So you've finally found the deck of Tarot cards that speaks to you -- congratulations! You've brought them home... but now what do you do with them?
Typically, it's a good idea to protect your cards from both physical damage and negative energy. There are a few ways to do this, and the manner which you choose to use is entirely up to you. You can do any of the following, or even a combination of methods:
- Ritually consecrate your deck
- Wrap the cards in a silk scarf
- Keep your cards in a small box
- Put the cards in a cloth bag with a drawstring
Ultimately, the goal is to never leave your cards laying scattered around the house. If you're taking them somewhere with you, don't just stuff them in your pocket -- keep the deck in their protective shield until you get where you're going.
With a brand new deck of cards, it's a good idea to "get to know the deck" before you use them. You may wish to put them under your pillow for a few nights so they can acquire your personal energy. Many Tarot card readers don't allow anyone else to touch their cards. This is because the cards pick up on the vibrations around them -- imagine if you had five unhappy friends come over, and all five of them played with your cards! On the other hand, some readers will allow a Querent to shuffle or cut the cards prior to a reading. The choice is yours.
If it's been a while since you've handled your cards, or if they've been handled by someone whose presence bothers you, you should either ritually re-consecrate them, or carry them on your person for a while until they "feel right" again.
- There are some people who believe you should never accept Tarot cards as a gift. If a deck is given to you as a heartfelt offering from someone who has nothing but positive thoughts about you, there is no reason why you can't accept them.
- A deck of Tarot cards
- A method of storage: a bag, a silk scarf, a box
