Why the heck would you introduce yourself to an inanimate object?

Well, it’s considered a sign of respect in the tarot community. After all, these cards are a conduit with a higher power, whether external (the Universe/deities) or internal (your subconscious). You’re potentially gonna be asking them intimate things, and you want to get the best, most comprehensible answer.

Also, it’s a nice way to ease into reading with a new deck, whose attitude is yet unknown.

Oh yes, my friends, decks have personalities, too! Some are consistently sassy, others consistently gentle, and others are nuanced. And an intro is a great way to feel out the energy of the deck.

How to Introduce Yourself to a Tarot Deck

A common practice when you get a new tarot deck is to go through it, card by card, looking for ones that resonate with you. If a card really repels you, set it aside. If a card really attracts you, set it aside. Then contemplate those cards and why they repulse or attract you.

You can also hold the deck for a few moments, then introduce yourself verbally.

OK, maybe not that dramatically.

You can also shuffle the deck thoroughly, then ask it, “What are you here to teach me?” and draw a card. This sets the theme for your journey together.

Fun fact: I pooh-poohed this method until I was gifted the SciFi Tarot. On a whim, I shuffled, asked, and drew a card. It was a Sword (the suit I struggle with most). One of my goals in 2026 was to get a better handle on Swords, so there we are.

(Have I gotten a better handle on Swords yet? No, no I have not. But there’s still 5 more months to dive into them.)

What ways have you introduced yourself to a deck?