How to Cleanse a Second-Hand Tarot Deck | A Step-By-Step Guide

Whenever you receive a secondhand Tarot deck, you should cleanse it before using. This is to rid the deck of any previous energy which may still be attached, and prepare it for future readings with you.

Within this article, we will discuss:

• Why you should cleanse a secondhand deck
• How to cleanse a deck with incense
• How to cleanse a deck with the full moon
• How to cleanse a deck with crystals
• How to cleanse a deck with meditation and visualization

Why to Cleanse A Second-Hand Deck

It is important to cleanse a secondhand deck because you don’t know what sort of energy which was used around the deck previously. Perhaps there is still lingering negative, anxious, or obsessive energy surrounding the deck: in which case, it’s best to freshen it up.

Plus, cleansing a deck is a great way to get it attuned to you, and in turn, you to it.

Cleanse a Second-Hand Deck with Incense

Cleansing a deck with incense is one of the easiest ways to purify it. It is super easy to get your hands on some incense, either by searching online or heading to your local spiritualist shop.

You can cleanse with stick, cone, or loose incense, and should choose one based on the cleansing properties associated with it. Then, you can either cleanse each card in your deck at one time, or go for the whole thing at once.

Before you use incense to cleanse your secondhand deck, you should first cleanse yourself and your reading space. This is to clear out any energy either around you or attached to you, and ensures that the space is ready to then cleanse a deck.

If you can’t use incense due to allergies, then a cleansing spray is a great alternative. Just spritz the area before you read and you’ll be good to go. 

Side note: be careful to not spray the cards directly as this may damage them. 

Cleanse a Second-Hand Deck Beneath a Full Moon

A full moon occurs approximately every 29 days. Moonlight is especially good at cleansing Tarot decks as it clears away the energy and charges it for the readings ahead.

To utilize this, simply place your deck on a window sill or table, where the light of the full moon is sure to hit it.

Alternatively, you may want to focus on the moon as it moves through the twelve positions of the zodiac wheel. If you wanted to draw energy to a particular sign, then you could charge the deck with an intention. 

For example, Capricorn has an affinity with careers and authority, meaning that cleaning your cards around this time would help draw a focus to this particular subject matter.

Cleanse a Second-Hand Deck With Crystals

Cleansing a secondhand deck with crystals is a great way to prepare your deck for its new owner.

Simply, place a crystal of your choosing upon the deck when not in use to charge it with the energy associated.

One of the best crystals to cleanse a deck is clear quartz. Not only does this have great cleansing properties but it also helps to amplify the energy of the cards.

Alternatively, you may look at selenite, which is great for cleansing and connecting with spirit guides. 

You can also wrap the deck in silk with crystals both on the inside and the outside, and place it inside the box or bag which is likely to become its home.

Cleanse a Second-Hand Deck With Meditation and Visualization

Using visualization and meditation techniques is another great way to cleanse secondhand Tarot cards, especially when used in conjunction with other cleansing methods.

To do this, you should first focus on your breath and draw attention to your intention. Then, you should hold the deck, shuffling it in your hands, and imagine a ball of light cleansing the energy, dusting away any residual energy.

You may want to ask yourself what you want to learn from your deck, and how it can help you in your divination practices. 

Conclusion

Cleansing a Tarot deck is often used before using a first deck for the first time – but it is especially important when the deck is second-hand.

Not only does it rid the deck of any previous energy, but it can be the first step in a long, happy journey listening to its teachings.