Tarot cards are a powerful tool used by tarot readers for guidance, introspection, and divination. They connect with our higher self, spirit guides, and the universal energy that surrounds us. Tarot cards offer insight into our lives and serve as a valuable tool for personal growth and transformation.
However, tarot cards, like all inanimate objects, can absorb negative energy, which can affect the accuracy of tarot readings. To maintain the energy of the cards and ensure an accurate reading, it’s essential to cleanse your tarot deck regularly.
In this blog post, we will explore various techniques and rituals to cleanse your tarot cards, including an easy tarot card cleansing prayer.
With the right approach, you can ensure that your tarot readings remain a powerful source of guidance and reflection, enabling you to connect with your higher self.
We will discuss why it’s essential to cleanse tarot cards, when to do it, and share an easy tarot card cleansing prayer.
Table of Contents
- Why do we cleanse tarot cards?
- When should we cleanse our tarot cards?
- How to cleanse tarot cards
- Tarot Card Cleansing Prayer
- 10 Short Tarot Card Cleansing Prayers
- More Tarot
Why do we cleanse tarot cards?
Tarot cards absorb the energy from their surroundings, including the energy of the tarot reader, the querent, and previous readings. This energy, especially negative energy, can influence the accuracy and interpretation of tarot readings.
Cleansing your tarot cards removes any residual energy, negative vibe, or old energy that may have been absorbed during readings or while handling the cards. This ensures a fresh start for your next reading, allowing for clearer communication with your higher self and spirit guides.
Aside from maintaining the accuracy of your readings, cleansing your tarot cards can also bring good luck and positive energy to your reading space.
A lot of people underestimate the importance of cleansing their decks, but doing so helps remove any obsessive energy or residual emotions that may be lingering from previous readings or from handling the cards.
Whether you’re working with a new tarot deck or an older one, cleansing is a crucial step in maintaining the energy and effectiveness of your cards.
You can cleanse all cards, the major arcana and minor arcana, and also your oracle cards deck can be cleansed in the same way.
When should we cleanse our tarot cards?
It’s a good idea to cleanse your tarot cards regularly. Here are some instances when cleansing your tarot cards is particularly important
First thing – Cleansing a new Tarot Deck
When you get a new deck of cards, cleanse them to remove any residual energies from the manufacturing process or from being handled by others. Before using your new tarot deck for the first time, you’ll definitely want to cleanse.
After a particularly intense or negative reading
Some tarot readings can bring up a lot of feelings, so cleansing the deck after such an intense or powerful reading helps to remove any negative energies absorbed during the reading.
When you feel the energy of the cards is off
If your readings have been inaccurate or you feel a negative vibe, it’s a good time to cleanse your deck.
Before and after using your cards for shadow work
Shadow work can bring up heavy energies that may linger in your deck.
Periodically, as part of your regular tarot practice
Many tarot practitioners cleanse their decks on a schedule, such as during the full moon or at the beginning of each month.
It’s essential to cleanse your tarot cards, especially for the first time or when you sense a shift in energy.
The next full moon can also be a powerful time for cleansing your cards, as it marks a period of release and renewal. Keep in mind that cleansing your tarot cards is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing practice that should be incorporated into your regular tarot routine.
On a practical level, to protect your cards from humid environments, store them in a cloth or tarot bag, or even an airtight container or plastic bag when not in use.
This will help preserve the integrity of the cards and prevent them from becoming bent or damaged.
How to cleanse tarot cards
There are many different techniques to cleanse tarot cards, from elemental clearing to the use of sacred smoke, crystals, and moon baths.
Your choice of cleansing method will depend on your personal preference, religious traditions, and the materials you have available, so we can’t say that there is just one best way.
Here are some favorite methods to cleanse tarot cards:
Smudge Stick or Palo Santo
Burning white sage, sweet grass, or a palo Santo incense stick and passing your tarot cards through the sacred smoke is a common practice among tarot readers. This is a great way to cleanse the cards of negative energies and invite positive energy.
Cleansing with Crystals: Clear Quartz or Black Tourmaline
Placing clear quartz or black tourmaline on top of your deck or surrounding it with the crystals is another great method for cleansing your tarot cards. These crystals are known for their ability to transmute negative energies and protect against bad luck.
Cleansing with a Moon Bath
A moon bath is a powerful way to cleanse and recharge your tarot cards. Place your deck on a window sill or outside under the light of a full moon for a few hours, letting the moon’s energy cleanse the cards.
Tarot Cards Salt Burial
Burying your tarot cards in a bowl of salt or placing them on top of a Himalayan salt slab is an intriguing method for cleansing your cards. The salt absorbs and neutralizes any negative energy.
Cleansing with Essential Oils
Anointing your cards with essential oils like lavender, frankincense, or sage is another cleansing method. Be cautious with this method, as oils can damage your cards if not used carefully.
