How to Shuffle Tarot Cards

How to Shuffle Tarot Cards

Shuffling Tarot cards is an art in itself. It is a highly intuitive process that should always be done with mindfulness. There is no right or wrong way to do it as long as you relax, use your intuition, and take your time. It requires an open mind and a certain level of calm to get the best results.

Methods to try include fanning, the overhand shuffle, rifle shuffle, pile shuffle, weave or “Smooshing” the cards.

Fanning the Cards

If you are just starting out, cutting and fanning the cards is the easiest shuffle. This is great if you are working with a particularly large, thick, slippery or otherwise difficult to handle card deck. This foolproof method is simple: just cut the cards a few times, then fan them out on the table and select one (or several) for your reading.

Fanning the cards

Overhand Shuffle

The Overhand shuffle is great, and my favorite. This is just taking a group of cards from one side of the deck with your dominant hand and moving it across to the other. Do this a few times, then cut the cards and your ready to go. With this method, and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be shuffling like a pro.

This is the method many YouTubers use, when done quickly it often leads to “jumpers” (cards that leap out of the deck) which is fun. These can be picked up for reading. The main advantage of this method is that it is easy for anyone to do regardless of age or skill.

Overhand Shuffle

Rifle Shuffle

The rifle shuffle is the method casinos use to shuffle cards. If you have thin cards, give this a try. It’s a great, fast way to mix the cards up. This method only works with smaller, lighter cards.

This will be tricky with most standard sized Tarot decks because the cards tend to be larger, thicker and much stiffer than casino cards, making them hard to handle. so, if you have a particularly thick deck of heavy card stock, the rifle shuffle will not work well and you should save yourself some frustration and use a different method.

Rifle shuffle

Pile Shuffle

The Pile shuffle is the method of dividing the cards into several piles and then just shuffling groups of them around from one pile to another until they are adequately mixed. You can make as many piles as you like. I prefer 3. This method works great for 3 card Tarot Readings.


- Divide the cards into 3 stacks, then cut each stack randomly, one at at a time, moving the cards around to a different stack each time.

Pile shuffle

The Weave or Faro Shuffle

The Weave is the method of pushing the cards together so they intertwine. Start by dividing the cards into two equal piles, then “weave” the cards together.

My cards were so thick they refused to weave together nicely.

This is more of a Faro shuffle, but you get the idea.

The Faro shuffle is like the weave, but you kind of fan the cards in your fingers and slide them together like this.

Faro shuffle

Washing the Cards

If you like, you can start by “Washing the cards” or “Smooshing” them.

Simply drop them on the table and swish them around. This method can be used to randomize the cards at the beginning of a session, or as a complete form of shuffling.

Go "fishing" by swishing the cards around until you find the one that feels best. This is a great way to intuitively locate just the right one.

Try out different methods and pick the one that feel the most comfortable to you. Because however you choose to shuffle the cards, the most important thing is to just feel relaxed and confident with shuffling and dealing your Tarot spread. Whichever way works best will be the right one for you.

Smooshing the cards

While you are shuffling think carefully about your topic of inquiry. Then draw a card when you are ready and the timing feels just right.

What about Jumpers?

Sometimes a card will leap right out out of the deck while shuffling. Don't sweat it. This is the card to choose. No doubt about it.

Whatever method you choose, don't overthink it - just relax and let your intuition guide you!

Make sure to take your time and enjoy the process, this is the key to success when shuffling tarot cards.