How to Shuffle Tarot Cards Before Starting a Reading
There Are Many Ways to Shuffle Tarot Cards
There are several ways to shuffle a tarot deck, and the method may vary depending on the tarot reader or professional handling the cards.
To ensure proper shuffling, it is important to use a well-laminated tarot deck, as most decks produced by specialized manufacturers are. This helps prevent the cards from wearing out or fraying along the edges over time.
There is no strict rule that defines the best way to shuffle, nor is there an exact number of times that determines the ideal shuffle. However, there are commonly used methods that stand out in tarot practice, as described below.
🌿 Energetic Cleansing Before Shuffling the Tarot Deck
Many tarot readers choose to cleanse their deck before beginning the shuffling process.
This practice helps remove residual energies and vibrations from previous readings or clients, ensuring that the cards are energetically clear and aligned with the current consultation.
A common way to do this is by using natural incense, such as:
White sage
Frankincense
Palo santo
The deck is gently passed through the smoke, allowing the cleansing properties of these elements to purify the cards.
✨ This process is believed to:
Clear lingering energies
Reset the deck’s vibration
Strengthen the connection between the reader and the cards
By starting with a cleansed deck, the reading becomes more focused, accurate, and energetically aligned with the present moment.
Shuffle and Cut Once
In this method, the tarot reader may shuffle the cards as many times as desired. After finishing, the deck is cut once, dividing it into two piles.
The piles are then rejoined, and the reader begins laying out the cards for the chosen spread. The number of shuffles is up to the reader, and the cut can be made with either hand.
Shuffle and Cut 3 Times
In this method, the reader shuffles the cards as much as needed and then divides the deck into three piles (the size of each pile does not matter).
This can be done in any direction and with either hand. After the triple cut, the piles are reassembled, and the reading begins.
Shuffle Without Cutting
This is the simplest method and is widely used by tarot readers who do not follow specific rituals.
The reader simply shuffles the cards as many times as desired and then begins the reading without cutting the deck.
Shuffling Done by the Client
In this case, the tarot reader hands the deck to the client, who shuffles the cards as they prefer, with or without cutting afterward.
Shuffling by the Reader, Cutting by the Client
Here, the tarot reader shuffles the cards in their own way and then hands the deck to the client, who performs the cut (once or three times).
After the cut, the reader gathers the cards, reassembles the deck, and begins the reading.
Random or Automatic Shuffling
This method is widely used in online environments, such as tarot websites.
The shuffling happens automatically, and the client simply clicks where indicated to reveal the selected cards.
Although some people question this system, it works in the same random way as any other method, since the cards are selected without conscious direction.
Additional Shuffling Methods
The reader may also:
Hold the full deck and shuffle it like a regular playing card deck
Spread all cards face down on a table and mix them randomly before gathering them again
In both cases, the key is to shuffle without looking at the cards, ensuring that their selection remains unknown.
From this point, two main reading approaches can be followed.
Shuffling All 78 Cards Together (American Method)
In this method, all 78 cards are shuffled together and used in the reading without separating the Major and Minor Arcana.
This approach is often called the American method and can be applied to any type of reading or spread.
Shuffling Cards Separately (European Method)
In this approach, the tarot reader separates:
The 22 Major Arcana
The 56 Minor Arcana
Each group is shuffled separately.
During the reading, each position in the spread receives two cards:
One Major Arcana
One Minor Arcana
This creates a paired interpretation for each position.
This is known as the European method and can also be used in any type of reading.
Choosing Your Method
The tarot reader typically chooses their preferred reading method first, and then defines how the shuffling will be done.
There is no better or more accurate method — each professional develops their own way of shuffling and reading the cards.
What truly matters is how comfortable and confident the reader feels with their chosen method.
The Importance of Focus and Intention
The most important aspect during the shuffling process is mental focus.
You must:
Clear your mind
Focus on what you want to know
Define the type of spread before starting
The candle, environment, and tools may help — but your mind is what directs the energy.
Example 1: Specific Question
If the client asks a direct question, such as:
👉 “Will this person come back?”
During shuffling, the reader or client should focus on the person involved, preferably saying their full name and date of birth.
This helps create an energetic connection.
The question can be mentally or verbally phrased as:
“Will [person’s name], born on [date], reconnect emotionally with [other person’s name]?”
This is a focused shuffle centered on a single objective: determining whether reconciliation will occur.
Example 2: Three-Card Spread (Past, Present, Future)
If the reader uses a three-card spread:
Shuffle while focusing on the client’s energy
Spread the cards face down on the table
Then:
Pass your hand over the cards and focus:
“How is the past influencing this person’s life today?” → Draw one card
Pass your hand again and focus:
“What is happening in this person’s life right now?” → Draw another card
Pass your hand once more and focus:
“What does the future hold for this person?” → Draw the third card
Finally, turn over the cards and interpret them.
Final Insight
The most important factor in shuffling tarot cards is the ability to clear your mind and fully concentrate on your intention.
Many tarot readers also speak their question out loud during the process. The vibration of the voice becomes embedded in the cards as they are shuffled.
As widely believed, the spoken word carries power, making it a valuable tool during the shuffling and selection process
