Do You Use a Surface Pad or a Cloth to Do Your Readings On?

[Libra 58]

A clean surface is enough but I sometimes use a cloth too. But haven't found one yet that feels like it's the right one.

[Morwenna]

The idea mentioned above of old table linens is spot on. Often seasonal church tag sales will have a section of linens, sometimes real linen. If a tablecloth is too large for you, try some dinner napkins; some of those old ones are quite large, or sew 4 of them together. Elegant and simple. 

[Mab]

I like a clean tabletop, preferably wood but I have a velvet cloth to bring out on occasion, as I have some sensory issues about certain fabrics. 

[EMarieHasADHD]

Yes, I lay my cards on a purple velvet altar cloth. To me, it’s mainly about treating my cards with respect. It’s not a necessity, though. There’s nothing wrong with not using anything. 

 

[Wyrdkiss]

I use a cloth or velvet drape,  but do not riffle shuffle.  I play trading card games; if you riffle, a mat designed for those, such as from Ultra Pro, would also be good for you.  https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Pro-Solid-Purple-Play/dp/B00GC37YVC/ref=asc_df_B00GC37YVC?mcid=351b933556a13ed0974714d67ca992cf&hvocijid=6094865949638990690-B00GC37YVC-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6094865949638990690&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031867&hvtargid=pla-2281435178058&psc=1

[Tanga]

I don't bother with anything if I read for myself (I know what surface I'm putting my cards on at home).

I like a cloth to read for others and my favourite is the purple velvet reading cloth made my SulisCreations.  Because purple is my favourite colour and it feels special to lay cards on it. And - I like to give a little support to my fellow Tarot readers/forum members if I fancy something that they're selling.

I haven't been here for about a year and I can't remember stuff (menopause) - but I think Sulis may be on here somewhere.

 

I guess a playing card mat is the same as a Tarot mat, and on this front I have a fabulous ouija mat made by

Tarot by Seven. I never use it. It's on my wall 🙃.

Edited July 5 by Tanga

[zurgles]

I used to have a modest thrifted collection of various sort of colored or patterned fabrics. One ended up becoming what I wrap my Shadowscapes deck in but the rest are gone now. I didn’t always use them even back then anyway. These days I do readings on my bed. When it’s made the fabric is pretty enough. The blanket color is one of my favorites. Here’s a picture of what it looks like. The lighting in my room is minimal and orange so the green comes out dark especially on my camera, but it’s a darkish shiny emerald green.

 

 

If my bed isn’t made I’ll just throw a shirt down as the cloth. I used to do readings at dining/coffee tables too but these days I live with family and am more comfortable doing readings in my room. Plus there’s a lot of space on a bed.

 

edit: if I were going to do a reading outside, I’d want some sort of barrier but that doesn’t happen much these days.

Edited Wednesday at 10:16 AM by zurgles
clarity, better picture

[Barleywine]

I like to bring one to public readings because I never no what kind of surface the venue will provide. Otherwise, I use solid or neutral-colored cloths for taking pictures of my spreads, either for blog posts or sending to remote clients.