If you are the lucky first-time owner of a new Tarot deck, congratulations. Hopefully, you are as excited as I am for you. I remember the excitement I had when I got my first tarot deck.
I also remember how clueless I was when it came to preparing and caring for my new tarot deck. I made this short guide to help new witches who might not know how to cleanse and store their tarot cards.
As you will discover, the relationship you will share with your tarot cards will be a very personal one.
Once you start working with the cards, you will begin developing a bond with them, and they will become infused with your personal energy. That is why you will want to protect them from any outside influence that could upset this balance.
When Does My Tarot Deck Need to be Cleansed
A few different situations can arise that would make me recommend that you cleanse your tarot deck. The first situation is if you get a new tarot deck. You have no idea where the deck has been or who has handled the cards, so always cleanse a new tarot deck.
If you have allowed other people to handle your cards, I recommend you cleanse them. Also, I like to cleanse my cards if I have not used the deck in a while.
Another time you should cleanse your tarot cards is if your readings are beginning to feel unclear. Thats always a sign you should cleanse your tarot deck.
Lastly, if you have performed a reading on a person who you sensed had a lot of negative energy.
How to Cleanse Your Tarot Cards
Just like the saying, there is more than one way to skin a cat. There are many different ways to cleanse your tarot cards. It will be up to you to choose the best one for your needs.
The first and probably the most straightforward way to cleanse your cards is to cleanse them with a smudge stick. Sage or rosemary work great for cleansing tarot cards.
Another option for how you can cleanse your tarot cards is to use the energy from the moon to cleanse them. Set the cards out overnight somewhere that the light of the moon will touch them. You do not need to leave them outside; a window sill will work just fine.
You can use salt to cleanse your tarot cards. You will need a plastic bag to seal your cards in and a container to put the cards and salt in. Seal your cards in the plastic baggie and put them in the container. Pour salt over the cards and close the container. Leave your tarot cards in the container for a day or two.
Those are not the only options. You can use sunlight to cleanse your tarot cards or even a clear quartz crystal. Just put the tarot cards in a box with the quartz and allow it to work its magick.
How to Prepare Your New Tarot Deck
First, you will want to make sure you have a cloth and string to wrap your tarot cards with. I prefer to use a cotton cloth, but using a fabric made of natural materials will work just fine.
Once you have gotten your cloth, you can go ahead and open your tarot cards and examine them. Next, you should gently shuffle your cards. Some witches claim you need to shuffle your cards with your left hand. I have never followed that rule, but you can. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
After you have finished shuffling your tarot cards, place them on your cloth and perform your chosen cleansing ritual.
Now take the string, tie your cloth closed, and gently set the cards underneath your pillow or mattress—sleep on top of your tarot cards for two days.
After you have slept on the cards for two days, you will want to take the cards out and gently shuffle them one more time. Once you have finished shuffling them close your eyes and meditate.
While you are meditating, hold your cards to your chest and clear your mind, so it is just you and your tarot cards. Now visualize energy swirling around you and going into your tarot cards. Imagine as the energy is rushing into the tarot cards; they begin to glow a bright white light.
Imagine the light continues to get brighter and brighter until you cannot look at it anymore. Once the light is so bright you cannot imagine looking at it anymore; you can stop meditating.
Your tarot cards are ready.
How to Store Your Tarot Cards
Now that you have prepared and cleansed your tarot cards, you will want to store them properly.
You can store your tarot cards at your altar in a particular spot that you have prepared for them.
You can also make or purchase a tarot card box to store your cards in. If you plan on buying one, I recommend you get one that is made out of wood.
If you are going to buy a tarot card box, try searching Etsy for one. You can usually find one that is not that expensive, and there are some really neat designs on the site.
Another option is to store your tarot cards in a wooden cigar box. Cigar boxes are usually a little bit cheaper than wooden tarot card boxes, so if you're on a budget but want to use a box, this might be the best option for you.
If none of those options work, wrap your tarot cards in a cloth and put them somewhere that gets the least amount of traffic in your house.