Can't Shuffle Tarot Cards: Solutions for Small Hands & Arthritis

Small Hands Tarot Shuffle: When You Can't Shuffle Properly

You want to read tarot, but you can't shuffle the cards properly. Maybe your hands are too small for standard tarot decks, you have arthritis or joint pain, you have a disability that affects your hands, or you're simply not coordinated enough for traditional shuffling. Cards fly everywhere, you can't riffle shuffle, or the deck feels impossible to manage. You're left wondering: can I still read tarot if I can't shuffle? Are there alternative methods? Do I need special decks?

Physical difficulty shuffling tarot cards is a real and common problem that's rarely discussed. The tarot community often assumes everyone can shuffle traditionally, but many people can't—and that's okay. Understanding why shuffling is difficult for you and discovering alternative methods can make tarot accessible and enjoyable regardless of your physical abilities.

Why You Can't Shuffle Tarot Cards

1. Small Hands

Standard tarot cards are large (typically 2.75" x 4.75" or 70mm x 120mm), which is difficult for people with small hands, children, or anyone with limited hand span.

Challenges:

• Can't hold the full deck in one hand
• Can't riffle shuffle (cards are too wide)
• Cards slip and fall when trying to shuffle
• Overhand shuffle is awkward and tiring
• Can't do fancy shuffling techniques

Solutions:

• Use mini or pocket-sized tarot decks (smaller cards)
• Use alternative shuffling methods (see below)
• Shuffle on a table instead of in your hands
• Use oracle decks (often smaller than tarot)

2. Arthritis or Joint Pain

Arthritis, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, or other joint issues make shuffling painful or impossible.

Challenges:

• Pain when gripping or manipulating cards
• Stiffness that prevents fluid movement
• Swelling that makes hands clumsy
• Fatigue from repetitive motion
• Can't apply pressure needed for some shuffles

Solutions:

• Use gentle, low-impact shuffling methods
• Shuffle on a table (no gripping required)
• Use smaller, lighter decks
• Shuffle less frequently (one good shuffle vs. multiple)
• Have someone else shuffle for you
• Use digital tarot apps (no physical shuffling)

3. Disability or Limited Mobility

Various disabilities can affect hand function, coordination, or dexterity.

Challenges:

• Limited hand mobility or strength
• Tremors or lack of fine motor control
• Paralysis or partial paralysis
• Missing fingers or limb differences
• Neurological conditions affecting coordination

Solutions:

• Adaptive shuffling methods (see below)
• Assistive devices or card holders
• Have a trusted person shuffle for you
• Use digital tarot
• Focus on card pulling rather than shuffling

4. Lack of Coordination or Practice

Some people simply aren't coordinated with their hands or haven't developed shuffling skills.

Challenges:

• Cards go everywhere when you try to shuffle
• Can't master riffle or bridge shuffle
• Feel clumsy and frustrated
• Shuffling takes forever

Solutions:

• Practice simple shuffling methods
• Use table-based shuffling (easier to control)
• Accept that you don't need fancy shuffles
• Focus on methods that work for you

5. Deck Size or Card Quality Issues

Some decks are harder to shuffle than others due to size, finish, or card stock.

Problematic decks:

• Oversized or unusually large decks
• Slippery, glossy cards that slide everywhere
• Thick, stiff cardstock that's hard to bend
• Thin, flimsy cards that stick together
• Decks with uneven edges or poor cutting

Solutions:

• Choose decks with matte finish (less slippery)
• Use standard or small-sized decks
• Look for decks with good card stock (not too thick or thin)
• Break in new decks to make them more flexible

Alternative Tarot Shuffling Methods

1. Table Spread Shuffle (Easiest for Most People)

Also called "washing" or "scrambling," this is the most accessible method:

How to do it:

• Spread all cards face-down on a table
• Mix them around with both hands in circular motions
• Shuffle for 30-60 seconds
• Gather cards back into a pile
• Pull cards from the pile for your reading

Benefits:

• No hand strength or dexterity required
• Works for any size hands
• Accessible for most disabilities
• Thoroughly randomizes cards
• Can be done slowly and gently

2. Pile Shuffle

A gentle method that requires minimal hand manipulation:

How to do it:

• Deal cards into several piles (3-7 piles)
• Deal one card to each pile in rotation
• Once all cards are dealt, stack piles back together in random order
• Repeat 2-3 times

Benefits:

• Very gentle on hands
• Simple, repetitive motion
• Good for arthritis or pain
• Can be done slowly

3. Overhand Shuffle (Modified)

A simplified version of traditional overhand shuffling:

How to do it:

• Hold deck in one hand (or rest on table)
• Use other hand to pull small groups of cards from top or bottom
• Drop them onto a pile on the table
• Repeat until all cards are transferred
• Do this 3-5 times

Benefits:

• Can be done with deck resting on table
• Minimal gripping required
• Works with small hands

4. Cut and Stack Method

Simple cutting and restacking:

