Where do you physically keep all your decks?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 19 Nov 2001, and now archived in the Forum Library.

faunabay	19 Nov 2001
This question is for those of you who have many decks. I have my own way of caring for the decks so that's not what I'm asking, but what I'm running into now (as I buy more and more :D ) is where do I put them all? I've got some in the wooden box I bought when I first began (holds about 4 or 5 decks) and the rest on a book shelf. Now the decks still in the boxes look fine on the shelf but the ones I've put in bags don't stand up correctly, slide around, etc. Where do you keep all your decks?

jmd	20 Nov 2001
I use to use an old large leather briefcase which I obtained second-hand. When that started to fall apart, I just placed most of them in a large box, though some are in my 'special' box, in the bedside drawer, in the lounge, in a draw in the lounge, in my desk at work, often, another in the car... in other words, the ones I use more than others move with me, and others have different semi-permanent 'homes'... It helps to share the interest with one's spouse!

blumoon	20 Nov 2001
jmd you mentioned that u keep a deck in a drawer at work, i am guessing at least 1 workmate must know you have them, if so what do they think?

Major Tom	20 Nov 2001
Tarot decks do seem to have a tendency to clutter up the place, don't they? :D My latest count is 8. Of these, 3 of them live in the boxes they came in. The other 5 decks are decks in active use and so each lives in it's own wooden box. So now I have the problem of what to do with my wooden box collection! :D

Kiama	20 Nov 2001
Well, when I only had a few decks, I kept them in a drawer. I still do, but with 25 of them, it's becoming a bit of a squeeze. I have the same problem as you, Faunabay! I'm hoping I will be able soon to get a new shelf up in my room for all my books which are in a cupbaord. Then, the books will go on the shelf, and teh decks in the cupbaord. The ones that are not in their boxes are wrapped in silk. My Robin Wood gets special treatment, and is wrapped in black ilk, resting nicely on a bed of deep red velevt, in a wooden box with sun and stars and moon on the top of it in metal. Kiama

tarotbear	20 Nov 2001
Most of mine are still in their original boxes, stored on a bookshelf. Some - the ones I read with more often are wrapped in silk in wooden boxes. My Robin Wood - which is kept most accessible - is in silk with a crystal in a carry pouch so I can take it anywhere at a moment's notice. For a while I had the decks stored in one of those large wooden sewing basket/boxes ( called a reliquary), but I soon outgrew it's capacity. Does anyone hold to that theory that you should have your decks stored 'up high' to protect them from the boogey man?

Kaz	20 Nov 2001
I keep my 2 decks in the boxes they came in. Those boxes are somewhere in the house, probably/most of the time in the kitchen on the table somewhere. Sometimes when I take the RiderWaite deck with me because it's in a box as big as the cards and I trow it in my bagsac (small bagpack). I don't think it really matters where you stock them, as long as you feel comfortable with it. Kaz

cj	20 Nov 2001
Hi All, I am into tarot bags. I keep all my decks in tarot bags. they are stacked on my dresser. I have gotten so into the bag thing. I don't take a deck out (with me) if it is not in it's bag. cj

Piperbunny	20 Nov 2001
Quote: tarotbear (21 Nov, 2001 01:50): Does anyone hold to that theory that you should have your decks stored 'up high' to protect them from the boogey man? Hehehe - Ive not heard that one before but my friends tell me to sleep next to my tarot cards so they can absorb my energy! I keep my tarot cards in separte bags that I ave made myself from pieces of material I like :) But seeing as I have only two packs I obviously dont have the problem of storage - or I'll need a bigger bed :D

deso	20 Nov 2001
I have a bookshelf right beside my altar that I place all my decks into - all 40+. Some have special boxes, some have bags, and some just stay in their original boxes. It works - for now!!!!!

Logiatrix	20 Nov 2001
i have 80+ tarots and divination cards, but i actively use only four decks--those are the ones i keep in silk or cotton pouches and carry with me. i keep my collection and related texts on my bookshelf, and i keep track of all of them on index cards. i've heard about that "above the floor" ritual; yet another superstition probably based somewhere in practicality--i hope! i suppose if you care about something enough--especially if it's sacred--you don't want to have it in harm's way, like on the floor, so that's just logical.

