Cleansing Second Hand Tarot Decks

[@KateyFlowers]

Hi friends! Apologies for my brief absence - I had a bit of a rough patch with my asthma which involved a couple of emergency visits. I’m doing a lot better now, so I have finally been able to get this video that was filmed several weeks ago out to you! I hope you enjoy :)

[@MandaPandaBailey]

Glad you are feeling better. 😸

[@KateyFlowers]

Amanda Bailey thank you 😘

[@stellairis1782]

Yay!!! So glad to see that you feel better !!!💞💞💞

[@yelenayeli9529]

Katey Flowers asthma can be very tough. Good to see you again and I hope you stay well🍀

[@thehighpriestess8431]

Yes... I was wondering where the next video would be up. I am glad you are better.

[@betterlifebroadcasting7547]

I don't think of a deck or object as tainted and in need of cleansing. I tend to think of some decks as tired, or confused, or even hurt, like a person I guess. I always put a new deck back into order and look at each card before I do anything else with it. A sort of welcoming the deck to its new home. I do tend to think of them as a being. (but I'm kind of a Pantheist so I tend to think of nearly everything that way) I can't imagine aggressively cleansing a deck the minute I got it unless it felt extremely odd. That would be like insisting someone have a bath and use hand sanitizer the first minute I met them! A sort of literal, "you're not good enough to be in contact with me" statement. I've had a few objects that felt not-quite-right, but I always assumed that a bit like damaged or confused people they just needed more love and interaction. Just my 2 cents.

[@iwonakazmierczak-mccarthy2160]

I feel like that too...

[@darlejdawson]

So interesting, thank you. Recently, I purchased a "gently used" deck with book set. Cards intact, but one with what seem to be a manufacturing issue/damage. Anyhoo, when I counted the deck to confirm the deck was complete, I was left with a noticeable heavy and terribly sad energy (which hadn't been there when I approached the deck). I will reset or cleanse the deck with smudge stick and blessings to heal whatever pain it carries. Not to make it "better" or erase the past, but to heal with Love.

[@cristinad.6080]

Ooooohhhh I like your perspective on this! Thank you for sharing! I no longer cleanse my decks... mostly because I'm a bit lazy... I prefer setting them back in order and keeping them in their box or bag and "let them rest" until I'm ready to use them. Thank you for sharing your experience with your Rose Quartz crystal!!

[@KateyFlowers]

Cristina D. Haha sometimes I wonder if I’m just making excuses out of laziness 😅 but I do like the idea of giving decks a rest, especially after some extended especially heavy work. 😊

[@FeelTheRainOnYourSkin]

Love it. I have watched many of your videos and searched for you, but your loose hold on these beliefs/go with the flow attitude is what made me hit subscribe! :-)

[@romantarot]

Thanks for such an honest approach to this topic. It's so refreshing to see someone speak to the different perspectives on ideas that (rightfully) are very fluid and personal.

[@antonk6566]

Thank you so much for this video, what you say about this makes so much sense. I've never particularly felt the need to cleanse my second hand decks, but often did it because it's just the done thing by most readers I've spoken to. However I always immediately put the cards in order! Also, I''m glad you're doing better with your asthma :)

[@pinekun]

I'm not known to habitually cleanse my tools. My crystals, unless I've put them through hell, I do think over time cleanse themselves. Since I started reading cards some time ago now, I've always believed that putting them in order restores them! I've never cleansed them by any other means, but I'm not opposed to it. I've only ever purchased one already-loved deck, and felt great amounts of energy coming from it. So much that it made my wrists ache haha. I didn't cleanse it as such, but I sorta 'calmed' the energy it already had so my energy could get along with it better. We are now very good friends! :) Also, I'm glad you are feeling better!

[@wolfofcoins]

I loved hearing your perspective! I personally have never cleansed a deck, never felt the need for it. However, it's possible that one day I would be drawn to do that - just like you said. I've been reading tarot for 6 years now, so maybe it's not a too long a period of time, but I have never experienced a feeling that a deck is "heavy" or anything, or becoming "sluggish". I actually always think it's my own phase of not feeling like using this deck. The way I see it - I would probably sooner cleanse myself than a deck :)

[@merissaslayton3145]

