Rohrig: A good shuffling method?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 24 Mar 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Khatruman	24 Mar 2003
Hi Folks, I have been finding lately that my Rohrig deck has been speaking to me quite clearly (intentional anthropomorphisation). I have been seeing its messages quite clearly and using it more as a utility deck of late, rather than a meditative or aesthetic deck, as I have previously. My question is to those who use the Rohrig also: What have you found to be a good shuffling method with this deck? It is much too large for a conventional shuffle, and I have found that even shuffling the corners really doesn't work well. The hand to hand shuffle I am not keen on since I find it doesn't mix them to my satisfaction. Any suggestions?

Kirali	24 Mar 2003
I usually put the deck on my bed and then start swirling around. (lightly so no cards are damaged) and then after I've done enough of that, I put the cards upright and shuffle them that way. Hope that helped :) I'm glad the deck speaks to you. I still haven't quite connected with the deck yet! But I'll keep trying because it is so beautiful(very cute about your "intentional anthropomorphisation"!)

Rose	24 Mar 2003
I use Kirali's method, which for those of you who remember the movie the Karate Kid, I call the "Wax On, Wax Off" method. Rose

Phoenix	24 Mar 2003
It takes longer, but I just turn it so my fingers grasp it width-wise, and shuffle hand over hand.

Ruby Red Slippers	24 Mar 2003
I love this deck... I have small hands but have found that the cards are wide enough to shuffle sideways. Does this make sense?? If you do it twice on one side and reverse them they don't bend and just seem to get "broken in" a little to me. Would love to hear more about your readings with this deck. Perhaps you are willing to share.....

Phoenix	24 Mar 2003
Ruby, that is the exact same way I shuffle the deck ;)

Khatruman	24 Mar 2003
I'm going to try that shuffle, RRS and Phoenix, thanks muchly!!!

Trogon	25 Mar 2003
Howdy Khatruman, I've also been using the Röhrig Tarot a lot, it has definitely become my favorite deck. I find it very easy to read with. Anyway... I'll try and explain my method for shuffling this, and in fact most, of my Tarot decks (I learned this many, many years ago when I was in the Navy - a friend of mine taught it to me, but I have no idea where he got it from); Cut the deck into halves (as usual). Hold the halves lengthways and butt the ends of the two halves together. Now, while gently holding them against one another, begin to tilt the butted ends upwards as well as sliding them against one another in opposite directions. The deck will bow upwards slightly during this movement. This allows the cards to alternate and mingle very well and does not cause undue bending of the cards. [edited to add:] Come to think of it - I also tilt the two halves of the deck slightly in opposite directions... by tilting my right hand slightly away from me, and my left hand slightly towards me. This sounds slightly complicated and is a little difficult at first, but once you're used to it, it is as easy as any other method of shuffling (actually easier than some). Because it is different, . Also, I use this method on cards which are fully coated (like playing cards) and of the highest quality card stock. The first (and only) time I tried this method on my very old Albano-Waite (1960's edition) one of the cards started to split! (I repaired it with a dab of white glue and it seems to be okay now.) (Decks I use this with all the time; Röhrig, Victoria Regina, RWS, Goddess, Spiral and Dragon Tarot.) This method works best if you start doing it with a new, or close to new deck - though older decks should be okay if the edges are not beat up. If people are interested, I'll try to do a series of photos and post them here to illustrate this shuffling method.

Khatruman	25 Mar 2003
Thank you, Trogon. I will definitely make an attempt at that method. The Rohrig is a surprisingly easy deck to read. Talk to you soon.

Emily	26 Mar 2003
I am also like Phoenix and Ruby, I shuffle hand over hand, holding width wise. This is the largest deck I have, followed by the Victoria Regina, but it is easy to shuffle, I think the card stock is good and that must make a difference. Before I do start to shuffle though I deal the whole deck into 6 small piles then combine those and shuffle after that - I do that to all my decks though not just the Rohrig. :)

Fuzzmello	30 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Trogon If people are interested, I'll try to do a series of photos and post them here to illustrate this shuffling method. I'm very interested, please do post that technique. Much obliged, Fuzz

The Rohrig: A good shuffling method? thread was originally posted on 24 Mar 2003 in the Tarot Decks board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Tarot Decks, or read more archived threads.