When you feel called to explore the tarot, you embark on a journey into the mysterious. You may feel like a visitor to an unknown land where you don't speak the language. Tarot can be intimidating initially, but trust that your intuition has taken you in the right direction. Tarot is an ancient practice, and as a beginner, you have as much of a right as anyone to explore it. The only invitation you need to practice is the one you feel in your heart.

When I first began my tarot journey, I felt like I was an outsider to the cards. My hands felt clunky and uncoordinated. I had to put aside my insecurities about being a beginner to reveal my true connection to the practice. Once I did, everything fell into place, and I’ve been reading tarot professionally for several years now. Tarot is all about trusting yourself and your intuition. The cards will quickly become an extension of your energy, a sacred tool for divination. They are a mirror to your soul and hold ancient wisdom. Since you’re here — it’s likely this wisdom is calling to you.

First off, is there a right way to shuffle tarot cards?

The short answer is no. Shuffling cards is all about connecting with them. Beyond the obvious reasoning of wanting to mix up the cards so that you’re not simply pulling the same ones over and over, there is no one right way to do it. Once you begin to find a rhythm with the cards, you’ll intuitively know when to stop, when to cut the deck, and when to begin drawing cards. Eventually, you’ll develop a technique that works for you and use this every time. You’ll be in an intuitive flow, connecting with your intuition and feeling your tarot cards move with you and call to you.  

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Why does your shuffling technique matter?

Developing your own technique and getting into a flow is important because you want the tarot to be automatic for you. You want your conscious mind to be as uninvolved as possible. This will allow you to be impartial to the answers and questions the tarot will present you with. As tarot expert Rachel Pollack says in 78 Degrees of Wisdom, “By scattering the deck, we return it to chaos; when we bring it back together, it carries a new pattern". 

You need to create a random pattern to allow for synchronicity. Developing a technique will allow you to trust the patterns and emerging messages because you’ll know they are random or divine and not of your own creation.

How should you choose which technique to do?

Choosing a shuffling technique can depend on your goals for working with the tarot. You can also decide to change your mind over time. What’s important is that you stick with a method once you’ve chosen it. This will help you give impartial and accurate readings.

If you’re a beginner or looking for tarot cards to connect you to your own intuition or spirit guides, you might first try a more relaxed pile shuffle. If you’re reading tarot professionally, you may want a neater method that allows you to keep a hold of your cards as you sit behind a desk or table. I’ve seen beginners that only like to read cards for themselves when the card “jumps out” at them. This way, they know it was meant to be read. Find a style that suits you and play with it over time.

4 Ways to Properly Shuffle Tarot Cards

Overhand Shuffle 

This is a common shuffling technique you’ve likely seen if you’ve played a card game. You hold half the deck in your left hand and half in your right. Then, you filter the cards into your left hand and pull from the bottom back into the top of the pile. Repeat this process until the deck has been distributed and mixed. This is a wonderful way to put your energy into the cards. With this method, you can feel the cards, their weight, and how they move.  While you shuffle, repeat your intention or bring your question to mind until you feel the cards are ready. This is my preferred method of shuffling because it feels intuitive to me. I also have small hands, and this allows me to grasp the cards easier. This method is also less damaging to your cards because they gently glide together.

Pile Shuffle 

I like this method for beginners because it’s very free and guaranteed to be random. You might also think of this method as “52 pick up”. Spread the cards out all over the place. Let yourself be free and childlike with the process. Mix the cards together in a large pile on a hard surface and then bring them back together. While you mix up the cards, ask your question. Imagine as you mix the cards, you’re projecting your energy into them. Once they are completely mixed and put back together, you can begin to draw your cards. 

Riffle Shuffle 

This is another popular method with professional readers. With this method, you cut the deck in half and hold each half with your fingers securing the bottom and thumbs on top. Then, you bend the cards to create some pressure and let the cards fall quickly, fanning together. The riffle shuffle is also common in card games, and you might think of this shuffling method when you think about a casino. It’s impressive looking when done well, and the noise of cards slapping together is satisfying. You can also try a bridge too if you’re feeling confident.

This method does take practice. Tarot cards are larger than playing cards, so if you have small hands, this method can be challenging. It’s also more damaging to your tarot cards over time. I use a riffle shuffle to clear my cards between readings but tend not to use it continuously.

This is a great video to show you some card shuffling basics. These aren't tarot cards, but the step-by-step breakdown of how to hold the cards can be very helpful.

Fanning The Cards Out

This isn’t technically shuffling, but lots of people use this method on occasion. I recommend this method if you’re going to invite your spirit guides or intuition to help you choose cards. Fan the cards out on a large flat surface. Close your eyes and ask your guides or ask your intuition to help you choose the cards. You might even imagine the feeling of your guide's hand over your hand. Hover your hand above the cards until it feels like it wants to move. Then, allow your hand to touch the cards you feel drawn to. This shouldn’t be the only method you ever use, you’ll want to give the cards a good shuffling in between using this method. 

