Written by Fin
Chatting With Magical Cardboard
Have you ever sat across from your brand-new Tarot deck, lovingly shuffled it, then promptly asked, “So… do you like me?” No? Just me? Whether you’re trying to break the ice with a deck that still smells like fresh cardstock or you’re reconnecting with your trusty old friend you found in a drawer, interviewing your Tarot deck can reveal its personality, preferences, and - if you’re lucky - a sense of humour.
It might sound a bit silly to speak to a stack of illustrated cardboard, but trust me: these 78 pieces of paper have opinions.
Why Interview Your Tarot Deck?
Every Tarot deck has a unique vibe. Some are bold and sassy, others feel like a kindly grandmother who always has a tin of biscuits ready.
If you would like to get some cards out now and try an interview spread, go and grab some. It will let you:
Get to know the deck’s strengths. Maybe it is amazing at relationship questions or it is best for introspective shadow work.
Spot potential quirks. Some decks aren’t shy about pushing your buttons, while others prefer tiny nudges.
Build a bond. Whether you see it as strictly symbolic or believe your deck has a spirit of its own, a quick “getting to know you” session fosters familiarity and gives you a chance to reflect on how the cards feel to you.
Setting the Scene: Prepare for Magic (Also, Get Snacks)
Location, location, location. Find a calm spot where you won’t be disturbed by your chatty housemates, phone notifications, or your cat swatting at the cards (unless you like that kind of chaos energy).
Vibes. Light a candle, put on some soft tunes, or spritz a favourite room spray. Establish a cozy, welcoming atmosphere - so your deck knows it’s safe to share its secrets.
Shuffle time. Shuffle in whatever way feels right. Mash shuffle, overhand, or do that fancy casino-style riffle if you’re feeling extra. A mathematician once told me you need at least seven riffle shuffles to completely randomise your deck, so take a little time on this.
The Interview Spread: Five Simple Questions
While there are endless variations, here’s a quick five-card spread to spark a lively dialogue:
Card 1 – “Who are you?”
Asks the deck to introduce itself: Its overall energy or “personality.”
Card 2 – “What are your strengths?”
Highlights the areas where this deck really shines (think: career readings, self-love, tough love, etc.).
Card 3 – “What are your limitations?”
Shows you where it might be less helpful—or where you might need to be patient or extra open-minded.
Card 4 – “How can we best collaborate?”
Reveals the approach or mindset that makes readings with this deck flow seamlessly.
Card 5 – “What’s our potential together?”
Offers a peek into what you two can accomplish. Big ideas, baby steps, or somewhere in between—this is your “happily ever after” potential!
Check out some example questions from Biddy Tarot’s blog, or feel free to invent your own. After all, you know your deck best - or, you will after this interview!
An Example in Action
Let’s say you’ve pulled these cards (just as an example scenario):
The Magician – Your deck’s vibe is confident, resourceful, and ready to pull a metaphorical rabbit out of a hat.
The Lovers – It excels at relationship readings, emotional choices, and partnering with you to make heartfelt decisions.
The Tower – Limitations? This deck can sometimes be dramatic, prone to dropping big revelations that might leave you feeling shaken.
Temperance – Best approach? Stay balanced, and be patient with yourself and your deck’s intense energy.
The Sun – Your potential is bright, joyful, and full of aha-moments (and maybe a bit of well-deserved attention).
With a spread like that, you’d know this deck is quite the show-stopper but needs gentle handling when it brings out the tough truths.
Tips for a Great Interview
Stay open-minded. If you pull a card that seems random, take a moment to reflect on possible meanings. Could a “negative” card be offering constructive criticism?
Write it down. Keep a journal to note your interview impressions. You’ll love looking back at your first impressions months later - kind of like reading your old diaries.
Don’t force it. If you’re not connecting, or your mind is drifting, try a different day or a different approach.
Grab a Deck and Let the Questions Fly
Interviewing your Tarot deck is a fun, insightful way to kick off a new relationship - or reboot an old one. Plus, it’s much more entertaining than just side-eyeing your deck and hoping it spills the tea. Remember, your deck is like a chatty friend who occasionally smacks you with reality. Interviews help you figure out if this friend is the “gentle support group” type or the “brutal honesty for the sake of growth” type.
Ready to learn more Tarot tips and hear how others chat with their decks? Check out the latest episodes of our Tarot Interviews podcast. Because at the end of the day, every deck has a story - and it is waiting for you to draw a card to find out what it has to say.