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What Is Intuitive Tarot?

    What is an intuitive Tarot reading, and what sets it apart? It can be a bit overwhelming with the wide variety of categorizations you find today. Let’s take a closer look at what an intuitive reading is and what you can expect.

    Intuitive readings rely on intuition as opposed to memorization of the traditional card meanings. The reader receives the messages through the subconscious mind my connecting with iconography and symbolism. An intuitive reader deciphers the messages by using intuition and not logic. 

    In this article, you will learn what intuitive reading is and how to do it yourself. We will also take a look at what you might expect from an intuitive reading. The answers you get differ a little from the messages you receive from a Tarot reading. 

    WHAT ARE INTUITIVE TAROT READINGS?

    An intuitive reading relies on intuition; it is a “gut feeling” and not grounded in logic or rational thinking. Intuition plays a huge part in our daily lives, even if we don’t recognize it. Intuition is the feeling we get and is often a major factor in decision-making. An intuitive reader channels energies and emotions rather than focusing on the card meanings or systems themselves.

    But what is intuition, you might ask? Intuition is called the sixth sense. It’s the mechanism that allows you to know something without knowing why.

    One of my favorite books about intuitive Tarot, Everyday Tarot – Unlock your inner wisdom and manifest your future” by Birgit Esslemont, wonderfully describes intuition.

    As our brains receive massive amounts of information, it is hard for the conscious mind to process it all at once. The brain stores the information “lost” in the subconscious mind. Our intuition unlocks the information and brings it to our awareness. By tapping into our intuition, we gain insights otherwise missed. 

    You can read more about Birgit’s take on intuition in the chapter “How does intuition work?”, page 16.

    TAROT READINGS

    You can find it on Amazon if you want to look at Birgit’s book and learn more about intuitive Tarot reading techniques. I love this book and learned a ton from it.

    Intuitive readings seldom focus on fortune-telling. The reading is instead honing in on energies at play. This makes an intuitive reading different from regular Tarot readings, where the focus lies on the card meanings and rationale. The intuitive reader connects with the seeker’s emotions and energies more than the card meanings.

    Intuitive readings are often used as a self-development or divination. As the focus is inwards, it is perfect for spiritual work.

    Even though intuition is a huge part of the Tarot, it is often downplayed in books and lexicons focused on card meanings and ways to structure it. In divination and spiritual practices, for example, intuition plays a central role. 

    Do you need to have any psychic or special abilities to practice intuitive Tarot? I say no. We all have intuition, and as we practice, we listen more and more to it. We recognize its existence instead of shuffling it under the rug. 

    Some people have an easier time opening up to their intuition, but we all have it inside. It’s like a muscle; you have to exercise to get strong.

    My favorite book about intuitive Tarot; Everyday Tarot by Birgit Esslemont
    My favorite book about intuitive Tarot; Everyday Tarot by Birgit Esslemont (Paid Link – Amazon)

    WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN INTUITIVE READING

    An intuitive Tarot reading provides an in-depth look at your energies and life path. Instead of focusing on external factors, the intuitive reading gives us insights into our soul and spirit. 

    You will not get definite answers, like do this or that, as in the traditional Tarot readings. You will not get forecasts either. The intuitive reading focuses on finding your strengths, weaknesses, blind spots, and hidden opportunities. It’s a self-development and spiritual growth technique – not a forecast or fortune-telling of what is to come. 

    An intuitive reading strengthens you as you gain control of your own choice. You can change the outcome by making conscious decisions based on your Higher Good and Self. 

    An intuitive Tarot reader is there to give you strength and power. It’s like a session with a trusted friend or advisor. The cards and the reader are there for your greater good. The Tarot cards and reader want you to succeed and find love and happiness.

    HOW TO READ INTUITIVELY

    How do you read the Tarot intuitively? You don’t have to learn all the esoteric systems of the Tarot to get started. As intuitive Tarot readings rely on intuition and gut feeling, you don’t have to know the card meanings to receive messages.

    Shuffle the cards and set an intention for the reading. Often I set the intention to open my heart for all messages delivered to me. I pull one or several cards and look at their images and symbols. I let the message come through without worrying about the card’s meaning. 

    I use “The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck” by Kim Krans for my intuitive readings. If you want to check it out, you find her wonderful Keepsake box on Amazon. You find the lovely cards throughout my site and in my Etsy shop listing pictures. They are so beautiful and help me open up my intuition to receive the messages I need to hear. 

    The key to success is to find a Tarot deck that resonates with you and that you “sink into.” 

    WANT TO LEARN MORE?

    Do you need some inspiration on how to set an intention for your Tarot reading?

    You find my intention prayer in the article “How to cleanse your Tarot cards with incense”

    My favorite Tarot deck for intuitive readings, The Wild Unknown by Kim Krans
    My favorite Tarot deck for intuitive readings, The Wild Unknown by Kim Krans (Paid Link – Amazon)
    The Wild Unknown by Kim Krans

    HOW TO DO AN INTUITIVE TAROT READING

    1. Shuffle your Tarot deck
    2. Set the intention for the reading
    3. Pull a card
    4. Take a close look at the card
    5. Clear your mind
    6. Take deep breaths and try to set the thoughts free
    7. Study the colors and symbols
    8. Take note of what is happening in the card
    9. Pay attention to your first impression – it jumps out at you
    10. Is the message in some way connected to what is happening in your life right now?
    11. If you want to feel free to check the card meaning in a book (this is optional)
    12. Take a second look at the card and see if you get a deeper understanding of the initial message.

    When you get more used to the process of intuitive readings, feel free to move on to queries. Ask the Tarot a question and pull a card. Follow the same steps. You will be a pro in no time. The key is letting go of rational thinking and trusting in your ability to receive messages from your unconscious mind. 

    If you are having problems letting go, this is not uncommon. Try to exercise your skill by meditation and relaxation. Never give up; we all have the ability to tap into our unconscious mind. 

    HOW TO DO AN INTUITIVE TAROT READING

    IN SUMMARY

    An intuitive reading is a Tarot reading where we explore our subconscious mind. It’s not there to tell you what the future holds or what to do in a certain situation. The aim is to give you information so that you can make choices yourself. It is there to take back the control. You are not just a bysitter in life – you are at the steering wheel. 

    It is easy to start reading intuitively as you don’t need to memorize or learn all the card meanings. The only thing you need is a Tarot deck you love and are drawn to.

    Let go and take in the card. Listen to what jumps out at you. The more you relax and let go, the stronger the message will be. 

    Follow the steps in this article, and you are ready to start exploring the magical world of intuitive Tarot readings. And if you are about to get your cards read by a professional, you know just what to expect!

    Sandra Törnroth

    Intuitive multi-modal tarot reader with a love for crystals and everything esoteric

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    THE DEFINITIONS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE BASED ON THE RIDER WAITE DECK AND SYSTEM.

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