Tarot Shuffling: A Spiritual Re-Examination
Introduction: More Than Just Mixing Cards
To the casual tarotist, shuffling a deck is a simple chore designed to randomise the cards. For the serious diviner, however, it is the first and arguably one of the most crucial steps of the divinatory ritual. The method and intention with which we shuffle sets the energetic stage for the entire reading.
While it is often claimed that all shuffling methods are equal, this is a superficial view. The physical technique we choose reflects a deeper philosophical choice: are we aiming to create random chaos, or are we preparing an ordered tool to receive a divine message?
This article will explore the three common shuffling methods, propose a philosophy of "intentional shuffling," 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.
The Core Philosophy: 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 diviner align with that of a gambler?
The act of divination presupposes the existence of a higher intelligence or ordering principle, be it Divine Providence, the Higher Self, or Universal Laws. 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.
Furthermore, this 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, accurate readings require the correct cards to appear. The correct cards are those which best correspond to the Divine message being transmited.
The idea that any random card will suffice, and that a reader can simply interpret their way to the right message (both of which are hidden implications of attempting to randomize the cards), fundamentally misunderstands the distinctive, emblematic nature of the cards in a divinatory context.
If a divinatory act is a request for a physical correspondence of the higher realms, then the aim of shuffling should be to facilitate this process. Specifically, it should be to clear the deck of previous influences and prepare it to receive a new, coherent message.
The shuffle is a physical meditation that helps to maintain the reader with the Divine guidance being meditated.
Applying This Philosophy: Three Methods of Intuitive Card Selection
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.
Evaluating the Methods: A Practical and Philosophical Analysis
With this philosophy of intentional shuffling in mind, we can now evaluate the three methods.
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 Process
Yes, there is a wrong way to shuffle tarot cards. Choosing your shuffling method is a conscious act that reflects your understanding of the divinatory process.
While smooshing may be suitable for brainstorming or creative play, it is philosophically and practically misaligned with the art of divination. The controlled, intentional methods of the Overhand or Riffle shuffle better reflect the true purpose of the act: to respectfully clear our sacred tools and attune them to receive a clear, divinely ordered message. Shuffling is not a process of randomization; it is the “second prayer” of the reading.
