When it comes to witchcraft, a lot of things are completely up to you! Everyone’s journey is unique and your intuition will guide you differently than anyone else’s guides them. Reading tarot is the same. Treat your cards, and they’ll treat you! 

Why would you want to cleanse your deck? 

Cleansing your tarot deck is a habit for most readers, but not all. Personally, I cleanse my decks when I get them and then every so often before or after readings. But there are plenty of reasons that you may want to give your cards a good cleansing!

Buying used decks

 I’ve bought a few used decks throughout my journey, especially as a beginner! Used bookstores were my best friend because I could buy a deck for much cheaper than I could brand new which meant I could try out reading without breaking the bank. However, I had absolutely no idea who’d owned the deck before me, or how they used their deck. It brings more peace of mind to know that the energy from the deck is clean, positive, and safe. 

Getting a new deck

This is similar to buying a used deck. You don’t know the process the deck went through to get to you, or who and how many people touched it! Cleansing a new deck gives the ultimate fresh feeling, and ties it to your energy. 

Before or after a reading

 Some people skip this step, especially if they’re the only ones reading the cards or if they only read for themselves. However, the cards tend to be more clear when cleansed before a reading, and you can feel more connected because they’re absorbing your energy before you read them! Cleansing after a reading saves you the process of cleansing before your next session, or can clear that emotional energy from the cards while you let them rest before your next reading. 

When someone else touches them

 When someone else admires your cards, or reads from them, their energy is left with those cards. Regardless of that person’s nature, it can do your cards good to be cleansed and rejuvenated for your energy! 

When you’re feeling disconnected

Sometimes people get frustrated after reading for a while because they feel as though their connection with their deck isn’t as strong as it once was. If you think of a deck as any other tool, you recognize that your cards use energy to serve you and need to be recharged every now and then to be used to their full potential! Try cleansing your deck to regain that connection. 

Doing readings for others

 When you’re reading for other people, you’re merging your energy and theirs. That energy will linger with your cards, and can lead to a bit of confusion if it happens often. If you’re switching between people or reading for someone and then for yourself, cleansing is a good option to keep your deck focused and accurate on the energies it’s reading for. 

Cleansing Methods 

Regardless of your “why” for cleansing, there is an abundance of ways to cleanse your cards. All of these are valid ways of cleansing your deck’s energy. The only thing you have to do is pick the one that suits you best! (Pun intended ;))

1. Incense

 For those who like to take a more traditional approach, using incense or another cleansing wand like cinnamon is a fantastic way to cleanse your deck. I personally recommend making or purchasing a cleansing wand out of herbs to get the most efficient cleanse. However, once you decide on your tools, all you need is your deck and your incense. Once you’ve lit your cleansing material, hold the tarot deck above it being sure there’s enough space to prevent any accidental fires. Just allow your deck to be clouded by the smoke. Turning the deck ensures full coverage of your deck. Once you’re satisfied with the cleanse, your deck is all set! Don’t forget to put out that fire! 

2. Salt

 This one’s a bit messy, but it’s fast and simple. Basically, you stick your deck in a bowl, bucket, or any other container that will contain your deck and cover it in salt. Pro witchy tip: put your deck inside a sandwich baggie or in plastic wrap to avoid getting salt stuck to your cards! 

3. Moon cleansing

 We love the moon! This type of cleanse works the best during new or full moons. I tend to cleanse all of my decks and crystals under the full moon because that’s the best time for setting intentions and releasing old tension. Just leave your deck out in a spot that it will get some moonlight and you’ll have a nice refreshed deck the next morning! 

4. Sunbathing

 Sunbathing is an awesome way to recharge your deck with some bright light and warm vibes. It works essentially the same as moon cleansing, where you just leave your cards outside or in a place they’ll get some direct sunlight for a period of time. That time is up to you, and how much you believe your cards need recharging or cleansed.  

5. Crystals

 There are so many crystals that provide healing, protection, and cleansing energies. For me, I find it beneficial to store my decks alongside a selenite wand. However, crystals like clear quartz, black onyx, and amethyst can do wonders for the protection and cleansing of your cards.

6. Knocking

 This is definitely the fastest way to cleanse your deck! Just set the deck in front of you, face down and knock the top 3 times. While doing this, make sure your intentions are set to cleanse and envision the unwanted energies being removed from the deck. 

7. Reordering

As someone who loves organization, this is one of my favorite ways to cleanse my deck. It’s as simple as organizing your deck by suits and numbers, then stacking them all up in order. This way the deck is completely “reset”. Just don’t forget to shuffle, shuffle, shuffle when it comes time for your next reading! 

8. Chaotic shuffling

  Do you remember the 52 card pickup game? Yeaaaa, now you get to play the 78 card pickup! Well, sort of. Chaotic shuffling opens up the energy and gets the deck all sorts of shuffled. Basically, you dump your cards onto a surface and scramble them around the way a toddler would shuffle cards and then stack them up and they’re all ready for you! 

The biggest key in this process is you and your energy. When cleansing your deck, for any reason, make sure you are in the space to do so. If your energy and intent aren’t positive, you’re risking that energy being transferred to your deck. 

9. Just ‘cuz!

 If your deck is feeling “off” or you’re charging your crystals under the full moon, why not cleanse your deck? There’s never a bad time to rejuvenate those energies and give your witchy tools a good cleansing. You’d be surprised at the difference you’ll feel when reading a cleansed deck. 

What’s your favorite way to cleanse your deck? Let me know below!