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First of all, the most important rule about your Tarot deck is that there are no real rules.  Whatever way feels right to you to treat your deck, that IS right.  Trust your own instincts, first.  

But, on this page I'll share how I handle my cards, and I've gathered some general information about ways to care for and store your Tarot decks.  (If you have anything to add, email me!  I'd be delighted to add your wisdom and advice to this page!)

If you're interested in collecting Tarot cards,  it's important that you keep the box and all the information that comes with your decks.  You don't have to store  your cards in the box, but having the original packaging increases the monetary worth of the deck.

The Celtic Cross Reading
Price: $25.00

Storing your deck:
Most people don't store their decks in the original box, but it's important that you keep your cards in a safe and clean environment.  I use a soft red scarf (see above).  When I read my cards I wrap the scarf around my neck.  (If my kids come home from school and see me wearing the scarf, they know I'm in the midst of readings <grin>)  I also have several Tarot bags, and I've stored a favorite deck in an antique beaded purse that belonged to my grandmother.  Click here for information on Magic Boxes, on this page there are with links to purchase Tarot boxes, and craft ideas for boxes you can create for your cards.  

There are differing points of view about handling Tarot decks, as well.  I always treat my cards with respect, and I don't let people who aren't having a reading handle them.  There are those who take that a step farther, and they don't let anyone but themselves touch their deck, preferring to keep  the deck energy "pure".  Then, there are people who feel that the more handling of the cards, the more "well-rounded" and open to "vibes" they are, and these people have no problems sharing their Tarot cards with the world.  Again, this is a personal preference issue.

Seasoning and cleansing a deck:
Before I use a new deck, I like to "season" it.  I do this by sleeping with the wrapped cards next to my heart or under my pillow for a week. Sometimes I'll slip the unwrapped deck  in a Tarot bag with a long string.  The string allows the bag to dangle like a pendant on a necklace, and I can  I wear it around my neck, or  under my clothes.  
There are some beautiful Tarot bags here...

Different people choose different methods to cleanse their cards.  This is  my method.  Before each reading, I simply do a big messy shuffle, (just like a little kid does) mixing all the cards up into a big pile- then I gather up the cards and do a normal shuffle, then I cut the deck.  If the person I'm reading for is sitting across from me, I have them do the "messy" shuffle part.  When I'm  finished reading I always shuffle the cards, wrap them in my scarf, and store them in my Magic Box.  

Some people like to put their cards back in ordered sequence after a reading to cleanse them.  Some  prefer to "smudge" their deck, passing the cards through incense or sage smoke.  Or, store your deck with a crystal, which is said to absorb negative energy.

 From J in Canada-  "I have heard it is good to put the deck on a windowsill during a full moon."