Cleansing a deck

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Jul 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sorceress_Jade	08 Jul 2002
I’m sure this has been brought up before, but as it’s not a current thread, you all get to spew your wisdom once again. :D I bought a deck used, and while I trusted the lady (and still do) this deck and I are having issues. Here’s the tale I bought the deck and looked it over and put it in my tarot chest and basically ended up ignoring it for a month or two (for which I feel horrible). All of my decks have cases except I left this one in it’s original box. Well, I finally had time to spend with it so I pulled it out and had been shuffling and things. First, I realized the deck was very opinionated. And this is a Waite clone, it’s not supposed to be all Thoth-like. I made it a case and have been trying to get used to it, but it seems like it’s only giving me trouble. I’ve actually been arguing with this deck, it’s ridiculous. I’ve come to the decision that I want to try and wipe it of all energy if I can. Basically start all over again. First I’d like to ask if you all believe this is possible. Second, do you think it’s a good idea. Should I just try and work it out with this deck? I mean, obviously it has some experience (basically) to draw on, but if it won’t cooperate with me that’s useless. I’m just so frustrated. I’m intending to do it on the new moon on Wednesday. Haven’t decided how I want to go about it, so any suggestions there would be greatly appreciated. At the moment, I’m keeping it separated from the rest of my decks from fear of what exactly is going on with it. I’m actually beginning to fear the wrath of this deck, and I don’t think that’s a good thing :S Help, lol.

catwoman	08 Jul 2002
Mary K greer has got some good exercises in her book 'Tarot for Yourself.' A basic form of purifcation would be repeated shuffling of the cards and arranging them in order from The Fool through to the World through to the pip and court cards. She says you can also burn dried herbs such as cedar and sage and pass the deck through the smoke. She says you can also 'fill the deck with light', which involves you closing your eyes and picturing a tiny seed of light about eighteen inches above the deck which then grows into a kind of crown that pours into the cards. Sea-salt and water is also an excellent form of purification which you might also be interested in using. I hope any of this helps!!! Naomi xx

Pollux	08 Jul 2002
Maybe a Full Moon light might do? You could spread all the cards one by one, and leave them at moonlight for the night. I did so when I needed to cleanse, and I think the effects were positive. If you feel BAD vibes, you might try spreading all the cards on a cloth, a table, and put them somewhere high or wherever all the energies can be dissipated and dismissed... WHat else? Maybe you could try with some Quartz Crystals? I never did though... so I don't know... :( Or what about a sort of ritual? You could "bury" the deck for a couple of days, and when you take it back you could use some incense... Mh... *mumble mumble...* {edited to add: oops!!! Someone posted while I was typing :P}

PurpleGoddess	08 Jul 2002
hi sorry to say this but i think your new deck is getting back at you for not paying attention sooner. mary k greer's suggestions are all good but i feel the need to share with you that this deck needs to feel special. spend time with it every day, carry it around with you in it's case and also try this idea. place it in your most secret place where the other decks have never been, with your favorite book, flower, intimate apparal, or anything else that says this is special to me. a ritual i would use for a new/used deck before actual reading, i'll be using this for my legend deck before doing a reading. in your quiet space, altar, summon the energies (check book from Renee ? - tarot spells) from the 4 winds, elements and the Goddess's to welcome your new deck. light white candles, placing the deck in the middle. write something totally unique for the deck from your soul to it's soul. ask it to release all that it's previous holder had done and any negative feelings it may have for being "given" away. and that you are trust worthy and welcome it into your dwelling. and ask it for guidance, where does it want to take you on your journey, lessons. etc. like animals, decks can too sense fear. open your heart and let the love shine and not doubt your decision to acquire this new deck. Blessed Be! :TQC :CL

Sorceress_Jade	08 Jul 2002
Oh good, I like these ideas. I can incorporate them into something that I can use for sure. I was actually contemplating the sage, as I have some. And Cedar I hadn’t thought of but I have Cedar incense which I’m sure is at least a start. I’m really glad you all are helping me with an idea on how to actually cleanse it. I was a bit afraid you might think I should leave it. You see, I’m very wishy washy on it right now. It sounds like both a good and bad idea. Anyway, Pollux, I would think a new moon would be better because rather then apex and waning, I would be using beginning energy, sort of starting over. Closing the old and beginning the new. Don’t get me wrong, I love moonlight too, I’m one of those that dances in the moonlight. But there are uses for new and waning moons too. :) Purple Goddess, I really appreciate your suggestions too. You know the funny thing is that I've sort of done that. I mean, I was carrying the deck around with me for a while to try and get know it, and I HAVE separated it from my other decks and put it somewhere I've never set the others, but it wasn't the kindest gesture. I put it on what would be my altar I suppose, cause I figured that would contain it. The poor thing. I've got 2 days before the moon to continue talking it out. But it's frustrating, you know? Thanx so so much you guys.

