How to Shuffle Tarot Cards (Shuffling for the Best Energy)

Shuffling a Tarot deck is more than simply shuffling cards. The process helps you get in touch with your intuition and reach a more meditative state, which some believe can help you get a more accurate Tarot reading.^{[1]
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Susan Levitt
Tarot Card Reader

Expert Interview} If you want to learn how to shuffle Tarot cards for the first time, you should know that there are many ways to do it (and no wrong ways). Read on to learn how to shuffle Tarot cards using a few of the most common methods. The article will also cover how to cleanse your Tarot deck as you shuffle.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Overhand Shuffling

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This isn't necessarily required, but many Tarot experts agree that holding the deck in your less dominant hand to shuffle can help you get a more intuitive reading.^{[2]
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Research source} Others believe holding the deck in your left hand can help you get a more accurate Tarot reading, as the left side is historically associated with fate and intuition.^{[3]
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Using your opposite hand, take a stack of cards out of the full deck and place them either at the top or in the middle of the deck.^{[4]
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Keep breaking the deck apart into stacks and placing them on top and in the middle of the deck. This will ensure that your deck is fully shuffled and ready to give an amazing reading!^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Scrambling

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Disperse your deck through spreading your hands over the cards to make an unorganized pile.^{[6]
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Research source} This is the simplest method to shuffle your Tarot cards, so try this one out if you're a beginner or new to the process.
Really try to move the cards around so that you can adequately shuffle them. Repeat the process 2-3 times.^{[7]
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After you've scrambled the cards 2-3 times, they should be shuffled. Stack the cards together again so that the deck is ready for the reading.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Cutting the Deck

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Take a section of your Tarot deck and place it on the table. Next, take another section and place it apart from the first section. This will leave you with 3 separate stacks.^{[9]
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Reversals refer to Tarot cards that have been flipped upside down, which can change the meaning of the cards. It's not required to add this extra elements to your readings, but try flipping 1-2 of the sections if you want to gain some extra insight from the cards.^{[10]
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Whatever portion you took from the top, place it on the bottom. Then, take the next section and place it in the middle. Add what was once the bottom section to the top. This should adequately shuffle your cards!^{[11]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Casino or Playing Card-Style

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Split the deck in 2 equal stacks to shuffle them together. Break apart your full deck and hold each half in your hands. While you're still holding each stack, place them face down on a table with the edges of each stack touching the other.^{[12]
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- Over time, this method could damage your cards and warp their shape. Avoid using this method for particularly thin or delicate decks. Thicker, sturdier cards will work best.
First, touch the top corners of each stack together (these are the corners on the short end of the cards). Then, use your thumbs to riffle the cards at the corners so that the cards in each stack are interspersed between each other.^{[13]
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Push the now alternating deck of cards into one another to form a solid deck again.^{[14]
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Research source} Repeat this process 2-3 times to really get the cards nice and shuffled.^{[15]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Cleansing a Tarot Deck

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If you just got a new deck, feel disconnected from your cards, or want to rid the cards of negative energy, you might want to cleanse the cards as you shuffle them. This can recharge their energy and help you feel connected to them again. One easy way to do that is to blow on the cards. As you gather your cards to shuffle them, simply hold them fan-style in your hand and blow on the cards. Then, continue to shuffle them with your chosen method.^{[16]
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Before you shuffle your cards, hold them fan-style so that the whole deck is visible. Then, ring a small bell over the cards with your other hand. This can help bring the cards new energy and cleanse them of any remaining negative energy. After, proceed with the shuffling method of your choice.^{[17]
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This method allows you to connect with your cards and center yourself at the same time. First, sit in a comfortable position and hold the deck in your hands. Close your eyes and visualize a ball of light. Picture your energy as droplets leaving you and falling into the cards, eventually being consumed by this ball of light. With your eyes closed, keep imagining this image for 5-10 minutes (or until you feel at ease). After that, you're ready to start shuffling the cards.^{[18]
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How Do You Start a Tarot Reading?

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How do you properly shuffle tarot cards?

Kelly Ferguson
Psychic Medium and Shamanic Healer

Shuffling tarot or oracle cards is not that different from shuffling regular playing cards, and there is no 'right' way to shuffle them. First, when selecting a deck to work with, consider it's size and shape and how well they fit in your hands. If the deck is awkward or hard to shuffle, this deck simply may not flow with you properly. You should be in a calm state, with a clear mind (as much as possible) and you should be focusing on your question or subject as you are shuffling the cards. Think of it as pouring your question into the deck, and allowing the deck to provide the answers. Keep that question or topic clear and concise in your mind as you're shuffling. Choosing cards may look different as well. Some people shuffle and "feel" when to stop and pull the cards. Some people will count to a certain number then pull the cards out. Others may find cards "jump" or "pop" out of the deck when shuffling. These "jumper" cards should be paid attention to and are likely an important message that needs to be included in the reading. If you feel your cards need to be "cleansed', with intention you can clear any energy from your cards by "knocking' 3 times on the top of the deck. Visualize any excess/ unnecessary energy simply falling out of the deck and being directed back into Mother Earth to be grounded. Shuffling with an intention, strategically selecting cards and maintaining a clear deck are great steps when learning to handle and start using your cards with care and control. Other steps to performing excellent card readings would be calibrating your decks, having a 'working" and 'away' deck and using cards you have a natural connection with and using your intuitive senses from these cards, rather than trying to memorize card meanings and definitions. Guidebooks in cards should be used with a grain of salt and will only give certain information and guidance. The best readings come from combining natural intuition with the suggestions/ details from the cards to collaborate with source and provide the highest and most accurate and helpful messages for yourself and those you read for.

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Tips

To keep your cards looking brand new for as long as possible, try laying a cloth down on the table before shuffling them. This can help you prevent the cards from becoming bent and scratched over time.^{[19]
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