Should tarot card cutting be done with the left or right hand?

Haha, I struggled with this question a lot when I first started playing tarot too! Actually, there isn't a 100% "correct" answer to this, but there are some mainstream opinions in the community, and I'll break them down for you.

Mainstream View: Use the Left Hand

This is the most common and widely accepted view. Why? The reasoning is simple:

• The left hand is the "receiving" hand: In many mystical or energetic concepts, the left hand is considered a channel for receiving energy, information, and intuition. Tarot divination is essentially you asking the universe (or your subconscious) a question and then "receiving" the answer through the cards. Therefore, shuffling with the left hand symbolizes opening your antenna to receive information, ready to listen to the guidance the cards offer.
• Connects to the subconscious: The left hand is believed to be connected to the right brain, which governs intuition, imagination, and emotion. Shuffling with the left hand is thought to help you connect more deeply with your subconscious, making the drawn cards more reflective of your true thoughts and inner state.

So, if you're a beginner, or want to follow a more "ritualistic" tradition, using your left hand to shuffle is perfectly fine and is the choice of most people.

Another View: Use the Non-Dominant Hand

This view is an extension of the one above. For most right-handed people, the non-dominant hand is the left hand. But what if you're left-handed? Then your non-dominant hand would be the right hand. The logic behind this view is that using your less accustomed hand can break your everyday thought patterns, making you less "deliberate" and "rational," thus making it easier to enter the intuitive state required for divination.

What about the Right Hand?

The right hand is generally considered the hand of "output" and "action," representing our conscious mind, logic, and strength. Therefore, some also believe that shuffling with the right hand is about "injecting" your clear, conscious questions and energy into the cards. While fewer people advocate for this, it's not unheard of.

So, Which Hand Should You Use? (My Honest Opinion)

After hearing all this, you might be even more confused. Don't worry, the most crucial point is actually this:

The hand that feels most comfortable and natural to you is the best hand.

The core of tarot divination is focus and intention. If you get distracted by worrying about which hand to use, it will actually affect the accuracy of the reading. Rituals are meant to help you concentrate better, not to add mental burden.

My Advice to You:

1. Try the left hand first: As a beginner, you can start with the mainstream left hand and experience that "receiving" sensation.
2. Follow your feeling: If you're left-handed, or simply feel that shuffling with your right hand is smoother and more reassuring, then use your right hand. Absolutely no problem!
3. Don't overthink it: What truly matters is that when you shuffle, your mind is focused on your question, and your heart is calm and sincere. Compared to that, which hand you use is truly just a minor detail.

Ultimately, tarot cards are your tool, a bridge for dialogue with your inner self. You decide how to best use this tool. Don't let so-called "rules" constrain you; your intuition is the best guide.