Phoenix	08 Jul 2002
When I need to, I usually just cleanse them by putting them into the light of the sun for three days, with a quartz crystal, and a black crystal, like obsidian. Hope this helps!

Lee	08 Jul 2002
Here's one I read about somewhere -- lay out all the cards in order, then take your favorite deck and take each card of your favorite deck and place it over the corresponding card of the new deck, and leave them that way for overnight, I guess. -- Lee

the hermit	08 Jul 2002
As both a Tarot and Magick user, I agree with all of the great suggestions given here. I’ve cleansed my Tarot decks many times over the years. Though I’ve never had a ‘used’ deck, I always cleanse EVERY deck when I first obtain it, whether through purchase or gift. I also cleanse after any particularly emotional readings and every time I use my cards with Magick. By the way, PurpleGoddess, it is, indeed, Janina Renee who wrote the book “Tarot Spells”, an excellent book on combining the Tarot with Magick. My personal cleansing ritual consists of the following: -During the entire ritual, whenever I am holding the cards or near them, I recite positive statements such as those suggested in the postings. -Begin ritual at sundown (though I perform this ritual without delay whenever I feel the need, the night of the new moon would be great… as you said, new beginnings). -Randomize the cards by shuffling 9 or 10 times (I don’t put or keep my cards in ‘order’, ever) -Run the now shuffled deck through incense (I use whatever I find pleasant and comforting… cedar and/or sage would be fine) -Place the cards on my bedroom window sill, which faces south, place a large quartz crystal which I use for all cleansing rituals, on top of the deck. -Leave the deck and crystal on the sill until sundown of the following day (this exposes the deck to the power of the night as well as the day, sort of a yin and yang energy exposure theory of mine—the addition of a black crystal, such as obsidian, is something that hadn’t occurred to me, but makes GREAT sense... duh!!! I intend to add that, the next time I use this ritual—thanks Phoenix!) -I have not had any ‘residual energy’ problems with my cards since I began using this ritual (10 years ago) The use of sea salt and water as cleansing agents is also a good idea and could be inserted into the beginning of the ritual. Just remember that water directly on the cards will ruin them! After I’ve cleansed my cards I often put them beneath my mattress the next evening. The idea of putting them in a special place where no other decks have gone and putting personal items with the deck also has merit. And since you stated you were ‘arguing’ with the deck, positive communication with the deck concerning your desire to work with it constructively would also seem to be an excellent suggestion. Just my two bits worth...

PurpleGoddess	08 Jul 2002
i was at work when i first responded to this thread. i love her spells and she has made it easy to help me write my own too. and helps me learn the power of each card too. s.j. what i wanted to suggest adding pink candles to the round of white candles, this brings love into the deck if i get my colors right. i'm still learning the art and i get confused about what goes w/what. it couldn't hurt because it's all positivity! good luck! love and peace to you and your decks.

star streak	08 Jul 2002
That you honor the path that the deck has been on? I felt kinda weird, at first, buying used decks. But then I realized that, for the most part, I liked the 'experienced' feel that these decks have. Kinda like blue jeans, I think a deck is often enhanced by its' history. In my own little 'welcoming' ritual for 'new-to-me' decks, (previously used or not), I speak of respect for the history of the deck, its' original creator, and previous owners. I offer light to the past, the present, and the places that the deck and I will share from that day on. So far, I have not had any bad vibes about any of my decks, (except for my own guilt about not using each of them more often. The guilt issue is abated somewhat, by just taking each deck out every now and then to simply admire and contemplate the artwork a bit. Easy, not so deep. Just sharing the beauty of the deck with the deck) I did, however, buy a used bed from a couple who was in the middle of a mean divorce.....turned out the wife was a practicing witch....manohman, did I have sleepless nights, until I figured that one out! Love, Light, and Blessings, Starstreak

Lee	08 Jul 2002
You know, it just occurred to me that this really belongs in the Talking Tarot forum, since it's not about specific types of decks. Sorry, I was asleep at the switch! :) -- Lee

tigerlily	09 Jul 2002
Perhaps you could do a three card spread first and ask the deck what problems it has with you and what you could do to make up for past mistakes ;) so you to can start over and work together constructively. Perhaps you don't have to brainwash it after all ...

