Sometimes a deck feels clear and connected. Other times it feels foggy, heavy, or “not quite mine.”
Cleansing is how you reset the relationship.
Focus: Clearing stagnant energy and reconnecting with your deck.
Perfect For: New decks, post-emotional readings, or times your cards feel “off.”
Intention: “I clear what isn’t mine and return to clarity.”
When to cleanse tarot cards
Biddy Tarot says you’ll need to cleanse your tarot deck the first time you buy it (especially if it’s pre-owned) and notes there are no strict rules—trust your intuition about what your deck needs.
Biddy Tarot also lists examples of when you may want to cleanse: after negative energy exposure, when readings are confusing, if others touched your cards, after an accident, after a break from reading, after a major personal transformation, or when it feels like the right time.
The most important cleansing rule: choose what feels right
Biddy Tarot emphasizes that there are lots of ways to clear and cleanse a deck, and the important thing is choosing techniques that feel right for you and the situation.
Your cleansing practice should fit your life:
- If you live with roommates? Choose sound or shuffling.
- If you’re sensitive to smoke? Skip it.
- If you want “no-fuss”? Knock and shuffle.
Simple cleansing methods (beginner-friendly)
Biddy Tarot lists multiple cleansing methods including sorting and shuffling, knocking or tapping, meditation, moon bath, smoke cleansing, salt burial, fresh air, and elemental clearing.
Here are the ones beginners tend to actually repeat:
Sorting and shuffling
This is practical and clarifying. Put your deck back in order (if you like), then shuffle slowly with intention.
Intention: “This deck is clear, clean, and connected to me.”
Knocking or tapping the deck
Tap the deck gently to “break up” stuck energy. It’s fast and surprisingly satisfying.
Moon bath (moonlight reset)
Place your deck on a windowsill overnight. Keep it out of direct sunlight to protect the artwork.
Sound cleansing
A bell, singing bowl, or gentle claps can act like an energetic reset (apartment-friendly).
Meditation (the quiet reset)
Hold the deck, breathe slowly, and visualize the deck clearing like a calm sky after a storm.
After cleansing: reconnect in one card
Ask:
- “How do we work together best?”
- “What do you want me to know about our connection?”
Labyrinthos frames one-card tarot as a daily meditation that helps you become more present and aware of your surroundings.
That’s the energy you’re returning to: presence.
A gentle reminder about control vs clarity
If you’re cleansing because you’re anxious and trying to “force” a different answer, pause.
Cleansing is for clarity and relationship—not for controlling outcomes.
Biddy Tarot cautions against repeating readings on the same topic and drawing endless clarifiers to get the answer you want.
Next steps
Browse Tarot & Oracle Decks: Browse Tarot & Oracle Decks
After you cleanse, do one calm one-card pull and journal one sentence. That’s enough.
FAQ
Do I have to cleanse my tarot deck?
There’s no strict rule, but many tarot teachers recommend cleansing when you first buy a deck and whenever your connection feels “off.”
What’s the easiest cleansing method?
Shuffling with intention or knocking/tapping are simple and effective cleansing methods.
How often should I cleanse my tarot cards?
As needed. Many tarot teachers emphasize trusting your intuition rather than following strict rules.
