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.

💭 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?

Ways to Connect & Support

• 12 week Tarot for Transformation Live Course: In this offer we will be deep diving into the Major Arcana to Discover Our Best Selves and Create a Life Worth Living. If you sign up by September 12th get 25% off with code Early Bird. Check out the full details here! 

• Tarot Card Creation Workshop: Get the full recording, 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!⁠

• New Moon in Virgo 8/21 Collective Tarot Reading Replay 

• Patreon: For individual readings, and behind-the-scenes peeks, join the⁠ Every Day Tarot Patreon family⁠.

• Newsletter: Get my⁠ FREE 2025 5-Card Tarot Spread PDF⁠ + magic straight to your inbox.

• 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 and coach working virtually from my home office. Let’s see if we’re a fit:⁠ camilleasaunders.com⁠