Sorceress_Jade	10 Jul 2002
Quick update. I've been spending copious amounts of time with the deck, and VOILA we're actually getting along. I'll still be cleansing it tonight, however I'm not goint to try and wipe it clean and clear of everything it posesses. I think I'll let it keeps its own personality. It keeps throwing me the 3 of cups. I really love that card in this deck, and take it in a 'friendship' sort of terms. Thank you all SOO SOO much for the wonderful ideas, and i'll let ya know how things go, lol.

Momof6	10 Jul 2002
Jade, Love the name as it is my craft name. Anyway, I am past the new moon on this one but thought I'd reply. I am a firm believer in cleansing and charging all magickal, divination, and ritual items that I use for my spiritual practices. For decks this is what I do. If I get a deck used, I will spend more time on some of the steps. I do the same thing for all my decks (new, used, gift etc...) unless I feel inclined to change something on the spur of the moment. First I cast a sacred circle to work within. When I take the cards out of the box, I shuffle them over and over and visualize and meditate on all negative or any energy that is not mine falling out of the deck. I cleanse them with the four elements (fire, water, earth, air). I then sleep with the deck under my pillow to charge the deck and connect to the deck. I do this anywhere from two days to a few weeks, depending on what I feel is needed. Bright Blessings, Momof6

Moongold	12 Jul 2002
I am very new to the study of Tarot but I was fascinated with this discussion. It almost sounds as though the cards have a life of their own. I have understood that there is some spiritual energy that operates though the cards but had not really considered that the cards could have feelings which is almost what is suggested here. Is the metaphor of light shining more clearly through a clean window appropriate to this discussion? As I read, though, it seems to be possible that some kind of energy can attach itself to the cards and this is what needs to be understood. I would have understood this as a projection of my own energy and that *I* am the channel needing clearing if this si the case. Just some musings. Moongold

Sorceress_Jade	13 Jul 2002
Alright. Well my cleansing went over well. My deck smells like cedar, lol. The deck and I are cooperating well, I’ve used it for an attempted self reading and some other small stuff. I have to say it’s still got quite the attitude, however it’s also still throwing the three of cups at me. Now, it’s simply insane, I can’t help but think there’s something wrong with the card. But I’ve loooooked at it, and compared and if it’s damaged I can’t see it. At any rate, I don’t think this decks opinionated pushiness is going to go away. But I think it’s charming and that is basically what I was hoping to leave behind right? In a way at least. It’s in good shape now. To touch on your question Moongold. I have always felt each of my decks possesses a personality. And I think you’ll find many people agree. Just ask anyone with a Thoth deck in their collection. :) I understand that the deck is an extension of my personality, but I also see it as sort of like a very smart pet. I am by no means saying you have to look at your deck as a pet or anything like it. Just trying to explain how I feel about them and how I interact with them. :) And welcome to the forum.

the hermit	13 Jul 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Moongold As I read, though, it seems to be possible that some kind of energy can attach itself to the cards and this is what needs to be understood. I would have understood this as a projection of my own energy and that *I* am the channel needing clearing if this si the case. Moongold: I think you've put forth a pretty good definition of the energy many of us see and feel within our decks. A user of magick ritual like myself sees and/or feels energy everywhere and in everything. I try to align my own energies with them to enhance whatever I'm trying to do. Like read a Tarot spread, or gaze at a crystal, or cleanse a deck, or improve my life. Sorceress_Jade also has some interesting... and valid points. They are especially valid because they work for her. Whether you visualize energy, see auras or think of your deck as a smart pet the main thing is to find out what works best for YOU and DO it.

Moongold	15 Jul 2002
Yes, I think I understand what you saying. I do feel a particular attachment to my Rider Waite deck now. It has become a little like an old friend and I feel that it is teaching me a great deal. I certainly don't feel the old hesitation and uncertainty I felt before. Moongold

The Cleansing a deck thread was originally posted on 08 Jul 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.