box, bag, a hank of silk...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 25 Jun 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Ravenswing	25 Jun 2002
well, i just got done putting together a bag (sack, if you prefer) for my symbolon deck. and i just wondered. what do you do when you get a new deck? how do you store it? and how do you treat a trade? any particular rituals?? LVX steve

catlin	25 Jun 2002
Hi Steve, I just carry around a new deck with me when I decide to turn it into a "working" deck. Most of my decks are kept in baggies as I want to prevent the boxes from looking battered, etc. I only had to clean once a deck I got in a trade but I usually do not do this as I see no need to it. That's all.

Maan	25 Jun 2002
When i get a new deck i spent a couple of days looking throu it. After that i give it a good smudge:) And than i do the new deck spread. If i really like the deck i take it with me in my bag and if i still like it after a couple of weeks i make a bag for it. Well or the deck had to come with now box at all :( Hate it when that happens :( At the moment i carry the moongarden with me, and i think it my have earned itself a hand made bag ;)

Pollux	25 Jun 2002
HI STEVE!!! I'm interested in this question too, since today I received your enhanced Gill! :D I don't think I should post about it, so PM me if you want, and I will tell you about it, ok? :) As for the question, I think I will have to so something since I understand you used the deck "enough", even though it is in amazingly good conditions. I think I may well be misled by the vibes of the deck, that doesn't belong to me yet. I think I will have a ritual. Just to "break" the link the deck has with you, and make room for me... ;) Probably a simple consecration, with incense and a candle. I still haven't decided yet, but I think I will, I feel both the deck and I need that - and I know the other Gill won't be jealous, even though "she" adores me, because I never consecrated "her" and she knew she was not going to stay long in my house - yet we had a lot of fun together and I learnt so much, especially on courts. :) For the time being I will keep them both aside, to "decrease" the energy as much as I can. When the time is fine, I will dismiss my first Gill, consecrate the enhanced and put it in a bag I will have made on purpose. Only after that I will be carrying it with me.

aeonx	25 Jun 2002
Greetings. When I get a package I know contain a new tarot deck, I rip the package to pieces and bite the tape off. }) Then I carefully open the new deck while my eyes turn red and blue smoke comes out of my ears of the smell of a new tarot-deck. Apart from that, nothing special. *lol* I'm in the funny-corner today... Well, I store some of the decks in silk-clothings, but overall they just sit in my bookcase. :( Poor decks, I have to get some boxes and bags for them. They can't sit there naked forever! The one ritual I always do though, is to cleanse them. Very important to me; removing all other intruding energy from factories and people. Then they're all MINE!! MWHAHAHAHA!! }) (Sorry, somebody must have put something in my coffee today :P ) ~aeonx~

wavebreaker	25 Jun 2002
Aeonx: you REALLY need a holiday!! :D When I get a new deck which I want to use as a reading deck, I first put it in order (if it's not already in order). I look through it several times and I usually put it on my night table, next to my bed, for at least one night. Then I shuffle it thoroughly, and then I take the deck in my hands to put reiki in it, as a way of cleansing it. Then I shuffle it again and I do a new deck reading with it. That's my ritual... ;) I don't like keeping the decks in the original boxes, even if I don't actually use the deck as a reading deck. I have several bags from Tarot Totes, made several bags myself using crochet, and I just got a sewing machine so I'll probably start sewing bags now too... ;) I keep all the decks in a box. It's really a shoe box, but covered with beautiful fabric, and the lid is covered in embroidered fabric. I have to get another one of those though, because this box is full... ;)

Pollux	25 Jun 2002
Quote: Originally posted by tarotlady I first put it in order (...) and then I take the deck in my hands to put reiki in it (...) made several bags myself using crochet, and I just got a sewing machine so I'll probably start sewing bags now too... ;) It's really a shoe box, but covered with beautiful fabric (...) OOPS! I forgot to say that! Your post reminded me of that. I usually orther the deck too (just finished ordering yours, Steve! :D) - my favourite order is Majors, Wands, Pents, Swords, Cups. I think it is a good way to BREAK links and bonds to proprietors as well as to querents of the past, who surely put something of themselves inside it, consciously or not. I am quite curious about this "reiki" thing: I just don't understand what you all mean with it! Is it infusing the deck with your personal energy? Maybe I do that too, but don't know if it is REIKI. I just call it "Personal Vibes". Beams to the deck from my hands. Is it that? PLEASE TarotLady tell me more! :* AND, since I need some bags - 4 so far - and I have seen those you have made on the other thread, and it was AAAWWWOOOOOOWWWW!!!! How about a nice present for your Favourite Neapolitan Charmer?! ;) I should ask Jema one too... Her "silver" one is GORGEOUS!!! :D *LOL* As for the box, GOOD IDEA!!! I have ome box right now, huge one to put my useless Uni books inside after the exams... But think I will sell them soon, and make wonderful Tarot Decks Sanctuaries! ;) The fabric? Mh... Black Velvet I think. I just love it! :)

