In this chapter of the tarot course, we will see Why is it important to shuffle tarot cards well? How to shuffle tarot cards? What is the best way to shuffle tarot cards? What is the best way to shuffle tarot cards?
Every tarot reading begins with shuffling and mixing the cards. This is one of the fundamental aspects of tarot card reading, but it is often not mentioned. In other words, the cards must be shuffled and shuffled well, but few people know how to do it correctly or do not pay enough attention to it.
Why is it important to shuffle tarot cards well?
Shuffling the cards is a powerful and simple ritual that allows us to transcend from everyday thinking into the mystical world of the Tarot, which facilitates an emotional, physical and spiritual interaction with the cards.
In simple terms, by shuffling the cards you establish a connection with the tarot and its images, you begin to share energy with the cards. It is at this moment that a kind of dialogue with the cards is established, and that is why it is often asked at this time.
In addition, mixing the tarot cards well is very important, because we do not want a previous reading to influence the current reading. Sometimes, the same cards come out even in the same order, something that can and often does happen, so we want to be sure that this did not happen because we did not shuffle the cards correctly.On the other hand, one of the most important reasons is that, by shuffling and shuffling the cards after a spread, we are cleansing the energies and connecting with the tarot again.
Take the opportunity to concentrate on the question and let yourself be carried away by the cards, this is the moment to connect with your deck, with your feelings and with your intuition.
In conclusion, shuffling is a simple but important ritual that will help you in this process of spiritual connection with the tarot.
Methods and ways of shuffling tarot cards
While it may seem obvious or easy, it is important to know how to shuffle tarot cards, and there are different methods because there are different reasons, some of practicality and use.
On the one hand, some tarot readers prefer that no one touches their cards, and others seek a more participatory experience or consultation, where the querent is the one who mixes or chooses the cards.
The truth is that there is no single method or correct way to shuffle, as long as the cards are well mixed and we are not conscious of an order. And finally, the most important reason is that we can damage the cards, and if we want the deck to last or not to be damaged, it is important to know the ways to shuffle correctly.
In conclusion, we must look for the method that allows us to connect with the tarot.
How to shuffle tarot cards?
Let’s look at the different ways to shuffle and shuffle the cards:
Traditional shuffling:
This is the most commonly used and easiest method of shuffling Tarot cards. Simply divide the deck into two parts and then shuffle the halves together, making the cards interleave with each other. Do this several times, making sure to shuffle the cards at the ends, both inside and outside. This is a widely used method, because besides being easy it is used when you don’t want someone else to touch your deck. The downside of traditional shuffling is that over time the cards tend to wear down the edges as they rub against each other during shuffling.
Bridge shuffling:
If you want to add a sophisticated touch, you can try bridge shuffling. While this way of shuffling may take some practice when handling Tarot cards, it turns out to be one of the quickest and easiest techniques for shuffling cards. The downside of bridge shuffling is that the cards suffer a bit and can be damaged or hurt over time as they bend.
To do this separate into two piles, while holding the cards with your hands, fold the cards with your thumbs making them interleave both stacks of cards.
Scatter and Collect:
This method offers a more visual and tactile approach. Spread the cards out on a flat surface, in whatever arrangement seems appropriate. When picking up the cards, try to do so in a different order or pattern than you spread them out to make sure they are well mixed.
Pick a card:
A variant of this shuffle, is usually to spread and shuffle the cards on the table, then choose and pick the cards to be used for the spread, usually by running your hand over the cards feeling which one calls to you to grab. This is usually a good method if you want someone else to participate in choosing the cards or if you are a bit clumsy or have trouble shuffling.
The disadvantage of this spread is that when you spread the cards you need a large and clean space, sometimes they can be bent if not done carefully, they can get scratched or dirty, or even fly, so a cloth or tablecloth is usually used. This method is also known as pick a card, as it allows the querent to choose the same one.
Card Stacking:
Divide the deck into small groups or stacks of cards. Then rearrange these stacks in a different order. Another option is to shuffle each stack of cards before stacking them, or even shuffle them once all the cards are already in the deck. This is another shuffling that is often used to involve third parties. The disadvantage is that sometimes the cards are often left in similar order or not very well shuffled.
Shuffling in the Hands:
This is a particularly simple and meditative method. You hold the deck with your left hand and split the deck with your right hand and place the cards in different parts of the deck, from the front, from the back. Then you remove another pile, for example from the back or from the middle and shuffle the cards back to the front, dropping them into the left hand. This is one of the safest ways of not hurting or damaging the tarot cards since you do not force them to be shuffled.
Court shuffling:
This is a variation of the traditional method. Divide the deck into several parts (more than two), and then place one pile on top of another until all the parts have been put back together. This method can be repeated several times to ensure a good mix. The downside is that sometimes a sequence of cards may not shuffle correctly
Fan Shuffling:
This method is visually appealing. Hold the cards in one hand and use the other hand to spread them out in a fan shape. Then shuffle the cards in this position and collect them back into a deck.
Fist Punch Shuffle:
Although it may sound a little rough, this is another effective way to shuffle. Hold the cards in one hand and with the other, gently tap the edge of the deck so that the cards shift and shuffle randomly. The disadvantage is that you can hurt the cards.
Finally, remember that you can use and combine different methods to make sure that the tarot cards are well shuffled.
How do you know if you have shuffled the Tarot cards correctly?
To know if you have shuffled the Tarot cards well, the important thing is that they do not maintain an order and that you do not know what place they occupy, then the mixing well is subjective and may depend on several factors:
- Sufficient Blend: An objective indication that the cards are well shuffled is that they have been shuffled sufficiently to ensure a random distribution. This is usually accomplished after shuffling the cards several times, often at least five to seven times is recommended.
- Intuitive Feeling: Many Tarotistas rely on their intuition to know when cards are well shuffled. This feeling can arise as a sense of “knowing” or even a physical sensation, such as a tingling in the hands. If you feel that the cards are ready to be read, they are probably well shuffled.
- Connection with the Cards: As a tarot reader, you should feel a connection with the cards after shuffling them. This connection can feel like a synchronization of energies between you and the cards, and is a good sign that the cards are well shuffled.
- Signs of the Reading: Finally, the tarot reading itself can give you clues as to whether the cards were well shuffled. If the reading seems coherent and relevant to the question or topic at hand, it is likely that the cards were well shuffled.
Remember that Tarot relies heavily on intuition and personal connection with the cards, so there is no fixed “rule” for determining whether the cards are well shuffled. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and in tune with your deck.
Finally, if you notice that you tend to get repeated or sequential cards from the last spread in the next reading and this happens on a recurring basis, you may want to review your shuffling.