Can You Use Someone Else’s Tarot Cards?
Have you ever wondered if you can use somebody else’s tarot cards? It might be your bestie’s deck you’ve been eying or you want to see what someone else’s energy might be able to do. Let’s explore!
Tarot can be a bit mysterious especially when you read for someone else. Can anyone read tarot cards? Will you read for someone who isn’t present? Or a reading for someone far away? Is it bad to read your own cards? Let’s see!
Why Are Tarot Cards Considered Personal?
So, you’ve heard of the tarot, you’re interested, but not so much into this personal connection thing. So, why are people so reluctant to give their decks in the first place? It might seem strange at first, like, can anyone use tarot cards, or are they somehow off-limits?
Here’s the deal: in essence, tarot cards are nothing more than a tool to introspect. When reading tarot cards for someone else, or even for yourself, you’re tapping into your intuition and inner wisdom. As you use your cards, you’re adding your own energy and experiences to them. Like they just turn into a mirror to twist your concepts.
It’s like your favorite journal. You write out your heart and soul into its pages, and eventually it becomes a cherished possession. And also your tarot deck in turn becomes an extension of you, carrying with it the energy of your readings and intention. That’s why it’s understandable why some people get a really strong bond with their cards and feel uncomfortable when others want to use it.
But does that mean using someone else’s tarot cards is a big no-no? Not necessarily! We’ll kind of get into that a bit later. For now, just know that the big thing about a reader and their deck is that it was built on trust and intuition.
Energetic Connections with Tarot Decks
Have you ever felt a vibe from somebody or something? Perhaps good vibes from a crystal, or maybe not so good vibes from a creepy antique doll? It kinda works that way with tarot decks too. They’re right: They can also pick up on energy!
Think of it like this: You’re actually leaving a little bit of your own energy behind, every time you touch your cards, you shuffle them, you lay them out. It is an energetic fingerprint. This is usually not a big problem if it’s your own deck now. In reality, it can actually be a good thing, because it can help you get closer to your cards in a more profound way. But what about when reading tarot cards for someone else with their deck?
Things can get interesting that’s where. You also might hear that using someone else’s cards can muddle the reading with their leftover energy. This may or may not make it harder to connect with your own intuition, or the cards might not ‘speak’ as clearly to you.
That’s a big part as to why some readers are reluctant to have anyone else touch their cards. It is not possessive, it’s just about the purity of that energetic connection. Don’t worry… it is not like you will get cursed for using your friend’s deck! We’ll also talk about ways to cleanse and clear energy on a deck.
Just know energy has a part to play in reading. Whether you’re wondering can you read tarot for someone not present or how to read tarot for someone else accurately, being mindful of those energetic connections can make a difference.
Does Using Someone Else’s Deck Affect Accuracy?
Well, we’ve covered energy and tarot, but does actually using someone else’s deck mean your reading isn’t reliable? We get asked this a lot. So some swear by it, making a HUGE difference, while others say it’s all good.
There really is no definitive answer. This is entirely the reader, and their beliefs. However, some readers mention that they find the energy of another person staying on the cards and creating a kind of static makes it more difficult to tune into the messages per se. It’s like you are trying to listen to your favorite song on the radio with interference.
But here’s the thing: your intuition is your most powerful tool when reading tarot cards for someone else. You can still give an accurate reading (if you’re confident in your ability and trust your connections to the cards (even if they aren’t yours). It’s kind of like borrowing someone’s car. You can still get to your destination, but it might handle a little differently than your own.
When Is It Okay to Use Someone Else’s Tarot Cards?
OK, so we’ve talked about how the energetic connection with readers and their decks. But does that mean can you use someone else’s tarot cards is always a no-go? Not at all!
First things first: If someone gives you their deck, that’s a good sign! Most of the time when they do, they’re comfortable sharing their cards with you (or your energy). Or maybe they just want to show you their love of tarot and are curious to see how you work through their deck.
You do not have to also ask twice. Respect their answer and just be respectful. If the cards’ owner resists, don’t force them. And if they are happy to share, that’s all there is to it!
Even if you’re now given the okay, you might be a little weirded out about using somebody else’s cards. That’s totally normal! You can do one thing—clean the deck before you use it. And it can help pick up any lingering energy and make the cards feel more like your own. This can be done in so many ways: smudge, sage, or just hold the cards and visualize them being cleansed with white light.
Before your reading you can also set an intention, so that the cards are in touch with your energy and give you clear guidance. This can help you feel more grounded and confident when reading tarot cards for someone else with their deck.
So, can anyone use tarot cards? It comes down to respect and intention. Using one deck or other won’t make or break you when you approach the reading with an open heart and mind.
Tips for Using Someone Else’s Tarot Deck
You’re wanting to try someone else’s tarot deck? Let’s go! Awesome! Here are a few tips to make the experience as positive and insightful as possible:
- Ask politely. You know. Ask if it’s okay to use someone else’s cards. Explain why you want to use their deck and tell them you will take care of their deck.
- Cleanse the deck. It’s a great way to clear out any energy that might not be exited and start over. Smudge with sage, shuffle the deck in moonlight, or shuffle while imagining that the deck is being cleansed with white light.
- Set your intention. Take a minute before you begin to set your intention for reading. So, what do you want to gain for reading this? What do you want to find out?
- Connect with the cards. You have a couple of minutes you can shuffle the cards and get the energy. See if you notice anything when you notice the thoughts that come up or when you experience any feelings.
- Trust your intuition. If the cards feel a little different than your normal, they’ll play the same therefore trust your gut. If you’re open to receiving them, you’ll get the messages.
- Show gratitude. When you’ve read, thank the deck and the person who gave it to you.
Remember, can anyone use tarot cards is less about a hard and fast rule, and more about intention and respect. If you follow these tips you can be sure to have a pleasant experience for everyone involved: you and their deck’s owner.
Should You Share Your Own Deck with Others?
One thing we’ve discussed a lot is using other people’s decks, but what about using our deck? This can get a little tricky and there’s no right or wrong answer. Everything comes down to whether you are comfortable or not.
Some of the readers are totally with sharing their cards, though. For them, it’s a method of connecting with other people and spreading the love of tarot. Maybe you have a friend who’s curious about how to do a tarot reading for someone else, and they’re happy to lend your deck as a learning tool. Or perhaps you believe that anyone can use tarot cards, and that your cards can offer guidance to anyone who uses them with good intentions.
Some readers are very protective of their decks, on the other hand. To them they are a sacred tool charged with their personal energy and life. Or they might fear that someone else’s energy could mess up that connection, or affect future readings. Lending out a favorite piece of clothing is kind of like that – you might be okay with it but you might also trace some hesitation at someone putting on something so personal to you.
Let’s be honest, how much is up to you, you’ll ultimately decide if you or others deserve to see what’s in your deck. It’s okay if you say no depending on how you are. But then you can always offer to do a reading for them, or tell them to just pick their own deck.
Conclusion
So, can you use someone else’s tarot cards? Absolutely! Some readers want to keep their decks to themselves, but there’s no harm in borrowing or lending. The main thing when it comes to this is to treat the cards and owner with respect.
Whether you’re wondering how to do a tarot reading for someone else with their deck, or considering can you share your tarot card reading online, remember that tarot is a personal journey. Trust your Intuition, connect with cards and let the messages work around you.
