Here’s something nobody tells beginners: tarot cards are bigger and thinner than playing cards, and they’ll crease or split if you try to riffle shuffle them the way you would a poker deck.
The good news is there are methods that work well and won’t destroy your cards. Use any of them — there’s no “correct” way that’s spiritually superior to another.
Method 1: The Overhand Shuffle
This is the most common method and probably what most people picture when they think about shuffling.
Hold the deck face-down in one hand. Use the other hand to pull small packets of cards from the top (or the middle, or the bottom) and drop them onto the front of the deck. Repeat.
It’s slow and a bit repetitive, but it’s gentle on the cards and easy to do while you’re thinking about your question. A lot of readers like it for that reason — you can shuffle for as long as you need without rushing.
Do it for at least 20–30 seconds. A few shuffles doesn’t really mix a tarot deck well.
Method 2: The Riffle Shuffle (Gently)
You can riffle shuffle tarot cards — just be careful about it.
Split the deck roughly in half. Hold each half with your thumbs on the inner edge. Gently let the cards fall alternately from each half, and then push the two halves together. It’s the classic bridge shuffle.
The key word is gently. If you’re aggressive about it, the cards will bow and crease. Loosen your grip and let the cards fall more than you force them. After a few tries you’ll find the right amount of pressure.
This gives the most thorough randomization per shuffle, which some people care about.
Method 3: The Spreading Shuffle
Lay all the cards face-down on a flat surface — a table, the floor, your bed. Then use both hands to swirl and mix them around, like you’re mixing puzzle pieces. When they feel well mixed, gather them back into a pile.
This is great if you have larger hands or find the other methods awkward. It also naturally creates reversed cards (more on that below), which some readers like. And there’s something satisfying about physically touching every card before a reading.
The downside: you need a surface. Not the most practical for a morning draw in bed.
Method 4: The Cut
After any shuffle, some readers like to cut the deck. Split the deck into two or three piles, set them down, and then reassemble in a different order. You can do this once or several times.
This isn’t a standalone shuffle — use it as a finishing touch after one of the methods above.
Some readers let the querent (the person being read for) cut the deck. If you’re reading for yourself, it’s just a final “this is the deck I’m working with” gesture.
What about reversed cards?
Reversed cards — cards that come out upside-down — are something you’ll have to decide about early on.
Some readers use reversals, some don’t. There’s no rule. If you don’t want reversed cards, just make sure all your cards are facing the same direction before you shuffle. If you do use reversals (they add nuance to readings), the spreading method above will naturally generate some.
If you’re a complete beginner, I’d suggest starting without reversals until you’re comfortable with the upright meanings. You can always add them later.
How long should you shuffle?
Until it feels done. That’s vague, but it’s also true. Most people shuffle for 30–60 seconds with a clear intention or question in mind. When you feel ready to draw, stop.
If you’re doing the daily one-card draw and just want to get into it without overthinking, ten or fifteen seconds of overhand shuffling is fine. The point isn’t to shuffle for a specific number of seconds — it’s to be present and intentional while you do it.
What if cards fall out while you’re shuffling?
These are called “jumpers” and a lot of readers consider them significant — like the card was insisting on being seen. You can read them separately or incorporate them into your spread. There’s no rule, but it’s worth at least pausing when one falls out instead of stuffing it back in the deck.
New to tarot altogether? Start with the beginner’s cheat sheet — it has all 78 card meanings in plain English and a simple first spread to try today.
FAQ
What is the best way to shuffle tarot cards? The overhand shuffle is the most popular method and the gentlest on the cards. The spreading shuffle (swirling face-down cards on a flat surface) gives the most thorough mix. Use whichever feels natural — there’s no single “correct” method.
Can you riffle shuffle tarot cards? Yes, but carefully. Tarot cards are larger and thinner than playing cards, so aggressive riffling can crease or split them. Use a loose grip and let the cards fall gently rather than forcing them. Done properly, riffle shuffling is fine.
How many times should you shuffle tarot cards? Shuffle until it feels done — usually 30–60 seconds. There’s no magic number. The point is to be present and intentional while shuffling, not to hit a specific count.
What does it mean when a tarot card falls out while shuffling? Cards that fall out during shuffling are called “jumpers” and many readers consider them significant — as if the card insisted on being seen. You can read them as an extra message or incorporate them into your spread. It’s worth pausing rather than pushing them back in.
Should I use reversed cards in tarot? That’s a personal choice. Reversed cards (upside-down) add nuance and can deepen a reading, but they also double the number of meanings to learn. Most beginners are advised to start without reversals until they’re comfortable with the upright meanings, then add them in later.