Practice
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards
There is no single correct way to shuffle a tarot deck, but there are a few worth knowing. Overhand, riffle, cut, and the floor method, with when each one fits.
4 min read
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards
There is no correct way to shuffle tarot cards. Here are the main approaches and what matters.
- Set your intention first: Before shuffling, settle your focus on the question or area you are reading about. Shuffling is preparation, not randomisation.
- Choose your method: Overhand shuffle: move small packets from back to front. Riffle shuffle: interleave two halves. Spreading: lay cards on a surface and mix. All methods work.
- Shuffle until it feels right: There is no correct duration. Shuffle while holding your intention in mind. Stop when it feels right.
- Cut the deck if you like: Some readers cut the deck into three piles and reassemble them as a final intention-setting gesture. This is optional.
- Draw your card: Draw from the top of the deck, or use whichever card falls out during shuffling if you treat fallen cards as your reading card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter how I shuffle tarot cards?
No single method is correct. The purpose of shuffling is to engage your attention and set an intention before drawing. Use whatever method feels natural and keeps you present.
What if a card falls out while shuffling?
Many readers treat a card that falls out during shuffling as the card for their reading. Others put it back and continue. Neither is wrong, decide in advance which approach you will use so you are not making the decision mid-shuffle.
Do I need to cleanse my deck before shuffling?
Only if that feels meaningful to you. There is no practical requirement. A new deck works perfectly well straight out of the box.