How Do Tarot Decks Get Worn Out?

I have a well-loved Mars Power deck, and it definitely shows some wear, especially the holographic edges. The art is still great, but the box is pretty beat up from traveling around. I used to carry it in my bag to the studio and did daily readings, especially during stressful times.

Doing readings at public events can wear your decks out pretty quickly since the shuffling and handling add up!

It could be a mix of how you shuffle and handle the cards. For instance, I usually take good care of my decks, but I have one that I aged intentionally for a friend's art project. I learned that if cards aren't stored properly, they can get damaged easily. If they're just tossed in a bag, the edges can get banged up. Some folks even keep their cards under their pillow, which probably leads to wear and tear! I notice that for many, just absentmindedly shuffling cards contributes to their wear more than only doing actual readings.

I think the way you shuffle your cards really matters. If you typically just rifle shuffle and don’t mix it up with bridge shuffling, your cards will stay nice. I've found that when I hold and meditate with my deck, it becomes more personal. Spending time with it helps me connect with its artwork more, which could lead to a more worn look too.