There are two methods I use to clear my tarot decks after a reading
Since I read online in various forums and in my
Etsy shop, a lot of times I have multiple readings to do back to back. I also sometimes need to pull out my cards for just one quick read and do not have time to do a full cleanse before storing them. Therefore, I have two methods for clearing the energy that builds up during readings.
There is no set way to clear your cards, just like there is no right or wrong way to prepare for a reading. I am a firm believer that you must do what feels right. Your intuition will lead you and you will know if your deck is clear or in need of a good cleansing. I tried many methods until I found what works for me, and my quick cleanse might seem a little quirky but it works.
My best advice is to research different methods (and there are a lot of great articles out there to help). Try each one, combine them, take bits from one and bits from another, and you will find what feels right.
Why should you clear your cards? Clearing provides an outlet to literally clear the energy from a reading. Think of it like residue left over. If you don't clear your cards, energy from one reading can become trapped and roll over into your next reading. And the last thing your client wants to hear is about is your previous clients relationship gone bad! Clearing, to me, is like a quick Cleanse (see my article on Cleansing Your Tarot Cards).
Method 1: The Quick Clear
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| Tarot Box - Neat find at a little Metaphysical shop in PA |
This method is for those times when you need to clear your cards between back to back readings. Subsequently, I do use this method in conjunction with Method 2. It's very simple and only takes a minute.
1. Gather up all the cards from your previous reading
2. Do a quick shuffle (like cutting the deck in your hands 3 times)
3. Make a fist and "knock" the deck once with your knuckles (imagine all the energy gathering up to the top as you raise your hand up a few inches after the knock)
4. Blow across the top of the deck imagining the energy leaving your space (see my article on grounding for more on your Circle or personal reading space)
5. Set your deck down on your reading surface - I use a special cloth only for tarot work
6. Set your hands down, one on either side of your deck palms facing down, thank your Spirit Guides and deck for their guidance, and clear your mind
7. Once all readings are done, I wrap my deck in my reading cloth and store in a special box with a protection charm and a Clear Quartz Crystal
It sounds like a long process but once you try it you will see that the longest part is clearing your mind, or re-grouping/re-grounding. If I have a break between readings or only a few over several days, I will do a quick clear and store my cards away.
Method 2: The Major Clear
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| How I store my favorite deck |
I use this method at least once a week or more often if I have a lot of readings over the course of a day or two. I also do this on every Full Moon. This method involves the Quick Clear from method 1, and a Moon Cleanse (see more on Cleansing methods here).
This method really clears the cards for me. Once done, there isn't a trace of left over energy from any client. My deck feels brand new again.
1. Quick Cleanse from Method 1 omitting steps 6 & 7
2. Re-order the deck - Since I read reversals, I prefer to have them all facing upright staring with The Fool and then each Suit starting with the Ace behind the Major Arcana
3. Quick Cleanse again omitting step 7
4. I put my cloth, charm and crystal in my box and place my cards on top of the cloth
5. Put the box, opened, in a window from dusk til dawn (or whenever I decide to crawl out of bed for the day as long as it's after dawn)
6. Store cards as normal
So that's pretty much it. Like I mentioned earlier, you will have to find what works for you. Your method can be as simple or complex as you'd like, as long as you feel that energy leave your deck and space.
How do you clear your Tarot cards?
Leave a comment below and share your method!