Kiama	20 Nov 2001
Metaz: 80??!!!???!! :o :o :o :o :o :o Woah.. You make my collection sound pitifully small. But I'm on my way there! Kiama

goldie	20 Nov 2001
Hi, everyone, I have a curio where I have my spell books and personal journals, keep special oils, and incenses their also. I sit a huge crystal ball on the platform of my curio, two candles for the paticular tarot i have placed spread out. I change the tarot deck once a week. The rest are stored in the bottom of the curio with the different cloths, velvets and satins I have for it. at this momment I have 30, Sometimes in speaking to someone I find a paticular tarot matches to someone and I let them have it.....keep myself balanced in the giving and it always attunes me with the next deck , i buy....BLESSED BE

catlin	21 Nov 2001
Hi, I keep the decks which came in a box in the original boox in my bookcase. The decks without book/box are kept in matching tarot bags in that special kind of drawer where most ppl usually store their glasses and hard drinks in a large cupboard. I also keep my oils, incences, journals, etc. there. I think it is pretty useful but I fear it will outgrow its capacity by the end of this year.

Jewel	21 Nov 2001
Ohhhh I so realte to this!!!! I have been on a Tarot deck purchasing binge lately and I am quiclkly outgrowing my space! ... When I had about 20 decks I used to keep them in their original boxes in one of night stand drawers all nice and neat and the boxed sets in my book case. When I moved and put everything in storage well .... the decks did not want to be there so I got the book case out and they all lived on a shelf of the book case. Now I have over 50 decks have most in the book shelf (staked on top of eachother) and some in a cubby whole in my desk (the ones I use the most). I also usually carry a deck with me (either Robin Wood or Tarot of the Old Path) in a bag. My original Robin Wood lives in a beautiful antique looking chest (deck size) wrapped in silk with a sprinkle of Rosemary in the bottom of it. I am hoping to get a curio cabinet for my collection ... one which allow room to grow. Goldie you have given me some wonderful ideas, thank you! Love & Light,

jema	21 Nov 2001
i keep mine in their boxes. but some i put in bags too:-) i love making bags! got a photo of my shelf here. a bit old so the shelf is too full by now: http://www.pristine.nu/camera/tarotshelf.jpg here is one of the bags too while i am at it: http://www.pristine.nu/camera/tarotbag.jpg the shelf is really a CD:shelf. it is standing on top of my "witchy" bookshelf so i got all i need right there:-)

Jeanette	21 Nov 2001
I am a total mess! Not nearly as organized as everyone else. All my stuff is spread all over the house! My two tarot decks are in their boxes, which are in a bag, which is in a basket, which is on the shelf of my table next to my bed. Some books are squeezed in there, too!

EveAnna	21 Nov 2001
My Rider Waite, Diamond and 1JJ Swiss decks are kept in wooden boxes, my Parragon and small Russell Grant decks are in with my tarot journals and my Russell Grant's Astro-tarot is in a bag (while I find a nice box to keep it in :) )

jmd	21 Nov 2001
Quote: blumoon (20 Nov, 2001 22:11): jmd you mentioned that u keep a deck in a drawer at work, i am guessing at least 1 workmate must know you have them, if so what do they think? I share an office with one other person. By 'coincidence', I happen to have been his marriage celebrant... but wait, there's more! The way we met is because, when they were looking for someone to organise their marriage ceremony about 6 years ago, Armana Robin Lee (the one I mentioned who is currently having an exhibition in Melbourne) mentioned my name to his (now) wife... I'm pretty sure he's OK with it, as his Master's thesis was on Blake, and there are a number of Tarot decks and books in his home! Again 'coincidently', he applied for the position following my previous colleague's retirement. As I knew him I was not involved in the selection process... and he got the position and we now share an office! and the plot thickens... a number of people at work know of my interest (I teach in adult education and in a high school), for other members of staff also have interest in the area (I should add that the only three school students who know about my interests are children of adults who share my interest, one by having done one of my Tarot courses prior to sending her daughter to the school, without knowing I was teaching there!) As I don't 'flaunt' my Tarot interest, neither do I hide it, I guess the only people which get to talk to me about it are those who share related or common interests in it... I certainly have no problems about it, but am usually respected for my interests and views (I must admit, it's an absolutely fabulous place to work!)

