Tarot cards are like special tools for understanding things in life better. But sometimes, they can pick up negative energies that make them less useful. That's where cleansing comes in. It's like giving them a fresh start to make sure they're working.
In this article, we'll talk about how and why you should cleanse your tarot cards. Remember that keeping your cards clean helps them stay accurate and helpful.
Why is it important to clean your tarot cards?
Many tarot readers regularly cleanse their tarot cards. Some may not think it necessary, but others consider it a must for maintaining the purity and energy of their tarot decks. The principle behind cleansing tarot cards is to make a space where everything is clear and open to receiving tarot readings; this belief is frequently connected to spiritual or energetic beliefs. Different tarot readers might use different methods or rituals to achieve this. However, cleansing their tarot cards is a personal decision based on their beliefs, practices, and preferences.
Here are some of the reasons why cleansing tarot cards is often considered an important practice:
Clearing Negative Energy
Tarot cards can absorb energies from different sources, including the surroundings and people who handle them. Cleansing helps to clear away any negative or stagnant energy that might have accumulated, ensuring that the cards are receptive to the energies of the reader and the querent (the person asking the question).
Resetting the Cards
Cleansing can reset the energy of the cards to their natural state, allowing for a more accurate and real reading. The cards' energy might become lost or unbalanced over time; clearing them out helps in bringing them back.
Creating a Connection
Cleansing can also help the reader create a deeper connection with the cards. By clearing away any external influences, the reader can connect more deeply with the intuitive feelings and hidden meanings of the cards.
How Often Should You Cleanse Your Tarot Cards?
• It's recommended to cleanse your tarot cards after reading for others to clear any energies that may have transferred from the person receiving the reading or from the surroundings. This ensures that the cards are ready for the next reading and that the energies from previous readings don't influence the next ones.
• If you find that your readings aren't providing clear insights or aren’t making sense, it could be a sign that the energy of the cards needs to be refreshed. Cleansing the cards in such situations helps to reset their energy and may improve the clarity and accuracy of your readings.
• When you get a new tarot deck, it's a good idea to clean it before using it for readings. This clears any residual energies from previous owners or the manufacturing and packaging process, allowing you to create a new and fresh connection with the cards.
• The full moon is considered by many tarot readers to be a powerful time for clearing and charging tarot cards. Refreshing the energy of your tarot deck is a great idea, as the full moon's energy is believed to help improve the effectiveness of cleansing rituals.
• Trust your intuition. If you sense that the energy of your tarot cards is off or dull, it's a great time to cleanse them. This could be due to various factors, such as environmental influences, extended usage without cleansing, or energy imbalances, and cleansing can help restore the vibrancy of the cards.
By following these guidelines and cleansing your tarot cards, you can maintain their clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness in providing accurate insights during tarot readings.
Different Methods of Cleansing Your Tarot Cards
By cleansing a deck, new or secondhand, you reset its energy and reconnect it to yours. When your readings feel unclear or disconnected or your cards may have picked up negative energy, you know it's the right time to do a cleansing.
Cleansing Method #1: Cleanse by Knocking
This cleansing method is believed to shake off any unwanted energies that might have attached themselves to the cards during use.
To cleanse your tarot cards by knocking, simply hold the deck in your hands, you can start by shuffling them, then knock three times and when you're knocking, picture out dirt just falling off from the bottom of the deck. You may close your eyes if you want to get a great way of visualising it. You can also imagine the sound vibrations breaking up any negative energy, leaving your cards feeling refreshed and ready to provide clear insights during your readings.
Cleansing Method #2: Cleanse with Shuffling
You can begin by arranging your tarot cards in their traditional order. As you sort through the cards, pause briefly to look at each one. Take a moment to remember its special meaning or symbolism. This brief reflection helps recreate your connection with the cards and refreshes your understanding of their messages. Once you've looked at each card, place them back in their proper order, aligning them neatly in the deck.
Finally, give the deck a good shuffle. Mix the cards thoroughly, allowing them to intermingle and redistribute their energies. You can shuffle in any way that feels comfortable to you, you may use a simple overhand shuffle, riffle shuffle, or another technique.
Cleansing Method #3: Cleanse with Crystals
Cleansing your tarot cards with crystals is a common cleansing method for tarot readers. Some popular crystals for this are clear quartz, selenite, amethyst, and citrine. These crystals are thought to be good at getting rid of bad energy.
Before you start cleansing, think about your intentions. You can say a prayer, repeat a special phrase, or just focus on making your tarot cards clean and positive. Put your chosen crystals on your tarot cards or near the cards. Let your tarot cards stay with the crystals overnight. During this time, the crystals are supposed to soak up any bad energy from the cards and make them feel good again.
Afterward, express gratitude to the crystals for their assistance through verbal acknowledgment or silent appreciation within your thoughts.
Cleansing Method #4: Cleanse with Incense
Using incense to cleanse your tarot cards is another cleansing method to remove negative energy and renew their spiritual energy. You may choose incense sticks or cones with purifying properties, like sage, cedar, frankincense, palo santo, or sandalwood. These scents are commonly used in spiritual practices to purify and cleanse. Hold your tarot cards in one hand and the lit incense in the other. Slowly move each card through the smoke, making sure both sides are exposed to the purifying incense.
While passing the cards through the smoke, imagine negative energy leaving and positive, clear energy entering. You can also silently repeat affirmations or intentions for purification.
Keep in mind that cleansing your tarot cards with incense is a personal ritual, so feel free to adjust it to fit your own beliefs and preferences.
Cleansing Method #5: Cleanse with Salt
Cleansing your tarot cards with Himalayan salt is another method believed to remove negative energy and restore their spiritual clarity. You need to use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, known for their purifying properties. Avoid using table salt, as it may contain additives that could damage your cards. Place the bowl or dish on a flat surface. Pour a layer of Himalayan salt into the bowl or dish. You don't need a thick layer; just enough to cover the bottom. Pour a layer of Himalayan salt into the bowl or dish. You don't need a thick layer; just enough to cover the bottom. Ensure that both sides of each card come into contact with the salt.
As you pass the cards through the salt, visualise any negative energy being absorbed by the salt crystals. Leave your tarot cards on the salt for a few hours or overnight. During this time, the salt will work to draw out any lingering negative energy from the cards.
Tarot Cards Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your tarot cards is important for maintaining their energy and preserving their longevity. Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining your tarot cards:
- Store them properly. Keep your tarot cards in a special bag, pouch, or box when not in use. This protects them from dust, dirt, and damage. Some people prefer to wrap their cards in silk or velvet cloth for added protection.
- Handle them with care. Avoid bending or creasing them, as this can affect their energy and durability. When shuffling, be gentle to prevent wear and tear on the cards.
- Cleanse your cards. Regularly cleanse your tarot cards to clear them of any negative energy. There are several methods you can use for cleansing, such as smudging with sage or palo santo, using incense, crystals or Himalayan salts.
- After cleansing, it's a good idea to energise your tarot cards with positive energy. You can do this by holding them in your hands and visualising white light surrounding them, or by placing them on a window to get sunlight.
- Avoid letting others handle your cards. Tarot cards can absorb the energy of the people who handle them, so it's best to avoid letting others touch your cards. If you do allow someone else to use your cards, you may want to cleanse and energise them afterwards.
- Trust your intuition when it comes to caring for your tarot cards. If you feel like your cards need cleansing or if you sense any negative energy surrounding them, take action to address it as soon as possible.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your tarot cards remain in good condition and continue to provide accurate and insightful readings for years to come.