Before you even pull your card, Marmanides advises, “consider what your gut is telling you about the solution.”
We are expected to consult the tarot guides for knowledge or direction, but we should also trust our instincts. Therefore, whether you’re performing a tarot card spread or just picking cards, you should follow the High Priestess’ advice and go inward. Concentrate on the directions you want to be led in and the feelings you already have about a specific circumstance, then channel that energy into your reading.
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What may be done with Tarot cards that are damaged?
Depending on what feels right to you, you may choose to burn the cards, bury the cards in a specific location, or donate them to the neighborhood secondhand store.
Without sage, how can tarot cards be erased?
There are occasions when you might want to perform something more particular and ritualized rather than simply shuffling the tarot deck to purify and clear the energy of the cards. Cleaning your deck could seem like a nice place to start if you’re just starting to understand tarot.
You might want to clean your tarot deck for a variety of reasons, including:
- beginning with a fresh deck
- readings for other people
- You think you need to recharge.
- Your card readings seem a touch “odd” or “disconnected”
- Your deck hasn’t been used recently.
- Your deck has been handled by others
- You think you’ve been utilizing your deck a lot. A LOT, especially for books with strong emotional content
Why should you cleanse or clear your tarot deck?
Tarot deck cleansing helps keep the energy flowing between you and your deck. To keep the link strong and clear, think of it as a little spiritual hygiene. It’s not necessary, but if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, try a few of the energetic cleansing techniques listed below and note which ones seem to work the best for you.
How often should you cleanse your tarot deck?
This is another way of stating USE YOUR INTUITION: there are no hard and fast laws. Don’t worry about it if you don’t think your deck need it. Alternately, if you like to cleanse them once per week or once per month, that’s great. If it feels appropriate to you, you can even place your favorite crystal on the balcony each night.
If you frequently place crystals on your deck and store it on an altar while not in use, you might not feel the need to cleanse it frequently because this quick ritual will likely be sufficient to keep your deck feeling nice.
There are numerous ways to cleanse your cards, just as there are numerous reasons why you might desire to do so.
Different ways to cleanse your tarot deck
Use holy smoke. Light a dried rosemary, lavender, cedar, sage, or palo santo cleansing wand until it begins to smoke. Hold the smoke a safe distance below the deck while holding the burning herbs in one hand and the deck in the other so that the smoke drifts upward onto the cards. Turn the deck so that the smoke covers it from all angles. Next, safely put your deck to the ground and put out the fire.
On the deck, set a selenite stone (or a black tourmaline or a transparent quartz). Although an hour would suffice, I prefer to let it rest like this for the entire night.
Set them on display during a new moon. The New Moon is energy of a blank slate; you can purify the deck by setting it on a window sill on a new moon night. At this moment, you can also make a brand-new intention for your deck.
Place the cards in a salty dish. A strong and stabilizing cleaner is salt. My preferred choice for a thorough cleansing is this. Allow it to sit anywhere from one to eight hours in a dry area.
Shuffle in chaos. Spread the cards out on the ground, then shuffle them around like a child playing in dirt. This method’s freedom and randomization serve as an excellent reset.
the shuffle and sort. Set up the deck in rows of seven cards across, commencing with the Major Arcana numbers 0 to 22. (see photo above). Next, arrange the cards, Ace through King, one for each suit, as follows: Swords, Pentacles, Cups, and Wands. View the deck in this configuration, then mix everything up (like the chaotic!) and shuffle it thoroughly.
Can a tarot deck have its cards removed?
I discussed playing the’scary’ cards when reading at events and parties a few days ago. This is about shielding the audience from scary situations that you’re supposed to be amusing. Even though seasoned tarot readers are aware that there is a balance between “good” and “bad” in every card and that perceived “scary” cards frequently appear for empowering readers, it can be difficult to focus on this when performing five-minute party reading after reading, and you risk worrying or frightening your clients.
What about you, the tarot reader?
I’m thinking about cardswhatever they may bethat ultimately serve as triggers for reliving traumatic events, revisiting unpleasant emotions, toxic settings, or frightening feelings. What if a card indicates a challenge you’ve fought hard to conquer, are tackling at your own pace, or aren’t yet prepared to face? Or an abuser themselves?
NBThere are things that annoy us, and then there is getting “triggered,” which is something quite different. If you’re unsure what a “trigger warning” is or why it’s employed, read this helpful explanation.
Tarot is used by so many people to help them deal with their “stuff” that it’s possible that many survivors may connect certain cards to horrific experiences in their lives. What do you do if it applies to you when this card appears in a reading and triggers you?
As most trauma/abuse survivors are aware, guarding against being triggered is a crucial act of self-care. So, if doing that requires taking your deck of tarot cards apart, so be it.
