Are the Spirits of Tarot Decks Interchangeable? Exploring the Personality of a Deck
A thought-provoking question came up recently from a friend and colleague, Gordon Lewis of Witchy Office Hours: “Would you say that the spirit of a deck is interchangeable between copies of that deck? For instance, if I pick up a backup copy of the Lubanko Tarot, is the relationship I build with that deck transferable between my daily use deck and the unopened one?”
My answer? Absolutely, yes.
In my experience, a tarot deck’s “personality” or spirit isn’t confined to a single physical copy. It’s more like an energetic signature—a unique presence that develops as you work with the deck. I’ve worked with two copies of the same deck, and I’ve found that the essence of the original deck naturally flows into the new one. It’s as if the relationship you’ve built with the first deck acts as a bridge, allowing the spirit or personality to transfer seamlessly.
But what do we mean by a deck’s “personality”? For me, it’s the way a deck communicates, the energy it brings to readings, and the subtle nuances in how it “speaks” to you. Some decks feel warm and nurturing, others sharp and direct, and some might even have a playful or mysterious vibe. This personality often emerges over time as you work with the deck, shuffle its cards, and engage in readings. It’s shaped by your intentions, your energy, and the experiences you share with it.
When you bring a new copy of the same deck into your practice, it’s like inviting a familiar friend into a new space. The bond you’ve cultivated with the original deck seems to carry over, as if the spirit recognizes you and picks up where you left off. Of course, the new deck might feel slightly different at first—like breaking in a new pair of shoes—but the core personality remains consistent.
That said, every reader’s relationship with their tools is deeply personal. Some might find that each copy of a deck develops its own distinct energy, while others, like me, experience a continuity of spirit between copies. Neither approach is right or wrong—it’s all about what resonates with you.
What about you? Have you ever worked with multiple copies of the same deck? Did you feel the same connection, or did each deck develop its own unique energy? Let’s discuss and share our experiences!