Am I treating my cards right?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Jan 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Vynara	05 Jan 2004
<--- look at my count post and you can see I'm terribly new, not just to this forum but to tarot in general, so I beg everyone's indulenges ^^ Currently I have only one deck and I keep it wrapped in a silk pillow case. I opted for a pillow case because there's a zip and everything so I don't run the risk of the cards dropping out (i'm careless and clumsy that way, lol). So far, whenever I take my cards out I make sure they are placed only on the silk cover and not anywhere else. I'm planning on getting a larger sheet of silk to do my readings, since the pillow case can hardly accomandate a Mystic Seven, and I would like more room to spread out my cards. I read that one is to keep tarot cards wrapped in silk and in a wooden box, but I don't have any wooden boxes. They are just resting in a drawer for now. Is all that I am doing all right? Can anyone suggest other places to keep them safe until I can find a wooden box? Thanks!

Le_Corsair	05 Jan 2004
A drawer, when you think about it, is a wooden box, unless it is made of some other material. :D Bob :THERM

Majecot	05 Jan 2004
Vynara, You will find that everyone has their own way of keeping their cards intact. I have only one deck that has a silk lined bag ( silk is a fabric that is available by order only at my local fabric store :( ) I have made some bags that are shimery and glittery for some of my decks, I also received a beautiful crochted bag as well.. I have my "tarot drawer" where I store my not used often decks, and some are in original boxes. And I have my "tarot basket" for my reading deck. I used to keep one deck wrapped in a silk scarf in a wooden box but I moved my crystals there. I do not adhere strictly to rituals.. I sorta developed my own.

Kiama	05 Jan 2004
Hi Vynara, and welcome to Aeclectic! Each person stores and cares for their Tarot deck in a different way, depending on their views of the subject. Some keep their decks wrapped in silk, or some other nice material. Many have wooden boxes to keep their decks in. Some just keep them in the cardboard box the deck came in from the shop, whilst others just put them in some sort of bag (I know somebody who stored one of her decks in a thick woollen sock!) The things to take into cosideration with this matter are: 1) Protecting the deck physically: will your storage method leave it open to children/pets that may damage it? Will it protect it from the knocks and bumps it may get when being carried around in your bag? Will it protect it from rain (I've had rain seep through my schoolbag, through the deck's material, and onto the deck... :() 2) Protecting the deck psychically/magically/spiritually: some people believe that a deck must be protected from other's energies, or negative energies. (Not everybody believes it though, and it is up to the individual what they believe) So, to avoid negative energies getting into the deck, some people store it in black silk and/or wooden box. 3) Making the deck look pretty: alot of readers I know store their deck in a gorgeous bag and/or box just because it looks pretty. 4) Will the storage method have any other uses? Personally, I wrap my deck in black silk because it's simple yet attractive, and the silk doubles up as a 'wipe-the-table-clean' cloth in an emergency, and as a reading cloth if I'm, say, doing the reading outside. Mostly, what you do depends on what you feel is best for you and the deck: there's no right or wrong way to store or care for a deck. Not everybody believes in negative/positive energies, not everybody believes that there is a certain way you must store a deck... Mostly it's just 'go with the flow'. :D Kiama

allibee	05 Jan 2004
I keep mine occasionally wrapped in their cardboard box but usually out or in a drawer or in a cupboard .... but never EVER in a Mysticism But whatever floats ya boat, as they say :) allibee (heathen at large)

Little Baron	05 Jan 2004
As already said, there is no right or wrong way; it's personal taste. I have a tall cabinet in the shape of a house for decks that are not being used but in most cases, I keep my cards in their original boxes as they are easier for me to travel with. My Thoth does have a beautiful wooden box, however, with a secret lock - this stops others from getting to them and also secures them so that they dont fall out if they are being taken somewhere out of the house. I did read somewhere that a drawer was perfect; maybe a drawer that contains personal items; an underwear drawer; somewhere that the cards can absorb your energies when not being used. Havn't tried it but its an idea. Don't worry about what is right or wrong. Just do what feels right for you. There are no hard and fast rules. It's what you do with them when they are out of their box, drawer or thick sock, that is important. Best wishes and welcome Yaboot