How to Set Up Your First Tarot Reading Space

1. Set Your Intentions

When you’re first beginning to read tarot, the idea of setting up your space can feel overwhelming. Setting your intention in the beginning, will allow everything else to fall into place. Consider your goal for your readings. What are you hoping to achieve with this space? If you’re creating a space in your home, consider where you feel the best energetically. Do you want your tarot practice to feel creative, reflective, or calm? Do you envision yourself being quiet and away from others or do you want to be in the middle of things? If you’re going to be sitting quietly and practicing for yourself, you may not need a dedicated space. You might decide to sit quietly somewhere in your home that you feel the most comfortable. This could be your bedroom, the kitchen table, or the coffee table. 

2. Be Practical

Ensure you have an area large enough to spread the cards out and shuffle comfortably. You might decide to lay a cloth down to read the cards on top of. If you’re giving readings, it may help to have a clock or timer nearby. Be true to yourself; your space doesn’t need to impress anyone else or look a certain way. What’s important is that you are authentic and comfortable. I have read tarot in busy holistic centers, behind curtains, in private offices, at house parties, and in cafes. Where you read the tarot isn't important. You and the cards can and will bring your magic wherever you go. 

3. Make It Your Own

If you’re setting up in a new space, take a few minutes to intentionally clear the energy of the room or your area. Channel your energy with the intention of clearing, or use an herbal spray or smoke to clear any energy that’s not yours. You could also add crystals or plants to your space or any items of significance to you that amplify your intuitive intentions. If you are setting up in someone else's space, it’s nice to bring something of yours, like a palm stone, or candle. Taking ownership of the energy will help you relax and get into a flow. 

How long should I shuffle tarot cards for? 

There is no exact amount of time required to shuffle your cards. I have heard that shuffling seven times will bring the cards back into a completely random sequence. Some professional readers have a set amount of time they like to shuffle; for example, they might always shuffle for a minute or two. The point of shuffling is to mix up the cards, but it’s also important to consider your question as you shuffle. You’ll want enough time to blend your energy and intention with the cards. As you develop a practice, you’ll be guided toward what feels right for you. Trust yourself with this intuitive timing.

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What To Avoid When Shuffling

1. Bending Your Tarot Cards

When you’re shuffling your cards, you’ll want to avoid bending them. Tarot is an intuitive art, and the point of shuffling is for the cards to be in a random pattern. You’ll want your cards to appear the same from the back so that they are unrecognizable. Having bends or tears will make one card stand out from the others. Over time you might begin to recognize this card. This could affect your readings and cause you to question yourself. I love working with a deck that's well-loved and worn out. This will happen to your cards naturally over time, but take care of them with each shuffle. 

2. Letting Your Mind Wander

While you shuffle, you want to focus on the question you’re asking or the intention of your reading. If you have racing thoughts or let your mind drift off-topic, this can affect the reading. Your thoughts and energy are being transmitted into the cards as you shuffle. So, if you’re reading for a friend who wants to know if she should apply for a job opportunity abroad, and as you shuffle, you begin to worry about everything you need to get done this week, you could send a mixed energy to your cards. You might end up answering your own worries or questions rather than your friends. I imagine holding my question or intention in my heart space as I shuffle. Some readers like to repeat the question in their minds. Do what feels natural and intuitive for you. 

3. Overthinking It 

Practicing tarot is not about getting it perfect. Tarot is a divination tool, a mirror into your soul. You must begin to develop self-trust in this intuitive practice. Try to counterbalance any negative self-talk or self-questioning thoughts with self-compassion. Make tarot a loving practice that is self-affirming for you, and be kind to yourself. You want to try to bring clear and grounded energy to the shuffling process. Decide that when you are reading tarot, you are going to trust yourself and your own magic.  

What’s the goal of shuffling?

The practical goal of shuffling is to mix up the cards into a random pattern. At the same time, you want to blend your energy and intention with your deck. It’s more than just avoiding seeing the same few cards each time. You want to create a random pattern so that you can begin to interpret the cards intuitively. The randomness also allows you to cooperate with the universe, magic, and your soul. To let fate and magic have a hand in how the cards must fall. 

Who should shuffle the tarot cards: the psychic or client?

There are varying schools of thought on this. Some professional readers do not like other people to touch their tarot cards. This feeling ranges from superstition to preference. I know wonderful readers that have clients pull thier own cards or tell them which cards they would like. For example “how many from pile three” or “tell me when to stop shuffling.” I like to hold my own cards, keep the energy clear, and intuitively choose them. Some people believe that the client will be drawn to the cards that are meant for them. All of these methods are valid. With time and practice you’ll develop a style of your own.  

Takeaways

You’ll find many rules about the tarot in books, online, and through various teachers. While rules or guidelines can be helpful, I don’t believe there is a single set of rules to be followed. Remember that tarot is your unique journey and you’ll develop your own best practices for yourself. The best way to learn the tarot is to embrace being a beginner and let it guide you. When you find a balance of common sense and unexplainable magic, you’ll know you’ve got something special.