Melvis	23 Nov 2001
I have a 4-foot tall bookshelf that I purchased at an estate sale several years ago. Up until a few months ago, it held most of my fiction books by my favorite authors (Stephen King, Clive Barker, Jon Hassler, Jostein Gaarder, and a few more ;) ). It was just the right size for paperbacks since the shelves were very close together. But now my Tarot collection has grown to 36 decks...all of which I keep in their original boxes, if I have them. And those narrow shelves hold Tarot decks so nicely...I've already moved my decks onto it, but I have more than 20 Tarot books that I'm also going to store there as well. When I outgrow my little shelf, I'll have to try that CD Shelf idea...I like it! :D Peace, Melvis

Kalin	23 Nov 2001
I have about a dozen decks but work with only four: Mythic, Universal Waite, Ferguson Arthurian Legend, and Osho-Zen (for self- readings). I keep the Osho Zen in a black velvet evening bag that belonged to my mom. The Universal Waite stays in its original packaging. The Mythic and the Ferguson Arthurian are kept in tarot bags I purchased from a creative tarot friend I met on an e-list. The clasp on one tarot bag is a Saturn charm (my chart ruler), and the clasp on the other is a butterfly (important to me, have no idea why, just love butterflies). All my tarot decks, books, and astrology books are kept in large baskets in my main living space within easy reach. Kalin

Osher	01 Dec 2001
I keep mine (28packs, plus runes) on a tiny CD rack. 4' high, and oh 5"x6"deep/wide. The packs are all in silk, then kept in wooden boxes where possible. Inside the boxes are desecant, to absorb the moisture. Only thing is that sometimes the boxes leak resin or something onto the cards. I tried keeping the cards in a metal record box, but they didn't like it (good size though)

nexyjo	02 Dec 2001
i have maybe 20 decks, and i keep them in their original boxes on a book shelf in my living room. i keep my robin wood tarot in a black velvet bag on a shelf under my altar - that's the deck i use everyday - and i keep the tarot of the cloisters in the original box on my night table. luv and light, nexy

Dee 04	04 Dec 2001
I had more decks before but I have traded, sold and given some away because I'd rather have a few that I really connect with... but that's just me... I keep the Robin Wood (my favorite) in a wooden box on the window sill. I keep my Soul CArds in a cedar box next to the Robin Wood with a crystal inside the box. I keep my Morgan-Greer in its original box, the Thoth in a tarot pouch and the Symbolon in its box ALL in my pijama drawer!! hee hee!! :) They look comfy there.

Le_Corsair	27 Jul 2003
"...but the two little white beds on the remainder of the floor looked soft and inviting, and the linen on them, thought coarse, was clean and smelt beautifully of lavender; and the Mole and the Water Rat, shaking off their garments in some thirty seconds, tumbled in between the sheets in great joy and contentment." - - from The Wind In The Willows, by Kenneth Grahame I am getting a large enough collection that I desired to buy a place to store the majority of my decks, save for the precious few that see action daily. I am greatly affected by pleasant smells; I love the smell of a new tarot deck, but realize that I may be inhaling carcinogens. I went over to the local Pier One Imports to look at wooden chests, all of them have offensive odors from whatever 3rd world country finish was applied to them; a small cedar chest would be ideal, but I am constrained by a limited budget at the moment and can't really afford something grand. Jewel mentioned in her reply using rosemary to scent her decks, and I have cited sheets stored in lavender in the quote above; so my idea was this: I bought a large plastic box at Wal-Mart, emptied a can of whole cloves into it, and placed the decks therein. I pulled a deck out yesterday, and already the smell of the cloves is soaking into the cards. Soon I'll associate cloves with Tarot cards; a nice combination, in my opinion. :) Does anyone else out there scent their decks while storing them? As for the "store on upper shelf" thing: I'll be the person that originated that lived in a flood plain! Bob :THERM

genna	27 Jul 2003
Oh,the storing problem!I would LIKE to have all my decks in wooden boxes,with silken scarves around them,and tarotbags too.I also have a place for them;the top shelves of some bookcases. However,some fun has come out of this.I´ve started to buy and decorate plain wooden boxes(and thats a great hobby).I also like to decorate the boxes that come with some cards-and-book-sets(but I want a bag,or/and a wooden box for them too).Some decks share the larger wooden boxes.I´ve also started sewing my own Tarot bags(but I´m NOT happy with them yet,and can´t use them),and am planning cotton cloths for the cards. Right now,I´m afraid it´s a disgrace,and not well-ordered at all.