I’ve never had tarot cards or used them. My dad bought my mom a deck before I was born and she gave them to me today. I’m turning 15 in two months so there pretty old. But I was wondering if they should be cleansed or not? She hasn’t used them in years and I’ve sorted them and put them in order so I can find out how to charge them. And so I can find out the meaning of each card. I have a deck of 78 it’s the. Zerner Farber Tarot Card deck. Ima beginner btw

[@helen2288]

@@merissaslayton3145 Whatever you feel like. Does your deck feel in some way "heavy" or "low energy"? Does it give relatable readings? :)) I hope you have figured it out. All good to you! 🍂

[@tamipie]

I've always appreciated second hand decks...I keep track of where I got my decks on the inventory list I keep. I like the idea that I have a little bit of their energy...I've had to actually CLEAN a dirty deck, but that's different. I kind of like the ritual of putting my decks in the big picture window with their crystals under the light of a full moon - but only once or twice a year, it just feels good to look at them, and remember where they came from and the good readings I've gotten from them.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I like the idea of the energy of second hand decks also.

[@Polardisco]

Some might say putting them in order is a form of cleansing

[@merissaslayton3145]

I’ve never used tarot cards and my dad bought my mom some before I was born and she gave them to me today and I’m almost 15, but I was wondering if they should be cleansed I just put them in order I’ve never had a deck before tho. Like how do you find out the meanings of each card because the deck I have is 78 cards it’s the, Zerner Farber Tarot Deck

[@Gemmagic84]

Welcome back Katey, sorry to hear you were unwell! I had a rough patch with my athsma a few months ago too, wishing you a good recovery. I agree with Sami that we don't need to "fix" the things around us, for me cleansing is more about bonding with an item. The ritual of doing a cleansing makes me feel good, but I totally agree that it's a human construct and I think it's psychological as much as it's energetic. Great discussion, and I like how you compare it to the cache, that's a good analogy. Much love Katey ❤️❤️

[@aquamarine18]

Agree wholeheartedly on a lot -- I really liked this video, especially what you were saying about energies as experience adding to the deck. I give my decks a really good mindful shuffle when I get them out, and put them in order when I'm done working with them -- that's it. But all of mine live in an incredible antique trunk that I did do a lot of cleansing of (not least to get the strange smells out when I bought it!) so I think keeping them there really does enough cleansing for me anyway.

[@iwonakazmierczak-mccarthy2160]

Its good to see you Katey, i am glad you are back....Thank you for this video.... I welcome the second hand decks to my home and thank the deck for coming to me. I spend time with the cards every day getting to know each other.

[@analuisahering2149]

What a brilliant approach , Katey ! Thank you so much for sharing :) Revitalizing decks instead of cleansing . Awesome !

[@weststartarot-Liz]

Glad to see you’re feeling better missed your videos, which I always enjoy so much! I have a chant that I use when I get a new deck to “make it mine” ... and as a sort of get to know you process. I always put decks in order before I trade them, to make sure all the cards are there and so whoever I’m trading with will know all the cards are there. Also when I look at a deck for the first time I really prefer to see it in order....

[@jenbrown1078]

Glad you are feeling better 💚 ❤️ I get to know my deck and make it my own by placing the cards in order then running each one thru incense and taking a good look at each one. I don't look at it as a cleansing..... more like a "welcome to my life" kind of thing. I feel pretty much the way you do on the topic energy. I'll cleanse if an item I use regularly (like your rose quartz)if gets "gunkey or thick" but if something feels really off from the beginning, I take that as a sign that it doesn't belong to me and I pass it along. Great topic that has no right or wrong answer...like you said, just do what feels right to you. Blessings 🖤

[@ilonaarends595]

Oh, you have the Mucha Tarot. It is the first deck I ever used, and still my favourite!

[@merissaslayton3145]

I’m a beginner and my mom just gave me a deck that my dad bought her before I was born. It’s a deck of 78 it’s the Zerner Farber Tarot Card deck. I was wondering if you could tell me some steps on how to know the meaning of each card

[@carmmen1384]

I love your video and being totally new I've been wondering about this. I do cleanse and consecrate the decks. I even wrote a chant spell for this as I will be practicing and then eventually working with them. I'm glad to hear your opinion on this it really made me feel better because I was a little skeptical about used decks. I bought one on eBay and haven't paid attention to it but now I surely will. 🌹♥️🌷

[@chelseyr1225]

Such great advice! I like you mentioning that you should do what you believe.

