Tarot Cards have a life and an energy all their own. Some people think I am insane for creating rituals that feed, bless, and protect them. They can think whatever they want, it has been with the benefit of over 30 years experience reading cards that I wholeheartedly believe that your tarot cards, as well as all your other divination tools, need to be honored and respected in order to deliver the best results. For optimum performance intelligent people keep their car in a garage and give it regular tune ups and care, your cards are also a useful tool to get you somewhere, a spiritual vehicle so to speak, so you better take care of them too.

Personally my tarot altar, or more correctly shrine ( a repository for sacred energy and power,) is located in a place of prominence and is an ever changing creation. There are items to cleans the cards, items to amplify their energy, personal items, items from ancestors, mentors, friends, and lovers. Sometimes I will add things such as a pendulum or dowsing rods to help all the divination tools attune to each other. It doesn’t matter what spiritual tradition you follow, or even if you choose not to follow any at all, the powerful forces of the universe surround all things and are available to help you gain access to spiritual knowledge. Pagans from every walk of life value the power of the earth, air, fire, water, and spirit just as our ancestors did. The following list draws on those energies and more to help you set up your tarot altar.

Earth item– This could be a small bowl or pinch of dirt, herbs, or something similar. Air item– Traditionally the element of Air is represented by things like incense, and feathers … some people I know simply use their breath to charge an item and give the element of air from deep within themselves. This is a time to think creatively, or breathe outside the box so to speak. Fire item– Fire is warmth, fire is light, fire is transformation. This element can be present on your Tarot Card Altar in the form of a candle or oil lamp. Water item – Water can be represented on your altar with a chalice of spring water, a bottle of Florida water, or a sprinkling of holy water. I even know one Pagan person who uses tap water to signify the spirit of place, use your best judgment. Spirit item – The spirit item for your altar can be a symbol, an image, or other offering. Personal item – Part of the key to understanding the sacred language of the Tarot Cards lies in the reader’s connection with their deck. This can be done by using a lock of hair or a favorite piece of jewelry on your Tarot Altar. Opening item– Many religions and spiritual traditions use some kind of ceremony or item to help open the way to spiritual experience. Here on your Tarot Card Altar this could be a key, a doorknob, or a bell. Cleansing item – Cleansing is very important when dealing with Tarot Cards in particular because they are frequently touched by others. A cleansing item for your altar could be a quartz crystal or bowl of black salt. Communication item – This component is going to be a bit of a wildcard. It can be an oil, incense, or traditional symbol to help with communication. The Tarot Cards themselves – The deck you use most often can go on your Tarot altar, or all your decks can rest there, it is up to you.

For more information on Tarot Card Blessings please see my post 5 Creative Ways to Recharge Your Tarot Cards, and if you would like to schedule a reading with me please give me a shout at voodoouniverse@yahoo.com