Tarot Shuffling Re-Examined: An Occult Scientific Perspective
Tarot Card Shuffling & Card Selection In Modern Occultism
To many divinatory tarot readers, shuffling a deck is a simple chore designed to randomise the cards. For me however, it is the first and arguably one of the most crucial steps of the divinatory ritual.
While it is often claimed that all shuffling methods are equal, this is a superficial view in the light of traditional occult ideas which reject chance and posit a law of analogy across various hidden realms. Therefore, in this view, the physical technique that we choose for shuffling reflects a deeper philosophical choice between superstitious spiritual practice and rigorous occult scientific practice. Tarot divination may be an art, but it is still subject to occult laws.
This article will explore the three common shuffling methods, re-examine how they can be viewed by Western Esoteric practitioners on the Right Hand Path, and demonstrate why one popular method: "smooshing": is practically, professionally, and philosophically undesirable for the art of tarot divination.
An Overview of the Three Common Shuffling Methods
Before we analyse their merits, let's briefly define the main techniques readers use:
The Overhand Shuffle: Holding the deck in one hand and using the thumb of the other to slide packets of cards off the top into the palm. It is considered mathematically inefficient, requiring an estimated 10,000 repetitions to thoroughly randomise a tarot deck (at least an hour).
The Riffle Shuffle (or Bridge Shuffle): Splitting the deck into two halves and interleaving them back together, often finishing with a "bridge." Mathematically, it is highly efficient. As few as 8 skilful riffle shuffles (probably with a little overhand) can achieve a random state for a 78 card deck. However, you have to be mindful that shuffling amounts “between the multiples” (e.g. 10-15 or 20-25 repetitions) will undo the randomization.
Washing or "Smooshing": Spreading the cards face-down on a large surface and mixing them around with the hands in a "washing" motion. This method achieves a high degree of tarot deck randomness within 60 seconds.
Superstition vs Occult Science: Randomness vs Divine Order
Tarot readers inherited shuffling from card games. In this context, the purpose of shuffling is clear: to randomize the deck for ensure fairness. Many readers have accepted this practice at face value. But does the goal of a divinatory tarot reader (especially a Right Hand Path occultist) truly align with that of a gambler?
In Right Hand Path occultism, the act of divination presupposes the existence of a higher intelligence or ordering principle, be it Divine Providence, the Higher Self, or Universal Laws. When we divine, we are asking for a meaningful, specific, and ordered message to cut through the noise of everyday life. To begin this process by attempting to randomize the order of the cards is a philosophical contradiction for inherent in Divine Order is the Hermetic idea of cause and effect. The Kybalion says of this universal principle: “chance is but the name for cause not recognized”.
Furthermore, this occult scientific argument rests on a fundamental premise of how tarot works: each card represents a specific archetype and carries a distinct meanings. The Tower (a card of destruction) cannot deliver the same message as the Two of Cups (a card of love and harmony).
Therefore, in this re-examined view, accurate readings require the correct cards to appear. The correct cards are those which best correspond to the Divine message being transmited. The Kybalion author (William Walker Atkinson believed) mentions the Hermetic Principle of Correspondence (analogy, conformity) as well.
If we accept these premises as true, the way that many occultists today shuffle and select their tarot cards: by intuition but without consideration of mathematical probability, is both a qualitative and quantitative misunderstanding.
A Technique of card Selection Based In Hermetic Principles Just Mentioned
This understanding of the Higher Mind's role leads to a more sophisticated approach to the physical act of drawing the cards. Rather than relying on pure chance, the diviner uses their intuition as a guide. This can be applied in three primary ways:
Drawing from the Top (Intuitive Timing): In this method, the reader relies on their intuition to know the precise moment when to stop shuffling. The Higher Mind has influenced the process so that the correct card or cards are now at the top of the deck. For larger spreads, a practitioner may need to intuitively pause, draw a few cards, and then resume shuffling until the next intuitive stop for subsequent cards.
Selecting from a Fan (Direct Intuition): This advanced method relies purely on intuitive selection from the fanned cards. For this technique, shuffling beforehand is not required, unless the reader finds that the absence of a shuffle psychologically interferes with their intuitive faculty. The cards are fanned out (either face up or face down, depending on the technique), and the reader’s hand is guided by their intuition to select each card for the spread.
Accepting "Jumpers" (Intuitive Interruption): During a controlled shuffle, a card may physically jump or jut out from the deck. Many readers consider this to be a direct and emphatic message from the Higher Mind (the incarnating soul - the part of you which attunes with Divine wisdom in whatever form you believe this to be), and will accept this card as part of the reading.
All three methods are valid applications of the same core principle: the shuffle prepares the deck, but it is the reader's trained intuition, guided by their Higher Mind, that performs the final, crucial act of selection.
Tarot Shuffling Methods In The Light Of unchanging Occult truth
With this philosophy of tarot shuffling and card selection in mind, we can now evaluate the three common shuffling methods and suggest how an ancient wisdom seeker may want to re-think their shuffling practice forever.
The Controlled Methods: Overhand and Riffle Shuffles
The Overhand and Riffle shuffles are controlled techniques. They maintain the deck as a single, coherent unit.
Philosophical Alignment: These methods align well with the goal of intentional shuffling. The reader maintains contact with the ordered deck, focusing their intention into the cards with each movement. Many readers find that cards "jump" from the deck during these shuffles, viewing it as a direct message. This cannot happen when the cards are spread chaotically across a table.
Practical Benefits: They are efficient and can be done neatly in a small space. With care, they cause minimal wear and tear on the cards.
Professionalism: They look focused, tidy, and professional in a client setting.
The Chaotic Method: Washing or "Smooshing"
This method stands in stark contrast to the others. While effective at randomising, it is undesirable for the serious diviner for three key reasons.
It Shows Disrespect for the Tools: The very name "smoosh" means "to squash or mash." This violent action frays the edges of the cards, destroys gilded edges, and significantly shortens the life of the deck. Deliberately damaging the physical vessels of our art shows a lack of care for the tools and a disregard for the resources used to create them. An art that seeks Divine Wisdom should begin with respect and care, not chaotic mashing.
It Contradicts the Divinatory Goal: As argued above, the aim of smooshing is maximum randomness. This actively works against the diviner's goal of receiving a coherent, ordered message from a higher intelligence. It is unparsimonious to invite chaos and then ask for clarity.
It Appears Unprofessional: In a professional reading, smooshing is inefficient, taking around 40-80 seconds regardless of the reading's length. It requires a large, perfectly clean surface, and using a cloth can be awkward. Asking a client to pick cards from a pile that has been wiped across a surface is also questionable for reasons of hygiene alone.
Conclusion: Shuffling as an Occult Scientific Process
Modern occultists today are loose in their tarot shuffling and card selection. But in the perennial philosophy of the Right Hand Path, this important part of a divinatory tarot reading becomes bound by immutable universal principles that necessitate the use of mathematics and magic (an ancient science) rather than vibes and superstition.
