Is It Okay to Buy Used Witchcraft Books and Tarot Decks?

Yes. Buying used witchcraft books and second-hand tarot decks is completely okay, and for many readers it is the only way to find the books that matter most. The belief that a used deck or grimoire is bad luck is a modern superstition, not an old rule of the craft. If a book still carries a trace of its last owner, most practitioners simply cleanse it and make it their own.

Here is what to know before you buy, what to check, and how to welcome a well-travelled book into your practice.

Is it bad luck to buy a used tarot deck?

No. The idea that your first tarot deck must be a gift, and should never be bought or second-hand, is widely repeated but has little behind it. Tarot began in Renaissance Italy as a card game, and the "gift only" rule grew up much later around its mystical reputation.

Working readers tend to dismiss it. Tarot author Theresa Reed calls the gift rule "total rubbish," and points out that waiting for someone to hand you a deck could stop you from ever starting. Many experienced readers own shelves of used decks, and some even like a deck that has already been shuffled through a few hundred readings.

What matters is that the deck speaks to you. New or used, choose the artwork and feel that you connect with.

Do second-hand occult books carry someone else's energy?

Some practitioners believe they do, and many see that as a good thing. A grimoire with pencilled notes in the margin, a worn spine on a well-loved herbal, or a tarot guide with favourite pages folded down is proof the book was used, studied and valued.

If you prefer a clean start, there are simple rituals for that (see below). If you do not hold those beliefs at all, a used book is simply a book, often a cheaper or rarer one.

Why buy used witchcraft books at all?

• Out-of-print classics. Many important books on witchcraft, folklore and the occult were printed once and never again. Second-hand is often the only way to own them.
• Older editions. Earlier printings can include illustrations, introductions or text that later editions changed or cut.
• Price. A used copy of a big reference book, like an encyclopedia of spells or a complete herbal, usually costs far less than new.
• History. An older book carries the story of where it has been. For many collectors, that is half the magic.
• Less waste. Giving a book a second life is the gentler choice for the earth, which matters to many green and folk practitioners.

What to check before buying a used tarot deck

1. Count the cards. A full tarot deck has 78 cards: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. Oracle decks vary, so check the number printed on the box or guidebook.
2. Look for the guidebook. Many decks come with a little white book or a full guide. It is not essential, but it adds value.
3. Check the edges and backs. Light wear is normal. Bent corners or marks on the backs can make individual cards recognisable when shuffled, which some readers dislike.
4. Notice any smell. Smoke or damp smells can linger in card stock. Airing helps, but a strong musty smell can last.
5. Ask if anything is missing. A good seller will tell you honestly.

What to check before buying a used occult or witchcraft book

1. The spine and binding. Open the book gently. Pages should stay attached and the spine should not crack apart.
2. Foxing and stains. Small brown spots (foxing) are common in older paper and rarely affect reading. Water damage is more serious.
3. Notes and underlining. Some buyers avoid them; others love them. Decide what you want before you buy.
4. Edition and printing. For collectible books, the copyright page tells you which printing you have. A first printing of a sought-after title is worth more than a later one.
5. Missing pages, plates or inserts. Older illustrated books sometimes lose loose plates or maps over the years.

How to cleanse a used tarot deck or book

If you want to clear a used deck or book before working with it, these are some of the gentle methods practitioners use. Choose whatever suits your own path.

• Smoke. Pass the deck or book through the smoke of incense such as frankincense, sandalwood, cedar, mugwort or lavender. Keep flames well away from paper.
• Moonlight. Leave it on a windowsill overnight during a full moon.
• Salt. Place the deck in a bowl or bag near, not touching, a dish of salt. Salt can damage card stock and paper, so keep them apart.
• Shuffle and knock. Shuffle the whole deck thoroughly, then knock on it three times to "wake it up" for you.
• Sound. Ring a bell or singing bowl over the deck or book.
• Simply use it. Many readers say the fastest way to make a deck yours is to read with it every day for a week.

Avoid water, oils and sprays on any book or card. They warp paper and leave stains that cannot be undone.

Where to find used and out-of-print witchcraft books

Used and out-of-print witchcraft books turn up at independent bookshops, book fairs, estate sales and specialist sellers who know the subject. At Out of the Inkwell, every book is handpicked, and our shelves mix new, used, rare and collectible titles side by side.

If you are just starting your search, browse:

• [link: The Witch's Shelf] for spellbooks, grimoires and guides to the craft, from classics like The Spiral Dance and Drawing Down the Moon to The Green Witch and Burn a Black Candle.
• [link: Tarot & Oracle Decks] for decks and guidebooks, including Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom and the Marseille Reproduction Tarot Pack.
• [link: Forbidden Knowledge] for the occult, alchemy and hermetic texts.
• [link: Herbs, Roots & Fungi] for herbals such as Culpeper's Complete Herbal.

Looking for a particular out-of-print title? Requests are always welcome. [link: Contact page]

Frequently asked questions

Is it bad luck to buy your own tarot deck? No. The "must be gifted" rule is a modern superstition. Buying a deck you love is one of the best ways to start.

Can I use a tarot deck that belonged to someone else? Yes. Many readers cleanse it first with smoke, moonlight or a full shuffle, then use it as their own.

Are used witchcraft books worth buying? Yes. Many key titles are out of print, and used copies are often cheaper and sometimes more interesting, with older editions and past owners' notes.

How many cards should a used tarot deck have? A standard tarot deck has 78 cards. Count them before your first reading.

How do I cleanse a used grimoire without damaging it? Use dry methods only: incense smoke from a safe distance, moonlight, or a dish of salt placed nearby. Never use water or oils on paper.