Yami Yugi	27 Jul 2003
My everquest game gold pack came in a golden color tin. I keep my mini Tarot nova in wrapped in a cotton cloth stacked up against my waite deck in its original box and i put my only book on the tarot i own (the complete idiots guide to tarot) on top of the two decks. i still have room at the bottom for two more decks. And room for another layer of 4 decks before when the book is set on top it's at the very top.

Little Baron	27 Jul 2003
I have a very tall wodden cabinet. It is slim and is shaped like a house with a roof. It is a dark wood and engraved in it's two long doors at the front are moons, suns and stars. There is a little gold guilding in some areas. It looks very elegant and mystical and inside, has five shelves where the cards can stack upright next to each other. On some shelves, ther is a single box, but mainly, they all live quite happily together in their house. Yaboot

wavebreaker	27 Jul 2003
I have two boxes that are like shoeboxes, but covered with a yellow satin-like fabric, while the lids are covered in the same fabric, but embroidered with gold and orange. I bought them like that. They are completely full now though, so a while ago I bought a basked to keep the rest of the decks in. Most of the decks I keep in bags, some from Tarot Totes, others I made myself (either crocheted or sewn).

LadyMedusa	27 Jul 2003
Each of my decks is tucked in its own made by me specially for it sleeping bag tucked in its own wooden box. That is all but the newest addition. I haven't found the right box for it yet. My boxes and tarot books have a bookcase of their own in the living room. The books are on two shelves in alphabetical order. Along with a box for my silk spread cloths. I have several in different colors, and a few that are only used with a specific deck. The deck boxes change positions each time I dust the case. That way they get to visit amongst themselves. Since so many of my decks have been acquired as used decks I've come across a few stinkers. I take care of this by putting pieces of broken up stick of incense under a layer of felt in each box. I like a blend of sandlewood and cedar. LadyMedusa

Chronata	28 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Le_Corsair ". Soon I'll associate cloves with Tarot cards; a nice combination, in my opinion. :) Does anyone else out there scent their decks while storing them? OOOh Cloves and Tarot are a nice combination! I keep all my decks in a bookcase, and they share space with crystal balls, magic eight balls, incense, Astrology books, and lots of other stuff. Some decks, especially the ones I use most, have either wooden boxes or bags. Some of them have a sprinkling of herbs in the boxes, or a small sachet inside the bag to mix with the cards scent. It's different for each one....My Marsilles have a bit of Myrrh and Amber resin to keep them company, and my Enchanted Tarot have had a sachet wrapped in thier silk bag made with chamomile, spearmint and lavender...(also my favorite herb tea!) My not often used Aquarian deck has dried jasmine and green tea, and I keep rose petals in the antique beaded bag that houses my RWS. Most of the rest of my 80+ collection remains in the original boxes, stacked three deep in the bookshelf.

carrielynnsim	29 Jul 2003
I keep mine on my desk right next to the computer, that way I can grab them when there is a question about them here in this wonderful forum!! hehehe Carrie

Ravenswing	29 Jul 2003
well-- I've bagged my decks-- that way they're ready to go whenever... I've got my reading table which has a six foot tall bookcase mounted on it. All the tarot and kabalah references are in it. But as for the decks, I've put nails up and down the sides and across the shelves. They just hang around 'til I'm ready for them. fly well Ravenswing

Silverlotus	29 Jul 2003
My decks are keep scattered on one side of my bookshelves. Some are tucked away in a box, and some are just nicely arranged on one of the shelves. I like to be able to see them. :)

Trogon	29 Jul 2003
Hey! Thanks for finding this thread Le_Corsair... what fun! :D I'll probably be considered sacreligious by some folks here... For the most part, I keep my Tarot decks in their original boxes. These boxes have been reinforced with packing tape so that they can withstand the rigors of continuous use. The 8 decks which I regularly use, I carry around with me in a cloth bag (no... it is not a purse :joke: ). This bag also contains my Tarot journal, the steno pad in which I record readings (when I can), a few Tarot books, my day planner and a calculator. This way its easier for me to carry all this stuff in to work with me, or into the coffee shop... or wherever. I said "for the most part" about having my decks in their original boxes because for a couple of my decks I do not have the original boxes. The Victoria Regina is sort of in a box... it's in the bag which came with it and that is in that odd over-sized box that also came with it. My Mythic Tarot and Universal Tarot were not in their boxes when I got them (used). And my Rider Waite is in it's box, in a bag along with my crystal pendulum and pendulum cloth. And, yes, people at work know I "do" Tarot. In fact, I do readings for several of the people I work with. But thats just me... I'm kind of wierd that way...

