overused tarot cards

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

leonine	21 Dec 2003
I have a tarot deck that "has seen better days". It is quite frayed and the corners are torn. Should I dispose of this deck and start using a "fresh" one? If I do dispose of it, how should I do it? Or should I just put it away somewhere?

Imagemaker	21 Dec 2003
I'd use the individual cards in either a creative art piece (a collage, perhaps) or glue a card that represents a particular day into my journal. Play with the images in a new way, or glue one on a postcard and send it to someone.

Major Tom	22 Dec 2003
Very few things impress a client new to tarot more than a very beat up tarot deck. ;) Contrast it to the impression a brand new one makes. :laugh:

leonine	22 Dec 2003
I was under the impression that the more you use tarot cards the more your "psychic vibes" go into them. If you are to use them in a creative way or give them away, doesn't your vibes go with them?

Mimers	22 Dec 2003
Hi Leonine, I feel it is true that your vibes or energy become part of the deck, but I don't think you would be giving any part of yourself away if you do something with the deck. If it is too beat up to use, there would be no harm in using it for a collage or even throwing it away. The magic is in you, not the cards. Mimi

ros	22 Dec 2003
If you wanted to use a new deck I would put this deck away. Just think about 10 etc. years from now. Also mabee someday it will be of some value to someone other than you. I always put my "things" like cards away for keepsakes. Just some ideas.

VGimlet	22 Dec 2003
I always think of my oldest deck like a pair of comfy old shoes, or that ratty bathrobe I wear when it's just me - maybe it doesn't look the best, but sometimes it's the most comforting. If you are compelled to get a new deck, and want to retire your old deck, making artwork out of it might be cool. I just realized I couldn't do that to my old deck, but I can be a bit sentimental. :D I haven't heard of any rituals about getting rid of decks, except burial, which personally I would never do either, LOL. So, add me to the put it away list.

blackroseivy	23 Dec 2003
...sorta, although I saw it hinted at: I'm "scrapbooking" my very first deck ("The Aquarian Tarot", as it happens), by packaging it specially in a box I'm constructing with a window (the box fell apart a ways back, needless to say) that opens in front like a "book". I thought it might be a nice touch to add pages about what I think of the deck - I have reviews I'm doing for a site of my own (never mind what site, NOT advertising!!). Then, I'll put it away with my grimoires & grimoire/scrapbooks, etc. Sometimes ya gotta say, "I jsut *can't* use this deck anymore!" ;>

paradoxx	26 Dec 2003
I accidently cut my finger on on of my Celtic Dragon cards one day, and the blood smeered all along the side of the deck. It is not a deck i use that often now, but when i do it shows a very complete picture of my life. The cards are getting worn out but Llewlen does make them to last. If you do decide to dispose of them, do so ritually and let them rest in peace. But at the same time, the cards may still have some very important information for you. If you are worried tha the tear will affect the way you shuffle, use it as the signifier and consider it a marked card.

Simone	26 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers If it is too beat up to use, there would be no harm in using it for a collage or even throwing it away. The magic is in you, not the cards. Just recently, I went to visit a friend of mine who is in cards too (not Tarot, though). She had a very very old deck that had come down to her from her grandmother, and she allowed me to get a feel of it. I just held this deck in my hands, closed my eyes and let myself feel the vibes. I got a very clear vision of her grandmother's old kitchen, and described it to my friend - along with some details about her gramma, and she confirmed it all - and that her grandmother always kept and read those cards in her kitchen! So I firmly believe that cards take up vibrations and store them - please, please, please, leonine, do not throw out this old deck of yours, and if you do not want to use it any more, keep it in a special place! :) One day, perhaps your grandchildren will be happy to have it! ;) Love and light Simone

Indigo Rose	26 Dec 2003
This deck's worn state is a testimony to it's place in your life as a trusted oracle for so many readings. Though the cards are just paper, they have been infused with the "magic" in you time and time again, to enrich your life on your Tarot journey. Save this deck. Put it somewhere safe and special. Blessings! Indigo Rose

firemaiden	26 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by leonine I have a tarot deck that "has seen better days". It is quite frayed and the corners are torn. Just curious, leonine, which deck is it? how long have you used it? Do you still enjoy reading with it?

Dark_angel	26 Dec 2003
If you feel uncomfortable using the deck in public, then just keep it for yourself. Please don't throw it out, as it has been very important in your life, and I often find that I regret it later if I get rid of something that has been important in the past.

leonine	26 Dec 2003
This response is to firemaiden- the "old" deck I have is a rider-waite "mini" deck. I used it a great deal probably due to the fact that I was able to keep it in my pocket or handbag. I have difficulty using it because not only are the corners frayed, but the "layers" are beginning to peel. I love this deck and it has given me much insight and accuracy in terms of reading for my immediate family.

