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Following the release of our guide on the Best Tarot Decks, a captivating question emerged: Is it true that the first Tarot deck must be a gift? Today, we embark on a journey to unravel the age-old legend that surrounds this notion. Here we not only delve into the roots of this belief but also reshape our perspective on superstitions. Moreover, get ready for a bonus revelation – we’ll answer the question: Can someone touch my Tarot deck?
So, without further ado, let the exploration begin. 3, 2, 1 – let the Tarot revelations unfold!
Unraveling the Legend: Must the first Tarot deck be a gift?
The legend that a person’s first Tarot deck should be gifted to them, rather than purchased, is quite a popular one in Tarot communities. Rooted in popular culture, this belief holds that a Tarot deck received as a gift carries more power and meaning than one purchased. It is said that the gifted deck brings with it a special energy, a bond between the giver and the receiver, enriching readings with a deeper, more personal dimension.
There isn’t a specific and known origin for this legend so, essentially, it is pure superstition.
It’s important to remember that Tarot cards have been seen for centuries as divinatory tools. This means that Tarot reading wasn’t for everyone, as only those who had the gift of “seeing the future” could engage in this practice. The concept of it being exclusive to a few select individuals is the idea behind this legend, defining the practice of Tarot reading as a gift not easily accessible.
Only those who passively receive this gift (without actively seeking it) would have been ‘called’. In fact, receiving a Tarot deck as a gift is seen as a sign of trust and recognition of the recipient’s intuitive abilities. There’s an implicit blessing involved, a wish that the deck becomes a ‘call’ – a tool for spiritual growth and introspection for the receiver. But this is, as previously said, just superstition and, as fascinating as it may be, we cannot live at the mercy of anachronistic beliefs.
Unveiling diverse interpretations on the Legend
We discussed how receiving a gifted Tarot deck is seen as a ‘call’, but there’s more to the legend that insists Tarot cards should be gifted.
The legend can also be interpreted as a way to enhance respect and reverence towards esoteric tools. Treating the Tarot deck not merely as an object but as a meaningful gift helps establish a more respectful and conscious relationship with the practice of Tarot reading. In fact, the legend of the gifted first Tarot deck reflects the idea that esoteric tools are more than mere objects; they are companions in a person’s spiritual journey, enriched by intentions, relationships, and personal stories.
Moreover, this practice might also be seen as a rite of passage. Receiving one’s first Tarot deck as a gift can mark the beginning of a person’s journey into the world of divination and spiritual exploration. It symbolizes a transitional moment from a beginner to an active practitioner.
The dual nature of superstitions
Let’s clarify something about superstitions. Yes, rituals and superstitions are fascinating elements of human culture, each with its positive and negative aspects, playing distinct roles in people’s lives. However, they also have a few negative aspects.
The positive aspects of superstitions lie mainly in their power to provide comfort and a sense of control in an uncertain world. For example, a person who knocks on wood to avoid bad luck might feel more secure and less anxious. Additionally, superstitions can strengthen community bonds by fostering shared beliefs and practices that create a sense of belonging and cultural identity.
However, the negatives of superstitions and rituals become evident when they limit actions or cause irrational anxiety. A person who avoids certain things due to superstition might miss out on important opportunities or unnecessarily limit their freedom of choice. Additionally, reliance on superstitions can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors or a distorted view of reality. Rituals can become limiting or negative if practiced excessively, becoming a way to avoid facing deeper realities or issues. In some cases, rituals can even isolate or exclude, especially if not shared or understood by people outside a particular group or culture.
All of this is to say that exploring the legend behind gifting a Tarot deck is truly intriguing and fascinating. However, in the modern era, we are not bound by strict adherence to superstitions or legends. We have the freedom to purchase our Tarot deck without being confined by traditional beliefs. This act doesn’t erase tradition; instead, it marks an evolution.
After all, the role and meaning of Tarot have continuously evolved over decades, and embracing this change is entirely acceptable. For those interested in delving deeper into the evolution and history of Tarot, click here.
Best practices for gifting a Tarot deck – Practical Tips
Giving a Tarot deck is indeed a beautiful gift. However, as mentioned in the article How to Choose a Tarot Card Deck – Many Reflective Tips, there are practical aspects to consider both when selecting a Tarot deck for yourself and when choosing one as a gift.
First, it is necessary to understand the recipient’s approach to Tarot – whether they are a collector, a beginner, or an expert. A collector or art enthusiast will surely appreciate any deck they do not own. They might particularly enjoy exploring contemporary decks, such as the White Sage Tarot In A Tin – an experience that can be truly enriching.
While for a beginner or someone not very familiar with Tarot, it is essential to remember that choosing a classic might be the right choice. Classic decks, or those closest to the original iconography – such as Visconti Tarots or Marseille Tarot – can help them gradually enter the world of Tarot, studying traditional meanings and symbols.
Reminder: when it comes to traditional decks, every Friday here on Born Under Saturn, we unveil the meaning, key symbols, and curiosities of a new Tarot card. Click here to explore the Tarot card meanings we’ve already covered.
In general, gifting a Tarot deck is like giving a perfume. While a perfume makes for a wonderful gift, it remains a deeply personal item as scents evoke different emotions in individuals. What speaks volumes to us on a sensory journey might resonate differently with someone else.
A thoughtful idea when giving a Tarot deck to a loved one is to purchase a voucher from a store that sells Tarot. This allows the recipient to choose their deck, providing them the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of Tarot on their terms.
About superstitions, a quick curiosity to conclude – Can someone touch my Tarot deck?
About superstitions, here’s a quick curiosity to conclude: It is often said that touching someone else’s Tarot deck is wrong because it can affect the energies or confuse the deck itself. Is this true?
Although every belief and belief system (which respects the freedoms and rights of all) is respectable and should not be judged, it is important to emphasize that these are indeed beliefs and not objective truths.
The deck of cards is just that – a deck of cards. Its power is not inexplicable magic; it lies in the symbolism and what it evokes, and that certainly cannot be tainted by a mere touch of the hand. The world of Tarot has long been immersed in beliefs and superstitions, making it, for centuries, a taboo subject. Freeing ourselves from these biases has been a significant achievement of contemporary times.
The belief that touching another’s Tarot deck is somehow harmful or disrespectful is rooted in the idea that each deck is deeply personal and connected to its owner. However, this concept is more symbolic than literal. The power of Tarot cards lies in their imagery and the meanings they evoke, which are open to interpretation by anyone who uses them. The notion that a physical touch can disrupt this is more metaphorical, reflecting the respect for personal boundaries and spiritual practices.
In contemporary times, there has been a shift towards a more open and explorative approach to Tarot. Today, we recognize that these cards are tools for introspection and guidance rather than objects with mystical powers that can be easily tainted.
This shift is a significant move away from the rigid superstitions that have historically surrounded Tarot. And, for this change, we also owe a deep thank you to Alejandro Jodorowsky and C.G. Jung. Both have helped to see Tarot as a psychological and philosophical tool instead of an esoteric one – a tool for deepening knowledge of the human being and the mind.
