What does it mean when a card falls out of the deck?
Frequently Asked Questions: Tarot, Witchcraft, & Divination
Welcome to Season 14 of Every Day Tarot! This season, I’m answering your most frequently asked questions about tarot, witchcraft, and divination.
Today’s question: What does it mean when a card falls out of the deck?
Tarot readers often call these “jumping cards” or “flyers.” They tumble out while shuffling, sometimes dramatically, and can feel like they’re demanding your attention. But what do they really mean?
In this episode, we’ll explore different reader perspectives on jumping cards, how to work with them, and what to do when the whole deck seems to tumble onto the floor.
Why Jumpers Show Up
There’s an old witchy saying: “What falls to the floor comes to the door.” In other words, when a card slips out of the deck, it might be knocking loudly with a message meant for you.
Jumping cards often carry a sense of urgency, such as:
A truth you’ve been avoiding.
A theme that keeps surfacing in your life.
A nudge from your guides, ancestors, or higher self.
Ultimately, a card falling out only has meaning if you choose to give it meaning. If it happens often, you might set it aside and notice whether its themes echo through your reading.
Practical Ways to Work With Jumpers
So what should you do when a card falls out? You can try one of these approaches:
Set it aside. Read it as a standalone message before moving into your spread.
Check for patterns. If the same card keeps falling, consider it a stalker card and pay closer attention.
Look and pick another. Take note of what it was, then shuffle it back in and continue.
Scan your body. Notice how you feel when the card jumps. Does it spark a jolt of recognition, or does it feel like simple clumsiness? Your intuition already knows.
Personally, if one or two cards fall while I’m focusing on an intention, I’ll set them aside. They often hold exactly the message I need. But if half the deck crashes onto the floor while I’m juggling my coffee and shuffling, I give myself permission to laugh, reset, and start again.
If you haven't listened to my other seasons yet, go check them out!
Season 1 - Tarot basics
Seasons 2 & 3 - Major Arcana and 4 suits
Season 4 - Tarot in Pop Culture
Season 5 - Tarot Spreads
Season 6 - Suit of Wands
Season 7 - Suit of Pentacles
Season 8 - Suit of Swords
Season 9 - Suit of Cups
Season 10 - Tarot and Witchcraft
Season 11 - Tarot and Plant Allies
Season 12- Tarot and Animals
Season 13- Divination and the Harry Potter Series
💭 Today's Tarot Pull:
From The Sasuraibito Tarot deck by Stasia Burrington, I pulled the Queen of Swords (Upright).
Cut through illusions and face reality with clear eyes. Hold space for honesty while using discernment as your shield.
Reflective prompts on this card:
Where in my life do I need to speak the truth clearly and directly?
What problem calls for my clarity and level-headed wisdom right now?
A 12-Week Tarot for Transformation Journey
Starting at the end of September, join me for a 12-week live course based on Tarot for Transformation!
We’ll spend three months together, working through the major arcana as archetypal guides. Each week, we’ll:
Focus on one major arcana card and the life themes it highlights.
Explore journaling prompts and exercises from Dreya Blume’s book.
Share experiences and support each other in a safe, witchy, and affirming space.
Participate in live one-hour calls (with replays available if you can’t join live).
This is not just about learning tarot — it’s about using tarot as a vessel for real, meaningful change in your life.
If you've ever longed for a supportive community to explore big personal shifts, or if you’re ready to commit to discovering your most authentic self, this journey is for you.
You can sign up to receive more information (no FOMO!). We’re planning to begin at the end of August, so there’s plenty of time to get ready.
📥 Sign up for the 12 Week Live Course of Tarot for Transformation here!
If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!
Ways to Connect & Support:
Join my 12-week Tarot for Transformation Live course starting this fall where we will be deep diving into the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living. If you’re interested, sign up here!
If you sign up before September 12, 2025 get 25% off with code Early Bird!
Get my Tarot Card Creation Workshop including the full hour long recording with my step by step method, examples of the tarot cards I’ve created, journaling questions, and PDF to walk you through it for just $33. Click here to purchase now!
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Support the Podcast: If you love the show, the best way to support it is by listening daily, leaving a review, and subscribing or following in your favorite podcast app.
If you’re Local:
Check out my Let’s Talk Tarot Meetup group. Come chat with other tarot enthusiasts, bring your favorite decks and play with tarot and oracle decks with us!
If you’re interested in celebrating the Full Moon I will be holding Full Moon Womxn’s Circles for the rest of 2025. Join my colleague, Izzy, and I under the glow of the full moon for an evening of connection, reflection, and ritual. This gathering is a space for all womxn. We will be meeting at Threshold’s Collective in Tacoma, the first Sunday of the month to welcome in the full moon together. Upcoming dates: 9/7, 10/5, 11/2, and 12/7. Pay for 4 circles in advance to get a 10% discount.
Book a Consultation: I’m a sex & relationships therapist working virtually across Washington. I specialize in helping queer, kinky, polyamorous, and witchy folks navigate anxiety, chronic illness, communication, and identity work. If you’re looking for a therapist and I seem like a good fit, please reach out and book a free consultation: camilleasaunders.com