[@MysticFox007]

Very interesting. I do work with energy but I am of a similar mindset. I think that the energies a deck picks up all go towards its make up and knowledge. I do have a selection of second hand decks, particular old vintage ones. The first thing I do is put the cards in order and ensure I touch each individual card, then when I'm ready will do an interview spread. If at any time I feel that a particular deck needs a cleanse I will do that but up to now I haven't really felt the need. Although sometimes I pick up a card, thinking 'oh that's interesting' as I might feel something I wouldn't normally associate with that card. I like the idea of cards teaching you something new and of course it's always down to your own integrity what or how you give a message. Glad you're feeling better :)

[@nancybatcho6446]

So glad to see you back and so glad you are feeling better! Love your perspective on this topic. I never really felt the need to cleanse any of my decks. If they get a "heavy" feeling or feel a bit sluggish, I place the deck on my altar with crystals, specifically my clear quartz and amethyst pieces.

[@sigmafemme87]

Thank you so much for this video as I'm interested in picking up another deck for guiding others and myself. I've always been curious about purchasing a pre-owned deck vibes are everything.. thank you so much for this clarity anyway I guess I could say I feel braver purchasing a pre-owned deck. If there are any websites that you would suggest that would be killer for us! Some of the decks I've been looking at are very thin and fragile. Quality and vitality of decks are really important to me. I'm so happy I bumped into this video thank you for filming this. Much love and appreciation thank you 👑💖🌊✨

[@SanskritBlue]

I love your philosophy! I like putting decks in order after using them a lot, too.

[@roseannewalker3706]

Hiya lovely thank you for your video. That vid explains it all and I adore you for making me understand about a second hand deck I have just recieved. Your rose quartz story was simply amazing. Love and light beautiful lady.

[@breannelove7442]

So wonderful to have you back Katey I Missed You. Glad you're feeling better asthma is very scary. If you are ever not with your 'puffer' taking sips of hot black coffee or coke soda pop helps. I don't have any second-hand decks but occasionally will just sit my decks out in the sun. I do knock 3 times before I shuffle. I did like all your thoughts about everything. Blessings of all the Best of Everything. Namaste

[@yemayaseashell486]

Thank u GORGEOUS I dare someone put thumb down I appreciate you doing this video BLESSED Be thank you thank you thank you

[@AJ-7-316]

Thank you for sharing your perspective. The idea/belief of energetic transfers has existed for thousands of years in cultures much ancient than those in the U.S. The reason we don’t find many Chinese relics (especially as each ruling dynasty took over) is because they knew of energy infusions and you don’t know if the energy left behind is positive or negative. Most often they believed destroying “things” was safer than cleansing. Same with Egyptian cultures and many others. Only recently has Western cultures begun to acknowledge and understand these ancient beliefs have a lot of credence.

[@sherrimclain1561]

I love your take on cleansing. To leave the exspearince the deck went through so it is not all gone as well as leaves a unique personality with it. I have not had a second hand deck yet. When I get one, I am definitely going to take your thoughts into consideration. ( im new to tarot. ) as with what little experience i have with tarot and crystals and cleaning. Also, i have had lots of spiritual (good and bad) experiences over my life time).

[@BookLioness]

Thank you for doing this subject. Hope you are feeling much better.

[@KateyFlowers]

Book Lioness thank you, I am 😊

[@ImogenWalters]

Ooh I’ve just filmed a video on this topic! Settling down with a cuppa to hear your thoughts. So glad you’re feeling better

[@KateyFlowers]

