comfortable with and enjoy. Starting a new relationship is fun and exciting.

All divination tools are different and figuring out your style with each takes time. Some ideas for getting the hang of it are:

• Flip a single card. Throughout the day flip a card. Feel that card for a minute and see what words or images cross your mind. Then check the book see if the definitions flow together. See how they differ.

• While meditating draw a card before you begin and take it with you into your meditation.

• Use the deck as an altar totem. Pick a card that correlates with your altar theme and store your deck on the altar when not in use.

• Spell work. Adding specific cards to your spell work in order to solidify your goal and draw different archetypal energy towards your work can be extremely useful.

Divination tools can be used in many aspects of your spiritual practice. Play around and see what works for you.