What is Intuitive Tarot Reading?
Intuitive tarot reading means you look at the whole card. You don’t just use the traditional meaning, but the story in the card that jumps out at you in that moment. You create a story in the cards to blend them together in order to get meaning. Rather than looking to each card separately, a good intuitive reader can see the big picture in the cards as a whole.For instance, the traditional keywords of The Empress are generally thought to be abundance, nurturing, and feminine energy. But when paired with the Two of Cups in a reading about family, I’ve seen it refer to a pregnancy coming. And that’s not something you’ll read from the little white book.
How to Use Tarot Meanings
Imagine you go to a reader using the book only. Their readings for you might end up sounding too robotic, and they might not resonate every time. If they’re just relying on the book, it could be confusing trying to figure out how the Four of Pentacles could possibly fit in with your reading about love, or how the Eight of Swords fits into your reading about finances.When reading intuitively, each card can have many different meanings, making it easier to figure out how that card fits into your current situation.If you’re new to tarot, each card having several different meanings can sound scary.”You mean I have to memorize even MORE meanings?”No, you don’t. Intuitive reading is something that comes from the same part of your mind as your imagination. It involves knowing the basis of what that card usually means, and then building on that based on the surrounding cards and what jumps out at you in that card first.So what’s the purpose of the little white book anyway? While it may sound like I’m implying it’s pointless, it’s really not. Books of tarot card meanings are needed for beginning tarot readers to get acquainted with the cards. It’s so much easier to trust intuitive messages as they come if you already have a good foundation of what each card is supposed to mean. Not only that, reading different books on tarot meanings can give even an experienced reader new perspectives, and new ways to look at the cards they may never have thought of before. With that in mind though, it’s important to not become too reliant on the book meanings if you feel as though the card is trying to tell you something more.
How Tarot Can Help Your Intuition
Starting off with the book meanings of the tarot cards is a great way to get started, but the best way to exercise your intuition is to practice using it while drawing your daily tarot card. Journaling your experience can help you remember what insights you picked up on so you can keep track of your accuracy. By doing this each morning or evening, you’ll start to get a sense for how each card fit into your day beyond what the book and keywords tell you.
Intuitive Tarot Exercise
Start by pulling a daily tarot card each morning asking what the energy will be like in your day ahead. Each time you pull a card, really study the picture before you come to a conclusion. It can be helpful to write down the book meaning, and then the intuitive feelings you get along with it.Ask yourself, what part of the picture jumped out at you first? What do you think that could mean?Journal any insights you get that go beyond the little white book meaning, then look back on it later.What was more accurate? The book, or your intuitive feelings?By asking yourself what insights you get beyond the book, you’ll be able to practice and strengthen your intuition with each tarot reading. The more you practice, the more clear the messages will be, and the more you’ll trust yourself in the future.So don’t think you’re confined to the little white book description of each card. While it’s helpful in the beginning, it can hinder you as you grow as a reader. A healthy balance of both the book, and trusting when the book might be a little off, is the best way to get the most accurate readings and grow your intuition.
Five Steps to Developing Intuitive Tarot Reading
1. Build Your Foundation Knowledge
Before attempting intuitive reading, it’s important to spend time learning the basic meanings of each tarot card. This gives your intuition a starting point. Read several different tarot books to understand different authors’ interpretations of each card. This will help you build a solid knowledge base that your intuition can develop from.
2. Observe Image Details
When you draw a card, spend a few minutes really observing the image. Notice the colors, symbols, expressions, and postures of the figures. What catches your attention first? These details can provide insights beyond the traditional meanings. For example, in The Fool card, you might first notice the cliff, which could indicate the risks you’re currently facing rather than just new beginnings.
3. Make Personal Connections
Each tarot card can evoke personal memories or associations. When you see a card, does it remind you of someone or a situation in your life? These personal connections can add depth and relevance to your reading. For instance, if the Three of Swords reminds you of a recent argument with a friend, this might be an important aspect to focus on in your reading.
4. Feel the Energy of the Card
Beyond visual observation, try to feel the energy or emotion of each card. How does it make you feel? Is it positive or negative? Relaxed or tense? These feelings can provide important clues about how to interpret the card in a specific context.
5. Tell a Story
When doing multi-card readings, try to connect the cards into a coherent story. Look at how the cards relate to and flow into each other. This narrative approach can reveal patterns and themes that might be missed when looking at each card in isolation. For example, in a past-present-future three-card spread, see how the story develops from one card to the next, rather than just interpreting each position separately.
Practical Example of Intuitive Tarot Reading
Let’s look at a simple example of how intuitive reading might work:Suppose you draw the Eight of Swords, The Star, and the Knight of Wands.A traditional reading might be:
- Eight of Swords: Feeling trapped or restricted
- The Star: Hope and inspiration
- Knight of Wands: Action and adventure
An intuitive reading might be:You notice that in the Eight of Swords, the person is bound but the bindings look loose. In The Star, the woman is pouring water, symbolizing the release of emotions. The Knight of Wands is moving in a specific direction.Combining these observations, you might interpret that you currently feel bound by a situation (Eight of Swords), but these restrictions are actually looser than you imagine. By releasing your emotions and allowing yourself to feel hopeful (The Star), you will find the momentum and direction to move forward (Knight of Wands). This story provides a more personalized and meaningful reading than a simple list of keywords.
Conclusion
Intuitive tarot reading is an art that takes time and practice to master. By combining traditional knowledge with your own intuitive insights, you can create readings that are richer, more meaningful, and more accurate. Remember, the best tarot readers don’t just memorize card meanings; they learn to listen to the story the cards want to tell them in that particular moment.As you continue to practice, you’ll find your intuition growing stronger and your confidence in your readings increasing. Enjoy the process and trust that your inner wisdom will guide you beyond the little white book to where the true magic of tarot lies.
