The practice of knocking on tarot cards is a ritualistic gesture performed by many readers before, during, or after a reading session. This physical act involves lightly tapping or rapping the deck with fingers, knuckles, or sometimes a small object such as a crystal or wooden wand. While some observers might view this behavior as arbitrary or superstitious, practitioners attribute significant meaning and purpose to it. The ritual serves as a bridge between the reader's intention and the energetic state of the cards, aiming to enhance the clarity and accuracy of the reading. By exploring the various dimensions of this practice, one can understand how it functions as a tool for energetic management and spiritual focus within the divination process.
At its core, the act of knocking is described as a method to create a bond between the reader's energy and the energy of the cards. It is a physical gesture that serves to focus intention and attention on the reading, helping the reader to effectively tap into their intuition and interpret the messages from the cards. Many practitioners report feeling a noticeable shift in energy and an increased sense of focus after performing this ritual. They believe that knocking on tarot cards helps to awaken the intuitive powers of the cards and create a more powerful and accurate reading. This connection is vital for readers who view the tarot not merely as a set of illustrated cards, but as a tool for accessing deeper wisdom and navigating the complexities of life.
The symbolic and practical functions of knocking are often intertwined. From a practical standpoint, knocking on tarot cards helps to clear any residual energy from previous readings. Tarot cards are believed to absorb and store energy from previous encounters, both positive and negative. By knocking on the cards, the reader is essentially releasing any lingering energy and resetting the deck for a fresh reading. This helps to ensure an unbiased and accurate interpretation of the cards. This cleansing aspect is particularly important after readings that may have carried heavy or negative energy. Readers may notice that a deck’s usual energetic aura seems dampened or that the readings performed with the deck feel "off," which are big indications that the deck needs to be cleansed. Unlike crystals, which can be washed in running water or smudged with sage, tarot cards require a different approach, making knocking a simple yet powerful form of energetic cleansing.
Symbolically, knocking is seen as a way to activate and awaken the cards' energy. The physical act of knocking is believed to stimulate the cards' vibrations and bring them to life. It is similar to waking up a dormant object, like knocking on a door to get someone's attention. By knocking on the cards, the reader is inviting the cards to reveal their insights and wisdom. This view is rooted in the idea that physical touch can have a powerful effect on energetic vibrations. In many cultures and spiritual traditions, the act of tapping or knocking on an object is believed to awaken or activate its energy. By knocking on tarot cards before and after use, individuals hope to tap into the cards' inherent energies and align themselves with their positive vibrations.
Furthermore, the ritual adds a sense of sacredness and ceremony to the reading process. Rituals often have a psychological and emotional impact on individuals, creating a sense of reverence and importance. By incorporating the act of knocking into the tarot reading process, it adds a sense of sacredness and ritualistic quality to the experience. This can help both the reader and the querent (the person receiving the reading) feel more engaged and connected to the spiritual realm. The psychological phenomenon of the placebo effect may also play a role; the belief in a treatment or ritual can improve a person's condition or experience, regardless of whether the treatment itself has a physical or scientific basis. For many, the ritual of knocking signals the beginning of a focused, intentional session, distinct from everyday interactions.
The specific methods of knocking can vary among readers, reflecting personal preferences or traditions. Some may lightly tap the deck with their fingers, while others may use a small object, such as a crystal or a wooden wand, to gently knock on the cards. The number of knocks can also vary. Some readers opt for three knocks, a number often associated with spirituality and divine guidance. Others may use a different number based on personal preference. The timing of the knocks also varies; while many recommend knocking before and after each reading to cleanse and reset the deck, others may knock during a reading in response to specific energetic cues.
In some interpretations, knocking is not just a preparatory or concluding gesture but an active part of the communication during a reading. There is a belief that knocking can be a sign of spirit communication. Some practitioners report feeling a noticeable vibration or hearing knocks that seem to come from the cards themselves during a session. This is often interpreted as a message or warning from the spiritual realm. The sensation is described as being felt or heard by the reader, often associated with a specific tarot card or a general energetic shift. The interpretation of these occurrences is open to the reader's intuition, symbolizing the importance of the moment and the attention of spiritual forces.
For those new to tarot, incorporating knocking can be a helpful way to establish a routine and build confidence. It provides a tangible action that marks the transition into a sacred space of inquiry. Experienced readers also benefit from this practice, using it to maintain a connection with their decks and to clear out the accumulation of energies from multiple readings. Whether one chooses to incorporate knocking into their tarot practice or not, the essential goal is to find what resonates personally and allows for a meaningful connection with the cards. The practice serves as a way to set intentions, cleanse the cards, and establish a connection with the deck, ultimately aiming to facilitate a more powerful and accurate reading.
Conclusion
The ritual of knocking on tarot cards is a multifaceted practice that serves practical, symbolic, and psychological purposes within the divination arts. It functions primarily as a method to cleanse the deck of residual energies, to awaken the intuitive potential of the cards, and to establish a focused connection between the reader and the tool. By creating a distinct ritualistic space, knocking enhances the reverence and intention of the reading, benefiting both the reader and the querent. While the scientific basis for such energetic practices remains a subject of debate, the reported experiences of practitioners underscore its value in creating a conducive environment for insight and guidance. Ultimately, the practice reflects a broader commitment to energetic hygiene and spiritual intentionality in the pursuit of clarity and self-reflection.