Thanks, lovely 😊

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Love this video. I don't cleans my decks or crystals. I set my crystals in my plant sometimes... I did hang one necklace in the moonlight once. Also for my rose quartz, I felt like maybe I drained it or made it work too hard so I made a point to wear it when I already felt good so I could give positive energy back and not just take... I like to spend time with my decks and do deck interviews and that kind of thing to *bond* with my deck but I don't try to *make it mine* in any sort of dominant or ownership ways... I really prefer to think of it in terms of a partnership/friendship. I do sometimes feel like a deck maybe feels neglected, like if I just look through and connect with all the cards I'll get a better reading than just laying down a spread (like how you chat with someone rather than just barking questions at them). I also am not precious about no one else touching my decks. My three year old son *LOVES* to go through them, match them to the book, or gather all the swords, all the "wheels" a the cups and the sticks... I love to hear his thoughts which are usually pretty basic like "she's trapped/stuck" the cups are broken... Now they are fixed again (next card) Maybe some people like to have a ceremony for everything, and that's OK for them. I don't. I have an alter cloth I barely ever use unless maybe I'm gonna take a pic... I will read on my lap (like a three card spread)... I don't say anything in particular most of the time, don't lay out crystals or light candles, don't ask for assistance from my spirit guides... I just shuffle and think of my question if I have one... If I'm doing a deeper meditation, I may have my alter items spread out, I do it by what feels right. My alter is literally on the floor... I just don't have a lot of pomp and circumstance. Sometimes I burn incense, sometimes no... Sometimes I leave certain cards out or face up for an extended amount of time... I'm a tarot hieratic!!! Sometimes I do reading I need to journal on but don't do it right away so I set the cards aside and work with a less than full deck. (I'm only reading for myself)... Sometimes I go... Yeah my tarot and oracle stuff is spread out all over and needs to be put back in an orderly fashion... But yeah, my tarot and oracle decks live all over in my house and not just in their decks. I had an oracle card that said "don't dim to fit in" placed for weeks under a small lamp in the living room. My goddess cards I'm working with are out on a table... I follow zero rules of what I'm "supposed" to do. And my cards work GREAT for me. Paganism/tarot/witchcraft/etc for me is never about needing to be told what to do or given permission. So if everyone says "oh you've been doing that wrong all along" I don't feel a need to change it. I'm open to learning and trying new things, but man, I just don't believe anymore that everything needs to be "cleansed"... I suspect this comes from the ceremonial tradition and I started with that but drifted away to a more organic style of workings...

[@veronicastewart1112]

I sage myself and whatever deck I'm using. I think of it as a ritual to "set the space" and create a spiritual environment.

[@uptownpotatoes]

Thank you for sharing your opinion on this topic. I agree with you 100%. I never feel the need to cleanse the decks or crystals etc. however, oddly enough, if the “energy” around me feels sluggish or “muddy”, I do a deep house cleaning, maybe rearrange some furniture and take a salt bath, when I’m finished everything feels clean and clear. So again, it comes down to what YOU believe works...will work!

[@KateyFlowers]

Totally! I do the same, too! I think for me it’s more about moving out stagnant energy rather than removing negative energy, if that makes any sense? I think that’s probably why I’m happy to ‘reset’ my decks without cleansing necessarily. Just thinking out loud! 😅 But we can only ever do what works for us!

[@wildrose6500]

HI Katey, I'm so glad your back and that your feeling better !!! I have been learning Tarot for under a year now and in the beginning I would wait for a full moon to use even a new deck and do a little ritual, burn copal loose incense and run each card through the smoke, and then leave the deck out with crystals on top. I started to aquire more decks new and used and at some point I just started to think this was very non necessary..lol Now all I do is rotate my deck through the sound of a meditation chime 3 times and leave the deck out with crystals overnight. I think I do this just to connect to the deck. As I'm new to this, it may change down the road.

[@KateyFlowers]

Wild Rose we all have to do what works for us, but I always go for the simpler option! Why make yourself wait a whole moon cycle to enjoy a new deck when something else works just as well?! I love the idea of using chimes 😊

[@wildrose6500]

Katey Flowers I know right ! I actually can't believe that I would wait that long to get into a deck but you know when your new to this and you read stuff and see things on line and you want make sure you do it all perfectly...lol The chimes work great for me, it says OK now is the beginning of you and I working together!

[@KateyFlowers]

I love that! And I get wanting to do things ‘right’ when you first start out, and it’s great you’re starting to find your own style now, too 😊

[@JessicaandtheMoon]

It's an interesting topic. I don't see tarot decks in the same way as crystals, as far as having energy to be cleansed/ not cleansed. Decks are man made. The energy which clings to them is purely human. Sometimes that might mean they need cleansing I suppose. I've only encountered that a couple of times, and like you said, re-ordering usually sorts that out. With crystals they have their own energy, they are not created by humans. That doesn't mean their energy cant be depleted or changed by humans using them (like with your rose quartz). I find returning them to sit on the earth, or burying them, works really well when that happens. Glad you're asthma has settled down again

[@KateyFlowers]

I hadn't thought of that distinction between tarot and crystals, as obvious as it is! Thanks for sharing :)

[@xehla3741]

