Intuitive Tarot

1. Create a sacred space for your Tarot practice

The space in which you conduct your Tarot readings is incredibly important to both you and your client.

Set the stage for insight. Creating a sacred space for your Tarot practice involves more than just physical arrangement. It encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual preparation as well. Clear your mind of distractions, let go of any emotional baggage, and set a positive intention for your reading. This holistic approach helps you connect more deeply with the cards and your intuition.

Consider these elements when creating your sacred space:

• Physical: Choose a quiet, comfortable area free from interruptions
• Mental: Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and focus on the reading
• Emotional: Release any strong emotions that might cloud your judgment
• Spiritual: Set an intention or say a brief prayer to connect with your higher self

2. Learn the Tarot card meanings through intuition and symbolism

The Tarot is the storybook of our lives, the mirror to our souls, and the key to unlocking our inner wisdom.

Trust your intuition. While traditional card meanings are important, developing a personal connection with the cards is crucial for meaningful readings. Start by examining the imagery on each card and noting your immediate impressions. Pay attention to the symbols, colors, and overall mood of the card. This intuitive approach allows you to tap into your subconscious and access deeper insights.

To deepen your understanding of Tarot symbolism:

• Keep a Tarot journal to record your impressions and interpretations
• Study common symbols across different cards and their meanings
• Practice storytelling with the cards to bring their messages to life
• Meditate on individual cards to unlock their deeper significance

3. Master the four elements and numerology in Tarot

You can apply the same "Tarot by numbers" technique for the 22 cards of the Major Arcana.

Unlock the cards' essence. Understanding the four elements (fire, water, air, earth) and basic numerology provides a solid foundation for interpreting Tarot cards. Each element corresponds to a suit in the Minor Arcana, while numbers carry their own symbolic meanings. This knowledge allows you to quickly grasp the core energy of any card, even if you can't recall its specific meaning.

Key associations to remember:

• Fire (Wands): passion, energy, inspiration
• Water (Cups): emotions, intuition, relationships
• Air (Swords): thoughts, communication, intellect
• Earth (Pentacles): material world, finances, physical reality
• Numbers 1-10: progression from new beginnings to completion

4. Interpret reversed cards and card combinations

Reading with reversed Tarot cards will open up a whole new layer to your readings and provide you the opportunity to go even deeper with your intuitive insights.

Expand your interpretations. Reversed cards and card combinations add depth and nuance to your readings. While reversed cards can indicate blocked or internalized energy, they're not necessarily negative. Look at how cards interact with each other to tell a more complex story. This approach allows for more dynamic and insightful readings.

Methods for interpreting reversed cards:

• Internalized energy: the card's energy is turned inward
• Too much or too little energy: an imbalance in the card's qualities
• Blocked energy: the card's energy is being hindered
• Upside-down imagery: interpret the visual elements in reverse

5. Ask powerful questions to unlock deeper insights

The quality of the questions in your Tarot readings is directly linked to getting the answers that can help you to shape a path forward and manifest your goals and dreams.

Frame empowering queries. The way you phrase your questions greatly influences the insights you receive from a Tarot reading. Avoid yes/no questions or those that assume a predetermined outcome. Instead, focus on open-ended questions that explore possibilities and empower you to take action.

Guidelines for crafting powerful Tarot questions:

• Start with "how," "what," or "why" instead of "will" or "should"
• Focus on personal growth and actionable insights
• Avoid questions about third parties or that infringe on others' privacy
• Reframe predictive questions to explore potential outcomes and influences

6. Choose the right Tarot spread for your reading

The key is to make sure you're choosing a spread or layout that's in alignment with your question, and that will provide you the clarity you need.

Match spread to purpose. Selecting an appropriate Tarot spread enhances the relevance and clarity of your reading. Consider the nature of your question and the level of detail you're seeking. Simple spreads often suffice for straightforward queries, while more complex layouts can provide deeper insights into multifaceted situations.

Popular Tarot spreads and their uses:

• Three-card spread: quick insights into past, present, and future
• Celtic Cross: comprehensive look at a situation from multiple angles
• Relationship spread: explore dynamics between two people
• Custom spreads: create layouts tailored to specific questions or situations

7. Develop your skills in reading for yourself and others

Reading Tarot for yourself can be incredibly powerful and insightful if you do it correctly.

Practice with intention. Reading for yourself and others requires different approaches and considerations. When reading for yourself, maintain objectivity and avoid the temptation to interpret cards based on what you want to hear. When reading for others, create a safe and supportive environment, ask clarifying questions, and focus on empowering the querent.

Tips for effective Tarot readings:

• Set clear boundaries and expectations before the reading
• Stay neutral and avoid projecting your own biases
• Encourage dialogue and participation from the querent
• Provide actionable advice and empower the querent to make their own decisions

8. Reflect on your readings and seek constructive feedback

Feedback from a trusted source is an essential element of any growth process.

Embrace continuous improvement. Reflecting on your readings and seeking feedback are crucial for developing your skills as a Tarot reader. After each reading, take time to journal about your insights, impressions, and any challenges you encountered. When reading for others, ask for their input on the accuracy and helpfulness of the reading.

Strategies for reflection and feedback:

• Keep a detailed Tarot journal to track your progress and insights
• Ask specific questions to gather targeted feedback
• Follow up with querents after some time has passed to assess the reading's impact
• Use constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth and refinement of your skills

Last updated: September 19, 2024