Using intuition in Tarot
When it comes to tarot, your intuition is your strongest guide. It’s what turns simple card meanings into personal insight and real understanding. A lot of what I’ve been sharing lately has been about building your intuition, and that’s because the stronger it gets, the more naturally your readings flow.
When you strengthen your clairs (clairvoyance, clairsentience, claircognizance, and more), you start receiving nudges, feelings, or inner knowing that help you understand what the cards are saying. You’re tuning in to your higher self, the quiet part of you that already knows what you need.
Table of Contents
A Real Example from My Own Reading
The other day, I did a check-in with myself and pulled the 5 of Swords reversed. I used the SECRET Formula to Tarot: See, Place, Apply.
What stood out to me in that card was how the figure was holding on to the swords. That image instantly caught my attention, and that’s intuition at work.
It doesn’t have to be a big fireworks moment. It’s subtle, soft, and simple. As I sat with it, I realized the message was clear. I was still holding on to guilt and old pain from the past. It was time to release that weight so I could move forward and heal.
That one intuitive observation changed how I saw the whole reading.
How the SECRET Formula Builds Intuition
The SECRET Formula isn’t just a way to read tarot. It’s a way to strengthen your intuitive thinking.
- See what draws your eye. It might be a symbol, a color, or an emotion.
- Place it in context. How does it relate to your question or situation?
- Apply it. Trust what comes up and let it guide your reflection or next action.
Each time you use this process, you’re training your intuition to speak louder and clearer.
Practicing with Your Clairs
Before you pull any cards, give yourself a moment to open up and notice what your senses pick up. Learn about your clairs here.
You might:
- Feel a light emotion or body sensation.
- Hear a word or phrase in your mind.
- See a quick image in your imagination.
- Sense a general mood before flipping the card.
When it happens, acknowledge it. Say, “I notice this,” and trust that it’s information.
For example:
- You might feel a touch of sadness and then draw the Three of Swords.
- You might picture a romantic connection and then pull The Lovers.
That’s your intuition lining up with the energy of the cards.
Give Yourself Permission to Receive
Here’s one of the most important parts: allow yourself to receive insights.
Each time you do a reading, take a quiet minute or two before starting to:
- Breathe and center.
- Give yourself permission to receive.
- Notice what thoughts, sensations, or visuals come up.
- Write them down.
I highly recommend keeping a notebook during readings. Write what you felt or noticed, even if it seems random. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns. That’s when your confidence grows, and those subtle nudges become easier to recognize.
The more you record your impressions, the faster your intuition develops.
Strengthening Your Intuition Between Readings
Here are a few simple ways to keep your intuitive connection strong every day:
- Pull a daily card. Write what you feel before checking meanings.
- Notice your body signals. Tingling, warmth, or tension often carry messages.
- Ask gentle questions. Notice what comes to mind before you pull a card.
- Meditate with one card. Ask, “What are you showing me today?”
Every small practice strengthens your intuitive muscles.
Intuition rarely shouts. It whispers. It’s soft, calm, and steady. The more you honor those quiet insights, the stronger they’ll become.
Tarot isn’t just about memorizing meanings. It’s about developing trust in yourself, listening inward, and allowing your intuition to translate what you see into guidance you can use.
Mantra
I trust the quiet voice within me to guide my readings.
🪶 Journal Prompt
What subtle nudges or sensations have I noticed before or during a reading? How did they shape the message?
What does it mean to use intuition in tarot?
Using intuition in tarot means tuning into your inner guidance or higher self to interpret the cards beyond memorized meanings. It’s about trusting your instincts, emotions, and subtle impressions to understand what each tarot message truly means in the moment.
How can I develop stronger intuition for tarot readings?
You can build stronger intuition for tarot by practicing daily card pulls, journaling, and noticing sensations or emotions during readings. The more you record your intuitive hits, the clearer they become. This consistent practice helps strengthen your clairs and deepens your connection to your inner knowing.
Do I need psychic abilities to read tarot intuitively?
No, you don’t need psychic abilities to read tarot intuitively. Everyone has intuition, and tarot simply helps you access it. By quieting your mind and trusting your impressions, you can perform insightful and accurate readings without relying on any “psychic” label.
What’s the difference between intuitive tarot and traditional tarot reading?
Traditional tarot reading often focuses on memorized meanings and card positions. Intuitive tarot adds another layer by listening to your gut feelings, noticing patterns, and letting symbols speak directly to you. This blend creates more personalized, meaningful, and accurate readings.
Is there science behind intuition?
Yes. Studies show that intuition is a real psychological and neurological process. Your brain processes information faster than conscious thought, allowing intuitive insights to surface as “gut feelings.” You can read more about this in The Guardian’s science article on intuition which explores how emotions and memory shape intuitive decision-making.
Can tarot readings help me strengthen my intuition?
Absolutely. Tarot is one of the best tools for building intuition. Every reading is a practice session for your inner guidance. By noticing what stands out to you, reflecting on your first impressions, and trusting what feels right, you train your intuitive muscles to grow stronger over time.