Buying a new tarot deck always feels a little like picking up a book I can’t wait to read. I want to tear it open, study every detail, and find out what’s inside.
But unlike a book, a tarot deck is best approached slowly. Before jumping into a reading, I like to spend some time getting acquainted with it first.
I recently purchased the Radiant Wilds Tarot by Nat Girsberger, a deck created for “navigating inner desert dreamscapes.” Whenever I bring home a new deck, I perform a simple get-to-know-you ritual. Here’s how you can use the process to interview your own tarot deck.
Start by exploring the look and feel of the cards. Pull out the entire deck, study the artwork, feel the weight and texture, and notice any recurring colors, symbols, or themes. Pay attention to your immediate reactions. These first impressions can offer an early sense of the deck’s personality.
In the Radiant Wilds Tarot, bold sunset colors stretch across dramatic desert landscapes. The artwork blends surrealism with digital collage, featuring shadowy human figures—some posed in yogic shapes. Its dimension-bending scenery, bright colors, and stark contrasts create a dreamlike world that feels distinctly feminine to me.
Before I’ve pulled a single card, the deck’s personality is already beginning to emerge.
Once you have a feel for the deck, you’re ready to begin the interview. Consider recording the process in a journal so you can revisit your answers and compare those first impressions with how your relationship with the deck develops over time. Follow the steps below to get started.
The Radiant Wilds gave me the Queen of Cups to describe her personality. She’s emotionally intelligent—a wise woman who is no stranger to grief and healing. She’s learned to let her emotions guide and inform her rather than drag her from highs to lows. Her personality is kind, smart, and sweet. She knows what to say, how to say it, and when to say it. She feels maternal, but more like an older sister or a super-cool, child-free auntie.
I received the King of Wands in response. Radiant Wilds sees me as a bold, creative leader building an empire of my own. The King of Wands is a visionary. They call the shots; they don’t wait for them. She sees me as the type of person who goes after what I want. It’s true that there’s nothing I want more than to be my own boss, and she sees this as my destiny. This King can become hyperfocused on the result, however, so she is reminding me to balance my strength with softness.
Radiant Wilds gave me the Six of Cups for this one. The Six of Cups speaks to the inner child and a sense of nostalgia. This deck is here to teach me how to relate to the past with greater awareness without getting stuck there. She can help me connect with my inner child and consistently check in to see what she needs. She can also teach me how to integrate the past into the present.
I pulled the Knight of Swords. This deck can help me tame the sharpness of my tongue, giving me space to think before I speak. She can help me understand exactly what I’m upset about before I charge forward without thinking. At the same time, she is here to help me speak up for myself and recognize the power of my own voice.
In response, I received the Queen of Pentacles. This deck is firm and authoritative—and for good reason. She’s been around the block a time or two. Through trial and error, she’s learned how to build a solid foundation for herself that can’t be shaken. Her tone is practical and goal-oriented. Her vibe is, “Let’s get this shit done.” She carries trustworthy energy. She’s put in the hard work, now reaps the rewards, and can teach me to do the same. She means business.
I pulled the High Priestess. My deck wants me to trust my own intuition above all else. She wants me to recognize my innate power. Her goal is actually for me not to need her too often because all the information I need is already within me. She wants me to see that I am a powerful diviner with access to higher wisdom. By using this deck, I’ll learn to rely on my instincts and trust my heart.
In response, I received the Ten of Swords. Radiant Wilds thinks I should consult her when I am drained, exhausted, and have nothing left to give. When I can’t see a way forward, even though one is already emerging on the horizon, she can help me find the light. When I feel disconnected from my inner well of hope, she can guide me back home. She will help me see solutions where I once saw dead ends.
Use these exact questions and prompts, or get curious and create your own. Just don’t skip this beautiful ritual before jumping into your readings. Bonding with your deck is essential, especially if you plan to read for others. Every deck carries a unique energetic frequency, so you’ll want to understand the kinds of readings you can expect from yours.
Remember to have fun with the process, and don’t place limits on where it can lead. With tarot, there’s no limit to the insight available. Let your deck become a portal into your inner world—and a reminder of just how powerful and beautiful you are.