Are there fixed methods for shuffling tarot cards?

There isn't one absolutely "correct" or "mandatory" way to shuffle cards. The key lies in your intuition and intention. As long as it shuffles the cards thoroughly, makes you feel comfortable, and helps you focus, then it's a good method.

You can view the shuffling process as a way to communicate with your cards, and a ritual to infuse your questions and energy into them.

However, there are indeed some more common and widely used methods. You can try them all to see which one suits you best:

Standard Shuffling Method (like shuffling playing cards): This is the most common method, where you divide the deck with both hands and then interlace the cards. The advantages are that it's fast and shuffles quite evenly. The downside is that if you're using precious cards, or cards that are larger or stiffer, it might damage them slightly, making them prone to bending.
Overhand Shuffling Method: Hold the entire deck in one hand, and with the other hand, draw a portion from the top or bottom, then stack it back on top or bottom of the deck. Repeat this process until you feel it's sufficient. This method is gentle, doesn't damage the cards, and is favored by many Tarot readers.
"Fairy Scattering Flowers" Shuffling Method (also known as "Chaotic" or "Pile" Shuffling Method): Find a clean cloth or a large tabletop, spread all the cards face down, and then use both hands to mix and scramble them in a circular motion. This method allows for the most thorough randomization of the cards, and many believe it also helps cleanse their energy more effectively. Once sufficiently shuffled, gather them slowly into a deck based on your intuition.

To summarize:

Don't get too hung up on "which method is the most authentic." The purpose of shuffling is to randomize the order, clear the energy from the previous question, and help you focus on the current issue. So, close your eyes, shuffle by feel, and when an inner voice tells you "Okay, that's enough," then stop.

Choosing a method that feels most comfortable and natural to you is more important than anything else.

There isn't a single, fixed method that everyone must follow for shuffling. It's more a matter of personal habit and ritual.

You can think of the shuffling process as serving two purposes:

Physically: To thoroughly randomize the order of the cards, ensuring the results you draw are truly random and not influenced by the order left from the previous reading.
Spiritually/Mentally: This is a process for you to calm your mind, focus your attention, and "infuse" your question and energy into the cards.

Therefore, as long as these two goals are achieved, any method that feels comfortable and natural to you is a good method.

However, here are some of the most commonly used methods; you can try them to see which one suits you best:

1. Scramble Shuffle (Most recommended for beginners) This method is the simplest and most thorough. Lay all the cards face down on a table or a dedicated tarot cloth. Then, use both hands to scramble them all around on the table, just like shuffling mahjong tiles. During this process, you can close your eyes and focus on your question. Once you feel they are sufficiently mixed, slowly gather them back into a single pile. This method causes the least damage to the cards and mixes them very evenly.

2. Overhand Shuffle / Standard Shuffle Just like shuffling a deck of playing cards, hold the entire deck in one hand. With the other hand, draw small packets of cards from the top or bottom and transfer them to the first hand. Repeat this action many times until you feel it's "enough." This is also a very common, simple, and convenient method.

3. Riffle Shuffle (the kind you see in movies) This involves dividing the deck into two halves, then bending both halves and letting them interlace ("riffle") together. While this action looks professional and cool, it actually causes the most damage to the cards. It can easily fray the edges or create creases. Many people who cherish their tarot cards avoid this method.

A common complete process might look like this:

Step 1: First, perform a thorough scramble using the "Scramble Shuffle" method to clear any residual energy from the previous reading.
Step 2: After gathering the cards, shuffle them a few more times using the standard overhand shuffle. At this point, begin to silently and intently focus on your question.
Step 3: Stop shuffling when you feel it's "enough." This "feeling" is very important; trust your intuition.
Step 4: Place the entire deck on the table. Using your dominant hand (or non-dominant hand, depending on personal preference), cut the deck into three piles. Then, reassemble them into a single pile in your preferred order. This completes the entire shuffling and cutting process.

In summary: Don't get too hung up on whether your technique is "standard." The core lies in your intention and focus. As long as you are sincerely and attentively thinking about your question while shuffling, and the cards are thoroughly mixed, then the specific method doesn't matter. Find a way that feels comfortable and intuitive to you; that will be the best method for you.