The Knocking Method
The knocking method is a simple and quick way to cleanse your tarot cards. It involves tapping or knocking the cards of the deck together to dispel any negative energy or residual energies from previous readings.
As you knock, visualize any negative energy being released from the cards and absorbed by the earth or dissipating into the air.
Some tarot practitioners also like to say a short affirmation or intention as they knock, such as “I release any negativity and cleanse these cards,” to reinforce the cleansing process.
This method is particularly useful for on-the-go or quick cleansings between readings.
Tarot Card Cleansing Prayer
The prayer method of cleansing your tarot cards involves using spoken words, affirmations, or prayers to cleanse and charge your deck with positive energy.
This method relies on the power of intention and the belief that our words carry energy, which can be directed towards a specific purpose.
To use the prayer method, follow these steps:
- Hold your tarot deck in your hands or place it on a clean surface, such as an altar or table.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself and connect with your higher self, spirit guides, or any deities or angels you wish to invoke.
- Recite your chosen cleansing prayer, either aloud or silently in your mind. As you do so, visualize your deck being surrounded by a protective white light, which cleanses and purifies the cards.
- Once you’ve finished reciting the prayer, take a moment to feel the energy of your cards. If you feel they need additional cleansing, you can repeat the prayer or use one of the other methods mentioned earlier.
Using prayer to cleanse your tarot cards is a powerful and personal way to connect with your deck and ensure its energy remains pure and clear.
By incorporating prayer into your tarot practice, you strengthen the bond between yourself, your cards, and the higher wisdom they represent.
Here is an easy tarot card cleansing prayer you can use to cleanse your deck. Feel free to personalize the prayer to suit your needs and preferences.
Begin by holding your tarot deck in your non-dominant hand and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Close your eyes and visualize a ball of protective white light surrounding you and your cards. When you feel ready, recite the following prayer:
“Archangel Michael, guardian of light and protector, I call upon you to cleanse and purify this tarot deck. Remove any negative energies, residual emotions, and unwanted influences that may hinder the clarity and accuracy of my readings. Infuse these cards with your powerful, divine energy, and help me connect with my higher self, spirit guides, and universal wisdom.
As I shuffle this deck, may each card be imbued with positive energy, love, and light. Bless my tarot readings with guidance, insight, and understanding. May the messages I receive through these cards always serve my highest good and the highest good of all involved.
Thank you, Archangel Michael, for your protection, guidance, and support. I trust that my tarot cards are now cleansed, energized, and ready for use. So be it, and so it is. Amen.”
10 Short Tarot Card Cleansing Prayers
Here are a few shorter tarot cleansing prayers that you can use to cleanse your deck:
- “I call upon the divine light to cleanse and purify these cards, removing all negativity and filling them with love, light, and wisdom. So be it.”
- “Sacred spirit, cleanse these cards of any unwanted energies and bless them with your guidance and truth. May they be a tool for the highest good. Amen.”
- “By the power of the elements – earth, air, fire, and water – I cleanse and consecrate these tarot cards, making them a pure vessel for divine wisdom and guidance.”
- “I cleanse these cards of all negativity and fill them with love, light, and guidance.”
- “These cards are purified, protected, and aligned with the highest wisdom.”
- “As I cleanse these cards, I open the way for clear and insightful readings.”
- “I release any negative energy from these cards and invite only love, truth, and clarity.”
- “With this cleansing, my tarot deck is restored, balanced, and ready to guide me.”
- “I bless these cards with positive energy, ensuring they serve as a source of wisdom and growth.”
- “Cleansed and renewed, these cards now channel divine guidance and insight.”
Feel free to use these affirmations as they are or personalize them to fit your needs and beliefs. Reciting them with intention and focus will help to cleanse and charge your tarot cards, ensuring they remain a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
Once you’ve finished reciting the prayer, take a moment to feel the energy of your cards.
If you feel they need additional cleansing, you can repeat the prayer or use one of the other methods mentioned earlier. Remember to cleanse your cards regularly and trust your intuition when deciding which cleansing method is best for your deck.
Cleansing your tarot cards is an essential practice for maintaining the energy of your cards and ensuring accurate readings. With so many different ways to cleanse your tarot deck, you can find a method that resonates with you and your spiritual beliefs.
Incorporate the easy tarot card cleansing prayer into your routine, and you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a fresh, clear connection with your higher self, spirit guides, and the wisdom of the tarot.
Happy reading!
More Tarot
- Your Guide To Unlocking Simple Tarot Numerology
- Free Printable Tarot Cards Deck With All 78 Cards
- 8 Tarot Cards For Self-Care
- Major Arcana Tarot Coloring Pages
- 7 Tarot Card Myths and Misconceptions Debunked
- Your Guide to Tarot Card Meanings All 78 Cards of the Deck
Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.