Tarot reading is a dance between knowledge and intuition. On one hand, it's having your Tarot deck in hand, maybe a little nervous the first time you shuffle those cards, and trusting your curiosity. At the same time, intuition isn’t something you’re just born with; it’s something you nurture, with learning, with practice, with time. Yet before enhancing intuition, it helps to start at square one.
Without understanding the foundations, intuition can drift away like fog. But paired with structure, it becomes lightning in a bottle.
So, let’s start with those basics. If you’re just beginning, the 22 Major Arcana cards are your first signposts on the Tarot journey. Get to know them—study, read, reflect. No amount of intuition will make up for not recognizing The High Priestess or The Tower. Pick your first Tarot deck (choose the one that draws your eye or feels different in your hands). Once you’re comfortable, then you’re ready to nurture that listening inward—the part that makes Tarot magical.
Your intuition will carry you far. But only as far as the road you’ve walked with care.
Here are seven tips, based on personal experience and what I’ve learned from good readers and teachers, to encourage more intuition in your readings. These aren’t rules. They’re gentle hands on your shoulder, guiding you to listen a little deeper each time.
1. Clean and organize your reading space
There’s something quietly powerful about a tidy table. Think of it: you sit down to do a spread, but papers, coffee cups, and tangled cords pull your mind in a dozen directions. Intuition falters when distraction takes root. Studies show that creating a sacred space fosters an environment conducive to intuitive insights, through meaningful objects.
- Clear off the physical clutter first. Books, laundry, yesterday’s crumbs—move them away for now.
- Wipe down the surface and maybe open a window for some fresh air. The little moments matter.
- Then, give some attention to the energy of the space. People before you, worries, rushed mornings—all leave an imprint.
Many readers use favorite incenses to support their own clarity. Each has a subtle difference:
- Clove: Refreshes and grounds, especially after difficult readings.
- White rose: Invites peace and gentle energy, good for sensitivity.
- Sandalwood: Balances focus and openness. A versatile choice, really.
- Palo santo: Said to clear away old energy and bring in inspiration. A favorite for creative work with the cards.
Maybe you’re skeptical. Maybe scent doesn’t do much for you. That’s alright—do what makes you feel at ease. Sometimes, just washing your hands before shuffling feels enough.
2. Set a sacred space with a cloth or mat
This is your declaration—to yourself and to the moment—that now is set apart from the rest of the day. A simple cloth, perhaps a silk scarf or a tiny woven mat, becomes an instant altar anywhere. Even if you’re reading someone’s cards at the corner of a café, smoothing that cloth out on the table adds intention. Over time, it soaks up your rituals and memories.
Communicate to your intuition: this is the time and place for insight.
- Pick a cloth that feels good to the touch, or one with a pattern that means something to you.
- Dedicate it to your readings and keep it separate from other uses if that suits you.
- Some folks whisper a small intention as they lay their cloth down. Others just smooth the wrinkles, and that’s enough.
Strange how even a napkin, if chosen mindfully, can shift how open you feel.
3. dim the lights to let mystery in
We often think better in cozy corners. Flickering soft light has a way of slowing us down, making our thoughts more spacious. Rather than harsh overhead lights, try a lamp with a warm bulb or set a few candles around. Dimming the lights isn’t just for romance; it calls the subconscious out, lets imagination have more room. If you’re in daylight, maybe just pulling the blinds a little makes a difference.
- Use candles (safely, always!). The light does not have to be bright—a little glow is enough.
- Lamps with yellow bulbs help with focus and lessen the strain on your eyes, too.
- Keep a flashlight nearby if you’re working with especially old cards that need extra care reading.
At the end, it’s about creating a cocoon of comfort. Sometimes, just lighting one candle sets the whole scene for intuition to peek through unexpected windows.
4. prepare moon water at the full moon
This tip might sound a bit out there for some, but bear with me. Water holds significance in many spiritual traditions—and Tarot, being a dialogue with our deeper selves, is no different. The idea is simple: at the night of the full moon, fill a glass jar with clean water, cover it, and place it on a window ledge to soak up lunar light overnight.