punkangelgcm437	29 Jul 2003
Chronata: You have a magic 8 ball too?? I've had mine forever...so long that, it's just a black ball. See...the white was coming off so I used a black permant marker to black out the white...so now it's just a black ball. LOL. Craziness. *Back to the topic* I keep mine well...where-ever I go. Right now I only have 3, and am in the process of giving away my Goddess deck (my friend Courtney fell in love with it and I knew it was right for her. She's burning me CDs in return). So, with my 2 at home....they follow me around the house. They like sititng on top of the printer tho with my purple tarot binder. I should buy them scarves or something tho. I think bandanas would work best with some wild crazy colors...LOL. Does anyone know why people keep their decks in scarves/bandanas/silks??

Woof	29 Jul 2003
Moved mine all into a large wicker basket with a handle. Each of my decks is in their own bag. I keep all my favorite tarot books and my tarot journal in there as well. It is usually in the closet in my office/study/guest room but as I've had a lot of guests this summer the wicker basket has been in my bedroom closet. I don't need nosy people who would not respect my interests pawing through my cards. And right now I'm fostering two very pregnant guinea pigs (cavys) in a large cage that is partly in the closet it just works out better for me to keep my cards temporarily elswhere. Woof

WolfSpirit	29 Jul 2003
I have a big basket (type picnic basket) full of decks - it was getting a bit crowded in there so now I have another basket as well and it will be a while before that is full as well :D That basket has my most used decks in it (varies with my mood) and the book(s) I am using at the moment. I want to have bags for all my decks, just because I like them, no deeper meaning here. I like making them but sometimes I buy them when they look really cool.

Maan	29 Jul 2003
My favo decks live in there bags..hand made, bought, or received as a gift. I seem to get bags every were. I keep them in my night stand or just in my bed ( feeling sorry for the boyfriend who has to get used to that LOL) My other decks are in a draw or on shelves in there original boxes

Teranar	30 Jul 2003
I've got a drawer I stuff my two decks into, except one is usually always in my jeans pocket (It is rare indeed to catch me without a deck on me!) But when I get a job and procure more decks, I have a basket I got when I 'won' a contest at a local new age store... but they had just cut me out of a position reading becuase I'm white and male, and all their readers are either black or female, so I almost think they gave it to me on purpose... but enough about ancient history, I'm set for new decks!

Little Baron	31 Jul 2003
Really interested to find out where we keep our decks. There is a photo of my house on the 'Cheap Cloth' thread if anyone is interested. Yaboot

Logiatrix	31 Jul 2003
Wow, times have certainly changed, haven't they? Remember this? Quote: Originally posted by Kiama Metaz: 80??!!!???!! :o :o :o :o :o :o Woah.. You make my collection sound pitifully small. But I'm on my way there! Kiama LOL!!! Now, I have maybe forty decks at the very most, and Kiama has...well...A LOT OF TAROT DECKS!!! :D :D :D {Edited to clarify: I used to be "metaz" in case some ppl here didn't know me back then...}

Gerbear	31 Jul 2003
My decks are kept in a wall unit The top shelf has three rows of decks in boxes totalling 92. The second shelf has limited edtions and favorites totalling 29. The third shelf has boxed sets totalling 44. There are twelve decks in bags. Total = 177, with ten 'in the mail'. They can be seen in the thread "Where are you sitting when on Aeclectic?" in chat Plenty of room for more decks !!!!

genna	03 Aug 2003
Yesterday I got two bookcases with glassdoors in my bedroom,so now my decks all have a safe place to go at last.I agree with the tradition to keep them on the top shelf(above head-level),but that´s just because I read it when I first started out.I guess I will stop with that when my collection grows. Still working on those bags and boxes,but it doesn´t feel as urgent now that I have the bookcases.I have an idea of getting silk used for silk painting from a hobby store,and colour my own reading and wrapping cloths,but that´s just an idea.There are so many nice cotton fabrics out there.

