What is Intuition? How do you access it? And most importantly….how do you use your intuition to read tarot cards?
I get asked these three questions a lot!
There is more to learning how to read tarot cards than just memorizing endless tarot card meanings – it is also about learning how to develop your intuition and calming the mind so that your intuitive insights have a chance to shine.
The video below is a mini lesson in how to access your intuition and use it to interpret a tarot card.
Intuition is your gut feeling, that old, wise part of yourself that can tap into invisible energies and let you know what you need to do at any given time.
Intuition is very different from the intellect (or mind). While your mind is good at observing what is going on in the physical realm and interpreting this information, intuition senses and feels the surrounding energy and communicates this information back to you in the form of physical sensations (gut feelings) and hunches.
Mind and intuition can be in harmony or in conflict. For example, you may meet someone who looks nice, is well mannered and is kind to you and yet you instantly dislike and distrust them. When you have a strong gut reaction to a person but have not observed anything to support your feelings, it can feel uncomfortable. Your mind may list all the reasons why this person is trustworthy – they are married with children, they have a good job and have done nothing to make you distrust them. And yet….you still feel uneasy around them.
Intuition is something we are all born with and as young children, we were able to trust our intuition completely. However, we were quickly trained to disregard it and by the time we are adults, we often let our minds overrule our intuition. Because of this, the voice of our intuition gets quieter and harder to hear.
Blocks to Intuition:
- Thinking/The Mind
- Cultural training to disregard our feelings
- Fear, worry
- Desires, expectations
- Judgments, assumptions
How to Develop Your Intuition:
By quieting your mind and connecting with your breath and body, you will create a space for your intuition and allow for its soft voice to be heard. The best way to do this is through regular meditation.
Intuition Development Meditation
- Step One: Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for a few minutes (preferably a zen inspired garden with chirping birds and a babbling brook).
- Step Two: Sit upright in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and hands resting in your lap.
- Step Three: Make peace with your mind! Your mind isn’t the problem, its just that it has been running the show for so long. Thank your mind for doing such a great job all these years and kindly request that it pipe down just for the next few minutes. It can resume its incessant ramblings later…
- Step Four: Set your intention for the meditation. Let your intuition know that you are here, present and willing to listen to it without judgment.
- Step Five: Focus on your breath for the next minute or so. Don’t try to change your breath – just observe.
- Step Six: Notice how your body feels. If you are tense or your mind is still active, try using the exhales to breathe out the thoughts and tension.
- Step Seven: Just sit quietly for a couple of minutes and notice if anything comes to you – any physical feelings, ideas or insights.
Once you are finished the meditation, you may wish to draw a tarot card and spend a few moments observing it. What feelings come up for you when you gaze at the card? If your higher self or spirit guides are using this card to send you a message right now, what is the message?
Learning how to develop your intuition is basically about learning how to get rid of all the things that block the natural process of intuition and then learning to trust the information you receive via your intuition.
WOW! This is by far the best guidance on how to connect to your intuition I have ever came across. I never feel connected to other peoples guidance. Thank You!
I’m so glad this resonated for you, Danielle! ♥
Thank you so much for this! When I introduced Tarot to my practice I relied heavily on A.E. Waites Pictorial Key to the Tarot. I gained a lot of insight using the book but in all honesty it became kind of a crutch. Thanks to this lesson I have set the book aside and have begun to use my intuitive faculties in all of my personal readings. Thanks again, Kate!
I’m so glad this was helpful for you, Craig! So good to hear 🙂
Take the path thats lit, no more up hill battles….
the up hill road is dark and has slow growth
the lit road i feel is the road to abundance and purpose
I come here to thank you for the wonderful teaching above, know that it is very valid for those who access it, and congratulations for your work for the light, I am Brazilian and I really liked the site and the article Gratitude Today and Always!!!
