Incense is one of the most widely used techniques for purifying tarot decks.
For purifying rituals, incense is burned in many religious traditions. The most widely used purifying incenses in the West are white sage, sweet grass, or palo santo. My favorite aroma is that of palo santo, which is both bright and woodsy.
Stick, cone, or loose incense are more options. Pick an incense that is connected with blessing or purification.
Some readers clean their deck of cards one by one. However, if you want to use the entire deck in one attack, go ahead and do that.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to cleanse yourself or your reading area to remove any unwanted energy. Tarot readers frequently smudge themselves before and after readings (particularly when reading for someone else).
Use cleansing sprays produced from essential oils if you enjoy incense but suffer from severe allergies or are sensitive to smoke. Sprays for cleaning are excellent.
Sprays come in a range of base oils, including sage, palo santo, etc. Simply spray yourself and your surroundings for the aura-cleansing sweetness to take effect. Avoid directly spraying your cards or you run the risk of harming them.
As a side note, using incense to purify is known as smudging. You should read Asali Earthworks’ piece, “Language Has Power,” which discusses the problems with this term’s adoption.
In This Article...
How are tarot cards blessed and purified?
Here are four simple steps to purifying tarot cards.
- Meditate. Simply unwind for a moment and get rid of all your thoughts.
- Pass each card through the smoke after burning sage.
- Place bay leaves within the deck of cards.
- And for protection, place a crystal on top.
Do I need to always cleanse my tarot cards before using them?
That’s correct
Magdaleno really suggests cleaning your deck before each reading to achieve the most accurate results. She advises starting with a cleansing to make the cards clear for your reading, whether it’s for yourself or someone else.
How are Tarot cards energized?
Tips for Purifying and Blessing Your Tarot Cards
- Incense/Smudging. Using Palo Santo incense to purify tarot cards
- During a full moon. Tarot cards are purified using the moon.
- Sun bathing. Tarot Deck Cleaning with the Sun.
- bowl that sings. Use it if you have one.
- I rap on the deck.
How do I sanctify my brand-new Tarot deck?
Your playing cards will inevitably take up on any unfavorable energy that gather around you as you employ them. On the other hand, the leftover energy of the people you’ve given readings to can also accumulate.
It’s a good idea to routinely cleanse your cards because of this. The goal is to realign the cards towards their receptive neutral default condition by clearing the opposing and adversarial energies surrounding them.
The full moon charge is a common practice for blessing playing cards. You can achieve this by setting your playing cards beside your window or somewhere else where they can get a lot of moonlight on a full moon night.
Filling your cards with the sun’s radiant energy is an alternative. The procedure is the same as a full moon charge, but you should exercise caution because heat and humidity might warp and harm your cards.
You can choose to bless and purify your cards with a crystal as well. When your cards are not in use, you can continuously purge them of any lingering outside energy and concentrate the cards’ inherent power by placing a piece of clear quartz on them.
Other well-liked gems include black tourmaline, which acts as a grounding agent and can absorb bad energy, and amethyst, which can enhance psychic insight.
Without sage, how can a tarot card be blessed?
While rearranging the cards in the tarot deck is a good approach to purify and clear their energy, there are some circumstances in which you might wish to perform a more specialized ritual. If you’re just getting started with tarot, cleaning your deck can be an excellent place to start.
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. Consider it as a little spiritual hygiene to maintain a strong and clear connection. 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 stress if you don’t believe it is necessary for your deck. 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). It works well to leave it like way for an hour, but I prefer to leave it overnight.
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.
Unorderly shuffle. 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.
How are tarot cards activated?
What to Do First:
- Get out your tarot deck.
- The cards are in your hand.
- “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.
Questions you don’t really want answered
Even though it might seem apparent, it’s advisable to refrain from asking the tarot cards questions that you aren’t prepared to hear the answers to. That’s because answers to these questions can reveal information you’re just not quite ready to hear.
“Tarot can definitely come off as offensive if you’re not willing to hear the truth or consider an opposing opinion. Tarot reading Nicole Fortunaso
According to tarot reader and life coach Nicole Fortunaso, “tarot may truly come out as offensive if you are not willing to hear the truth of the problem or look at an alternate viewpoint.” She advises analyzing why you’re reacting the way you are in order to reflect on how to effectively address the underlying problem if you ask the question and aren’t satisfied with the response.
How are tarot cards maintained?
Your tarot deck should be cleared, or cleansed, of any negative energies it may have absorbed from work, rest, or handling by others. Each of the four natural elements, as well as the fifth element of spirit, has a cleaning procedure associated with it. I have contemplated which element corresponds to which technique and have come to the following findings.
Under the name for each technique, I’ve listed the element I’ve given it, along with a brief justification of my decision. Although it may be too soon to say this, I’ll see you in the comments area if you disagree with my selections and would like to share which elements you would move around.
Visualisations
Spirit is associated with an element. We are attempting to incorporate or assimilate the essences and spirits of the heavens and the earth by drawing down or pulling up white light from them to blend with our own.
After a long day of work, using meditation-based practices is a terrific way to calm yourself while also clearing the energy from your playing cards. It’s also crucial to keep in mind that while pulling white light up via and from the earth is beneficial for grounding, pulling white light down through and into yourself or your cards can serve to purify. Once more, draw the white light up into your cards. If you are doing this for yourself, don’t forget to draw the light up through your feet and up through the rest of your body.
While really holding your tarot cards in your hands, you can extend that practice beautifully by seeing yourself holding them and then either bringing the light down or up through your cards and your body. You are connected to your cards when you are holding them. What better way to clean them than to do it simultaneously, in unison?
