One of the most common questions new tarot readers ask is whether tarot cards must be gifted rather than purchased. Many beginners hesitate to buy their first deck because they’ve heard that buying their own cards brings bad luck, weakens their power, or somehow disrespects tarot tradition. This belief has been repeated so often that it feels like an unwritten rule in the tarot world.
In reality, there is no historical, spiritual, or practical reason tarot cards need to be gifted. Tarot cards work just as well whether they are bought, gifted, inherited, or discovered by chance. What truly matters is the reader’s connection to the cards, their intuition, and how consistently they practice. Understanding where this myth came from and why it persists helps remove unnecessary fear and allows you to start your tarot journey with confidence.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Tarot cards do not need to be gifted. This belief has no basis in tarot’s historical tradition.
- The gifting superstition likely emerged in the mid-20th century and spread through word-of-mouth.
- A tarot deck’s effectiveness depends on connection, intuition, and practice, not how it was acquired.
- Most professional tarot readers purchase their own decks and often own several.
- Buying your own deck allows you to choose artwork and symbolism that truly resonate with you.
- Building a relationship with your cards matters far more than how they came into your hands.
Origins of the Gifting Myth
The idea that tarot cards must be gifted is a relatively modern superstition. It does not appear in early tarot texts, historical records, or traditional cartomancy practices. Tarot has existed for over 600 years, yet there is no evidence that readers were ever expected to wait for someone else to give them a deck.
This belief likely gained traction during the mid-20th century, when tarot and occult practices experienced a revival. During that time, mystique and exclusivity were often emphasized, which may have encouraged rules that made tarot seem more sacred or inaccessible. The myth may also have been borrowed from other spiritual traditions, such as certain Wiccan practices, where ritual tools are sometimes gifted.
Once introduced, the idea spread easily through early tarot books and personal recommendations. Like many superstitions, it persisted simply because it was repeated often enough, even without proof. Over time, it became an unnecessary form of gatekeeping that discouraged people from starting tarot on their own terms.
Historical Tarot Card Acquisition
Historically, tarot cards were not mystical tools at all. They originated in 15th-century Italy as playing cards, often commissioned by wealthy families. These early decks were custom-made, purchased, and proudly owned by those who could afford them.
As tarot evolved into a divination tool, readers continued to buy, trade, and even create their own decks. There are no historical records suggesting tarot cards needed to be gifted in order to work properly. In fact, purchasing cards have been the standard method of acquisition throughout tarot’s long history.
Mass-produced tarot decks became widely available in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making tarot accessible to a broader audience. From that point on, buying your own deck became the norm, not the exception.
Why Tarot Cards Don’t Need to Be Gifted
The idea that tarot cards lose power if you buy them yourself simply doesn’t hold up when you look at how tarot actually works.
No Spiritual or Magical Requirement
Tarot cards are tools for intuition, reflection, and insight. They are not magical objects that require a special transfer of power. Their effectiveness comes from archetypal imagery, symbolism, and the reader’s ability to interpret what appears.
Buying your own deck does not affect accuracy, spiritual connection, or intuitive flow. In the same way a journal or meditation cushion works regardless of how it’s obtained, tarot cards function through use and intention, not origin.
Personal Connection Matters More
What truly shapes your readings is the relationship you build with your deck. This connection develops over time, through familiarity, and through practice. In many cases, choosing a deck for yourself creates a stronger initial bond than receiving a random gift that may not align with your style or energy.
A deck becomes “yours” through study, handling, and intuitive engagement. That bond cannot be gifted; it has to be built.
Professional Readers Buy Their Own Decks
Most professional tarot readers purchase their own decks, often owning several that they use for different purposes. Waiting to be gifted a deck would make professional practice nearly impossible.
Purple Garden’s experienced tarot readers choose their decks intentionally, selecting ones that match their reading style, intuition, and the type of guidance they offer. Their success clearly demonstrates that gifting is not a requirement.
Practical Limitations of Waiting for a Gift
Waiting for someone else to gift you tarot cards can delay your learning indefinitely. It also removes your ability to choose artwork, symbolism, or tradition that resonates with you. Even well-meaning friends may select a deck that doesn’t suit your needs.
If you feel drawn to tarot, there is no reason to wait. Buying your own deck allows you to start learning immediately and on your own terms.
Benefits of Buying Your Own First Deck
Purchasing your first tarot deck offers several meaningful advantages.
Personal Selection and Connection
Choosing a deck yourself allows you to respond to the artwork, symbolism, and overall feel. Whether you prefer traditional imagery or modern interpretations, selecting a deck that resonates creates a natural sense of connection from the beginning.
