There are many different ways to read tarot. Some people prefer to memorize all of the “classic” meanings for each of the cards and read strictly by applying those definitions to their readings. Others have never bothered to use the books, and read solely based on their impressions of the pictures that represent each card. Using intuition when reading tarot can add insight to a reading. Personally, I do a combination of both, depending on what I intuit for the reading.
Today, I did a reading for myself about which energy class to take next. A little background for you: I recently came across a new mode of energy healing, and – being me and totally stokable about new forms of energy work – I immediately looked up the school that offers these classes AND found that they offer the classes in Vienna (which is a God send because odds are sometimes not in favor of having classes near me to participate in). I emailed the woman who is holding the course to inquire about taking it. Then my little balloon of enthusiasm deflated for some reason.
Well, to save you about 700 words of me babbling about pros and cons and background and…and…and…, I decided to consult with the tarot about either taking this new energy course or to continue on with my Reiki training. My Angel Tarot Cards were sitting on the table, so I used them. The card that came up for going to the new course was the Temperance card (14 Major Arcana). What caught my eye wasn’t anything in the meaning or the text on the card, but the blue irises framing Archangel Zadkiel.
I have about a zillion blue irises at home. Really. So. Many. Of. Them. that I am giving the bulbs away to neighbors. When using these irises as my clue to how I should proceed, it was definitely a no-go, as I have enough different methods – for now because goodness knows I will definitely be taking this other course in the future – just not right now.
Then I decided to pull a card related to taking the next step in my Reiki training – the Hermit (9 Major Arcana) showed up! This, to me, is an excellent sign to move forward because it indicates enlightenment and seeking out spiritual teaching. Totally affirms my decision to work more toward becoming a Reiki Master and teacher.
One card was read with visual cues, and the other read with classic interpretation. It felt right to me. Using intuition when reading tarot helped me to get a more profound message out of the reading.
When you are studying your cards, pick up on those intuitive cues – no matter what they are. If the cue is a part of the illustration, a word that pops into your head, a classic meaning – go with it!
The best way to read is to trust what the cards communicate to you, no matter how they pass the message!