wavebreaker	25 Jun 2002
Maybe this thread tells you a bit more about reiki. I'm sure there have been more threads on reiki recently, but I don't have time right now to look for them. Try searching for them.

Pollux	25 Jun 2002
I know what Reiki is, more or less... :P I was ainterestedin the use of Reiki to cleanse the deck in particular. It seems like it is a common practice, and I wonder if i don't do that myself without knowing... But you are right... I should search for some threads... :P *he was cought red-handed with Accidia*

wavebreaker	25 Jun 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Pollux It seems like it is a common practice, and I wonder if i don't do that myself without knowing... That could well be, everyone can use reiki. It's just that the attunements will open you up to it, and will make the energy you send out stronger.

Umbrae	25 Jun 2002
My ritual, new or used is the same. I too rip the package open using teeth and nails. The cardboard box and lwb get destroyed. The deck immediately goes into a bag. Then it gets carried with me during the day, and sleeps with me at night. Sometimes (even used ones) they become mine very quickly. I really dislike touching the decks of others (“No, I do not think you want me to cut the deck…trust me, you do not want me to touch your deck…I did warn you and all, but thank you very much, it I beautiful and all…”) [get what i mean?]

Liliana	25 Jun 2002
First I order the cards Majors, Swords, Wands, Cups, Pentacles (in a circle starting east) Then I give them a bag (except Thoth,he likes to be in a box by himself) I did carry them in my purse til disaster struck my Rohrig, so i have a seperate bag to carry them with me, and they go under my pillow three nights. I shuffle it a lot during these three days. Then I light incense (lotus) and my purple tarot reading candle, hold the deck between my hands and send enery into it til its charged then shuffle and do a new deck spread Ill sometimes smudge a traded for or new deck with sage For a deck Im trading ill order it, box it, then knock 3 times on it to remove my energy, and often ill send some sage and lotus incense with a trade for them to use :THP

cricket	25 Jun 2002
Mine is simple. Shuffle. Lots. *L* Tear into the cards as soon as humanly possible, keep the box and LWB in case they'll come in handy someday, look through the deck, then start shuffling. My husband won't go with me to buy decks anymore because of this. He went with me one time. Once. It's nearly a 45 minute drive to the nearest store that carries decks. He drove home, and I shuffled the whole time. It drove him nuts. I loved it. :D

napaea	25 Jun 2002
You rock, Lilliana. So if you haven't noticed I'm adding a "jr." to my :THP, as I of course am in training and you are the supreme! I love your "initiation" and will have to incorporate some of these ideas into my rituals. errr... actually, it's been so long since I've gotten a new deck, I don't even know what I was doing to kick them off then. But most of my decks I store in a silk cloth or scarf type thing. I wrap 'em up like a taco and tie the scarf around them, it's kind of cute. But i definately want to get some of those "tarot totes" . they are beautiful! I have sort of a "new age" bookholder. It's a bookshelf that has 2 drawers (where my decks hang out) and under that is a book storage area. All areas can be closed up and this way my mother doesn't have heart attacks when she comes to see me!!!!!! napaea :THP jr.

Liliana	25 Jun 2002
Heheh I know we got to be a lot alike Napea, since you also identify with the Queen of Cups like me, even tho your sign says you should be another (i should be wands) So you can be my little sister lol, and glad you like my ideas. My cards are stored on a rack on the wall with 5 hooks, it has a sun, moon, and a star on it. I just hang the bags by their drawstrings there. The little bag i have for carrying my deck around now is cool, its an openwork bag made entirely of yellow glow in the dark beads i got on a discount rack at spencers gifts. Its supposed to hold a cell phone, but its the perfect size for a deck in a bag, and has a long shoulder stap for carrying. Also looks cool when I go dancing lol. High :THP

