Learn to Shuffle Tarot Cards Like a Pro
Tarot cards draw the attention of many enthusiasts as this tool is used widely for not only divination purposes. Many people turn to online services to get tarot readings on the go, considering the cards a great instrument for self-learning and gaining insights about life events.
For beginners, getting a first deck of cards often becomes a starting point of a great journey. In our article, we will consider different ways of finding the best approach to cards and learn how to shuffle tarot cards properly. Read on to learn tips, hacks, and more.
What’s the purpose of shuffling tarot cards?
The purpose of shuffling tarot cards is to let them result in a random pattern for further interpretation. Additionally, professional tarot readers use shuffling to tune into the cards’ energy and establish a connection to them.
The main tips before purchasing a tarot deck
If you are just starting to learn tarot cards and didn’t get a deck yet, consider our tips before purchasing your first one.
Choose your first deck offline
Nowadays there are hundreds of different decks one can find and buy online. However, it’s highly recommended for beginners to try shuffling different decks in an offline store. You should realize the actual size of the cards and ensure they fit you.
Pick tarot cards after shuffling
If you’re about to get your first tarot deck you should consider how large the cards are. That’s why a recommendation before buying a deck is to try and shuffle cards for the first time. If the cards are repeatedly falling out of your hands, maybe you should try another option.
Consider the size of tarot cards
The cards aren’t supposed to be made for kids, but some adults might have small hands. In this case, shuffling a large deck will not be as comfortable and fast. Almost all popular tarot decks for beginners have a mini format. For example, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck. You can compare two options and decide what fits you best.
How to prepare for reading and shuffling tarot cards?
Arranging a proper space to read cards is crucial, especially for beginners. A quiet and insightful atmosphere requires at least a bit of preparation. To ensure you have everything ready, read our short instructions:
Formulate your goal
Before you start arranging space for shuffling and reading tarot cards correctly, decide on your main purpose. Starting with clear intentions will help you focus and connect with cards. Ask yourself several questions about how you want this practice to go. What do you want to feel? A correct mindset is a good starting point. Decide on your main request for the cards and what result you wish to achieve after reading.
<
Decide on a spot
If during the preparation stage, you decide on your goals correctly, then your intuition will help you realize where exactly you’ll feel more comfortable during reading. For example, you may want to stay in your bedroom and calmly shuffle cards with no rush. If you want to be more organized and focused, choose a space at your cabinet or a coffee table, where you will easily spread cards and see the whole picture.
Ensure you have enough space
Shuffling cards and further reading of spreads require focus and confidence. You must ensure that you arrange a spot properly. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit any existing standards you may have in your head. Your inner feeling of comfort matters the most. If you’re ready for reading and have developed a good connection with a deck, you will effectively get messages from the cards even on a busy street.
Clear the energy
It will help if you take several minutes before you begin reading. Feel free to meditate, or simply close your eyes and deeply breathe. Channeling your inner energy will help you adjust the space and own it. You can customize the spot to make it look more ‘you’. For example, add altars, crystals, flowers, candles, and anything else that makes you feel confident. Clearing the energy makes a big difference, so don’t skip this stage.
After you feel comfortable and relaxed, it’s time to learn how to deal with shuffling tarot cards.
3 basic ways to shuffle tarot cards like a pro
Now when you have arranged a space that fits your mood and helps you focus on a reading, proceed with shuffling cards.
Pile technique
This shuffle is among the most popular as it helps to pull random cards with ease. You need to spread the cards over the table. Then mix them and bring them back to the pile. During this process, you can ask your question. You can repeat this procedure until you feel it’s time to pull cards.
Overhand technique
This basic shuffle may be familiar to you from movies about casinos. Divide the deck into a half. Take two halves into your hands and start repeatedly putting them one on another bottom back. Repeat the process until you are sure that all cards are mixed. This method is the best to connect with the deck, feel its vibe, and tune on to your intuition.
Riffle technique
Divide the tarot deck into a half. Hold each half of the deck firmly with your fingers and secure the bottom to hold cards together. Your thumbs must be on top of the cards to hold them tightly in your hands. Now you need to bend both halves and let them quickly shuffle. It will look like cards are quickly fanning together.
This technique is one of the hardest ones and takes time to practice. Though it is very impressive. If you read cards for someone else, they will get the WOW effect for sure.
Note that the riffle technique will not fit if you have very small hands. This shuffle can also lead to fast damage to the cards, so don’t use it often.
What to avoid when shuffling tarot cards
If you are a beginner in tarot reading, here are several things you should avoid to master the art of shuffling tarot cards:
- When you learn how to shuffle tarot cards, it’s crucial to do it without bending. Your goal would be to create some space for randomized patterns. Be very careful during shuffling to make cards look similar. Bends or other marks on the cards will make you start to recognize them with time. Hence, it will affect the accuracy of your readings.
- Reading must be a joy and time you spent self-learning. If you start feeling anxious or disappointed during shuffling, it’s a sign to take a break from reading. Stop shuffling tarot cards and remind yourself why you practice readings. Perhaps your approach to cards’ interpretation is too perfectionistic. Approach practicing tarot as a mediation and self-loving tool.
- Avoid letting your thoughts flow away during tarot shuffling. You should be focused on the process and keep your question in mind. Feel the connection with cards and let energy freely flow from your hands to the deck and forwards. You should especially avoid worrying, thinking about troubles, and other low vibes. Concentrate on your request and distract from everything else. Don’t overthink.
Afterall
Shuffling tarot cards like a pro is a skill that comes with constant practice. By applying the tips from our article you will quickly gain the basics of shuffling. Choose one of the methods our tarot reading website listed or invent your approach to the tarot deck. Keep in mind that the main purpose of shuffling cards is to avoid bending as with time it will influence the accuracy of your readings. Approach cards gently and choose your first tarot deck offline if possible as it will let you feel the energy of cards and define their size. Avoid overthinking during shuffling and focus on your question.
We wish you accurate readings and good luck!
