Tarot and Intuition

A woman looking into the camera with a candle in front of her.

Tarot reading requires more than just knowledge of the meanings of the cards. It also involves a deep understanding and interpretation of the cards based on the reader’s intuitive ability. Intuition acts as a bridge between the reader and the underlying messages in the cards. It helps decode and integrate the symbolism of the cards with the specific situation or question that the tarot reading focuses on.

Table of Contents

Why Intuition is Important in Tarot Reading

Personal Connection: Intuition helps the tarot reader to create a personal connection with the cards, leading to more meaningful and relevant readings. It allows the reader to go beyond literal interpretations and connect to the deeper, often hidden meaning of the cards.
Flexibility in the Interpretation Process: Intuition allows for a more flexible interpretation of the cards. Since every tarot reading is unique, the same card can have different meanings depending on the context. Intuition guides the reader to interpret the cards in ways that are most relevant for the specific situation or question.
Handling Ambiguities: Tarot cards are often symbolically complex and can be ambiguous. Intuitive abilities help the reader navigate this complexity and draw meaningful conclusions even from the most enigmatic cards.
Emotional and Psychological Insight: Intuition is crucial for understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of the questions addressed by the tarot reading. It helps the reader sense the subtle nuances in a person’s life and psyche, enriching the reading.

Examples of How Intuition is Used in Interpreting Tarot Cards

Identifying Key Themes: When a tarot reader views a card, an immediate feeling or thought may arise that points towards a specific interpretation. For instance, upon seeing the ”Death” card, a reader might intuitively feel that it’s about significant change rather than physical death. This immediate reaction helps to set the overall tone for the reading.
Personal Relevance: A reader may draw on personal experiences or emotions when interpreting the cards. If the ”Tower” card appears, a sense of personal upheaval may lead the reader to interpret the card as a symbol for sudden changes leading to self-discovery.
Connecting Cards: In a spread involving multiple cards, the reader may intuitively feel how these cards relate to each other. A reader might see ”The Lovers” next to ”The Empress” and intuitively feel it’s about a flourishing romantic relationship that is deeply nourishing.
Perceiving Subtle Symbols: The reader may be intuitively drawn to a particular symbol in a card that seems especially significant. In ”The Star” card, a reader might focus on the water symbolizing cleansing and renewal rather than the stars themselves.
Listening to Inner Voice: During a reading, an inner voice may provide clues on how to interpret the cards. This ”small voice” can offer insights that defy the traditional meanings of the cards but feel right in the specific context.
Perceiving Client’s Reactions: A reader’s intuition can also be guided by the client’s non-verbal cues. A reaction to a specific card may signal that the card has a deeper significance for the client, leading to a more directed and personal interpretation.

Techniques and Exercises to Strengthen Intuition

Meditation: Regular meditation helps to quiet the mind and create a stronger connection to your inner voice. This increases the ability to perceive and interpret intuitive impressions.
Daily Tarot Draw: Draw a card every day and reflect on its meaning for you personally. This practices your ability to intuitively interpret the cards’ symbolism.
Intuitive Journals: Write down your thoughts and feelings about the cards you draw. This helps you see patterns in your intuitive reactions and strengthens your understanding.
Practice Trusting the First Impression: When you look at a tarot card, note your first feeling or thought before analyzing it further. This strengthens confidence in your initial intuitive reaction.
Visualization: Use visualization techniques to deepen your understanding of the cards. Imagine entering the card and experiencing its world and symbolism. Consider using the Rider-Waite deck, which has clear symbolism in the meanings of the cards.

Tips for Becoming More Receptive to Intuitive Impressions

Create a Calm Environment: Reduce external distractions when working with tarot. A peaceful environment promotes a clearer mental state that is receptive to intuition.
Be Open and Receptive: Approach each tarot reading with an open attitude. Be receptive to unexpected impressions and interpretations, even if they differ from the traditional meanings.
Don’t Rely Solely on Logic: While logic is important, also learn to trust and value the non-logical aspects of your intuition.
Emotional Intelligence Exercises: Strengthen your emotional intelligence through exercises that help you become more aware of your own and others’ emotions. This can improve your intuitive reading.
Get Feedback: If possible, get feedback on your readings from others. This can help you see how your intuitive interpretation aligns with others’ experiences and improve your ability to interpret the cards.

