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How to Shuffle Tarot Cards (For Beginners!)


how to shuffle tarot cards
how to shuffle tarot cards


Shuffling the cards is an important step in any tarot reading. This action helps the tarot reader to tune into the deck. By shuffling the cards, he can understand whether they are ready for truthful answers. In this article, you will learn how to shuffle for beginners, note for yourself which shuffling card techniques suit you best and what rules to follow so that you always get an accurate prediction.




Is there a right way to shuffle tarot cards? 


how to shuffle cards
how to shuffle cards


The first shuffle of the deck is a kind of attunement that helps to establish contact with the information field and synchronize with the energetic vibrations of the cards. At this moment you need to concentrate, feel every particle of the card and perceive its special energy.

There are several ways of shuffling cards, the implementation of which requires certain rules. While technique matters, everyone can find a method that works for them. Some experts prefer classic mixing, while others act more intuitively and spontaneously.

The main thing is that when shuffling Tarot cards you need to feel the deck and enjoy the process. Working with cards should be something secret and enjoyable for you. If you are in a meditative state when interacting with the Tarot, then you will be able to best tune in to reading the cards and get answers to questions that are important to you and the client.


Why does your shuffling technique matter? 


how to shuffle for beginners
how to shuffle for beginners


It is very important to even be able to mix the arcana correctly before starting the spread, since the result obtained also largely depends on this. Some may think that details like these don't matter, but they don't. The process of shuffling cards is a serious ritual that requires a special approach. Therefore, take learning to shuffle cards seriously.

The tarot card shuffling technique is important for several key reasons:


1. Energy setting:


Shuffling allows the tarot reader and the querent to establish an energetic connection with the cards. This process helps to “charge” the deck with the energy of the current moment and question, which makes the layout more personal and accurate.


2. Objectivity:


Proper shuffling ensures a random arrangement of cards, which is the basis for objective and honest fortune telling. This prevents bias and manipulation by ensuring that each card is drawn randomly and reflects the true situation or issue.


3. Focus:


The shuffling process itself is an important ritual that helps the tarot reader focus and tune in to the upcoming alignment. This ritual creates the atmosphere necessary for deep and correct fortune telling.

All this emphasizes that the shuffling techniques of tarot cards is not just a mechanical action, but an important component of the fortune-telling process, affecting its accuracy, depth and significance.


How should you choose which technique to do? 


how do you shuffle cards
how do you shuffle cards


The choice of card shuffling technique is based on individual preferences and working styles. The main thing is to determine for yourself which one suits you and your deck more. Some people prefer a slow, thoughtful shuffle that allows them to feel the "feedback" of the cards, while others choose more dynamic methods to activate the energy.

After familiarizing yourself with the Tarot shuffling techniques described above, you can try practicing with different ones and then decide how to shuffle сards.

You can also combine them, for example, for love issues you will want to use one technique, and for money issues, another. Don't be afraid to stick with the technique that you are most comfortable with and inspire you in your work with the cards. Give yourself permission to be the author of your own tarot journey.


Ways to Properly Shuffle Tarot Cards


learn how to shuffling
learn how to shuffling


“Playing Cards” method


The most used way to work with Tarot cards. It resembles shuffling playing cards. To begin with, the cards must be on your left hand, then you must remove some of the cards and transfer them to your right hand. It will be slightly above the left. Then connect the two stacks and repeat the action several more times. When you feel that this is enough, combine the cards into a deck, trimming the edges.


“Cut The Deck” method


This method involves shuffling by placing cards into stacks of decks. Place the cards one by one into 4 or 5 piles. Then collect these piles in random order and shuffle the deck in the usual way.


“Pick Up Sticks” method


To shuffle this method, take your deck of cards and place them face down on a surface. Shuffle the cards thoroughly so that they are evenly distributed. After shuffling, carefully place the cards back into the deck, making sure the cards are in a straight position.


Overhand Shuffle


This is truly the best way to shuffle cards for people of all skill levels. To shuffle, start with the deck in your left hand: you should tilt it so that three fingers are along the face of the deck. The first finger wraps around the thumb on the back of the deck. And place your right hand on the cards so that: the middle finger is on the front edge, the thumb is behind and the index finger is on the right edge.

