Welcoming a new Tarot deck into your practice is a meaningful step. Whether you are still choosing the right deck or you’ve already found the one that speaks to you, forming a connection with your cards is vital to deepening your Tarot readings and intuition.
Among the many ways to bond with a deck, a “deck interview” stands out as a simple yet powerful method to learn a deck’s personality and preferences. It works for brand-new decks as well as those you’ve had for a while and want to better understand.
What Is a Tarot Deck “Interview”?
A Tarot deck interview is exactly what it sounds like: a gentle conversation between you and the deck. Just as you might interview a person—asking about their interests, experience, or how they approach tasks—you can ask a deck similar questions to learn how it communicates, what themes it gravitates toward, and how it prefers to be used.
Treat the process like an icebreaker. It may feel odd at first to address an inanimate object, but after a few prompts the exchange often becomes natural. The purpose is to establish a working relationship and allow the deck’s voice to emerge.
How to Conduct a Deck Interview
You can ask the deck anything: what types of readings it likes best (romance, career, personal growth, etc.), how it perceives you, or what atmosphere it prefers during readings. The goal is to discover the deck’s strengths and boundaries so you can tailor your practice accordingly.
Keep the session personal and relaxed. There are no strict rules about what to ask. If you feel stuck, use a simple spread to guide the interaction. The answers you receive should reflect both the deck’s character and your current relationship with it.
Tarot Deck Interview Sample Spread
- Card 1: Introduce yourself to me. Which card best represents your voice as a deck?
- Card 2: What kind of topics do you prefer to discuss?
- Card 3: What kind of topics do you not prefer to discuss?
- Card 4: What is the best way I can work with you?
Below is an example interpretation to illustrate how this spread might read during an actual interview.
Card 1: Knight of Wands
The Knight of Wands suggests a bold, enthusiastic, and action-oriented voice. A deck represented by this card likely favors spontaneity, directness, and energetic guidance. Expect candid, motivating messages that encourage decisiveness and courageous self-expression rather than careful, drawn-out deliberation.
Card 2: The Fool
When The Fool appears as a topic preference, the deck leans toward readings about new beginnings, adventure, and stepping into the unknown. This deck supports exploration, fresh starts, and the courage to take leaps of faith. It’s well-suited to questions about change and momentum.
Card 3: 10 of Cups
The Ten of Cups represents love, family, and long-term emotional fulfillment. If this card shows up as a topic the deck avoids, it likely means the deck prefers not to delve deeply into relationship counseling or family dynamics. Instead, it will focus on personal growth, inner work, and individual development.
Card 4: 10 of Wands
The Ten of Wands symbolizes burden and responsibility. As advice for working together, it suggests clearing away excess baggage before beginning readings. A deck with this energy moves quickly and decisively; it will be most effective when you are not weighed down by unresolved stress or too many obligations.
Conclusion
Conducting a Tarot deck interview is a straightforward and meaningful way to bond with a new deck or reestablish rapport with one you already own. The practice helps you learn how the deck communicates, what subjects it prefers, and the best manner of working together. Taking the time for this conversation can open new pathways in your reading practice and strengthen your intuitive connection to the cards.
Related Article: What Tarot Deck Do You Need, Based on Your Zodiac Sign?