Is it Okay to Buy Your Own Tarot Card Deck?
To do or not to do? Is it really bad luck?!
Don’t do it??
The setting: the back of a family-owned bookstore on Long Island, perusing the Metaphysical section.
The characters: two childhood besties who most definitely have traveled many lives together.
Opening scene: Susan and Ali stumble upon a scant selection of tarot and oracle cards. Susan dives in, seasoned and knowing what she is looking for- beautiful artwork, strong feminine energy and that magical feeling of connection. Despite the dabbling, Ali hadn’t mastered the layouts nor really “got” what the home spreads were trying to say. An emerald green deck catches her eye, each card relaying an undeniably positive message. Sensing Ali’s wanting, Susan quickly grabbed the deck and insisted she purchase them for her. “You are never supposed to buy your own deck. It’s bad luck,” she warned. Hmmmm, ponders Ali: if you don’t know about a superstition, does it count?
The joy of bringing home a new deck
Ali: home at last! She spreads and stretches the plastic wrapping until it gives way, a gentle repetitive shake of the box with just enough pressure to hold the top lid as the bottom lid squeaks audibly into her awaiting palm. Tipping the cards out into another waiting hand, releasing the paper band, the cards began to separate. Stiff and somewhat sticking together with newness, these cards would soon become a lifeline for her and anyone willing to let her read for them. Eternal Crystals Oracle Deck became the gateway deck to a new problem for Ali to wonder about: How in the world was I going to get someone to buy all the future decks that I would come to find, need and want??
So, Is It Really Bad Luck to Buy Your Own Deck? And if so, why??
Thankfully, the general consensus is a resounding NO. Whew! If anything, buying your own deck is part of the process as it allows you to choose a deck that resonates with you. This superstition is just that and originates from a time when owning anything “magical” was considered to be consorting with the Devil. If a guest spotted a deck in your home or on your person, being able to say that you did not know where they came from provided plausible deniability. How could you help but have it if it was gifted to you from someone?
Why You Should Actually Buy Your Own Tarot Deck
Here’s the best part: when you buy your own tarot or oracle cards, you get to pick the exact deck that speaks to you. If you’re drawn to specific artwork or feel that a certain deck has a personality, that’s important. Tarot is a deeply personal journey, and you’ll want a deck that “sparks joy” in you. After all, if you’re going to be utilizing this portable tool, it makes sense that you get to pick your own traveling companions, right? Pocket-sized decks like the beachy, chakra-inspired White Sage Tarot are a perfect fit for a reader on the run.
Buying your own deck also means you can avoid waiting around for a good samaritan to be on hand to take over the task and cost. So go forth, find a deck that calls out to you, and let the connection begin. There are some profoundly beautiful decks with mesmerizing symbolism that invite its receiver to feel the answers through its meaningful depictions. The Lightseer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne invites self-analysis with its magical artwork. MJ Cullinane, the creator of the CARTA Award-winning Crow Tarot, has released Wise Dog Tarot. Its vibrant artwork echos the beauty and healing of the unconditional love and loyalty dogs give to us.
Still Feeling Superstitious? Here’s an Easy Solution
For those who love a little superstition but still want to choose their own deck, here are some “loopholes” to consider:
• Gift it to yourself. Hey, no one said the “giver” couldn’t also be... well....you! Wrap it up if it makes you feel better, and give yourself the gift of divination.
• Drop hints. Let friends and family know you’re on the lookout for a tarot deck. Slip it into conversation or just drop a link to your wishlist.
• Do a deck swap. Some tarot communities encourage swaps—let someone else pick a deck for you while you choose one for them. That way, you’re technically “receiving” a deck without “buying” it.
The Bottom Line: Just do it!
At the end of the day, tarot is about self-discovery, curiosity, and intuition. If you’re feeling drawn to tarot, don’t let an old superstition keep you from diving in. After all, isn’t it bad luck to be superstitious?
Go find a deck that vibes with you, start exploring, and let the cards talk to you. Whether your deck was bought, gifted, or “manifested,” it’s yours to enjoy—and that’s what truly matters.