How do I take care of my tarot cards?

Tarot cards are a popular tool for divination, meditation, and self-reflection. With proper care and handling, tarot cards can provide many years of insight and enjoyment. Like any cherished possession, tarot cards require some basic maintenance to keep them in good condition. By learning simple tarot care techniques, you can protect your cards from damage and create the ideal environment for powerful readings. This article will provide tips on cleansing, storing, shuffling, and maintaining your tarot deck. Follow these tarot card care guidelines, and your cards will remain vibrant, accurate, and responsive during readings.

Table of Contents

How should I cleanse new tarot cards?

When you first acquire a new tarot deck, it is advisable to cleanse the cards of any residual energy from manufacturing and transit. Cleansing helps attune the cards to your unique energy signature, promoting a deeper connection during readings. Here are some quick tips for cleansing new decks:

Pass the cards through incense smoke. Sandalwood, sage, and frankincense are cleansing scents.

Place the cards in sunlight for several hours to purify and energize them.
Gently tap each card on a hard surface to shake off stale energy.
Shuffle the cards while visualizing white light clearing away impurities.

Fan out the deck and wave a feather over the cards to sweep away negativity.
Spray the cards lightly with purified or distilled water to wash away unwanted energy.
Set the cards on a crystal cluster such as quartz or amethyst overnight to infuse them with positive energy.

When cleansing is complete, cut the cards to finalize the energy shift. Then, dedicate your new tarot deck by giving it an intention for insightful readings.

How should I store my tarot cards?

Proper tarot card storage preserves your deck and keeps it attuned to your energy. Consider these storage suggestions:

Wrap cards in a natural fiber cloth such as cotton, linen or silk.

Keep your deck in a wood, cardboard, or metal storage box rather than plastic.
Store cards in a dry location away from extreme temperatures.
Place crystals with the cards to amplify their energy.

Include a small sachet of dried herbs like lavender or mugwort to repel insects and negative energy.
Do not let other people handle or read your cards to avoid energy interference.
When traveling, carry cards in a bag close to your body to maintain your energetic connection.

With proper storage, your tarot cards will retain their potency and remain protected from environmental elements.

How should I handle tarot cards?

Tarot cards benefit from gentle, intentional handling. Here is how to handle your cards:

Before readings, ground and center yourself in a calm state.

Do not read when overly tired, emotional or rushed.
Keep cards out of direct sunlight which can cause fading.
Avoid touching card surfaces to prevent dirt, body oils and smearing.

Hold cards carefully by the edges when shuffling.
Never fold, bend or force cards as this can damage them.
Do not allow food, drink or smoke around cards which can stain or mark them.

Use a smooth, steady surface for laying out spreads.
Return cards gently to storage after readings.
Handle your deck daily if possible to strengthen your connection.

With routine, gentle handling, your tarot cards will retain their beauty and deliver accurate guidance.

How should I shuffle tarot cards?

Shuffling infuses tarot cards with your energy, preparing them to offer guidance. Shuffling also allows you to focus your intention on the reading. Here are some shuffling tips:

Relax and ground yourself before shuffling.

Cut the deck into three stacks, then reassemble in a new order.
Riffle shuffle by bending the deck to interlace the cards.
Overhand shuffle by grasping chunks of cards to intersperse them.

Shuffle while concentrating on your question or intention.
Avoid excessive, forceful shuffling which can damage cards.
Shuffle thoroughly until cards feel properly mixed.

Cut the deck after shuffling then begin your reading.

With mindful shuffling, the cards become charged and arranged in the perfect order to address your inquiry.

How can I maintain my tarot cards?

Occasional tarot deck maintenance preserves your cards for many enlightening readings. Here are some easy maintenance tips:

Keep cards in a safe, dry place away from sunlight and heat sources.
Cleanse cards regularly by passing through incense, tapping, or setting outside overnight.
Avoid touching card surfaces by handling from edges only.

Carefully store cards if not using for extended periods.
Gently wipe card edges with a soft cloth if they become dirty.
Purchase a card case or bag for travel and daily transportation.

Avoid shuffling on abrasive surfaces which can scuff and scratch cards.
When cards show signs of wear, respectfully bury or burn them.
Invest in a new deck when cards become heavily worn or damaged.

With proper maintenance, your tarot deck can offer many years of magical insights and connection.

How can I repair damaged tarot cards?

Even with the best care, tarot cards may occasionally become damaged. Here are some ways to repair cards:

Use clear tape or archival photo corners on card edges if fraying or peeling.

Place reinforcing tape or laminate on card backs if they split or tear.
Lightly polish extremely scuffed card surfaces with a soft cloth.
Set bent cards beneath a heavy object such as books to flatten.

Trim edges with rounded scissors if they become unevenly cut.
Color in any minor scuffs or marks with an artist’s pencil or marker.
Replace any cards which become heavily stained, torn or marked.

While damaged cards can often be salvaged, avoid forcing bent cards which can weaken the paper. If cards exhibit extensive damage, reverently dispose of them and purchase a new deck. With reasonable repairs, your tarot cards can return to active duty.

How do I bond with new tarot cards?

Forming a strong connection with your tarot cards allows more insightful and accurate readings. Here are tips for bonding:

Cleanse and dedicate the new deck with an intention or ritual.

Handle and shuffle cards daily while focused on an inquiry.
Sleep with the deck under your pillow to transfer energy.
Carry the cards with you in a bag or pocket for several days.

Do frequent sample readings to become familiar with the deck.
Place the deck on your nightstand or altar between readings.
Gaze at each card while noting symbols, art and your impressions.

Thank the deck after readings for its guidance.

With dedicated time and attention, you will develop a comfortable relationship with your tarot cards that supports insightful readings.

Conclusion

Tarot cards become powerful divination tools when properly cared for over time. By cleansing, storing, handling, shuffling, maintaining and bonding with your deck, you will keep your tarot cards in optimal condition. Your tarot wisdom will flourish when cards are shown love through gentle, mindful treatment. With just a bit of tarot card care knowledge, you can receive many years of magical insights from your deck.