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How do you cleanse a new tarot deck?
Short answer: Popular ways to cleanse a tarot deck are to knock on it three times, shuffle it thoroughly, pass it through incense or sage smoke, or leave it overnight with a clear quartz or selenite on top. For a new deck, many readers also sort it into order and look at every card once.
Traditional methods
- Knock: hold the deck and knock on it firmly, often three times.
- Shuffle and sort: shuffle well, then put the cards back in order from The Fool onwards.
- Smoke: pass the deck through incense or sage smoke, keeping it well away from the flame.
- Moonlight: leave the deck on a windowsill under a full moon.
- Crystal: rest a clear quartz point or selenite on the boxed deck overnight.
- Sleep: some readers sleep with a new deck under the pillow for a night.
Bonding with a new deck
Go through each card and note your first impression in a journal before reading the guidebook. Doing a simple 'deck interview' spread — what is your strength, what is your limit, how shall we work together? — is a well-loved tradition.
Looking after cards
Keep the deck in a pouch or box away from damp. A tarot cloth gives a clean surface to read on and protects the card edges. Never use water or salt on cards.
Related from the shop
More questions
How often should I cleanse my tarot cards?
Whenever readings feel muddled, after someone else handles the deck, or monthly at the full moon. There is no fixed rule.
Is it bad luck to buy your own tarot deck?
That's a myth. Most readers buy their own decks.
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