How to Identify and Develop Your Unique Intuitive Talents

Reflect on Personal Experiences: Look back on past occasions when your intuition was strong. Analyze these situations to understand how your intuition manifests.
Observe How Your Intuition Communicates: Pay attention to whether your intuition is expressed through feelings, physical sensations, visual images, or words. Identify the ways in which your intuitive ability most often makes itself known.
Explore Different Methods: Try different intuitive practices, such as pendulum work, automatic writing, or meditation, to see which methods resonate most with you.

Advice for Integrating These Gifts into Tarot Reading

Practice Regularly: Use your intuitive abilities regularly in your tarot readings. The more you practice, the stronger your ability to apply your intuition becomes.
Trust Your First Instinct: When interpreting a card, trust your first instinct. Over time, your ability to directly interpret the cards through intuition becomes stronger.
Be Open to Lessons: Each tarot reading can teach you something new about your intuitive abilities. Be open to these lessons and use them to fine-tune your reading technique.
Create a Ritual: Consider creating a preparatory ritual before your readings to tune yourself in and open up to your intuition.
Use a Journal for Reflection: After each reading, write down your thoughts and feelings. This helps you understand how your intuition works in different situations.

Methods for Creating a Deeper Relationship with Your Tarot Cards

Personal Bonding with the Cards: Spend time getting to know each card individually. Take in the details of the illustrations and feel the energy of the cards. This may involve holding the cards, looking at them, and reflecting on their meanings.
Meditation with the Cards: Choose a card and meditate with it. Focus on the card’s image and let your mind explore the deeper meanings and messages the card may have for you personally.
Create a Daily Routine: Use the cards daily. A daily card draw can help you connect with the cards and see how they reflect your daily life.
Create a Sacred Space: Have a special place where you store and use your tarot cards. Creating a sacred space can enhance your connection to the cards and make the readings more powerful.

Exercises to Improve Your Understanding and Interpretation of the Cards’ Symbolism

Study the Cards’ Symbolism: Take time to learn about the symbols found on the cards. This may involve studying tarot books, attending courses, or exploring online resources.
Use Creative Techniques: Try writing stories or poems based on the cards. This can help you explore and express the cards’ meanings in a creative way.
Group Discussions: Participate in study groups or forums where you can discuss the meanings of the cards with others. This can provide new perspectives and deeper understanding.
Practice Readings: Conduct regular practice readings, either for yourself or for friends. This provides practical experience and helps you develop your interpretive skills.
Tarot Quiz: Use the tarot quiz and guess which card is described.

Examples of How to Use Intuition in Practical Tarot Readings

Listen to Your First Thought: When you see a card, note your first thought or feeling. This may be an intuitive clue to the card’s meaning in the specific reading.
Let Emotions Guide You: If a card evokes strong emotions, explore why. These emotions can be part of the intuitive process and can provide important insights into the card’s meaning.
Interpret Based on Context: Use your intuition to link the card’s meaning to the specific question or situation. How does the card’s message feel relevant to the current situation?
Connect the Cards: See how the cards in a layout relate to each other. Use your intuition to create a story or overarching theme that ties together the cards’ messages.

Exercises to Test and Strengthen Your Intuitive Reading

Blind Reading: Draw a card and before looking at it, note what thoughts or images come up. Then see if these intuitions align with the card’s actual image and meaning.
Alternative Stories: Create different interpretations for a card and feel which one feels most ”right.” This helps you refine your ability to distinguish between intuition and rational thinking.
Mirror Reading: Perform a reading for yourself and note your intuitive interpretation. Then compare with the traditional meanings of the cards and see where your intuition leads you.
Feedback Exercise: Perform readings for friends or family and ask for their feedback. Sometimes, others’ perspectives can help you see how your intuition works and how accurate it is.