When we begin our Tarot reading journey, there seems to be so much to learn… All the meanings of the cards, the fascinating history of Tarot, and the wide variety of Tarot interpretations.
But, there is also the practical stuff! When you get your first deck in your hands and are ready to start reading, you suddenly think, ‘how am I actually supposed to shuffle these cards?!’.
Thankfully, there is no right way or wrong way or shuffling Tarot cards and there are so many different techniques to use. But, it is still really important to shuffle the cards!
Why Shuffle Tarot Cards is Important
Shuffling your Tarot cards before your reading allows you to connect with the cards and channel your energy. By shuffling the cards, we are focusing on the Tarot and centering ourselves on the art of Tarot reading. It serves as a meditative process, bringing forth the energy within you and focusing your soul on what is in front of you.
When we shuffle the cards, we can bring our minds to the question at hand. What are you wanting to get out of the Tarot reading? Have you got a specific question to ask the cards? While we shuffle, we can contemplate the topics that we are addressing in the reading. There is mindfulness and a pause to shuffle.
When shuffling your Tarot cards, you are able to acknowledge and bring about natural forces. I will often thank the elements when I am shuffling my Tarot cards, and ask them to guide me.
I meditate on my own personal power and my connection with the universe. This is such an important part of Tarot reading, and I truly believe shuffling the cards and bringing yourself into the right mindset makes your Tarot reading skills a million times better.
On a more practical note, shuffling the cards allows us to mix the cards up and therefore bring new ones to the front. It also allows us to get a physical feel of the deck, preparing ourselves for the reading. This makes shuffling especially important with a new Tarot deck! I do, however, advise you to shuffle before every reading.
Top 4 Techniques for Shuffle Tarot Cards
So, shuffling is a necessary part of the Tarot reading process. But, what are the best ways of shuffling the cards?
The Overhand Shuffle
This shuffling technique is pretty common for anyone who works with cards. If you ever play card games, this is the kind of shuffle you will do. It is pretty simple and allows you to mix up the cards and meditate.
Hold the deck of cards vertically in your left hand and with your right hand, split the deck and flick the cards downwards into the cards in your left hand. Keep doing this again and again until you feel that the cards are ready to be used.
This is a great way for beginners at Tarot reading. It allows you to get used to the feel of the cards in your hand and means you can shuffle them at whatever speed you like.
Most Tarot readers will use their left hand to hold the cards and this is because the left hand is often associated with spirituality and inner wisdom. However, there is no right way or wrong way with Tarot card shuffling so what feels good for you!
Riffle Shuffle
The riffle shuffle is another great way to shuffle your Tarot cards, but it does take practice! With this shuffling technique, you half the deck and take one pile in each hand. You then put the corners together, overlapping, and release the cards.
This allows the cards to mix with each other. It is often seen in card games and casinos, and can look pretty impressive when done well!
This is a really good way to shuffle large Tarot cards that are difficult to shuffle overhand with. However, the ripple shuffle can damage your Tarot cards so don’t overdo it with this shuffling technique.
Pile Shuffle
The pile shuffle allows you to give the Tarot cards a good shuffle without using too much skill. You simply place all the cards in a messy pile on the floor and mix them all together. Then, when you are ready, you bring all the cards back together.
This technique is great for most Tarot cards, especially the bigger ones or those in odd shapes. It shuffles the cards well and allows you to connect with them in new ways. You may also find yourself drawn to a certain card when doing this shuffle. If this happens, listen to your intuition and pick the card up!
The Cutting the Deck Shuffle
This shuffling technique is where you cut the deck at random points and put them back in different places. You can cut the deck at different points and place them in piles, and then bring them back in a different pattern.
This is an easy shuffling technique, but I wouldn’t advise you to just use this technique. It allows the cards to be slightly shuffled but does not provide you with a completely new pattern of cards. Because of this, use other ways of shuffling when you first get a new deck and at different points of your Tarot readings.