MoreMagic	05 Jan 2004
My decks are my valued tools; I store them in their boxes on a shelf and put the boxes in some wrapping or other to protect them when I carry them with me. (Sometimes in an old black velvet bag or, when I can't find the !$#@! bag, in a bubble-wrap pouch from my latest mail-order book delivery. :)) I don't do the mystic rituals either, but a lot of people I respect do.

Moonbow*	05 Jan 2004
I've gone back to storing most of mine in their original boxes (unless the boxes weren't that good) mainly because they all stack well in the cupboard that way. I do also have bags and cloths for some. I treat my decks as I would treat say a book, with respect and a bit of care. It also depends on how many decks you have - a bit difficult having 271 little wooden boxes (Gerbear!!!) :D - then again maybe not?? Moonbow* :)

Vynara	05 Jan 2004
thanks you all for your replies! It certainly set my heart at ease... been having the nagging feeling that my cards were unhappy at being just cast in a drawer |oL. Now I think they're just hanging out awaiting the day I can give them a special place (I'm moving soon).

Star Spirit	06 Jan 2004
Everyone is different. With all aspects of tarot, there is no right or wrong. Just develop your own ways of doing things as they suit you best.

Diana	06 Jan 2004
Vynara: my advice would be not to mix up Superstition with Tarot. Put your cards wherever you want to where they don't get dirty, wet, or bent. And also something practical that won't give you hassles every time you want to use them. Tarot cards are pieces of cardboard with ink on them. In themselves, they have no power at all. The power lies in Tarot - and Tarot is not a pack of cards.

Vynara	06 Jan 2004
hmmm! thanks to all who replied, I'm duly enlightened :D And Diana... "The power lies in Tarot - and Tarot is not a pack of cards." Such a powerful statement. *wow*

miss_apples	06 Jan 2004
I agree with Diana. I dont think the cards are that picky. I just keep mine in bags. I used to get these velvet bags from the store that I buy my cards at, but then I realized why should I buy these expensive bags at $17 a pop when I can make them myself. So now I just make them myself...theyre not as pretty or well hand crafted (Im a terrible sewer) but they work. I dont like keeping them in the original boxes because they take more work to open (yes Im lazy) and they take up more room in my purse. Just as long as they dont get wet or damaged or torn....then theyre alright.

Vynara	06 Jan 2004
I agree with u miss_apples about the difficulties involved in keeping the cards back into the original boxes. I think my cards shared the same view because after I took them out for the first them, they just REFUSED to return. Which is why the original box now lies in my keepsakes chest and my tarot cards happily nesting in the silk cushion case ;p Btw... what do you people think of separating the cards? I am thinking about carrying the cards that I draw from my daily morning read around with me during the course of the day. I bought some plastic to protect them while they're in my wallet. The rest of the deck would be in their silk cacoon and in my bag. I don't think my cards would mind but I just want to make sure there isn't any bad luck involved in separating cards? There isn't, is there? *blush*

anjocoxo	06 Jan 2004
Well, your decks are lucky! I'm totally clumsy and not organised at all, so I have one deck in my living room, near the computer, another in the hall, most of them in a box in my bedroom (I haven't found time yet to take one to the bathroom, but give me a few more days... :P ). As it has been said, do what feels right for you, as long as you don't ruin the cards, because since they're made of card, they get easily ruined if we are not careful. Now, if they're stored in a wooden box, a drawer, the deck's box, a silk bag, whetever, it's a bit up to you, I guess. Anjo

