1. Crystals: Some crystals work very well for clearing decks. If the crystal is large and flat, you can set your deck on top of it, or you can place a small crystal on top of your deck to charge it. Specifically, Vanderveldt enjoys working with selenite because, according to her, it’s a purifying crystal that facilitates communication with spirit guides. “It can help keep the energy of the deck both clear and connected,” she says.

Magdaleno says you can also select a crystal that matches the kind of reading you’re doing. She loves selenite and clear quartz. Magdaleno suggests that when doing a relationship reading, for instance, you could aim for loving rose quartz.

2. Smoke: Both Magdaleno and Vanderveldt enjoy using smoke as a purifying agent. All you have to do is place your deck close to a dried wand or the smoke of herbal incense, and let the smoke swirl around, purifying each card.

Lavender is Vanderveldt’s favorite herb because it’s ruled by Mercury and promotes clarity in speech. Magdaleno says mugwort would also be a good option because of its intuitive and cleansing qualities.

3. Salt: Vanderveldt tells MBG, “Salt is such a powerful and accessible tool for clearing.” Consequently, if she feels that one of her decks needs “a real reset,” she will soak it in a bowl of sea salt for the entire night.

4. The Sun: Being outside in the sunshine and breathing in some fresh air has a refreshing effect that even the tarot cards sense. Fanning your cards outside in the open air can help a lot, according to Magdaleno, “especially if you’re feeling stuck or stagnant with your readings.” Fortunately, it won’t take long because you don’t want to unintentionally bleach your cards in the sun.

5. The Moonlight: Your deck can be charged by the moonlight, just like crystals are! On the evening of the next full moon, Vanderveldt suggests setting yours up right next to a window and letting the sky work its magic all night long.

Magdaleno continues, “To strengthen your intention, you can also align your cleansing with the lunar phase or sign.”

“For example,” she continues, “if you’re doing a relationship reading, charge them on a Friday night, as Friday is ruled by Venus, or choose a day the moon is in a sign ruled by Venus (Libra or Taurus).”

6. Shuffling: Before a reading, shuffling is customary, and Vanderveldt says that it can help you become familiar with your cards.

“If you’re getting to know a new deck or simply feeling disconnected from it, you can lay out the cards in order (starting with the Major Arcana and going through the suits) and then just mix the whole thing up in a chaotic way—like a kid playing in the mud,” she says. “Or you can simply do an extra thorough regular shuffle for a quick reboot.”

7. Knocking: Have you ever heard that before receiving a reading, you should knock on your deck three times? Magdaleno claims that it’s a rapid and simple method of physically eliminating old energy. The energy from the previous reading is cleared by the first knock, you are introduced to the deck by the second knock, and your intention for the reading is represented by the third knock.

8. Inhale: You can clear the decks and get into reading more quickly by using your breath, which is a very potent tool in the cleansing process. Breathing deeply over your deck removes any residual energy, as Magdaleno explains.

9. Visualization: Why not give a visualization for clearing your deck a try if you enjoy using them? Magdaleno suggests putting your deck between your palms, closing your eyes, and imagining a white light, or any color that feels purifying, enveloping your deck and drawing out negative energy.

10. Sounds: Not to mention, Magdaleno says sound is yet another fantastic tool for clearing your deck. “Bells tend to be popular sound-cleansing tools with witches,” she writes. She continues, “Singing bowls, music, or even your own voice can work, too.”