Whenever I do face-to-face tarot readings and ask people to shuffle the tarot cards, they (almost without fail) grimace and say they don’t know how to/aren’t very good at shuffling/might make a mess. I reassure them that they can do whatever they want, even just cutting the deck from side to side, as long as they get their hands on the tarot deck. So, please don’t overthink shuffling your tarot cards! You don’t need to act like a Las Vegas casino dealer. Just get your hands on the deck and move the cards around.
At the most basic level, shuffling makes it so you don’t draw the same tarot cards over and over (or those of the last person who had a reading with that tarot deck). That said, there are a couple of things you can add to your shuffling technique to make your tarot reading as personal and relevant to you as possible. And there are a few different shuffling methods that you might want to try out. If shuffling like a pro is something you enjoy, then you should bring it into your readings—it’s part of your thing!
The most important thing to know about shuffling tarot cards
It’s all about your mindset. Shuffling tarot cards should introduce a mindful or meditative state in which you can consciously step out of daily life and into a more intuitive and insightful frame of mind. It provides a pause before starting the tarot reading. While shuffling, silently ask for assistance, guidance, and protection. Think about the questions you’re about to ask the tarot cards or simply silently prepare for your tarot reading. If you do nothing else, make sure you move your brain out of “everyday” mode and into a more focused mindfulness.
Related Story
How professional tarot readers shuffle tarot cards
Traditionally, tarot card readers used their left hand to shuffle, because the left side is associated with intuitive and receptive energy. Others believe you should shuffle and deal tarot cards with your nondominant hand, for similar reasons. However, I can’t shuffle one-handed, so I have never done this!
Apparently, the exact number of shuffles to achieve a truly random tarot deck is seven, but honestly, there is no need to adhere to that. Some people like to shuffle their tarot deck a few times, while others like to shuffle for at least a full minute as they zone in on their question. If a nontraditional shuffling method works for you, go for it—the most important thing is to just move the cards around.
Related Story
How to shuffle new tarot cards
When you get a new tarot deck, you want to really, really shuffle your tarot cards, or else they’ll be in order. I think it’s easiest to put your tarot cards down on the floor and ~smoosh~ them around (yes, that’s the official term), then pick them up and start shuffling even more.
Some pros advocate keeping new tarot cards with you for a week (in your bag, on your desk, under your pillow, etc.), so the cards can tune in to your energy and vibration. Think of it like a ’90s Tamagotchi toy! Others simply like to spend some extra time shuffling them. It’s up to you.
Related Story
Tarot card shuffling techniques
Overhand shuffle
In probably the most common type of card shuffling, you place your tarot deck in one hand and release a section of cards at a time into the opposite hand, until you feel the cards are suitably mixed up.
The drop and ~smoosh~
This method is fave. Drop the cards facedown on the floor and smoosh them around, almost like you’re massaging them in a circular motion. Think of it like scrambling the cards. Some cards might spin out to the edge or outside the general pile. You should pick those cards up and read them—they’re trying to get your attention!
Restacking
Place your tarot deck so it’s sitting in front of you. Then take a section out of the deck and place it in a new spot in the deck (top, middle, or bottom). Repeat with different sections until you feel your tarot cards are suitably mixed. This technique is helpful if the cards are big (or your hands are small) and overhand shuffling doesn’t work.
The three-pile cut
I love to use this shuffling method when I work with clients because it gives people something specific to do and helps them relax. Begin by shuffling the tarot deck however you like, then cut the reassembled deck, placing the cards in three separate piles to the left. Then pick a pile and read the cards from there. Some people use this method for a simple past, present, future tarot reading: The first pile represents the past, the second represents the present, and the third, you guessed it, the future.
The fan
Place your tarot cards face down and fan them out, either in a straight line or curve. Then hover your hand over the cards and choose the ones you feel drawn to. I recommend this technique if you’re focusing on one question at a time, and it’s also good for those who don’t like shuffling!
Tarot Gifts
Cosmopolitan The Cosmo Tarot: The Ultimate Deck and Guidebook
Now 11% Off
TarotBella Learn Tarot Course
LetsGetGalacticArt Daily Tarot Journal
The Magician Major Arcana Candle
FireandflowersStudio Temperance Meditation Oil
Pretty Spirits The Star Tarot Edition Sweatshirt
Alex and Ani Moon Tarot Charm Necklace
Mystic Mondays The Lovers Black Mug
Kerry Ward has been reading, teaching and creating tarot decks, books, and content for over 25 years, and is a horoscope contributor for Cosmopolitan UK and Cosmopolitan US. You can book a personal, written tarot reading with her, which comes as a beautifully illustrated brochure. She is also the published author of Power Purpose Practice, Card of the Day Tarot and Cardless Tarot. She also created the Good Karma, Crystal Magic, and Taroscopes tarot decks. She likes to self-publish unique journals in her spare time, such as The Guided Magic Manifesting Journal and the latest Haunted House Journal. She is a Gemini, so writing is her favourite thing!
Follow her on Instagram h for weekly forecasts, insights, and tarot teachings, or find her on LinkedIn.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pLvSpqapp5yewaK6jZympmecnrOmv9Oyo55nkWiGdYWSbG5uZ5ikxG7Azmaqoa2Wm7mmedOaqaisXZius7DSaA%3D%3D