In the very first reading I ever did, The King of Pentacles appeared, but since I was so new to tarot, I didn’t really have a lot of sentiments about it. According to my notes, I was merely there the second time he arrived “Uncertain about this card. He kept appearing throughout the length of my (very brief) career with tarot, and each time, my response was pretty much the same: “This jackass once more.
But until recently, when he repeatedly appeared in a posture that seemed to allude to my childhood abuser, I didn’t really bother to explore my feelings about it. All of a sudden, my aversion to the card made sense. Shortly after that, Beth and I were discussing it, and she proposed deleting the card entirely from the deck. If my memory serves me right, I probably ignored this advice until I was conducting another reading and he appeared. I was immediately furious, so I pulled out the card and drew a new one.
My readings have only become better since I no longer have to worry about that card appearing (for myself, anyhow; if I’m reading for someone else, I’ll put the card back in).
Tarot is a tool for self-care and self-discovery for so many of us. for development and healing. It’s not necessary to delete a card just because you “feel uncomfortable” about it or have a tough reaction to it; instead, you might want to dig deeper and work on your sentiments.
However, if you’ve experienced trauma or abuse, you don’t have to deal with that stuff when you use your cards. It’s not “simply part of tarot,” and you don’t have to run the danger of getting triggered each time you shuffle your cards.
Removing triggering cards from your deck is completely acceptable. The’system’ of the tarot or having a full deck are far less significant than your emotional well-being. Additionally, you can remove a card from your deck before reading for a buddy if you are aware that it would trigger them.
What should you do initially while using a Tarot deck?
What to Do First:
- Get out your tarot deck.
- In your hand, hold the cards.
- “Knock or tap the pile of cards numerous times while holding them in your palm to disseminate your energy throughout the deck.
- Shuffle the cards completely.
- The cards are divided into three heaps, which are subsequently reassembled into one pile.
How should I use my brand-new Tarot deck?
2. Position your deck during the New or Full Moon. You may see the moon’s beams touching and anointing your brand-new deck if you believe in the power of the moon. But if you’re from a place like the Philippines, you need to be careful! Your priceless new cards can be damaged by humidity and sporadic, unexpected downpours of rain. I occasionally place my deck near my window so that it has a slight outdoor sensation without being dangerous.
After some extensive use, this is a great way to “clear your deck.” It feels excellent to let the moon refresh your deck symbolically. You can also encircle your deck with your favorite stones if you have a collection of crystals.
3. Commence utilizing it for noteworthy events. A fresh deck may spice up any celebration, whether you choose to use it exclusively for Beltane or Ostara in accordance with the pagan Wheel of the Year, or you want to infuse your birthday with extra charm.
You might even limit the times when you utilize your deck. You may, for instance, create a special tarot deck exclusively for readings about the moon cycle or readings that entail shadow work.
On the other hand, I could use my recently acquired OG Starchild Tarot to inspire an altar full of celestial-themed accessories, including twinkle lights, crystals in luminous yellows, dark, night-sky blacks, and cool blues, a cloth decorated with constellations, and perhaps putting The Star card out and on display.
5. Put your brand-new tarot deck beneath your pillow as you sleep. Absolute superstition, this The night before a huge exam, I used to do this to simulate the information seeping into my subconscious (lol, reassure me that I’m not the only one). You can truly, physically bond and spend time with your tarot deck by sleeping with it beneath your pillow. And why not try it if you believe all that woo woo about images actually penetrating your subconscious?
What should you do if your Tarot deck isn’t complete?
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who shared their thoughts, especially Tim, whose words inspired others.
Tim, thanks for that
- You have no idea where they have been or why certain cards are missing, so throw them away. Only do that if you are in a desperate situation since it’s like picking food out of the gutter. Tim
- Give the undamaged cards to the people I conducted readings for, e.g. In the half deck, if I had any relevant cards from their reading, I offered them one to keep with them or place in a special spot. I let them choose a card at random from the half deck, which I briefly explained and they retained as food for thought, if I didn’t have an appropriate card available. Bev
Ania
- To create greeting cards, mount them.
- “Skin them to create decoupage tarot card boxes from ordinary boxes (available from craft suppliers) or even design a blanket box, chest of drawers, or place mats, coasters, or lacquer-work.
- oh my, the list goes on forever!
- Depending on which cards are missing, mount and frame them in groups or pairs, such as Devil with the Lovers or a set of Courts.
- Make a Tarot jigsaw puzzle by adhering them to sturdy card.
- From your favorite cards, create a mobile.
- Laminate them, then fasten to outdoor wind chimes.
- If you read at fairs, laminate or frame them to beautify your reading space or table.
- To make your wheelie bin less unsightly, glue them on with adhesive back plastic.
- Use them on the front of note cards and other stationary, and if at all feasible, use an image that will help you make your point to the recipient.