How to do it:

• Cut deck into 3-5 piles
• Restack in different order
• Repeat 5-10 times
• Can be done on a table

Benefits:

• Very simple
• No complex hand movements
• Accessible for limited mobility

5. Have Someone Else Shuffle

There's no rule that says you must shuffle your own cards:

Options:

• Have the querent shuffle (if reading for someone else)
• Have a trusted friend or family member shuffle
• Pre-shuffle your deck and pull from it throughout the day

Energetic consideration:

• Some believe the querent should shuffle to put their energy in the cards
• Others believe the reader's energy is what matters
• Many believe it doesn't matter who shuffles—intention is what counts

6. Digital Tarot Apps

If physical shuffling is impossible or too painful:

Benefits:

• No physical shuffling required
• Accessible for any disability
• Can be used anywhere
• Many free and paid options available

Considerations:

• Some readers feel digital lacks the tactile connection
• Others find it just as effective
• Good option for accessibility or travel

Best Tarot Decks for Small Hands or Limited Mobility

Mini/Pocket Tarot Decks

Smaller versions of popular decks (typically 1.75" x 3" or 44mm x 76mm):

• Mini Rider-Waite-Smith
• Mini Wild Unknown Tarot
• Pocket-sized versions of most major decks

Pros: Much easier to shuffle with small hands

Cons: Imagery is smaller and harder to see

Standard-Sized Decks With Good Card Stock

Look for decks with:

• Matte finish (less slippery)
• Medium thickness (not too stiff or flimsy)
• Smooth edges
• Good quality printing

Oracle Decks

Often smaller and easier to handle than tarot:

• Vary in size (check dimensions before buying)
• Usually fewer cards (easier to shuffle)
• Can be just as effective for divination

Adaptive Tools and Aids

Card holders: Devices that hold cards for people with limited hand function

Non-slip mats: Prevent cards from sliding during table shuffling

Card guards: Help organize and protect cards during shuffling

Larger table space: More room for spreading and shuffling

Assistive technology: Apps or devices designed for accessibility

Do You Even Need to Shuffle?

Some readers challenge the assumption that shuffling is necessary:

Alternative approaches:

• Pre-shuffled deck: Shuffle once, then pull from it for multiple readings
• Intuitive pulling: Spread cards and pull what calls to you (no shuffling)
• Cut only: Just cut the deck and pull from the cut
• Random selection: Pull cards randomly without shuffling
• Energetic shuffling: Hold deck and set intention without physical shuffling

The purpose of shuffling is randomization and energy clearing—there are many ways to achieve this beyond traditional shuffling.

Energetic Considerations

Does it matter who shuffles?

Readers disagree:

• Some say: The querent must shuffle to put their energy in the cards
• Others say: The reader should shuffle to maintain control
• Many say: It doesn't matter—intention and connection are what count

Does method matter?

• Some believe: Traditional shuffling is important for energy
• Others believe: Any method that randomizes cards works equally well
• Most agree: Intention matters more than technique

Trust your own experience and what feels right to you.

Tips for Making Shuffling Easier

Break in new decks: Gently bend cards to make them more flexible

Use a reading cloth: Provides a non-slip surface for table shuffling

Shuffle less: One thorough shuffle is enough—you don't need to shuffle for minutes

Take breaks: If your hands hurt, stop and rest

Warm up hands: Gentle stretches before shuffling can help with stiffness

Choose your deck wisely: Pick decks that are physically comfortable for you

Don't compare yourself: You don't need to shuffle like other readers

FAQs About Shuffling Difficulties

Can I read tarot if I can't shuffle?

Absolutely! Use alternative methods like table spreading, pile shuffling, or have someone else shuffle. Shuffling ability doesn't determine reading ability.

Is it okay to use a mini tarot deck?

Yes! Mini decks are just as valid as standard-sized decks. Use whatever size works for your hands.

Does it affect the reading if someone else shuffles?

Not necessarily. Many readers have querents shuffle, or use assistants. Intention and connection matter more than who physically shuffles.

What's the easiest shuffle for arthritis?

Table spread shuffle (washing/scrambling) is gentlest. It requires no gripping or repetitive hand motions.

Can I just pull cards without shuffling?

Yes. Some readers spread cards face-down and intuitively pull without shuffling. If it works for you, it's valid.

The Bottom Line

You don't need perfect shuffling technique to be a great tarot reader. Physical limitations don't diminish your intuitive abilities or your connection to the cards. What matters is your intention, your interpretation, and your relationship with tarot—not how fancy your shuffle is.

If traditional shuffling doesn't work for you, find methods that do. Use smaller decks, shuffle on tables, have others shuffle, or use digital tools. Tarot is for everyone, regardless of physical ability.

The cards don't care how they're shuffled. They care about being heard, understood, and used with respect and intention. And you can do that regardless of your hand size, mobility, or shuffling skills.

Tarot is accessible. Make it work for you.