Tarot Talk

CARING FOR YOUR CARDS

Cleansing

New decks should be cleansed before use. Many Tarot readers cleanse their cards regularly with sunlight, moonlight, or crystals. Placing your deck in the light of the full moon or bright sunlight once a month is said to cleanse the cards of any negative energies. Placing one or more crystals with your deck can accomplish the same purpose. Just don’t forget to cleanse the crystals periodically.

Another method for cleaning your cards is to meditate upon the deck and envision positive energy surrounding the cards in the form of a purifying white light. Imagine the light’s radiant luminosity cleansing your cards of any negative or unwanted energies. Continue for as long as this feels comfortable or until you sense the cards have been adequately purified.

How and when you cleanse your cards is subject to personal preference. There is no right or wrong method. Ultimately you should use the technique that feels right for you.

Shuffling

Tarot cards are much larger and thicker than normal playing cards, which can make them more difficult to handle and prone to damage. The right method for shuffling is the one that work best for you and your deck.

The form of shuffling I favor, because it is seems less damaging to the cards, requires you to hold the deck face down in your left hand, while pushing one card at a time into your right hand. Alternate each card’s placement between the top and bottom of the growing pile for thorough mixing.

Storing

It’s important to keep your Tarot deck properly stored and protected. When traveling with the cards, take special measures to ensure they do not become damaged. Cards that become bent can be difficult to shuffle and soiled decks look unsightly. The exception to the rule is normal wear from use — this simply shows you are an experienced Tarot reader!

Many readers store their cards in a special box, bag, cloth, etc. It serves to keep them protected from curious children and pets, both who seem fascinated by the colorful pictures. I’ll never forget waking up one morning to find my shiny, new Tarot deck chewed to pieces by my inquisitive kitties. Now I keep my cards stored in a hand sewn black silk bag placed within a decorative box. However, if your primary concern is practicality, the deck’s original cardboard box can also serve as suitable storage.