Hey there! Thanks for the video, you have some really interesting views that I'll definitely be keeping in mind! I like that you don't necessarily /need/ to cleanse things if you don't feel anything negative coming from it. But I could use some advice.. So I'll start by saying I'm Extremely new to tarot, like super baby new. I've only really read about it and looked at spreads online to get ideas. I have a book my step dad bought me I've flipped through trying to learn the card meanings. I've been wanting to learn but I haven't had a proper deck. Well, recently an acquaintance of mine gave me this beautiful Gothic tarot (by Anne Stokes) because she knew I had been interested in learning, and she bought a new one she's more connected to. I don't think she takes it seriously, just uses it for fun every now and then or I'd ask her. I'm wanting to get serious with this. The deck is in really good condition, but definitely used, and she gave it to me in order so I don't have to sort them out. But before I start I feel like I still need to do something? Maybe get to know it? I don't feel anything negative coming from it, I just feel like I need to do Something with it before I start to use it. I'm just not sure what or how to go about that. If you have any advice on how to start I'd greatly appreciate it! I'll also be sure to check out your other videos, you seem like such a lovely person. Thank you for your time and bright blessings to you~

[@kegan9588]

I have never felt the need to cleanse items. Instead if something feels off I charge it. I do this in a few ways. If its tarot cards I will place them in order. But to do this I play a game of solitaire with them. The other ways work with both cards and items like crystals, BOS and charms. A quick one is letting it sit in the sun or rain. For a more powerful charge. I give it to the cats for a week. =^.^= I place the item in the bottom of one of their beds and just let the item soak up their good intentions.

[@winni2761]

When you place them in order, do you start from the bottom or the top? Like would the Fool and the Magician be at the bottom of the deck or the top two? I'm new to tarots so I have so many questions!

[@rosemaryharrington5132]

I no longer have a spiritual type ritual for my decks. I do the same thing though where I sort them in order before I shuffle them for the first read.

[@snugglylion6434]

Hi I‘m commenting very late, but well i got a deck at the fleamarket its quite old, from 1992 and i had to let it air and cleanse it, because it smelled really bad of cigaretts . Whenever i shuffled it my hands would smell bad as well. Its chilling on my balkony for 2 days now. Does someone by any chance have an idea on how to get rid of that smell? I really like that deck although its just an og rider waite.

[@andreainlostcreek5256]

Thank you for this, Katey. I am forgetful about cleansing my decks, but I am wondering if it would help in this instance: While I appreciate my Druidcraft deck, it has always been very negative with me. I finally just asked it whether or not it liked me, and it responded with a definite 'NO'! It was not a used deck when I purchased it. I decided maybe I should sell it or give it away, but perhaps cleansing would work?

[@KateyFlowers]

Can't hurt to give it a go! :)

[@andradragan8978]

What about if you do a reading to somebody and that person mixes the cards for his reading. I just do the spread and the reading? His energy is in my cards now.

[@rutalaa]

I never cleans my tarot deck either I just put them in order

[@ConsciousEntrepeneur]

It is funny, after I bought Crowley’s Thot tarot (Don’t if you are a beginner unless you’re planning on taking classes on this deck) I was considering to give it away because is just taking dust since I bought it two months ago and yet just now for shit and giggles I pulled my pendulum. I asked the pendulum which deck to use tomorrow and from all my decks, it swung on the Ramses tarot but… it swung even with more vigor on top of the Thot tarot and I am like… what am I going to do?!!!

[@kailanicapelouto2686]

I use selenite to cleanse everything

[@unslaadkrosis9435]

But what if the deck comes from a dark witch or a serial killer or a dark person in general?? Theoretically speaking I simply would like to know your ideas 😝

[@KateyFlowers]

As I said in the video, I don’t tend to feel that energy (whatever that means) attaches to a deck in a way that would require it to be removed, regardless of the previous owner. However, I will always do what I feel I need to in any given situation.

[@herkimerblue3772]

Interesting topic. It depends on whether you want to feel the energy of the person who previously had the deck. Personally, I'm not so sure that's a good idea when you are trying to do an unbiased, clear tarot read for someone.....

[@KateyFlowers]

It also depends on what you believe about energy.

[@lumumbriaimaviva7195]

Good, comment. IMO, a Tarot deck is magick device and it needs to set properly, according its nature. A Tarot deck is not anything common. It precise certain knowledge about its construction and the project direction. So, the initialize or cleansing is a matter proper for each deck respect of its proper lineage. Its not the same initialize or clean with the moon than with the earth (trees), or with fire, or with nothing... Please, check about this... Greetings.