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

Co-authored by Susan Levitt and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: September 24, 2021 References

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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Expert Source

Susan Levitt
Tarot Card Reader
Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.} 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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Use your less dominant hand or your left hand to hold the full deck. 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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Take a section out of the full deck and place it in a new spot in the deck. 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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3
Repeat the process 5-7 times. 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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Lay out all of your cards on the table. 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.
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Next, push the cards around the pile in a circular fashion. 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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Bring the cards back together in a full stack. 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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Divide your deck in 3 sections. 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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Flip the sections so that they're upside down if you want to incorporate reversals. 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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Bring the 3 stacks together in a new order. 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.
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Shuffle the stacks together. 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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Bring both stacks together again. 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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Blow on the deck. 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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Ring a bell over the cards. 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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Meditate with the cards in your hands. 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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