- The next day, use a dash to anoint your hands before shuffling.
- Sprinkle a few drops on your Tarot deck or your reading cloth.
- Add it to a spray for gently misting the room before a reading—it shifts the energy.
Some swear by this ritual, others find it unnecessary. Personally, the ritual itself sets a mood: slowing down, thinking about the cycles of time, feeling connected. Whether or not you believe in the metaphysics, it’s certainly a way to remind yourself that intuition grows with care. Sometimes, the act matters more than the outcome.
5. use sacred incenses for deeper connection
Incenses are more than “just a scent”—they’re carriers of memory, symbol, and focus. For centuries, resins like myrrh and frankincense have been part of spiritual practice. White sage, when burned respectfully and ethically, is said to open the way for new insight. When you light one of these before reading, it’s like telling your senses: Now, pay attention. This is different.
- Myrrh: Grounding, helps with deep questions.
- Frankincense: Uplifting, brings clarity to mind and heart.
- White sage: Cleanses confusion, clears old thoughts.
It’s funny, sometimes one whiff of frankincense brings back everything you’ve ever felt in sacred places. Or maybe that’s just me. Try them out and notice. Or don’t—they’re tools, not commandments.
6. bring in helpful crystals: amethyst and selenite
Crystals are an odd combination of science, beauty, and personal belief. Even if you think of them as just pretty stones, there’s something undeniably focusing about their presence. Amethyst, with its tranquil purple, is often called the stone of intuition. Selenite, milky white and gentle, is said to cleanse and purify the energy of the table.
- Place amethyst near your cards or in your palm while shuffling.
- Keep a wand or tower of selenite on your reading table.
- Hold them in your hands before you start, and see if you feel calmer, more tuned in.
That’s the thing with crystals: there’s no need for rules. Some days you forget. Some days you remember and smile at how light they make the room feel.
7. posture and comfort for focused connection
The simplest practice is often the most overlooked. Think about how you sit. Are you slouching? Shoulders hunched, spine curled, legs tucked in? It’s hard for intuition to flourish when the body feels cramped, restless, or rushed. Sit up with your feet on the floor. Choose a chair that supports your back (old wooden kitchen chair, plush reading nook chair—it’s up to you). Adjust your seat so your arms fall easily to the table.
Good posture, good mindflow.
Here’s why this matters: Engaging in regular meditation quiets the mind and enhances your ability to listen inward. How you sit sets the stage for that internal focus. So, if you want your intuition to be louder than your back pain, get comfortable first.
- Adjust height so your cards are easy to reach.
- Put a pillow or folded blanket behind your lower back if you need support.
- Take breaks and stretch in long sessions.
You’d be amazed how much crisper your impressions are when you’re relaxed but alert at the table.
After the reading: cleanse and recharge your deck
A lot of people worry about “losing” intuition if they don’t follow rituals exactly. Here’s a secret: nothing is lost forever. But small rituals do help recharge your trust in the process. Many find it helpful to cleanse their deck now and then.
According to regular cleansing and charging of your Tarot deck removes lingering energies and enhances the deck's energy for clearer, more accurate readings. You might do this under the full moon, or use a sprig of artemisia (mugwort) gently brushed over the cards. Some leave their decks with a piece of selenite for a day or two.
- Store your deck wrapped in a scarf or inside a box you like.
- Shuffle thoroughly after tough readings to scatter any emotional residue.
- If a card feels “off,” try smudging it lightly with smoke from your chosen incense.
All of this is optional. Do what feels natural. Sometimes, just a small tap on the table resets everything. Don’t let ritual become another thing to stress over.
Practical steps for everyday intuition
It’s easy to read an article and think, “Well, maybe I should try every step exactly like that.” Actually, choose what fits you best. But if you want to sharpen your intuition, here are some ideas—collected from keeping a Tarot journal to consistent daily readings:
- Write down every reading, including not just the cards, but your feelings, first impressions, and even doubts.
