How to Shuffle Tarot Cards
7 shuffling methods from the simplest overhand to advanced techniques - with step-by-step instructions for each.
By LunaShuffling tarot cards isn't just about randomising the deck - it's how you connect your energy to the cards before a reading. The way you shuffle sets the tone for the entire session, whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned reader.
Key Principle
There's no "correct" way to shuffle tarot cards. The best method is the one that feels natural and lets you focus on your question rather than the mechanics.
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards for the First Time
If you've never shuffled a tarot deck before, start with the overhand shuffle. It's the same motion you'd use with any deck of cards, just a bit wider because tarot cards are larger than standard playing cards. Here's the quick version:
Hold the deck face down in your non-dominant hand
Use your dominant hand to pull small groups of cards from the back and drop them on the front
Repeat for about 30-60 seconds while thinking about your question
When the deck feels ready, stop and draw your cards
That's it. You don't need a fancy technique to get a meaningful reading. If you want to explore more methods - for variety, thoroughness, or just because they feel better - read on. New to tarot entirely? Start with our beginner's guide to reading tarot cards.
When to Shuffle Your Tarot Cards
Shuffle your deck every time you sit down for a reading. Beyond that, here are the key moments when shuffling matters most:
Always Shuffle
- Before every new reading
- Between different questions in the same session
- After someone else handles your deck
Extra Shuffling Helps
- When breaking in a brand new deck
- After a long break from using the deck
- When the same cards keep appearing across readings
Pair extra shuffling with a deck cleanse for a full reset
7 Ways to Shuffle Tarot Cards
Each method has its strengths. Some are fast, some are thorough, and some are just satisfying. Try a few and see which ones you naturally gravitate toward.
The most common and beginner-friendly shuffle. Hold the deck in one hand and use the other to pull small packets of cards from the top or middle, dropping them back on top. Repeat until the deck feels mixed.
Deal cards one at a time into several face-down piles, then stack the piles back together. This method guarantees every card changes position and is great for breaking up clumps.
Spread all 78 cards face down on a table and swirl them around with both hands, like washing a table. This is the most thorough randomisation method and many readers find it deeply meditative.
Split the deck into two or three sections and restack them in a different order. Most readers use this as a final step after another shuffle method, or let the querent cut the deck before drawing.
Split the deck in half and interleave the two halves by bending the edges and releasing them together - the classic casino shuffle. Effective but controversial among tarot readers because it can bend cards over time.
Hold the deck from the top with your dominant hand and use the other hand to pull small packets from the bottom, letting them fall into your palm. Popular in many cultures and very smooth once learned.
A precision shuffle where you split the deck exactly in half and perfectly interleave every other card. Magicians use it for card tricks - in tarot, it's a novelty that some advanced readers enjoy for its exactness.
Best Way to Shuffle Tarot Cards
The best shuffle depends on what you need. Here's a quick comparison:
| Situation | Best Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday readings | Overhand | Quick, gentle, easy to focus |
| Brand new deck | Washing + overhand | Breaks factory order completely |
| Same cards keep appearing | Pile shuffle | Separates every card individually |
| Meditative reading | Washing or Hindu | Calming, rhythmic motion |
| Querent involvement | Cut and restack | Simple for anyone to do |
| Quick between questions | Cut + a few overhands | 10-15 seconds, keeps flow |
| Maximum randomisation | Riffle or faro | Interleaves cards perfectly |
Combine Methods
Most experienced readers layer shuffles - e.g., a washing shuffle to start, then a few overhands, then a final cut. Experiment and find your own ritual.
How to Shuffle Tarot Cards Without Damaging Them
Tarot decks are an investment. A few simple habits keep your cards in good condition for years:
Clean, dry hands before shuffling - oils and moisture warp cards over time
Avoid aggressive riffle shuffling - a gentle interleave is fine, but bending cards hard will crease them
Use a cloth or mat when washing - a soft surface prevents scratches on card faces
Store your deck wrapped or boxed between readings to protect edges
If a card bends, place it under a heavy book overnight to flatten it back
Want more on keeping your deck in top shape? Read our guide on how to cleanse tarot cards for energy care alongside physical care.
Should You Shuffle Tarot Cards for Reversals?
If you read with reversed cards, your shuffling technique matters. Standard overhand and pile shuffles keep cards in the same orientation - meaning you'll rarely draw reversals unless you deliberately introduce them.
To get natural reversals while shuffling:
Washing shuffle: cards naturally rotate in all directions as you swirl them
Split the deck, rotate one half 180 degrees, then shuffle together
During overhand shuffling, occasionally rotate a packet before dropping it back
Not sure whether to use reversals at all? Our reversed tarot cards guide covers four interpretation methods and helps you decide.
Ready to Shuffle?
Put your shuffling into practice with a free reading. Pick any method, focus on your question, and draw.
Try a Free ReadingFrequently Asked Questions
Free PDF: Complete Tarot Reference Guide
Download our 44-page guide with all 78 card meanings, keywords, and 8+ spreads to reference while you learn.
- All 78 upright & reversed meanings
- Love, career & money interpretations
- 8+ popular spreads included
- Print it or use it on your device