Emily	26 Dec 2003
Hi Leonine, Maybe you could just retire this deck to a quiet place with your other decks. The Mini Rider Waite is easy to replace but you might regret it later if you get rid of it, especially as it has been such an honest deck. I feel like others here that decks do get infused with your own personal vibrations, some decks more than others, and even though you might never read with it again - it has been a special deck to you.

TemperanceAngel	28 Dec 2003
I keep my decks, but that's just me, I can be a tad sentimental.... XTAX

Vynara	05 Jan 2004
this thread has been an interesting read.... nevermind the fact that I only owe one deck and it's barely three days old ;D I was thinking that it'll be cool to make a collage or even bury it but after Indigo Rose's view, I'm envisioning my old decks in a special glass display case surrounded by crystals.

Macavity	05 Jan 2004
I don't have any decks in this condition - I have thought of using a "spare" though. One idea might be to stick EACH card onto a larger (thin) card or plain paper and make an illustrated (tho' rather thick!) loose-leaf A4 journal? Another (for the very brave) might be to trim (mechanically!) the worn edges - and see if (as some say) the absence of a border does give the cards a very different "feel". But I have never been brave/rich enough to destruction-test one yet. :laugh: Macavity

silk_selen	12 Jan 2004
I have a friend who has her oldest deck in a set of those plastic card protectors, I'm not sure where she found some large enough to fit the odd sized cards, but I can ask her when I see her next, if you like.

Mojo	12 Jan 2004
In London's Camden Market, there is an old woman who reads the Tarot and her deck is so ragged, stained and brittle that it is literally falling apart - I've seen small pieces of the cards fall off while she's doing readings. So it's obvious that she plans to use that deck until there's literally nothing left of it. It doesn't seem to hurt her business - I've never seen her idle and there always seems to be someone else waiting for a reading.

miss_apples	12 Jan 2004
me personally...I dont put any personal sentiment in my cards. To me they are just a deck of cards...the power of reading is within me and I just use the cards to help keep my focus so that my mind doesnt wander. I have had many decks and my kids usually end up gettng into them and wrecking them in one way or another and I just toss them aside and get a new deck. So this is my view on the matter...if you dont want to throw them away because youre afraid that you'll lose your psychic abilities along with the deck. Dont worry because the power is with you and not the cards, and it remains with you. If you have a sentimental attatchement to the deck, then just keep them in a desk drawer or use them in art or any of the other ideas that were mentioned. There is no right or wrong way to do these types of things...whatever you are comfortable with.

Vynara	12 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by silk_selen I have a friend who has her oldest deck in a set of those plastic card protectors, I'm not sure where she found some large enough to fit the odd sized cards, but I can ask her when I see her next, if you like. Regarding plastic card protectors... I always carry two tarot cards with me, and I do know that the Gothic Tarot can just fit into the clear holders meant for Singaporean passports. I do not know if all countries' passports are the same though =P

leonine	13 Jan 2004
Thanks for the ideas everyone!- I may even get them laminated. After reading all the posts, I think I would be a fool to through them away! I am curious about the "protectors" that I can slip over the cards. I live in New York and don't know exactly where to purchase them.

Star Spirit	13 Jan 2004
Some interesting ideas here! I'll keep them in mind ;)

Vynara	13 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by leonine Thanks for the ideas everyone!- I may even get them laminated. After reading all the posts, I think I would be a fool to through them away! I am curious about the "protectors" that I can slip over the cards. I live in New York and don't know exactly where to purchase them. leonine I dont live in NY but try finding those game shops who sell stuff like magic the gathering cards? They usually offer plastic protectors meant for playing cards. I'm not sure if you can find tarot card sized ones though.. I'm still seraching for such in Singapore. Good luck!

psychiclayla	18 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Mojo In London's Camden Market, there is an old woman who reads the Tarot and her deck is so ragged, stained and brittle that it is literally falling apart - I've seen small pieces of the cards fall off while she's doing readings. So it's obvious that she plans to use that deck until there's literally nothing left of it. It doesn't seem to hurt her business - I've never seen her idle and there always seems to be someone else waiting for a reading. Wow, I've seen that old lady as well in the Stables area. I tried to get a good look at her cards, but like you say she was surrounded by people. I can't wait 'till my cards get that old and raggedy! My clients seem to prefer a well-used deck to a brand-spanking new one. ...If you are feeling creative...You could try brushing the edges of the card with PVA glue to stick them down & prevent further peeling...

Mojo	18 Jan 2004
psychiclayla, it's just an old Rider Waite-Smith deck with the blue diamond background. I've tried several times to get a reading from her, but she's only there on weekends and the wait has always been more than 2 hours every time I've asked.

psychiclayla	19 Jan 2004
That is SO going to be me in 50 years time! Tarot reading (or fortune telling in general) is about the only career where it's actually an advantage to look as though you have lived an interesting life. I am quite looking forward to my old age in that respect... Loving that woman's look! I will def. go to her for a reading next time I'm in London. Don't throw your cards away, the crap-stained look is in!

The overused tarot cards thread was originally posted on 21 Dec 2003 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.