- Try visualization: imagine stepping into the card's scene, feel the temperature, hear the sounds. Visualization techniques deepen your understanding.
- Meditate before drawing cards, even for five minutes. Meditation helps clear the mind for insight.
- Pay attention to your first reaction when you see a card. As first impressions often hold the key to intuitive interpretation, don’t dismiss the little voice that speaks first.
- Set a daily or weekly routine, even if only a single card a day. Repetition breeds familiarity, which breeds confidence.
MysticLog is built for this style of practice, empowering you to track readings, organize decks, and jot down intuitive flashes in the moment. Its Mystical AI Assistant can help you reflect and grow—whether you’re a beginner mapping out card meanings or a seasoned reader looking to catch subtle patterns in your querent’s stories.
Conclusion
Intuition for Tarot is not about magic tricks or closed eyes and wild guesses. It is learned, just like the names and ideas of each card. These seven tips—clean spaces, cloth altars, soft light, moon water, sacred incense, friendly crystals, and simple posture—are all invitations to slow down and listen in. Use them, bend them, ignore what doesn’t sit right with you. Intuition loves respect, but it also loves freedom.
If you’re seeking a way to anchor these practices and watch your intuition grow over time, consider giving MysticLog a try. You’ll find space to store your readings, insights, and even doubts, with helpful support when you want it. Whatever you choose, may your readings be rich, surprising, and true to your voice.
Enhance your journey, your practice, and your understanding—one card, one lesson, and one insight at a time. Try MysticLog to discover new ways to connect to your own wisdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is intuition in tarot readings?
Intuition in Tarot readings is the gentle, sometimes unexpected, awareness that arises when you let your mind and heart respond to the cards without forcing logic. It’s the internal sense—the hunch or sudden thought—that colors your understanding of the spread. It can be linked to symbols, emotions, images, or memories that the cards spark. Some people call it a gut feeling, others an inner nudge. Over time, this sense grows more distinct, blending what you know with what you sense.
How can I strengthen my tarot intuition?
You can strengthen your Tarot intuition by combining steady study of card meanings with personal, mindful practices. Try keeping a Tarot journal to track your first impressions and emotions in each reading. Experiment with visualization, as imagining yourself inside the card scenes can bring deeper insights. Meditate before readings to open up space for intuition to flow. Practice often—a daily or weekly routine builds your internal “vocabulary.” Trust the flashes you get, even if they make little sense at first. Tools like MysticLog are especially helpful to keep you organized and reflective as your intuition grows.
What are common signs of intuition?
Common signs of intuition during Tarot readings include a sudden image or phrase popping into your mind, a physical sensation (like chills or a gentle warmth), or an unexplainable urge to interpret a card a certain way. Sometimes, it’s a word you hear mentally before you pull a card. Other times, it might be a persistent feeling about a spread that guides your interpretations. These signs are often subtle, so writing them down helps you notice patterns. Over time, you’ll learn how your intuition “speaks” to you.
Can beginners enhance tarot reading intuition?
Absolutely, beginners can enhance Tarot reading intuition. In fact, starting fresh can be an advantage because you’re often more open and curious. Focus on learning the card meanings, but make a habit of listening to your initial feelings as well. Use gentle rituals—cleansing your space, slowing down, maybe lighting a candle. Keep a record of your readings and pay attention to what stands out—even if it feels random at first. Practice, patience, and self-reflection help even the newest reader find deeper connections.
How long does it take to improve intuition?
There’s no single answer. For some, intuition starts to blossom after just a few weeks of consistent reading and reflection. For others, it’s a slower process, spread across months or even years. The key is regular practice, patience, and willingness to trust yourself. You don’t need to rush. As you continue to read, reflect, and experiment—especially if you record your process, as you can with MysticLog—you’ll find intuition growing stronger, steadier, and uniquely your own.
