Intuition is a natural gift we all possess, yet many of us lose touch with it over time. In childhood, our intuitive sense is often at its peak, but as we mature, various influences can obstruct it—such as overreliance on logical thinking, anxiety, fear, expectations, judgment, prejudice, assumptions, and even cultural conditioning that dismisses feelings and emotions.
The strength of our intuition fluctuates; it is never permanently lost. If we choose, we can always reconnect with it. Intuition can clash with rational thought, leading to puzzling situations. For instance, you might meet someone who appears friendly, charming, and kind in every way, yet something inside you instantly dislikes them, and you can't explain why.
That inner voice is your intuition speaking.
For Tarot readers, intuition is a vital and practical tool. A deck contains many cards, each with multiple meanings, plus associations with numerology, astrology, the quintessence, elements, and court card interpretations—a vast amount to memorize. While our rational mind excels at storing such information, it is the intuitive mind that provides the deeper insight needed to interpret the reading at hand.
Continue reading to learn how to engage your intuitive mind when working with Tarot cards!
Set Aside the Reference Materials…
Books, online resources, and specialized Tarot magazines have their place. But if you genuinely want to train your intuitive muscles with Tarot, you must put away anything that offers explanations of card meanings. No guidebooks, no apps, no search engines!
When reading intuitively, you are not recalling memorized definitions. For example, you may have learned that the 10 of Wands signifies bearing a heavy burden, perhaps taking on more than you can handle, or feeling weary and exhausted. However, when you simply gaze at the card for a moment through intuitive Tarot and block out prior knowledge, you might find that the 10 of Wands conveys a very different message.
You might sense or be told that it means your struggles are nearing an end, or that lack of sleep is causing physical discomfort; it could even represent someone who is stooped over.
It could be anything, really (though still connected to the card's imagery). Intuitive reading occurs when information simply comes to you, without explanation or understanding of how or why. But it is your intuition, and you can trust it.
… and Pay Attention to Your Feelings
Trusting your feelings is crucial for intuitive reading. Look at the image on the card. How does it make you feel?
Suppose you pulled the 9 of Swords, often considered the 'darkest hour' card.
Look at it for a moment. What do you feel?
Do you feel scared? Anxious? Worried? Do you even feel strong? Powerful? Defeatist?
All these emotions and many more are possible with the 9 of Swords. The key is to tune into the feeling and energy the card evokes. This can give you greater insight into what the card is trying to tell you in that moment.
Storytelling with the Tarot
This is a delightful way to harness your intuition as a reader. Look at the cards you have laid out and ask yourself what story they are telling.
For instance, suppose you pulled the Devil card. A large horned figure with hooves sits between a naked man and woman who are chained together. The story tells of two people trapped and imprisoned, bound by a frightening character in the background. The environment is dark and morbid, with flashes of fire in the card.
Consider the imagery and begin to ask questions, such as:
- What happened to them?
- How did they get there?
- What is the figure in the background thinking?
- What expressions do the figures have on their faces?
- What will happen to them next?
You can write down the answers to these questions, along with the 'beginning, middle, and end' if it helps. Then, apply your findings to the reading in question.
For example, if you asked, “How does so-and-so feel about me?” and pulled the Devil card.
After storytelling and intuitive reading, you might infer that their feelings for you are those of being 'trapped'. They could feel addicted or obsessed; they may feel they have feelings for you but shouldn't. The nakedness in the Devil card also indicates lust they may feel toward you, but which may be forbidden.
You can use your storytelling to fit the context of the question and connect the dots!
Concluding Thoughts…
Intuitive Tarot reading is a gift that anyone can develop with practice and belief in one's own abilities. The methods above can certainly strengthen your intuition, but above all, it is about trusting yourself and your gut instinct.
The more you practice, the greater your intuitive powers become, serving you well not only in Tarot readings but in every area of life!