Edward
Thank you Eduardo 🙂 I’m so glad you’re enjoying my content ♥
That was the ABSOLUTE BEST guidance of how to connect to our intuition that I have ever tried. THANK YOU!! 🙂 I have just started working with the cards and stumbled on to your site. I really like how you describe and read the cards. I look forward to starting my Tarot Journal this weekend! And I look forward to your newsletters/updates. Much gratitude. 🙂
Thank you for your lovely comment, Carolyn! I am SO glad you found this article helpful 🙂 Welcome to my site ♥
Thanks for explaining how intuition senses and feels the surrounding energy and translates this information into gut feelings or hunches. My aunt is really intent on connecting with her old hobby of studying the occult once her retirement comes. I’ll be sure to share this interesting piece about tarot card reading with her.
Thanks Kit, glad you enjoyed 🙂
I followed this meditation and fell asleep, best five minute sleep i had 🙂
Hi Kate, thank you for your informative videos and other great tool you offer on your site reguarding tarot. I’m just starting to read the cards. I’ve always felt I have clairvoyant tendencies since I was at least 4 yrs old, I just never knew how to “tap” into it and so I thought I could learn about tarot to at least try to jumpstart my gift. I’ve never learned how to control it. I would just get flashes of different scenarios. Sometimes very serious situations. Scouring your site has been incredibly helpful. Thank you
Welcome Janet!
I’m happy that you’re enjoying my site and finding it helpful 🙂
That’s fantastic that you’re getting started with Tarot and intuition – I was able to open my intuition more and understand it better through my work with Tarot. Best of luck to you on your Tarot journey!
Hi Kate,
I just love your video and audio bits regarding intuition. I use them as my own meditation tools every night! I would love to see more guided meditations from you. Thanks for all of your expertise for those of us who are beginners 🙂
thank you so much Alison 🙂 I am really touched that you enjoy my audio stuff so much! I don’t know if you’ve seen this meditation or not: https://daily-tarot-girl.com/2014/03/11/heart-meditation/
Cheers,
Kate
Kate can you help me read the symbolsdont no how to read a beginner
Hi Kate,
This is still new to me. I’m still trying to figure out my deck and have not done a reading with it. I have started a journal so I’m working up to it.
I wanted to share what I got from the card. I saw the large tree that stands out but followed my eye down to the split paths and I see the woman sitting with the swards crossed in front of her standing up against her shoulders. What first entered my mind was to take your time and think about the path you wish to follow. You said to try a second look ant the first thing that came to mind was that you have a choice.
Can you tell me if I’m on the right path? What was you intuitive interpretation on the card?
Hi Tina,
Thanks for giving this exercise a go! It sounds like you’re on the right track. There is no right or wrong way to read a card when you read it intuitively – that’s the beauty of it!
Glad you had fun with this and thanks for commenting 🙂
Kate
That’s exactly what I got, from it as well.
I have to admit that I’m not 100% sure if I let my own circumstances get in the way of my intuitive reading of this card, but I’m still going to give it a try! As soon as you put the card up I noticed the big tree in the middle, which represents a roadblock. However, it is surrounded by two different roads, each going in a different direction. The woman on the card is holding swords that symbolize strength and courage to either tear the tree down or face one of the new roads. It seems as though she has it in her to make it through, she just has to trust herself.
What do you think, Kate?
That’s a lovely interpretation of this card, Tomas! And don’t be worried about letting your own experiences taint your reading – that’s all part of it and of course this card will be saying something different to you depending on when in your life you look at it.
Hi Kate,
Dear Kate
I’m a beginner at tarot and struggle to trust myself to decipher the cards meanings. I end up feeling disheartened and overwhelmed because I often can’t see how the meaning should relate or have an odd feeling that it isn’t right…… THIS video has changed that for me….!
After clearing my mind, I realised I felt strong apprehension of where each of these “unknown paths” lead to as well a conscious acknowledgement that I have a big life choice to make, or will need to make in the near future!
