How to Manage the Energy of Your Tarot Deck (Especially When It’s Pre-Owned)
Whether you’re opening your very first tarot deck or unpacking a pre-loved treasure, there’s one question that often floats in with the incense:
“What energy is this deck carrying—and how do I make it mine?”
At AV Tarot Market, we understand that for many of our clients and collectors, tarot decks are more than just paper and ink. They’re sacred tools, creative companions, and energetic storytellers. If you’re sensitive to the energy of your tools—or simply want to be intentional about your connection—this post is for you.
🌬️ First, Let’s Talk About Energy (and Belief)
Different readers and collectors hold different beliefs about what a deck can carry. Some feel that energy imprints linger in the cards. Others believe that decks are neutral vessels until activated by intention. There’s no right or wrong here—only what resonates with you.
If you’re someone who feels energetically connected to your tools, you might find it grounding to do a small ritual before working with a deck—especially one that’s been previously used.
🛁 How to Cleanse or Reset the Energy of a Tarot Deck
Here are a few ways you can lovingly “clear” or recalibrate your deck’s energy. Use one or combine several—go with what your intuition guides you toward:
🕯️ 1. Smoke Cleansing (with Sage, Cedar, or Palo Santo)
Pass each card gently through the smoke to symbolically clear old energy.
🌕 2. Moonlight Charging
Place your deck on a windowsill or altar during a full moon to bathe it in light and refresh its energy.
🔔 3. Sound Clearing (Tuning Forks, Bells, or Singing Bowls)
Allow sound vibrations to move through the deck, breaking up energetic residue.
🧂 4. Salt Circle or Salt Bowl
You can place your deck (wrapped or boxed) in a bowl of salt or surrounded by a ring of salt to absorb lingering energy.
💭 5. Visualization or Breathwork
Hold the deck in your hands, close your eyes, and visualize white or golden light surrounding it. Breathe into the deck with the intention of resetting and blessing it.
✍️ 6. Write a Deck Blessing or Statement of Intent
Simple words like “You are safe, you are mine, we are beginning anew” can be incredibly powerful.
🤝 Creating a Relationship with a Pre-Owned Deck
Just like meeting a new person, it may take a little time to bond with a deck—especially one with a past.
Here are some ways to start your relationship off with respect and openness:
Shuffle it slowly and touch each card with presence
Pull a card to ask, “What energy are you carrying?”
Journal about how the deck feels or what it wants to teach you
Wrap it in cloth, give it a home, and make space for it in your practice
🌱 Can You Use Someone Else’s Deck?
Absolutely. Used decks can be deeply powerful. They’ve been part of other journeys, seen many questions, and may even carry wisdom that’s been awakened by previous readers. Some believe that decks with history are more "broken in"—more fluent in their voice.
If a deck calls to you, trust that it’s yours for a reason. You can always reset its energy and make it fully your own.
🧘 Final Thoughts
Caring for the energy of your tarot deck is a sacred act of devotion—one that brings clarity, comfort, and connection. Whether your deck is brand new, vintage, or recently rehomed, what matters most is how you relate to it.
At AV Tarot Market, we honor the spiritual dimension of this work. Every deck we rehome is treated with respect, and we encourage you to do the same—whatever your beliefs may be.
Your deck is ready for its next chapter. And so are you.