Dark Inquisitor	25 Jun 2002
When I get a new deck, I take it out of the box and look at every card. If there is a printing odor, I will lay the whole deck out to air for a few days. If it's a used deck, I will see if it needs to be physically cleaned - sometimes a pencil eraser can be used if it's just the edges that are dirty. I will store the box & the LWB in a larger "group" box in the closet, or a Mary Engelbreit cookie jar shaped like a chair. (No one is going to suspect the ME cookie jar!) Then the cards will either go into a special individual box with quartz crystals in the bottom , or a bag I make myself. I am lucky I have a lot of old fabric around, and I like to embellish with crystals, beads, and jewelry findings, depending on the personality of the deck. I like inventing new bag patterns . Decorative box hunting is a wonderful pastime, and those of you lucky enought to have a Hobby Lobby store in your vicinity may have noticed a wonderful selection there. Once the deck has a home, I let it be and wait for it to call. Tarotphelia

Starfish	25 Jun 2002
I also take my deck out and look at each and every card. I like to study the pictures and see what my impression of the deck is. I have most of my decks (and their LWBs) in bags that I've recently purchased from Tarot Totes (3 more bags are on the way for my most recently acquired decks). Inside each bag is a rose quartz, clear quartz, amethyst and averturine (unsure on the spelling) to keep their deck company. Tarotphelia - I have that very cookie jar you mention. I love the idea of it as a tarot holder ;) Hmmmm.... Mary Engelbreit Tarot cards.... couldn't you just see the Queen of Everything as the Emperess? I also love the idea of making your own bags and embellishing them... Wish I could sew. :TSUN Starfish

Emily	25 Jun 2002
When I get a new deck, I open it first to count the cards, just to make sure they're all there lol, then I check through them. Then shuffle, alot, to get rid of the new smell. I usually put a little lavender water on my hands before I shuffle, doesn't mark the cards and we both end up smelling nice :D Usually I find wooden boxes to keep the decks in, I leave them in the original box with the LWB and put them into wooden boxes but I've not felt right putting my Spiral into a box so for that one I use a leather wallet type bag, it fits just nicely and means I can put it straight into my handbag when I take the deck with me.

Logiatrix	27 Jun 2002
good question--one that beginners often confront. i'm still a beginner, but my deck(s)actually answered the dilemma for me... if the deck i have acquired has been pre-owned, i mix and re-order the cards as i look through them. it's been awhile since i've felt led to use a new deck...my old, tried-and-true visconti is very jealous and possessive, so it's basically the only deck i use and give a special place to. so, last year, i invested some time in finding the right bag and cloth for it. it now has a beautiful fuschia silk spread cloth and matching embroidered velvet bag. in gratitude, it has allowed me to get closer to my mantegna tarot, which now has a silk pouch and cloth, too. my angel deck gets a satin brocade bag with a cotton spread cloth, and my i-ching cards, a velvet case with a cotton spread cloth. like others here, i like to coordinate the textiles... gawd, i need a hobby...

Liliana	28 Jun 2002
Wow a bag AND spreadcloth for every deck, boy Id go broke really lol, Im searching for a spreadcloth to use with all my decks, tho they all get a bag of their own. I actually think i found a scarf i like to be it in a thrift shop, going to go buy it later as well as various other things :) :THP

VGimlet	28 Jun 2002
First, like everyone else, I get it unwrapped as fast as possible. For a new deck, I go through every card, and look through them, usually oohing and ahhing, and making Ken look too, if he's home. If it's a pre-owned deck, I put the cards in order to make sure they are all there, and then I go through them again. I have only had to purify 2 used decks, my Thoth (I think the previous owner was terrified of it) and my Gendron, which was heavily scented with incense. To purify them, I put them out in the sun. Then I put them back in the box, and keep them there. I only have bags for about four of my most frequently used decks right now. But I am hoping to have my father-in-law make me some wooden boxes. He does beautiful woodwork, and is always happy to have a new project. :D I am also planning to buy a few handmade bags, and/or talk my mom into making me a few, if I find some fabric I like.

WolfSpirit	30 Jun 2002
I never do readings with decks I only just got, I only go over the pictures the first days to get familiar with them and to enjoy them. I can enjoy the art work of a deck without wanting to read with them; but if I do, I do it on impulse when I feel I'm ready to use it. And I had planned to make little bags for every deck I got: I would spread the cards, then choose what fabric or thread I would use... poor decks, I haven't done this yet so they're still in their original box or kept together with a band. Well they don't seem to mind too much ;)

The box, bag, a hank of silk... thread was originally posted on 25 Jun 2002 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.