How To Make Tarot Cards Out Of Playing Cards?

The allure of tarot cards, with their vibrant imagery and enigmatic symbolism, has captivated hearts for centuries. But what if you're drawn to their mystical whispers yet lack a physical deck? Fear not, aspiring diviner!

 

While purchasing a traditional tarot deck holds its own charm, crafting your own presents exciting possibilities. It allows you to infuse the cards with your personal energy, imbuing them with deeper significance during readings.

 

This guide empowers you to make tarot cards out of playing cards. Using playing cards offers a budget-friendly and readily available option, making it accessible to all who seek to delve into the world of tarot.

 

How To Make Tarot Cards Out Of Playing Cards?

 

1. Why Use Playing Cards To Make Tarot Cards

 

 

Playing cards and tarot cards share a historical connection, with tarot decks believed to have evolved from playing cards. Both types of cards serve as mirrors to the soul, reflecting our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

 

By using playing cards, you can tap into the traditional meanings of tarot while adding your own interpretations and connections, creating a deeply personal divination tool.

 

1) Historical Ties

 

The tarot deck is thought to have originated in the 15th century, evolving from the playing cards brought to Europe from the Islamic societies, where they had been used for centuries before. The four suits we see in modern playing cards are similar to the Minor Arcana of the tarot.

 

2) Accessibility

 

Playing cards are readily available and can be found in most households, making them an accessible option for anyone interested in tarot. They're also less intimidating for beginners, who might be overwhelmed by the more complex imagery of traditional tarot cards.

 

3) Personalization

 

Creating tarot cards from playing cards allows for a level of personalization that pre-made decks cannot offer. You can imbue each card with your own energy and meaning, creating a deck that resonates with you on a personal level.

 

2. How to Make Tarot Cards Out of Playing Cards

 

Ready to unleash your inner tarot artist? Here's how to breathe life into your playing card divination tool:

 

- Two decks of playing cards (different designs for Major and Minor Arcana are optional)

- White cardstock or sticky labels

- Markers, paints, colored pencils, or any art supplies you prefer

- Tarot reference guide or online resources

- Scissors and glue (optional)

 

Step 1: Understand the Tarot Structure

 

A traditional tarot deck consists of 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards, which are further divided into four suits. Each suit has 14 cards: ten numbered cards and four court cards. In playing cards, there are three face cards instead of four, so you'll need to create an additional court card for each suit.

 

Step 2: Assign the Suits

Assign each suit of the playing cards to a suit of the tarot. For example:

- Hearts can correspond to Cups, representing emotions and relationships.

- Diamonds can correspond to Pentacles, representing material aspects and career.

- Clubs can correspond to Wands, representing creativity and action.

- Spades can correspond to Swords, representing intellect and conflict.

 

Step 3: Create the Major Arcana

 

For the Major Arcana, you'll need to add 22 cards. You can use jokers, blank cards, or even index cards for this purpose. Assign each card a Major Arcana role, from The Fool (0) to The World (21).

 

Step 4: Add the Court Cards

 

Create the missing Page court card for each suit using jokers or blank cards. Now you'll have a King, Queen, Knight (Jack), and Page for each suit.

 

Step 5: Decorate Your Cards

 

 

This is where you can get creative. Use markers, stickers, or printouts to decorate your cards and bring the traditional tarot symbolism into your deck. You can also write keywords or draw symbols that resonate with you for each card.

 

Step 6: Consecrate Your Deck

 

Once your deck is complete, it's important to cleanse and consecrate it. This can be done through meditation, placing the deck in moonlight, or using sage smoke. Set your intentions for the deck and ask it to guide you with clarity and wisdom.

 

Summary

 

Creating tarot cards from playing cards is a rewarding process that not only provides you with a unique divination tool but also deepens your connection to the cards and their meanings. Through this creative endeavor, you craft a deck that is infused with your personal energy and insights, making your readings more intimate and powerful.

 

Remember, the most important aspect of tarot reading is the interpretation and the message it brings, so trust your intuition and let your homemade tarot deck be a reflection of your inner wisdom. Start to make your own tarot decks here!