- Rose
- I had two cards from my original deck that I had misplaced, so I used some of the “instruction” cards that came with the deck to replace them. Despite having two cards missing, I discovered that the deck still functioned with the ones I replaced. I would be tempted to keep them and consider the reasons why certain ones were absent in comparison to or contrasted with those kept. maybe the “During a spread, the absence of a specific card might come up. Celia
- Use the deck as a Majors ONLY, Minors ONLY, or Courts ONLY deck depending on whatever COMPONENT (if any) is finished. Adjust the component’s spread to reflect “what are the spiritual, “mundane,” interpersonal, etc. aspects, in that order? Not a wholly original concept ISTR utilized by Rachel Pollack “category that apply to the WHOLE Haindl deck. Additionally, since Minchiate decks also include “Element” and “Zodiac” cards, this is a viable option for them. Chris
Di
- As photo frames, mat
- They can be used to illustrate significant events in the subject’s life if you enjoy “scrap-booking” or other related paper crafts.
- Use cards in journals to add some color or to spark introspection instead of just writing on them.
- I decoupaged angel images onto my “special box,” some of which came from an angel oracle deck. When it was finished, I sealed it in layers of lacquer until the margins of the various pictures were no longer detectable with the fingertips. It now has the look and feel of an old symbol after being around for around twelve years.
Judes
- As an alternative, give out business cards or mementos to potential customers. The back of the card could include contact information.
- The blank cards that have been “left as it were for you to design yourself in keeping with the rest of the deck” are the ones that are missing.
- Lucy
- Outstanding for a coffee table
- a haphazard arrangement, some glue, and a glass piece placed on top
- a fascinating talking point
- Osmond
- Perhaps a topic on how NOT to harm decks should come next
- This is some counsel: Make sure plastic beakers aren’t cracked and that drinks are placed on coasters with rims. Keep drinks away from decks as an extra measure of security to prevent spills of wine, mead, etc. Also, avoid bringing cards to work that are merely in a silk bag to read to coworkers and being caught in a downpour on the way home. (Ace Deck Destroyer!) Sharon
Clare
- Create a piece of art
- If you really adore the deck, frame the cards.
- You can use them as examples in your tarot diary.
- Allow your Seekers to peruse them. You won’t be concerned about them messing up if they’re new to tarot.
- Use them as significators while reading with other decks.
- I suppose it depends on which cards are missing. However, if there are only a few (5 or fewer), I might make some of my own before using the deck. Xara
How are tarot cards maintained in good condition?
Your deck will remain clear and tidy for longer if you give it the utmost care.
Vanderveldt says it’s nice to keep your deck in a set location because of this, whether it’s on an altar or a clean shelf. She adds, “I think putting it away consciously after each usage or at the end of the day is a beautiful way to care for it both energetically and physically. You may wrap it in a piece of cloth, lay it in a box, or put a crystal over it.”
Additionally, she advises “absolutely designating a spot to put them,” such as a shelf, basket, or ornamental box, if you have a collection of cards.
Magdaleno advises that if you’ve had a certain deck for a while, you should be sure to pull it out occasionally as putting your decks in shady areas of bookcases or drawers might result in stagnant energy.
Do I need to allow people to handle my tarot cards?
If you have been reading Tarot for years without allowing anybody else to touch your cards and this is how you prefer it to be done, maintain reading in this manner. Do it if it works.
However, if you are new to tarot and unsure about whether you should allow others to touch your cards when reading for them, REST! Others are welcome to touch freely. In fact, I believe that doing this makes a reading seem more genuine. You simply need to believe in the strength of your intention to afterwards purge any negative energy from your Tarot deck.
What are your thoughts on this? I’m interested to know! Therefore, please share your thoughts regarding individuals touching your cards in the comments section below. Do you agree with it? Or do you strictly enforce a no-touch policy?
You *Just* Had a Tarot Reading
Unless the reading is about a completely new and specific subject, I suggest waiting at least three months between professional tarot readings. Let things change and progress before going back to the cards.
You Want a Redo
I frequently observe people attempting to “chase the right answer.” People will visit several tarot readers or ask the same question repeatedly to the same tarot reading until they receive the response they desire (which, by the law of averages, does happen eventually). Kind of useless, this!
Your Question Is About Someone Else
Tarot readings are not the solution if your entire line of inquiry is about another person’s thoughts and actions (such as what your ex is up to). Tarot is meant to help you gain understanding of *yourself,* not other people. (A better option would be to reconsider and rephrase your query as if you were looking for help on how to move past your split.)
You’re Looking for Medical Advice
Simply said, neither physical nor mental health concerns can be diagnosed or treated using the cards. Some things are better left in the hands of medical specialists rather than tarot readers!