An Intentional Start to Your Tarot Journey
Buying your first deck is a conscious choice. It marks the moment you decide to explore tarot seriously. That intention alone carries more meaning than passively receiving a deck without context.
Learning Starts Before the First Reading
Researching decks introduces you to different tarot systems and traditions. Comparing Rider-Waite-Smith, Thoth, Marseille, and modern decks helps you understand tarot’s structure before you even shuffle your cards. That learning process becomes part of your foundation.
How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck
Choosing your first tarot deck is less about rules and more about resonance. While there is no single “right” deck, some considerations can help you feel confident in your choice.
Start With Beginner-Friendly Decks
Many first-time readers find it helpful to start with a deck that follows traditional structure and symbolism. Decks based on the Rider-Waite-Smith system are especially accessible because most learning resources reference this imagery. Popular beginner-friendly options include Rider-Waite-Smith itself, Universal Waite, Modern Witch Tarot, and Shadowscapes Tarot. These decks make it easier to understand meanings without extra layers of interpretation.
Consider Artwork and Symbolism
The artwork should feel inviting, not confusing. If the imagery speaks to you emotionally, you are more likely to trust your intuitive responses. Some people prefer classic symbolism, while others connect more strongly with modern or artistic styles. There is no wrong choice as long as the deck feels readable and engaging.
Read Reviews and View Sample Images
Before buying, look at full card images and read reviews from other readers. Many people also find it helpful to watch deck walkthrough videos to see how the cards feel as a complete set. Understanding a deck’s tone and approach ahead of time helps prevent disappointment.
Handle Decks in Person When Possible
If you have access to a metaphysical shop or bookstore, handling decks in person can be very helpful. Feeling the cards, noticing their size and texture, and seeing the artwork up close often makes your choice feel more intuitive and certain.
Building a Connection With a Self-Purchased Deck
Once you have your deck, the real work begins. This is where your relationship with the cards forms.
Cleansing and Setting Intention
Many readers like to cleanse a new deck before using it. This can be done in simple ways, such as placing the cards in moonlight, using incense, or setting a clear intention through quiet reflection. Cleansing helps you feel mentally and energetically aligned with the deck, regardless of how it was acquired.
Interviewing Your Deck
Some readers enjoy doing a “deck interview” to get acquainted. This might include asking questions like what the deck’s strengths are, how it communicates, or how you can work together best. This process helps establish familiarity and trust early on.
Daily Practice and Familiarity
Connection grows through regular use. Pulling a daily card, journaling about your readings, or spending time studying individual cards builds confidence and insight. Over time, the deck begins to feel like a trusted partner rather than a set of cards.
Personalizing Your Deck
Storing your deck in a special pouch or box, adding crystals, or creating a small ritual around your readings helps personalize your practice. These small acts strengthen your bond and make the deck feel uniquely yours.
When Gifted Decks Are Meaningful
Although tarot cards do not need to be gifted, receiving a deck can still be a meaningful experience. A deck given by a knowledgeable friend, mentor, or loved one may carry sentimental value. Inherited decks or gifts marking milestones can also feel special.
What matters is the thought and relationship behind the gift, not the belief that it holds special power simply because it was given to you. You can appreciate gifted decks without believing they are required for tarot to work.
Conclusion
Tarot cards do not need to be gifted. This idea is a modern myth with no historical or spiritual foundation. For centuries, tarot decks have been purchased, created, and used successfully by readers at every level. What makes tarot effective is not how the cards are acquired, but the connection you build through intuition, practice, and intention.
Most professional tarot readers, including those on Purple Garden, purchase their own decks and choose them carefully based on their reading style and preferences. Buying your first deck allows you to select imagery that resonates with you, start intentionally, and start learning right away. With regular practice and a personal connection, any deck, gifted or purchased, can become a powerful tool for insight.
FAQs
Where did the tarot gifting myth originate?
The belief likely emerged in the mid-20th century and spread through word-of-mouth and early tarot books. It does not appear in historical tarot traditions.
Will self-purchased tarot cards work as well as gifted ones?
Yes. Tarot cards work equally well regardless of how they are acquired. Effectiveness comes from intuition and practice.
What if someone already gifted me a deck I don’t connect with?
It’s okay to set that deck aside and choose one that resonates more strongly with you. Connection matters more than obligation.
Should I wait for someone to gift me tarot cards?
No. If you feel drawn to tarot, buying your own deck is a confident and intentional way to start.
