Is It Okay to Remove Cards from My Tarot Deck?
Asked by
merry_wanderer
I'm considering whether it's a bad idea to take some cards out of my tarot deck. Specifically, I'm thinking about removing the court cards because I really struggle with understanding and interpreting them. I've done a lot of reading, taken notes, and watched videos, but nothing seems to really click. When they come up in readings, I often find myself rolling my eyes, feeling completely lost on how to handle them, which just makes me uneasy. Should I just exclude them for now?
Answers
I really wouldn't recommend removing those cards. They represent complex aspects of life, which can be uncomfortable to face, but they're essential for a well-rounded reading. Instead of avoiding the court cards, try sitting with each one to understand why they make you feel uneasy. Once you grasp their meanings, they can become much less intimidating. What specific court cards are you struggling with?
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In my opinion, removing cards isn't the best approach since it can disrupt the overall structure of your deck. However, I totally get where you're coming from! I once removed the devil, death, and tower cards during a family reading—didn't want to scare anyone. I still managed to get great insight! Instead of ditching the court cards entirely, why not try to learn more about them gradually? If it’s too tough, maybe take a break from them in certain readings and revisit them later. Remember, there's no strict rule in tarot, so don’t hesitate to tailor your practice.
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It's interesting to note that John Holland's "Psychic Tarot" doesn't include court cards, and it still functions perfectly! Maybe trying something like that could help you feel more comfortable while you learn.
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There are decks that only include the major arcana, which might be a good starting point for you. Once you're comfortable, you can gradually integrate the minors. Remember, each deck has its own system, so removing cards typically isn't a big deal for readings. But be cautious—omitting court cards might leave you missing out during readings since they often represent important figures. You could also reference a guidebook while reading to help clarify the meanings of the cards that you find challenging.
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inquisitive_mind: Thanks for the suggestion! I'm mainly confused about how the king, queen, knight, and page relate to their suits. I get the suits’ meanings, but the connections to these court figures really trips me up.