When you read for others, your decks are bound to become worn and beat – especially if you are a high volume reader like myself. Although some may feel that a well used deck has more power, I find that eventually, like any tool, the readings can become somewhat dull. (This is just the way I feel, by the way, and no means the final word on whether or not a deck is used up!)
Of course, any deck over a long period will acquire nicks and bends but here’s a few tips to preserve your decks:
1. You may want to consider not allowing the questioner to shuffle the deck. Personally, I prefer that they DO – but if you decide to allow someone else to shuffle your deck, you have no control over how rough they will be. Recently, I acquired a beautiful deck that was made on rather thin card stock. An aggressive client shuffled those cards with such fury that she ended up destroying the deck. All it took was that one reading – and poof! They were no longer useful. Think carefully about this. If you are paranoid about a deck being trashed, then don’t allow anyone to touch it. Or get decks made on sturdy card stock!
2. Have a variety of decks handy so that you can switch off as often as you’d like. Think of this as rotating the tires on your car – it will give your decks a longer shelf life.
3. When not in use, keep the deck in a silk scarf or in a wooden box.
4. If you travel with your deck, I advise you to keep it in a nice silk bag. I have a lovely one that a dear client made for me years ago. It keeps my deck safe but also reminds me of her whenever I look at it!
What about a deck that has been completely ruined? You can either “retire it” – put it away in your collection or choose to give the deck to a person who may want it. The other option that I like is to put it in a paper bag with an orange cut in half and throw it away, far from your home. I learned this technique from an old magician who disposed of all of his magickal tools this way.
Always remember – your deck is the “window to your soul”. Treat it with respect! With a little care, they can last a long time and serve you well.
Blessings!
Theresa
www.thetarotlady.com
©The Tarot Lady | Theresa Reed
I have a deck that recently got spilled on. I heard about a technique to transfer the experience of one deck to the next. Do you know about this?
Hi!
I have not heard of that technique. If you find out more information about it, I’d certainly be curious. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings!
Theresa
http://www.thetarotlady.com
I like to keep my cards in good condition and I keep them in a lovely purple silk scarf and then in a velvet bag, i nevr leave them out of that unless I am doing a reading. I ask if they would like to shuffle them but as they are friends and faimly i usually can say to them ‘be gentle with them’ which is probably why they are still in great condition. I am going to by a 2nd pack soon though as feel like I need a change.
With the care you are giving your deck, it should last years! Which deck do you currently use? Which deck are you thinking of getting?
VERY helpful article about tarot care! Wish I seen this when I first started out, as the #1 tip gave me a pretty good chuckle tonight, as I learned the HARD way, how questioners are so rough shuffling the cards, and I was not very happy with one particular client who ruined and dismembered my brand new beautiful deck! argh! I learned to have one deck solely for questioners, and the rest were for me.
I have had many a good deck ruined by rough handlers! I know to keep the rare or really fragile decks away from clients.