Catherine says

I’ve heard some pretty crazy methods and ways to shuffle and cut, but like most things in Tarot, I don’t believe there’s a right or a wrong way – just a lot of talking points! Perhaps one of the only things I really agree with is allowing the client to shuffle the cards as I feel this provides them with a sense of ownership over the reading, making it more pertinent to them – they shuffled after all! I don’t believe they put their energy or essence into the cards, the Tarot reader is the channel, but I believe it can be beneficial to their experience of the reading .

*It is interesting that she doesn’t think of shuffling as a way for the client to transfer energy to the cards because the reader is the channel.

Douglas comments:

I tend to be more concerned with how they cut the cards more than how they shuffle. As strange as this sounds, I’ve found that the “cut” can help the client feel more connected with the process. The shuffle does that as well – but the shuffle seems to produce a “feeling of relaxation” and the cut a “focus” in the people I read for.

*I like the idea of thinking of shuffling as relaxing and cutting as focusing.

Rose says:

As a reader, I don’t allow my clients to shuffle the cards. Often, it’s awkward for them because their hands are used to shuffling a playing card deck rather than larger-sized Tarot cards. I start by shuffling the cards myself, then I usually ask them to place their hand on the deck after I lay it on the table in front of them (and yes, I usually ask for left hand–I still follow a ritual from when I was 16 and started reading) as they think of their question or situation. I then ask them to cut the cards into three piles and then pile them into one any way they like. I then pick up the cards and deal the throw or spread off the top. I use this method for myself as well.

Zanna shares her favorite method:

I feel that the traditional style of shuffling (the poker shuffle, if you will) is much to hard on the cards. I do a push-pull type of shuffle while meditating on the question and focusing on tuning in to the client. I generally close my eyes while I shuffle and cut the cards. I then use what Norma Cowie calls the Ninth Card Method, where I count down to the ninth card, turn it up in the first position, then count down to the next ninth card, etc. Why? Because I tried it a few times and liked the results. It’s that simple.

Secret Shuffling Weapon

I feel very certain that I shared this already, but I cannot find where. Because I was recently reminded how much I love this tip, I had to talk about it again. My favorite secret shuffling weapon is fanning powder. Fanning powder is powder that stage magicians use on their cards to help them shuffle better. I think it cuts down on friction so the whole experience feels so much smoother. When I first got my powder a few years ago, I applied it to all my favorite decks. Well, I’ve gotten some new decks since then and haven’t taken the time to powder them. Last week, I worked with a deck I had powdered and was so pleased with the smoothness of the shuffle. The cards just felt so wonderful in my hands. So, get yourself some fanning powder. Totally worth it.

NaNoWriMo Update

National Novel Writing Month started on Sunday. I didn’t start until yesterday and am up to 1600 words, focusing mostly on introducing the characters. The protagonist and protagonist’s foil now have names: Juliana and Alice, respectively (thank you, Leigh, for Juliana’s name). Still working on the plot…I’ll write about my funny but sad/pitiful attempt at scrying a plot on Thursday, so check back!

Shuffling is something those of us who have been doing it forever don’t really think about. But those who are new to tarot sometimes have concerns about doing everything just right. They have an idea that tarot is this magic formula that unless you do everything just so, then it won’t work. There may be tarot readers who believe that. However, among my tarot friends and colleagues, the common belief is that there is no magic formula and that every practitioner has their own methods.

I like the idea of making the shuffling part of the ritual of a reading. Shuffle a certain number of times, cut a certain way, then start flipping over the cards.

Some people in the Aeclectic conversation pointed out that they found counting the number of times they shuffled distracted them. They either preferred to focus on the question or to be in the moment, paying attention to the flow of the reading. There were similar comments when I discussed the importance of setting up a reading space. Some people said that focusing on accessories, cloths, candles, etc. was distracting and took their attention away from the flow of reading.

I’ve always thought that ritual actions (such as shuffling in a certain way) or adding candles, stones, incense, etc. added to the flow and the experience. But I do understand this other point view.

A few questions for you then: how do you shuffle? do you shuffle the same every time? Do you use ritual or do you find it distracting?

Don’t forget, the contest for a vintage 2002 Tarot Calendar ends tomorrow! Click!