Nancy of Tarot Explorer describes how she asks her spirit guides to bless her deck after smudging it in the Smudging and Incense chapter below. It is a fantastic adaption to use that portion of her technique here, during a visualisation.
I always “clean the cards” before or right after a reading as part of my personal ritual. I do this by visualizing a beam of pure white light from above piercing the cards and instantly purging them of all prior energy. Tarot of Angels by Anton Rossi
Smudging and incense
Fire is an elemental connection. Smudge sticks and incense are lit and kept burning by fire. It is the only element capable of transforming one item into another and has long been linked to rites of purging and cleansing.
It is clear why this approach is by far the most common one. This method seems to work because of our recall of frankincense from our time spent attending church. Just the sight and smell of the smoke can conjure up a genuine sense of purification.
Look for white sage when using a smudge stick, though lavender smudge is also beneficial if you can locate it. There are several types, aromas, purities, and intensities of incense. Each has unique traits, connections, and purposes. The range is enormous and may be a little perplexing. Try what you can find or what you already have, is my advise to you. I have successfully smudged with a variety of substances using many different types. Be less anxious about having to discover the ideal smudge or incense; you will, after much trial and error, and I can attest that the process is really enjoyable.
I sage a new deck when I acquire one (light dried native sage and pass the deck several times through the smoke). The sage smoke purifies the cards and establishes a sacred area around them. I then make a request to my spirit guides to bless the deck and assist me in using it solely for the benefit of the person I’m reading for. Tarot Explorer Nancy Hendrickson Bonnie Cehovet, Laura Goodfellow, Rainbow Tarot, Misha, Tarot by Misha, and I ourselves are also fans.
Moon energy
Water is associated with an element. La Lunar has long been linked to water because of her feminine, enigmatic, and fluid spirit. She has the ability to control enormous oceans as well as your body.
Tarot deck clearing using lunar energy is quite efficient. The simplest method is to just set your deck on the window sill or close to one and allow the moon to clear and revitalize your cards. Although it is helpful, a full moon is not necessary, especially if it can be seen from the window next to where you plan to put your deck. I have used this strategy successfully many times before. Using crystals, you can even incorporate a small ritual into this method, as the Tarot Lady proposes below. Smudging or lighting incense before the ritual can also be quite helpful. If you want to give your Full Moon ritual a bit more atmosphere, consider including candles.
Overnight, place the cards in the moonlight, loose. However, keep them inside and place them on a lovely blanket or a basket that you prefer. Toby Cehovet
I’ve only ever had to cleanse a Tarot deck once, and that was when I first began exploring the fascinating world of magic and divination. I had purchased a used deck, and every time I lifted it up to use it, I would get a headache. As a novice, I was a little unclear of what to do and by pure luck, rather than expertise, I discovered a ritual that has served me well ever since. I wrapped my deck (in a box) in a black lay cloth, put salt on top of it, and set it on the window sill for 24 hours. I still don’t get headaches when I use that deck. Witch Blog by Lyn
Shuffling and re-ordering the deck
Air is the associated element. Focused mental effort is very much required while carefully, logically rearranging your cards during shuffling. Imagine the subtle hand motions of shuffleboarding, which are swift to the touch and light as air.
This method is very well-liked and only takes you to sit down with your deck and play with it softly (as we do), shuffle it until you feel it has been cleansed, or put the cards back in their original order before rearranging them. I haven’t actually done this previously, however lately while working on some spread designs, I unintentionally did the latter. The deck had been rearranged for the task I was doing, and when I mixed it back up again for readings, I discovered that the same deck was extraordinarily accurate.
Favored by Bonnie Cehovet, Misha, Tarot by Misha, and Lori Green, who incorporates a little incense into her ceremony (see above).
Using crystals
Earth is associated with an element. With the essence and power of the earth within her. Crystals effortlessly ground and radiate that force to everything in their immediate vicinity, gracing it with the spirit of nature.
I adore crystals and use them constantly throughout the day. I can hold one in my hands to clear my head or to help me concentrate. In addition to the fantastic advise from the Tarot Lady below, I frequently use one to sit on top of an opened deck while readings or simply because I’m using the deck in another capacity and may be leaving it unattended for a while. It still involves a crystal and a tarot card, but the focus is on guarding rather than cleaning.
For many tarot and spiritual pursuits, clear quartz and amethyst are excellent all-arounders.
My personal method when I feel that my deck has been “depleted” is to place it on a shelf with a crystal on top of the deck. I frequently use a quartz crystal, but if I feel the deck has gotten unbalanced, I may also use a smokey quartz or a hematite (this can happen if I read for a client who has really bad or spacey energy). I also make an effort to place the deck squarely in the moonlight during full moons, as this appears to really charge the deck magnificently. The Tarot Lady, Theresa Reed
How can I wash cards?
Most domestic playing cards can be quickly cleaned by placing them in a paper bag with a few teaspoons of flour, talc, or cornstarch. Shake firmly. Then use a paper towel to clean each card.
The superior plastic-coated cards, on the other hand, can be cleaned by drenching a clean towel in a mixture of cold water and a few drops of mild soap (not detergent). A soft, clean, dry cloth should be used to quickly dry the card once the damp cloth has been used on both sides. Before storing the cards, let them thoroughly dry on the air.
How should I use my brand-new tarot cards?
2. Position your deck during the New or Full Moon. Imagine the moon’s beams touching and anointing your brand-new deck if you think in the power of the moon. But if you’re from a place like the Philippines, you need to be careful! Moisture and unexpected downpours of rain can harm your priceless new cards. 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?