Emily	03 Aug 2003
I keep my decks in their original boxes, some used to be in wooden boxes but I had a problem with dye bleeding from the boxes onto the deck boxes so now none of the decks are in wooden boxes. Instead I keep them in a glass fronted book case with my tarot books. I have made bags for some of the decks so they stay in those but I like to keep them all together in the bookcase so I know where they all are and I can see them :)

Nevada	03 Aug 2003
Question for those of you who keep your cards in bags: How do you mark the bags so you know which deck is where? Nevada

oceanpoetry	03 Aug 2003
I have been purchasing tarot bags through Tarot Totes, and I don't need to label because each deck is in a different tote, so I know which deck by the pattern of the little tote bag. I keep all of my six decks together in a clear plastic box with a lid on my bookshelf with tarot books.

Logiatrix	05 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Nevada34 Question for those of you who keep your cards in bags: How do you mark the bags so you know which deck is where? Rhiannon (Nevada) Welcome to the wonderful world of the tarot-couturier! I like to find bags and cloths that somehow coordinate with each deck. I usually match the backs or the predominant color scheme of the deck. For example, my Vampire deck is in a black velveteen and red satin drawstring bag with a red-and-black silk cloth. My Zerner-Farber is in a black silk bag with embroidered peacock feathers (seen a lot in the Majors) and a purple silk cloth (to match the backs). I had a hard time finding accessories for my Animal-Wise deck, until I located a beautiful purple Bob Mackie silk scarf at a thrift store. My deck remained wrapped in the scarf with no outerwear for almost a year before I finally discovered the black/purple Llewellyn tarot bag. I found some nice butterfly appliques to put on it, and now my "wise animals" are fully dressed. Anyway, all the decks I use are...well, decked out! I don't sew (believe me, I tried...it was a ghastly experiment in the torture of perfectly innocent textiles), but fortunately I have friends who make beautiful tarot bags. I can't often afford those handmade creations so I also frequent thrift, import, and vintage shops. These are great places to find silk scarves, Chinese brocade bags, and antique (or at least "retro") evening bags. I have also gotten my globe-trotting friends and family in on it; I've trained them to scour shops overseas for second-hand silk and satin tarot fashions (cheaper souvenirs than t-shirts and keychains)! Okay, so maybe I'm a little TOO into it, but my focus is actually practical. I like to carry at least one of my eight favorite decks with me all the time, so I want to keep each of them protected. Therefore, each deck is provided with a storage unit that "matches" it, so I know which is which. Oh, and it is also a nice gesture in a trade to pass on the bag/cloth ensemble along with the deck (a gesture I have also enjoyed from others), so I know fellow Aeclecticians have appreciated the results of my tarot bag obsession! :)

Emily	05 Aug 2003
I too like to find fabrics that match the deck - My Ancient Italian deck is in a rusty red(Russet?) and gold tapestry like material bag, very pretty and looks like old fabric even though it was new, my Thoth is kept in a black leather patchwork wallet, Spiral is wrapped in a royal purple reading cloth, universal Waite in a black silk reading cloth. I've made rune bags before but this is only the second time I've made a tarot bag and I had alot of fun doing it lol :)

Nevada	05 Aug 2003
Thank you, thank you, Tauni and Emily. LOL, now that's what I'm talking about! I'm a fabric collector myself. You have inspired me. Do you use silk, or natural-only fabrics, or is the pattern/color your main requisite for matching fabric to cards? My, this is an aspect of collecting Tarot that I'm not sure *why* I haven't discovered before now! Not only do I have my own fabric collection, gathered over many years; I also have some I inherited from my mom, which I've been saving to use for something really special. Nevada, who's about to go plunder her fabric stash...

Little Baron	05 Aug 2003
I have so far not matched by bags to decks but like this idea. Thanks.

Summerdream	05 Aug 2003
Hi! My tarot decks are in baskets on a 5 tier corner shelf in my bedroom. I have a big basket on 3 of the shelves filled with decks that all are in bags. The 2 remaining shelves have crystals, gems, crystal ball and celestial stuff. All my decks are in bags and they all come from Tarot Totes. I can tell which deck is in which bag because I always coordinate it to the front or back of the cards. Also in my room is a 6 foot thin bookcase with all my tarot books. Blessings, Momof3girls

Demonesse	06 Aug 2003
I prefer bags. As an alternative to the normal tarot bags, I keep (or rather, used to keep) my decks in oriental bags, made of silk and decorated with Asian designs/symbols, or with rich gold embroidery - all stacked neatly on a bookshelf which doubled up a rather eclectic sort of altar. I also put bits of different kinds of handmade Indian incense inside the bags – sandalwood mostly. Clove sounds like a great idea. After a recent disastrous flood in my house, though, in future I shall make sure to securely wrap any new decks I get in plastic before storing them inside the bags – just in case! Also recently bought some cute drawstring bags in colourful prints and funky designs – brightens up the place and good for the more lighthearted decks. :)