Next, all you do is remove small pieces of cards with your left thumb. And then, when you only have a few cards left in your right hand, just throw them on top. Remember that the left hand does not move much, the right hand does all the work.

Practice this, slowly, and then when you feel more comfortable, you can shuffle faster.


Pile Shuffle


Pile Shuffle can be briefly described as shuffling piles randomly. You simply put all the cards in a messy pile on the floor and shuffle them together. Then, when you're ready, you put all the cards together.

In fact, this is an easy way to shuffle the cards, but tarot readers rarely use it.


Riffle Shuffle


To start shuffling using this method, divide the deck in half, with a stack of cards in each hand. Holding the cards by the ends with both hands, you need to flip the cards with your thumbs. In this case, the ends of the cards from both piles should alternately fall and intersect. Then the cards are simply shifted, connecting the deck again. It turns out that cards from two piles alternate.

Riffle Shuffle looks magical and mesmerizing when done on a table. And if you do it in your hands, then you just need to hold the stacks at the top and bottom ends.

The Riffle shuffle in the hands is also different in that it can be used to show a “bridge”. This is an option for beautifully collecting stacks of cards into one deck, when the cards bend in the opposite direction and are slowly released. It makes for an interesting browsing experience.


Fanning The Cards Out


For this method, the deck is laid out in a fan on a flat surface. After this, the card sheets are mixed with both hands using circular movements.

Some cards, of course, will be upside down from this. Therefore, this method of shuffling is suitable for those who use straight and reversed cards in the deck for fortune-telling. The disadvantage of this method is that it quickly destroys the deck and makes it look shabby.


How to Set Up Your First Tarot Reading Space 


how to learn shuffling
how to learn shuffling


For any reading, you will need a table with sufficient surface area. Ideally, this should be a separate table that you will use for predictive practice. If you don’t have such a table, then you can do this at your desk, but under no circumstances should it be your dining table.
To prevent your workplace from absorbing negative energy, you need to use a tablecloth. The tablecloth allows you to cut off the everyday physical space from the magical one. To enhance energy protection, a protective symbol is usually depicted in the center of the tablecloth. The symbols can be different - magical or runic - but its central position is important due to the fact that all layouts also have a centered structure. In addition to the protective function, these symbols also perform the function of enhancing the energy flow of information.
What to do if you don’t have a special tablecloth with protective symbols on hand? In this case, absolutely any tablecloth or material that can be used to cover the table will help you.

Additionally, you can place candles on the table, surrounding the tablecloth. Fire energy will help you concentrate and protect yourself from negativity. You can also use incense sticks such as incense, palo santo. Such attributes give the strength of the air element, which will additionally help you tune in to work.





How long should I shuffle tarot cards for?  


card shuffling
card shuffling


When you start shuffling the cards, you may immediately have a question about how long you need to shuffle the cards. In fact, there is no single rule that specifies how many minutes you should do this. Your first task is to shuffle the cards properly. But how long is up to you to decide. And for this you will need to rely on your feelings.

During the shuffle, ask your question, your task is to completely immerse yourself in the question, this is when you don’t think about anything else, when your whole head is one continuous thought on the question. You should come to such sensations when you cannot hear sounds, as if time has stopped, and space along with it. Absolute silence. And when this state is achieved, it means the question has passed through you, then you can pull out the cards.

Literally a minute may be enough for you. Maybe 5 minutes won't be enough. The main thing here is to catch the moment when it becomes clear within you that enough is enough. This is such a ritual, everyone has their own way of doing it.


What To Avoid When Shuffling Tarot 


how do you shuffle
how do you shuffle


When shuffling, it is very important to know how to handle tarot cards, what should be avoided in order to make a correct reading. If you watch out for these mistakes, your invisible connection with the cards will be preserved and you will be able to continue fortune telling without distortion or interference:


Bending Your Tarot Cards


The card requires careful handling. When you work with them, they are not only like a tool for you, but they become your “friends” who help you capture the messages of the Universe. Therefore, there is no need to bend them during shuffling, violating their integrity and the energy of information transmission. Treat them with respect and care. This way the cards will serve you for a long time.


