How to Pull Tarot Cards: 6 Methods for Drawing Cards Intuitively

How to pull tarot cards might seem straightforward - just pick a card, right? But experienced readers know that how you draw your cards can significantly impact your reading. Whether you call it pulling, drawing, or selecting cards, there are various techniques that can enhance your tarot practice.

In this guide, we'll explore different methods for pulling tarot cards, when to use each technique, and how to develop your own intuitive approach.

Preparing to Pull Cards

Before you pull any cards, proper preparation sets the stage for a meaningful reading:

Clear Your Space and Mind

• Find a quiet, comfortable location
• Take a few deep breaths to center yourself
• Set aside distractions (phone, TV, etc.)
• Some readers like to light a candle or burn incense

Shuffle Thoroughly

Proper shuffling is essential before pulling cards. This mixes the deck and allows your energy to connect with the cards. Shuffle until it feels "right" - there's no required number of times.

Focus on Your Question

Hold your question or intention clearly in mind as you prepare to draw. A focused question leads to clearer readings. Open-ended questions ("What do I need to know about...") often work better than yes/no questions.

Methods for Pulling Tarot Cards

1. The Fan Method

This is one of the most popular techniques:

1. After shuffling, spread the cards face-down in a fan shape on your surface
2. Hover your hand over the cards, moving slowly
3. Notice any sensations - warmth, tingling, or a pull toward certain cards
4. Select the card(s) that feel right

Best for: Intuitive readers who like to feel which cards call to them.

2. Cutting the Deck

A classic, straightforward approach:

1. After shuffling, place the deck face-down
2. Cut the deck into two or three piles using your non-dominant hand
3. Restack in any order, or take the top card from each pile
4. Draw from the top of the restacked deck

Best for: Quick readings, traditional practice, or when you want simplicity.

3. Top Card Draw

The simplest method:

1. Shuffle the deck thoroughly
2. Simply take the card(s) from the top of the deck

Best for: Daily pulls, quick guidance, or when you trust your shuffle completely.

4. The Jumper Method

Some readers pay attention to "jumpers" - cards that fall out during shuffling:

1. As you shuffle, notice any cards that jump or fall from the deck
2. Set these aside - they may be significant
3. Include jumpers in your reading or read them as additional messages

Best for: Readers who believe cards that jump out carry special significance.

5. Riffle and Stop

A tactile approach:

1. Hold the deck in one hand
2. Use your thumb to riffle through the edge of the cards
3. Stop when it feels right
4. Draw the card at that position

Best for: Readers who want a blend of randomness and intuition.

6. Scatter and Select

A more freeform technique:

1. Scatter the cards face-down across your surface
2. Move them around gently with your hands
3. Select cards that draw your attention

Best for: Intuitive, freeform readings where you want maximum connection with the cards.

How to Pull Cards for Different Spreads

Single Card Pulls

For daily readings or quick guidance, any pulling method works. Many readers prefer the top card draw or fan method for single pulls.

Three Card Spreads

For three card readings, you can:

• Pull three cards from the top
• Fan and select three cards
• Cut the deck into three piles and take the top card from each

Complex Spreads (Celtic Cross, etc.)

For larger spreads, most readers either:

• Draw all cards from the top after thorough shuffling
• Fan and select each card individually
• Use a combination - some positions drawn, some selected intuitively

Which Hand Should You Use?

Different traditions have different views:

Non-Dominant Hand

Many readers prefer using their non-dominant hand (left for right-handed people) to draw cards. The theory is that this hand connects more directly to intuition and the subconscious.

Dominant Hand

Others argue your dominant hand has better dexterity and control, leading to smoother card selection.

Both Hands

Some readers use both hands - dominant hand for shuffling, non-dominant for drawing, or vice versa.

The truth: Use whatever feels natural. There's no wrong choice, and your readings won't be less valid based on which hand you use.

Should You Let Others Touch Your Cards?

When reading for someone else, you might wonder whether they should pull their own cards:

Having the Querent Pull Cards

Pros:

• Their energy directly influences the selection
• Creates personal investment in the reading
• Some believe it increases accuracy

Cons:

• They may not handle cards as carefully
• Some readers prefer to control the reading

Reader Pulls Cards

Pros:

• Maintains deck condition
• Reader's energy is consistent
• Professional appearance

Both approaches are valid - choose what feels right for your practice.

Pulling Reversed Cards

If you read reversed cards, ensure your shuffling method allows for reversals:

• Rotate some cards 180° during shuffling
• Cut the deck and flip one portion
• Shuffle with cards in mixed orientations

When you pull a card, keep it in whatever orientation it emerged. Don't rotate it to be upright unless you've decided not to read reversals.

Developing Your Intuitive Pull

Over time, you'll develop your own style. Here's how to strengthen your intuitive card pulling:

Pay Attention to Sensations

When hovering over fanned cards, notice:

• Temperature changes (warmth or coolness)
• Tingling in your fingers
• A magnetic "pull" toward certain cards
• Visual attention drawn to specific spots

Trust Your First Instinct

If you feel drawn to a card, trust that. Overthinking and second-guessing can disconnect you from your intuition.

Practice Regularly

The more you pull cards, the more natural it becomes. Daily single-card pulls are excellent practice.

Keep a Journal

Note which pulling methods feel most connected for you. Track when certain methods seem to yield clearer readings.

Common Mistakes When Pulling Cards

Pulling Again Because You Don't Like the Card

If you draw a challenging card like The Tower or Ten of Swords, resist the urge to put it back and draw again. The first card is your answer - work with it.

Rushing the Process

Take your time. Rushing through shuffling and pulling often leads to less connected readings.

Being Too Rigid

If a card falls out while you're setting up, or you accidentally pull two cards instead of one, work with what happens. Sometimes accidents are synchronicities.

Ignoring Your Intuition

If a card feels wrong - if something says "not that one" - trust it and select another. Your intuition is part of the reading process.

The Card You Pull Is Always Right

Remember this fundamental truth: whatever card you pull is the right card for this moment. The tarot works through whatever selection method you use. There's no "wrong" card you can accidentally pull.

Trust the process, trust your intuition, and trust the cards. With practice, pulling tarot cards becomes second nature, and your own unique method will emerge.

Now that you know how to pull cards, explore our collection of tarot decks to find one that speaks to you, and start practicing!