Powerful stuff thank you! I will strive to no longer feel overwhelmed and have more confidence in my own intuitive abilities!
Gabriella, this makes me so happy to read! I’m thrilled that this new approach to reading Tarot has worked for you and has allowed you to relax more with your cards. You’re well on your way to being a stellar tarot reader 🙂
Good morning, Kate!
Veronica will smack me upside the head for this, but have you ever woke up early (preferably before dawn) and drew a card? I know, easy for an early bird to suggest, but I can tell you, it really encourages my intuition. The world, both outside and in, is quiet as it will be all day. Theta waves, whereupon intuition surfs, still crash upon the shores of consciousness. There might even be a dream or two to jot down. In fact, early morning cards frequently find dreams lost somewhere between pillow and tea kettle. Oft times imagery in dream and card are kindred. And endorphins rush when this happens. Even when dreams evaporate faster than recall, asking something silly like “What’s the difference between lonely and lonesome?” is super fun to let an early card answer.
Intuition is strong in these dark, ante meridiem hours, sometimes strong enough to shove the groggy, analytical mind out of the way.
Oh! Veronica! What are you doing up at this ungodly hour?! Go back to sleep! Please, I insist! 😉
Ha ha, yeah, Veronica would HATE your suggestion! I have woken up in the middle of the night and couldn’t fall back asleep so I get up and give myself a tarot reading. This has only happened a couple times in my entire life, but they readings I’ve done at 4am tend to be pretty amazing – so I agree with what you’re saying. There is something special about early morning hours – I rarely get to experience them because I hate getting up early, but when I do I always think “gee, I should get up early more often” but then I don’t!
Thanks for your suggestion though, it’s one I never would have thought of 😉
Hi Kate your web site is very educational and helpful.I bought my cards 5yrs. Ago.
I don’t know why I’m so drawn to them and want to learn how to read them.
I.have a big problem I’ve had many phsycic experiences from childhood good and bad.This does not effect me at all they are just annoying.I had to move house again as my daughter began to see and hear things I simply can’t live in older houses.She already had ptsd and has had a breakdown.But after six yrs she is beginning to turn the corner.
Will I put her at risk if I begin to read the cards I want to give readings without trying to
Contact their passed loved one.Do you think this is possible?Idont want to draw in spirits.I don’t want to hurt anyone around me.Thank you for your time
Hi Mary,
Your question comes at the perfect time! I just made this video that deals with the topic of Tarot safety: https://daily-tarot-girl.com/2016/09/28/are-tarot-cards-safe/
The short answer is NO – you won’t be risking anything by working with tarot cards. They don’t attract spirits or negative energies. The video and article above will explain this in more detail – I hope you find it puts your mind at ease 🙂
Hi Kate,
Thank you for the video and this website!
I bought my first tarot deck, the Aquarian Tarot, in 1990. My readings have been infequent and far inbetween (until lately). Yet they appear to have been unusually
accurate whether I read for myself or friends/relatives, the latter not always enthusiastic for the experience. The problem is that I still need to rely heavily on the
book of tarot definitions and I always go back to the first instructional book I had had ever purchased. Once again I find (as have others) my readings to often be quite specific and reflecting what appears to be the obvious truth of a situation but my wording is choppy and Im a clumsy interpreter. What thoughts can you share with me over this contradiction? Are the powers that be trying to tell me something? Is this not meant for me? I am both frustrated by and yet hopelessly drawn to tarot and have decks I wont even touch or use because I find them to be so beautiful and wish to leave them unblemished. Have you anything to share?
Again, thank you for your video and blessings.
Hi Nick!