Letting Your Mind Wander


We must remember that working with the Tarot still requires a very clear understanding of your readiness to carry out this practice. Before you start shuffling the deck, you need to create an intention inside, at the level of your heart, to understand why you are doing this.

You need to hold the entire deck in your hands and imagine how the energy passes from your right hand to your left. As the cards are in your hands, they become saturated with your energy, and you tune into their vibrations and allow your mind to focus on the task.


Overthinking It


When you shuffle the cards, you must enter a state of flow in order to pick up the messages through the cards. If you think too much about whether you are shuffling the card correctly and worry about the result, this will lead to an imbalance in the flow of energies. For those asking, "how do I shuffle cards smoothly?", you just need to relax your hands and maintain a steady rhythm. The cards will find the right position themselves.

Feel the energy circulating in the deck. It’s as if you don’t have cards in your hands, but something living and fluid, like a stream of water. You mix this flow, feeling its energy. It should be a light, comfortable and graceful feeling, similar to stirring water in the sea.

By following these recommendations, you will be able to maintain accuracy in working with Tarot cards, which will significantly improve the quality of your fortune-telling.


What’s the goal of shuffling? 


best way to shuffle magic cards
best way to shuffle magic cards


When you shuffle the cards, you may have a thought: why and for what purpose is all this being done? However, this is an important part of working with tarot. By shuffling the cards, you clear the cards from the energy of the past issue and give the cards the opportunity to tune in with a new task and client, so that the Universe, through the cards, gives you the right result. From this you can deduce how many times to shuffle cards.

It is also known that there are nerve endings on the fingers that are connected to numerous points in our body and can affect our energy state. When you shuffle cards, these nerve endings are activated, helping you to concentrate and tune into intuitive perception. This process also helps you develop a deeper connection with the cards and the information they can provide.

In addition, the process of shuffling cards itself can serve as a kind of meditation, allowing your mind to relax and enter a special state of concentration. This state contributes to better perception and interpretation of the information that you receive as a result of the alignment.

Thus, the purpose of shuffling cards is not simply to perform a mechanical act of random distribution, but an important ritual that helps you prepare to handle the cards and get the most accurate and useful answers to your questions.


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


shuffle for beginners
shuffle for beginners


Traditionally, both the client and the tarot reader can play the role of shuffling the tarot cards. There is no strict rule on this matter. Because of this, each tarot reader has his own method of work. Sometimes tarot readers may not give their cards to anyone at all, believing that the cards only work with them, only with their own energy. Therefore, in their opinion, the cards in the client’s hands may begin to give incorrect answers and fail.

For others, the method of work may be that the client himself must shuffle the cards for his question. They believe that in this way the cards, interacting with the person who has the question itself, will give more direct answers and will reflect the truth.

There is a third option, when tarot readers do the shuffling themselves and give clients the opportunity to shuffle. For example, a tarot reader might have the client shuffle the cards first to encourage the client to put their energy and intentions into the deck. The tarot reader can then take the deck and shuffle it again to tailor the cards to a specific issue or situation, using their professional skills and intuition. This approach allows you to combine the energies and intentions of both participants in the process, which can lead to a more accurate and in-depth alignment.

This combined approach allows us to take into account both the personal energy and intentions of the client, as well as the professional skills and intuition of the tarot reader.

Thus, you decide for yourself which shuffling style you choose. Rely on your inner feelings. Intuition can tell you which method will be most effective in a particular situation. You may feel in some cases that the client needs to be in complete control of the shuffling process in order to put their energy and intention into the deck. In other cases, you may feel that your professional attunement and rituals would be more appropriate.

Don't be afraid to experiment and try different approaches to find the one that resonates most with you and your clients. It is important that you remain open and flexible, trusting your inner voice and feelings.


Conclusion



ways of shuffling cards
ways of shuffling cards


Thus, good shuffling is an important part of working with tarot. When you shuffle the deck for the first time, you set it up and enter the information field; the correct answers that the cards will show depend on this. To learn how to shuffle tarot cards, you can start by mastering a few basic techniques like the overhand shuffle or the riffle shuffle.

Remember that your task is not just to mix the cards but to do so with intention and focus. The energy you bring to the shuffling process can influence the reading, so it's important to be calm and centered.

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