For most people when they hear ‘shuffling tarot cards’, it does not mean much and they compare it to the equivalent of shuffling any cards.
So, does it make a difference? Well, for one thing, a good shuffle of your tarot deck randomizes the order of the cards which is crucial for getting accurate and unbiased readings. Secondly, a true tarot master shuffles the deck intending to clear out any negative energy that might hinder the result of your reading. Some users even do a little affirmation as a word of command to cleanse the cards.
The reason for channeling your energy into the tarot cards while shuffling is to infuse them with your intentions and your desires making your card readings more powerful and insightful.
Mastering tarot card shuffles is essential for any reader. It creates a form of dominance and expertise on the cards which can help you to read your cards confidently and more precisely.
Another point worth mentioning while shuffling is, ‘What happens before you shuffle is just as important as what happens while you shuffle’. This means that you should be connected with the cards the moment they come in contact with your hands because part of reading tarot cards is diving into your subconscious and intuition. It is all about connecting with the tarot deck and with yourself. This connection is important to create a clear channel for your intuition to receive the answers you need in your reading.
Another tip that long-time tarot card readers do is to hold the tarot deck in their hands and become aware of what it feels like in your hands, the size, the weight, and the texture. This is all done to connect with the card which will act as a medium for your questions.
Different types of card shuffling
- Overhand shuffle
This is one of the most commonly used techniques and relatively one of the easiest to perform. To perform this shuffle, hold the tarot deck in your non-dominant hand placing your thumb on top of the card and the remaining fingers on the back. Now together with your dominant hand index finger and thumb pull small packets of the card and shuffle them back into the deck with a left-to-right motion. Continue this motion eight to ten times or until you feel that the deck is completely shuffled. The key to a successful overhand shuffle is to keep the little packets small and consistent in size as you shuffle so that they interlace smoothly and evenly.
- Rifle shuffle
Also known as the casino shuffle because of its use in casinos, this shuffle is a bit tricky but does a wonderful job of shuffling the cards in one sweep go.
To perform this shuffle, divide the deck into two halves, holding one half in each hand. Then hold the two halves vertically with short edges facing each other. Then you use your thumbs to bend the corners of the cards downwards making a little arc so that when you release the cards slowly held by your thumb, they interleaf between each card.
The beautiful thing about this shuffle is that it gives your cards a good mix and randomizes the cards. But you want to make sure that you’re pretty good at this technique and that you’ve practiced maybe with an old deck because if you don’t get it right, you’re going to end up with a lot of bends on your tarot deck.
- Pile shuffle
It is not the prettiest shuffle out there but it definitely is one of the easiest to do and so a lot of beginners start with this shuffle. To initiate this shuffle, lay your cards randomly on a surface like a pile. When it is done ask your question and allow your intuition to pick the card for your answer.
- Restacking
Restacking method can be very convenient if you have big tarot cards or if your hands are too small to shuffle a deck properly. For this method, place your deck on a surface, pull out a section from any part of the deck and reposition it. Continue this process until you are convinced that all the cards are properly reshuffled.
- Jumper method
This is a unique method and doesn’t necessarily require shuffling. Like its name suggests this method refers to the card that jumps or comes loose while shuffling a card also called the ‘Jumper card’ and this particular card is used for the reading.
- Fanning out method
Fanning out is not a shuffle but it is commonly used by many professionals and readers. What makes this technique loved by many is the way this method works. For this method, the reader spreads out the cards in a fan-like projection so that all the cards can be seen individually while each card is inter-lapping by a small portion of the card. The reader then asks the question and fully allows intuition to guide which card to pick to get the answer.
How many times should you shuffle your cards?
While playing card games there are certain rules as to how many times you should shuffle your cards but when it comes to tarot reading none of it applies here. The number of shuffles should depend on you and how you feel about it.
If your inner consciousness is content with the shuffling then your cards are most probably ready to uncover some answers.
Which shuffling technique is best suited for you?
No one shuffling technique is said to be better than the other because, at the end of the day, every shuffling technique is just a way to be more connected with the cards to get a clearer answer from the reading. It all depends on what you are seeking from the tarot cards.
If you are a beginner, try the simpler techniques so you don’t get too focused or distracted by your shuffling technique. But as you grow more accustomed to the art, explore new shuffles. Your exploration can lead to a better-suited shuffle technique but, in any case, you can always go back to the one you are most connected with.
