Creating Your Personal Tarot Deck: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating your own Tarot deck can be a deeply fulfilling and enriching experience, especially if you are inclined towards spiritual and metaphysical exploration. This guide will walk you through the process, emphasizing the importance of qabalistic references and symbolics, and offer practical advice on the creation process.

The Importance of Qabalistic References

Qabalistic references are highly significant when creating a Tarot deck. Not only do they provide a richer layer of meaning and depth, but they also help in developing a more profound understanding of the symbolism and metaphysical interpretations associated with each card. The Tree of Life, a fundamental component of Qabalah, is a complex geometric diagram that maps the journey of the soul. Each path between the Sephiroth (sacred spheres) has its own significance and can be connected to specific Tarot cards.

Examples and Interpretations

For instance, the Tower card in the Major Arcana is connected to the path between Glory (Hebrew: Hod) and Victory (Hebrew: Netzach). Glory represents divine communication and spiritual light, while Victory signifies creative energy and emotional expression. Understanding this connection can help you interpret the Tower card more deeply. Similarly, the Moon card can be linked to the path between the Moon (Path 18) and the Sun (Path 21), highlighting themes of illusion and intuition.

Internalizing these symbolic meanings enhances your interpretive abilities, making your divination sessions more accurate and meaningful. By familiarizing yourself with the Qabalistic paths and their associations, you can develop a nuanced understanding of the Tarot's symbolism, which can greatly improve your personal practice.

Creating the Images

Once you have decided to create your own Tarot deck, the first step is to begin creating the images. While you can use pre-existing meanings and interpretations, for a truly personalized deck, it is essential to create your own unique symbols and meanings. Start by identifying the archetypes and elements that resonant with you, such as the sun representing warmth and life-giving energy.

Think about how these archetypes can be visually represented and what color or imagery can evoke the desired emotional or symbolic response. For example, if you associate the sun with abundance and warmth, you might draw it as a golden orb with rays extending outwards, symbolizing its life-giving properties.

Techniques for Creating Cards

There are several techniques for creating your Tarot cards, including drawing, painting, or using digital tools. If you are not an artist, there is no need to worry; your cards need only to work for you. Digital tools can be particularly useful, especially if you want to add layers or animate certain aspects of the cards.

For those who are skilled in drawing or painting, consider starting small and focusing on basic shapes and colors before moving on to more complex designs. If you find traditional art techniques challenging, consider using digital software, such as Adobe Illustrator or Procreate, to create your cards.

Buying Blank Cards

If you decide to use blank cards, they are readily available and cost-effective. Most Tarot decks range from 78 to 88 cards, and you can get them in various sizes, including playing card size or larger. For a complete 78-card deck, you may need to buy two standard decks, as they are usually included in 39 and 39 card sets.

Other options like Oracle decks, such as Lenormand, can be smaller with around 44 cards. Pre-made decks can be purchased for under $20, making them a feasible option for beginning card makers. However, if you want a more unique and personalized look, creating your own cards can be a rewarding experience.

Digital Printing Options

If you want to print your digital cards, you have several options. MPC (Mammograph Print Color) is a popular choice for print-on-demand services, though it may not be the cheapest option for small numbers of decks. For digital printing, consider platforms like Vistaprint, VistaCard, or These services offer quality printing and are relatively affordable for small batches.

Simple designs work best for digital printing, as they can be easily replicated and customized. If you are not confident in your artistic skills, stick to basic shapes and colors, as these are easier to reproduce with digital tools.

Conclusion

Creating your own Tarot deck is a profound and transformative experience that can enhance your spiritual and creative journey. By incorporating Qabalistic references and developing your own unique symbols and meanings, you can create a deck that is truly personal and meaningful to you. Whether through traditional art techniques or digital tools, the key is to focus on what works for you and brings you closer to the spiritual and symbolic meanings embedded in the Tarot.

Remember, the true value of a Tarot deck lies in its ability to provide insight and guidance, not in its aesthetic perfection. Embrace the process, and let your creativity and intuition guide you in creating a deck that resonates with your unique journey.