Logiatrix	07 Aug 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Nevada34 Do you use silk, or natural-only fabrics, or is the pattern/color your main requisite for matching fabric to cards? I tend to favor silk and cotton, but I also favor these fabrics to wear myself, so I guess it's not just a tarot thing. I've read that parallel before--you tend to treat your deck the way you treat yourself. So be it. I do have one deck that sorta strayed from the pack. My Royal Fez lives in a nice green/multi-colored silk zipper pouch, but it also remains loyal to dark, dark blue (almost black) "ultra-suede" spread cloth. I found the cloth on a clearance table at the grocery store, in all it's 100% polyester glory. My Royal Fez Morrocan deck saved it from the mundane destiny of a mere table napkin by claiming it almost immediately. :D I guess the main requirement is "Does it work?" That's up to you, of course. For example, I use spread cloths, but other readers don't. The spread cloth is actually more important to me than the bag. The spread cloth has to be an effective background for the cards; a cluttered design or a non-contrasting color to the border WON'T work. A fabric that is too thin or fragile also will not work. A fabric color that is contrasting to the border of the cards, with no pattern or a pattern that does not distract is what works for me. I don't like to "match" the front designs with spread cloth--contrast makes more sense to me. The bag is where I like to have fun with "matching" colors or themes. The natural-only thing thing is not relevant to me, it just so happens that several of my decks are wearing cool silk and cotton for the summer right now! Tauni :)

purplelady	08 Aug 2003
Awhile back on another thread like this, someone , I think it may have been dolphingirl, said she kept her decks in a rolling plastic file cabinet! I liked the idea so much that I remembered it and eventually bought 2 rolling plastic carts with 6 drawers each. Except because of space problums, I removed the wheels and put the carts on top of a low bookcase. Now I keep All my decks( that aren't in US games boxed Sets) in the cart. They fit very nicely with room to spare (I mean, room for More decks). The decks that came in decent boxes are still in the boxes. The ones that came with no good box are all in bags that I made , except for a few in some really nice Asian bags I got from Demonesse. The boxed sets, as I've said almost all of these are US games (the deck HAS a decent box and then is boxed in a bigger box with a book) are lined up on the low bookshelf, which has no more room to spare? Where to put any new boxed sets? Such a dilemna ;) . p.s. the seperate tarot books are on another bookshelf.

Cerulean	08 Aug 2003
One bookcase that had to have reinforced shelves (one of the shelves banged the tips of my fingers as I was dismantling them to empty, clean and such) only has the decks that I keep handy for reference. The rest live in plastic storage, separated by boxes. I've narrowed my book and other things down so they can stay with me in a study off the floor. Now I don't have excess clothes, books or art supplies...&) My most homey, comfort decks at the moment have three wooden boxes. The Deck of the Four Winds with land animals, insects, fishes, birds and even trees in watercolor illustrations lives in a seashell covered box given by one grandmother with tropical blue material...the Ukiyoe lives with a former soft cotton dance cloth in a red velveteen-lined dark box that looks like a funny treasure chest. I found a stationery box by "Carly's Wish" nonprofit that has a delicate leaf etching that says "Soul". The leaf-etched stationery was pretty...but I bought it for the box! (Borders Bookstore carried it). At first it had pastels, now it's lined with delicate blue and white cotton and the Giant Dotti that comes in the Tarocco Italiano by Laura Tuan.

Red Emma	09 Aug 2003
When I began tarot, I worried about how the cards felt about where they lived and who their neighbors were. AFter a coule of discussions with other AT members, I've gotten a very relaxed attitude. Of course I have only nine decks, so storage isn't a huge problem, but they're all over the house. Some in the DR where I seem to do most of my readings, some in the BR, some in my own room where I have an altar and other spiritual accoutrements. I have bought some special boxes to keep them in, but this Wheel of Fortune year has kept me so distracted that I've not had a chance to spiritually clear and dedicate them. The boxes, I mean. But since my card seem to be happy where ever they are, I don't think they'll care. Actually, I wonder if they'll feel a bit confined.

The Where do you physically keep all your decks? thread was originally posted on 19 Nov 2001 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.