How to Shuffle Tarot Cards
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards: A Beginner’s Guide to Mixing Energy and Intuition
Shuffling your tarot deck is more than just a practical step before a reading, it’s a sacred ritual that blends your energy with the cards, ensuring a clear and intuitive message. Whether you’re new to tarot or looking to refine your practice, learning how to shuffle tarot cards correctly can enhance your readings and deepen your connection with your deck.
In this guide, we’ll explore different shuffling techniques.
Why Is Shuffling Tarot Cards Important?
Shuffling does more than randomize the cards, it helps:
✅ Clear lingering energy from previous readings
✅ Infuse your personal energy into the deck
✅ Set an intention for your question or reading
✅ Strengthen your connection with the tarot
If you've ever felt stuck or unsure during a reading, a thorough shuffle can refresh the energy and bring clarity.
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards: 5 Effective Techniques
1. Overhand Shuffle (Best for Beginners)
The overhand shuffle is similar to how you might shuffle playing cards. It provides time to think through your questions. If you don't have a steady or clean surface to work on this technique is ideal to keep your cards clean.
How to do it:
- Hold the tarot deck in one hand.
- Use your other hand to take small sections of cards and let them fall into your palm.
- Repeat until you feel the deck is well-mixed.
✨ Perfect for those who want a gentle and controlled way to shuffle tarot cards. It will not reverse your tarot cards, so if you prefer only reading upright meanings this is ideal. You could also use this with a previously shuffled deck.
2. Riffle Shuffle (Fast & Thorough)
The riffle shuffle is common in card games but works well for tarot if you’re comfortable bending the cards slightly. I would recommend only using this style with a very well broken in deck or thin cards, similar to poker cards.
How to do it:
- Split the deck into two equal halves.
- Hold each half between your fingers and thumbs.
- Release the cards so they interweave, then press them together.
⚠️ Tip: This shuffle may not be ideal for sentimental or large tarot decks, as it can cause wear over time.
3. Washing Machine Shuffle (Great for Clearing Energy)
The Washing Machine shuffle involves spreading the cards and mixing them manually on a flat surface.
How to do it:
- Lay all the cards face-down on a table.
- Gently mix them around in a circular motion with your hands.
- Gather them back into a neat pile.
🔮 This method is great when your deck feels energetically “stale” and needs a reset. It also ensures a mix of upright a reversed cards for traditional tarot readings.
4. Hand-to-Hand Shuffle (For a Meditative Experience)
The hand-to-hand shuffle is a slow, mindful way to mix the deck.
How to do it:
- Hold the deck in both hands and shift the cards one by one from one hand to the other.
- Place one card ontop then the next underneath the main pile.
- Focus on your intention or the question you’re asking.
🌿 Great for those who enjoy a quiet, spiritual approach to tarot readings. it will mix your deck without any damage
5. The Twist (Best for Mixing Upright & Reversed Cards) without a table top or damaging your tarot cards
If you read with reversals, The Twist is a great way to introduce a balanced mix while shuffling.
How to do it:
- Hold the deck in one hand and transfer small sections into your other hand.
- After you transfer each section into the other hand, twist your wrist slightly to rotate the deck 180 degress before transfering the next pile.
- Continue until the entire deck feels shuffled, with a natural mix of upright and reversed cards.
🔄 Perfect to use in conjunction with the over hand shuffle we covered in section 1.
Final Thoughts: Find the Shuffling Style That Resonates With You
There’s no single “right way” to shuffle tarot cards. The best method is the one that feels natural and enhances your connection with the deck. Whether you prefer a structured riffle shuffle or a free-flowing hand-to-hand shuffle, your technique should support your intuition and create space for meaningful readings.
🔮 How do you shuffle your tarot deck? Let us know in the comments!
Would you like to enhance your tarot practice with a deck that makes reading easier? Check out our Solis Divinity Tarot Deck—beautifully designed with meanings printed directly on the cards for effortless interpretation!