A diferent aproach to the shadow card.
It seems that the thread (conversation) is kinda closed, but Ive just connected and found this interesting question, because I was always wandering the same thing. And after reading the thread, I realized that for years and years I was using the shadow card in a completely different way.
I never used it in spreads. But everytime I was about to use the cards, before I did anything (before shuffling or thinking in a question), I used to take a look at the last card or shadow card and it always was representing the moment or mood I was in that time, sometimes I didnt do any reading at all because it was enough. So, with time, I knew that I was using the tarot in a good measure, because this card was always waiting for me.
Then, years passed. And lots of things happened to me. I didnt use the tarot for very long periods of time. And when I was ready to read again, this last card was waiting to say something, like if the deck knew somehow how I was feeling. Without shuffling.
My 2 cents.