Which is more important: the High Priestess or the Magician? How about The Empress or the Emperor? This question reflects how some approach Tarot, choosing between energies or methods. But the Tarot itself teaches us it’s not about favoring one over the other. The Fool’s journey is about integration, where all aspects—masculine and feminine, right-brained, and left-brained, logical and intuitive, structured and spontaneous, practical and psychic, knowledge and wisdom, light and dark—come together by the time we reach The World card at the end. It’s an alchemical journey of individuation and synthesis, becoming whole through union of opposites. That’s one of the most immediate themes and lessons of the Major Arcana itself, and one that’s meant to inspire us and create a roadmap in how we approach life. That includes how we approach Tarot readings, blending both traditional meanings and intuitive insights to create a fuller, more balanced practice.
Some practitioners insist that accuracy comes from following the established meanings of the cards closely, while others believe that intuition is key to deeper readings. But just like the Fool’s journey, Tarot is a dynamic process. Anyone who' has studied the tarot in depth knows that its symbolism, numerology, and astrological correspondences have shifted between decks, traditions, and cultures many times over history, showing that even these “established” meanings are not static. The idea that Tarot’s meanings are “fixed” is misleading. They are meant to grow with us.
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Intuitive and psychic readings don’t discard traditional meanings; they build upon them. In The Psychic Art of Tarot, I explain how traditional interpretations create a strong foundation for Tarot readers, while psychic and intuitive insights add another layer of depth. When we integrate both, readings become more dynamic and flexible, adapting to the unique energy of the querent. In my book, I provide practical exercises and case studies that help readers blend these approaches in real-world readings.
"In this book, we’ll approach the tarot with a sense of reverence for its rich history while also advocating for a more expansive, intuitive engagement with the cards. Contrary to some contemporary views, I do not propose discarding the “little white book”—a reference to the guidebook that often accompanies tarot decks and outlines the established meanings of each card. When people say this, they mean to ignore all the traditional meanings associated with tarot over time in favor of a purely intuitive approach. These traditional interpretations have stood the test of time for good reason, and they will provide a structured framework and foundation upon which countless readers will build their understanding. While respecting and valuing this foundation, we shouldn’t become tethered solely to these established meanings. At its heart tarot is a tool for introspection, growth, and transformation. It will communicate not just through fixed symbols but also through the emotions, thoughts, and insights that these symbols will evoke in the reader and querent.”
Just as the Fool evolves throughout the journey, Tarot itself is a process of growth. Learning the traditional meanings of the cards is important, but adding psychic insight creates a flexible, personal and spiritual touch that makes each reading richer and more meaningful. This multi-layered approach is something I explore in depth in The Psychic Art of Tarot, where I share methods for combining intuition with the structure of traditional meanings, making readings more relevant to the querent's experience.
Psychic and intuitive Tarot readings are not about making up random meanings; they are about connecting to a deeper understanding of both the cards and the querent. Intuition draws on emotional energy and subconscious reactions, while psychic readings tap into spiritual sources or clair senses. If you’re interested in the differences between these approaches, I’ve written an article for Llewellyn that delves deeper into the topic. You can read it here. Both methods are covered extensively in The Psychic Art of Tarot, where I offer techniques to help readers strengthen their intuitive and psychic abilities. These approaches complement the traditional meanings, they don’t replace them.
Rather than replacing the structure of Tarot, psychic and intuitive methods enhance it. The symbolism of each card remains vital, but intuition and psychic abilities allow for interpretations that speak directly to the querent’s specific situation. In The Psychic Art of Tarot, I explain how to connect with real-time impressions and integrate them with traditional meanings, turning Tarot into a living, adaptable tool for guidance.
There’s a misconception that psychic and intuitive readings are somehow easier or less demanding than traditional ones, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. While learning Tarot’s card meanings takes study, developing intuition and psychic abilities takes just as much dedication, if not more. My book provides exercises to help you strengthen these abilities, build trust in your impressions, and navigate the subtleties of energy during readings.
So, which approach is better: traditional Tarot reading or intuitive and psychic methods? In my experience, the most powerful readings come from blending all three. Each approach offers something valuable, but the ultimate goal should always be to help the querent gain clarity. Debating whether one method is superior often distracts from the real purpose of Tarot, and judging how someone else reads the tarot is nothing but ego-stroking or a reaction to insecurity. In The Psychic Art of Tarot, I encourage readers to explore all three approaches and develop a style that resonates with them.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish between genuine sincere readers and those who are out to exploit others or feed one’s ego. Unfortunately, some people prey on vulnerable querents, and it’s important to recognize the warning signs that separate sincere practitioners from scammers. Rachel True and I discuss these issues several times on THE CIRCLE IS podCAST, to help readers and querents avoid deception.
At its core, Tarot reading is about service. Whether you use traditional meanings, intuitive insights, or psychic abilities, the goal is always to bring clarity and understanding. There are plenty of fantastic books that go in depth about what the traditional meanings and symbolism means. I wanted to write a book for those who want to take the leap to go further in their readings.
“This book goes beyond the basics of tarot and is aimed at those who already have some understanding of basic card meanings. It’s for readers at any skill level who want to use tarot as a tool to better access their intuition and psychic senses. The focus here is on making your readings more personally relevant, helping you apply the card meanings directly to your own life situations. It’s all about leveling up your tarot readings with psychic ability. If you’re tired of vague, broad tarot readings, this book’s goal is to teach you how to make your readings more specific and insightful. This book is for anyone who wants to improve their tarot reading skills through psychic insight. With the knowledge and techniques in this book, you’ll be able to give more empowering and accurate readings that will help you (and your querent, if you are reading for someone else) gain clarity and understanding.”
🦉 The Psychic Art of Tarot has been nominated for the World Divination Association Award for Best Divination & Spiritual Book Release of 2024! You can vote for it here!
I’m offering very limited spots for 2024 forecast readings. My husband Devin Hunter is offering several different seasonal readings. You can read about it and purchase it here!
🦉 Great review of The Psychic Art of Tarot reviewed by Erick Dupree, PhD. Check it out Here!