miss_apples	06 Jan 2004
[quote]Originally posted by Vynara I agree with u miss_apples about the difficulties involved in keeping the cards back into the original boxes. I think my cards shared the same view because after I took them out for the first them, they just REFUSED to return. Which is why the original box now lies in my keepsakes chest and my tarot cards happily nesting in the silk cushion case ;p Btw... what do you people think of separating the cards? I am thinking about carrying the cards that I draw from my daily morning read around with me during the course of the day. I bought some plastic to protect them while they're in my wallet. The rest of the deck would be in their silk cacoon and in my bag. I don't think my cards would mind but I just want to make sure there isn't any bad luck involved in separating cards? There isn't, is there? *blush* [/QUOTE No Im pretty sure youre alright with taking out a few cards. Dont stress yourself over it too much hun. I think its cute...youre worrying about the cards just as a mother would of her children.

Diana	06 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Vynara Btw... what do you people think of separating the cards? Do what you want to with your cards. :) Whatever feels appropriate is right for you.

Vynara	06 Jan 2004
Quote: *giggles* yes indeed I do feel a little like a mother hen fussing over one chick! I talk to my cards and they talk to me.. so well.. :P

Sherilynn	06 Jan 2004
I agree with Diana that the cards are merely cardboard and ink. To me, my cards are a tool to bring out what is inside me, plus, I have a bit of a problem "worshipping" anything of a material nature. That said, I do take care of my cards. Someday they may be OOP, or at the very least, accumulating decks can be expensive. I have a large wooden box, similar to a jewelry box, for storing my 10 favorite decks and I keep the others in deck bags, basically because I find that they are sturdier than the original boxes. In the end, it's about what is best for you.

Emily	06 Jan 2004
I keep all my decks in a glass fronted bookshelf with tarot books too and a few assorted crystals. Some of them are in bags and stay there in the bookcase but if I take decks out or on holiday with me then I always put them into a bag in their deck boxes just to make sure they are safe and don't get knocked about. The decks I've been using usually sit on the dining room table so I can work with them when I want to, I don't use a spread cloth here because the table is clean but if I read out of the house then I'll use one of my purple spread cloths (all my spread cloths are purple for some unknown reason). The Morgan Greer is at the moment spread out all over the table, probably wondering when I'm going to put it away lol :)

miss_apples	06 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by anjocoxo Well, your decks are lucky! I'm totally clumsy and not organised at all, so I have one deck in my living room, near the computer, another in the hall, most of them in a box in my bedroom (I haven't found time yet to take one to the bathroom, but give me a few more days... :P ). As it has been said, do what feels right for you, as long as you don't ruin the cards, because since they're made of card, they get easily ruined if we are not careful. Now, if they're stored in a wooden box, a drawer, the deck's box, a silk bag, whetever, it's a bit up to you, I guess. Anjo lol...yeah my cards are usually just randomly sitting on my desk. You know, its not a bad idea to have cards in the bathroom...I dont know about you but the only time I have completly to myself is when Im in the bathroom. I could have a little card table in there and read while on the loo or I could make a little table to fit over the bathtub and read them in there....lol

anjocoxo	06 Jan 2004
yes, that wouldn't be a bad idea, we just have to be careful, or they'll get wet... But honestly, if we think about how much time we spend in the bathroom... :D Anjo

mzmystic	06 Jan 2004
I think getting all caught up in thinking there are "to do" and "not to do" superstitions that must be followed causes us to stifle the flow of what tarot can mean to us. Like someone else said, treat your decks with respect like you would fine books and do what feels right to you with them. I keep my pocket RW on my computer desk with a happy, rainbow-filled crystal on top to keep the stack from scattering if they're bumped and because I like them that way. I read with them very frequently online so that's why I keep them there. My other special decks fit perfectly into a snowflake shaped box I was given for Christmas that contained other gifts. I love that they all fit in there. Then the two or three other decks I have just stay in their original boxes or a wooden box in my cubbyholes where I keep office supplies. Oh, and I have one little tiny RW that's in a cute little beaded bag I carry in my purse. I used an earring that was beaded that I loved but had lost the mate to to decorate the front of the bag. All my decks I keep with crystals of one sort or another because I love crystals. I even have one crystal that's growing! I'm not kidding! Anyway, tarot cards are not sacred, but the knowledge they can help us tap into is, in my opinion.