Well, it sounds like you are a good reader but your “performance” just needs a little work. First of all, overly relying on the book can definitely make a reading seem stiff and boring. Also, do you find that you get nervous during readings? That can also be a factor. If I were you I would do this: hide your books – don’t touch them for a bit. Do a pretend reading on an imaginary person sitting in front of you – do the reading out loud and give yourself permission to be as free and creative as you can be – don’t worry about getting it right or making sense (after all, this isn’t a “real” reading). If you have a recording device, record yourself so you can listen back to it – you may be surprised at how good you are! This is what I did when I was practicing to get good. It sounds like your intuition and creativity are stifled – doing this exercise will help free it up a bit. Practice this multiple times until you feel comfortable babbling at an imaginary person. Let me know how it goes 🙂
Kate
Thanks for your site….Luv these, I’ve been reading for about 3 years, I was lucky because It came really easy, due to the fact of knowing Astrology, symbolism, The Elements… ect. and having done other forms of divination for the last 32 years., but all in all, when I have time I still go to site’s or find new one’s, never can stop learning. I also, enjoy reading them still, As well as, pick up a few things I did’nt even think of. Sometime we can get in a rut, fresh … new idea’s or even things we learned but forgot because its been years…Just a tip that I often do, visiting site’s.. I now collect tarot cards, as well as the Runes. Technology is great something, I did’nt have years ago. I take full Advantage of it.. So, once again thanks for your site… it’s nice…
Thank you so, so much, Lisa! That means a lot to me – I’m so pleased you enjoy my site 🙂
I just wanted to know if I’m pregnant
It shows a big decision or life choice to make. Staying on the path of your old habits, or making life changes to better yourself
Hi Kate!
I’m going to start of by saying I’m very very confused as to what to do. About two months ago or so, the idea of tarot popped into my head, and being my parents kid, I simply brushed it away thinking it was curious nonsense. But lately ive been thinking about it more and more and stronger and stronger. I’ve been doing research and I’ve scoured your website,and my mind and gut are in conflict, with my mind telling me not to try it, but my gut wholeheartedly embracing it, and telling me to try it more and get into it more. I have not bought a tarot deck yet, but I would like to soon if I can get over this conflict haha. What advice do you have, and what would be a good deck for a beginner, you recommend? Thank you 🙂
Hi Kai,
What you are feeling is actually very, very common! Many people are afraid to work with Tarot. Before you dive into learning about Tarot as yourself what exactly it is you’re worried about. Many people have been raised to be wary of anything to do with the psychic realm because they don’t want to open that door or invite in negative energies. Personally, my experience with Tarot has been nothing but positive and I don’t really know of anyone who has had a negative experience. So….my advice to you would be to go with your gut and hopefully your mind will catch up later 🙂 I recommend getting The Rider Waite deck or a deck that is very similar to it like Crystal Visions Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan Greer Tarot or Hanson-Roberts Tarot. Good luck and let me know how it goes 🙂
Cheers,
Kate
Hi Kate,your information on meditation is really helpful.I have been using the tarot for meditation for quite a while.I choose two cards from different decks.One card is for daily medtation and the other card is for 7 days meditation.Yes,It means combining both cards in the meditation.If possible,I try to connect both cards to each other.
Perhaps you have a comment about my last comment.
A nice site by the way.
Best wishes,
Robin.
Kate, Thanks for the information on tarot for beginnners. I’m just starting. I never did it before. I always wanted to, so I finally decided to start. Your are so very knowledgeable and you are so positive and supportive to beginners like me. Thank you for all the work you do and for sharing your expertise. Anne
Thank you, Anne – that’s so good to hear 🙂 And welcome to my site! I’m thrilled that you’ve begun your journey with Tarot and I hope you continue to find my site helpful as you learn more and more about the cards.
Cheers,
Kate
Thank you once again for another informative video! I truly appreciate your hard work on this site. I enjoyed the intuitive meditation very much. Happy holidays!
Thank you, Sage1966! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy holidays to you too!
thank you kate, l have already purchased the universal rider waite, this will be my next one…hugs xxx
hi kate, this videos really helpt me, can you tell me the deck that appears, it looks really lovely, thanks xxx
Hi Mary,
The deck is the Druidcraft Tarot – its an amazing deck to read with – one of my faves!