Centaur	06 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Vynara Currently I have only one deck and I keep it wrapped in a silk pillow case. I opted for a pillow case because there's a zip and everything so I don't run the risk of the cards dropping out (i'm careless and clumsy that way, lol). So far, whenever I take my cards out I make sure they are placed only on the silk cover and not anywhere else. I'm planning on getting a larger sheet of silk to do my readings, since the pillow case can hardly accomandate a Mystic Seven, and I would like more room to spread out my cards. [/b] It sounds as though you are already taking very good care of your cards! C

Majecot	06 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by miss_apples lol...yeah my cards are usually just randomly sitting on my desk. You know, its not a bad idea to have cards in the bathroom...I dont know about you but the only time I have completly to myself is when Im in the bathroom. I could have a little card table in there and read while on the loo or I could make a little table to fit over the bathtub and read them in there....lol lucky you!!! you get to use the bathroom by your self??? OMG in my house there is no space that is sacred..... not even the bathroom... (oh and you'd think maybe it would help if I closed the door?... but noooo not even then!) I did try to take a bath with my cards once.... bad idea..

Vynara	06 Jan 2004
bathroom... *ponders* I think my bathroom might :just: be big enough for me to sit down and have a read. Maybe I'll do that for my Daily Morning lol!:P:P:P

miss_apples	07 Jan 2004
Quote: Originally posted by Majecot lucky you!!! you get to use the bathroom by your self??? OMG in my house there is no space that is sacred..... not even the bathroom... (oh and you'd think maybe it would help if I closed the door?... but noooo not even then!) I did try to take a bath with my cards once.... bad idea.. Yeah yeah I know...my bathroom really isnt sacred either...my kids walk right in all the time. Unless my boyfriend is home then he pretty much keeps them out of there. And let me guess....the cards jumped right in the tub with you?

ncefafn	23 Jan 2004
I used to angst over keeping my cards wrapped in natural fabrics, and then it occurred to me: they're coated in plastic! Kim

Orion	24 Jan 2004
What a delightful thread to read! Anjo... the bathroom! Thanks for my morning chuckles! I am a firm believer that the way you handle your cards, be it in storage or during a reading, is a very personal and unique to "you"! I have all my cards wrapped in a lay cloth, and then stored in a matching bag. All my decks are ultimately stored in my top drawer. All my very personal and valued possessions are stored in the same drawer. I am very respectful of my cards. I never leave them out unless I am doing a reading -- my cat would have a great time with them! -- they are always wrapped and stored the same way. I have just recently stopped allowing the Querent to shuffle my cards when I read for them. I find that my cards work better, and the reading is more powerful and accurate. And it has taken over 9 years to get to this point!

Khatruman	24 Jan 2004
I am not sure whether your post is dealing with keeping them safe as a deck of cards so they don't get ruined, or if it is a concern about energy. If it is the latter, I am not one to go deeping into that "vibrations" concept. They are a deck of cards to me: a tool, or channel to my own intuition and the collective unconscious. As a tool, it should be treated as any other tool, keeping it "sharp" and away from any elemental force that may ruin it, such as from bending, excessive temperatures, direct sunlight, etc. I liked what Umbrae said in a thread somewhere regarding a well-worn deck. It is good to get a deck broken in so that the cards are pliable and seem to work with your own hands. Use them, and concern yourself more with becoming familiar with how they work with your mind. I caution new tarotist who get very hung up on superstitious ritual. What that tends to do is make them attribute most of the power of reading tarot to the cards, not the reader. It is like reading a novel and giving all the power to the book rather than your imagination. Don't worship the icon. Worship your mind.

The Am I treating my cards right? thread was originally posted on 05 Jan 2004 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.