Intuition and the Reading

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 05 Mar 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	05 Mar 2003
In the thread 'Intuition vs what the book says', the subject of intuition is raised a number of times, and Alex brings the important question about what this thing called intuition really is. The term probably has numerous uses, but I do not think it is by enumerating its possible definitions that its character will be clarified. Rather, it seems, to me at least, that the term is used reasonably precisely within the Tarot community to refer to a range of processes, in each case permitting the reader to penetrate through the veil and sense into the situation at hand. As I mentioned in 'Studying the Marseille deck as essential to studying Tarot!', 'an accurate reading will depend on its accuracy not from these [learned] skills (which may only aide), but from the open disposition of the reader at the specific time, whether the reader be 'experienced' or be a 'beginner' (we are all the latter in some ways)'. Intuition, then, is both quite a loose term (in that it may include what may more properly be differentiated as the imaginative, inspirational and the precisely called intuitive faculties) and yet is very precise. It refers not to the memorisation of key words nor the reading of notes, nor the thinking through a situation nor emotional responses, nor again the responses to subtle cues of the querent... though each of these may also concurrently take place - but refers, rather, to the 'being-at-one', or immediacy, with the situation at hand. Certainly much experience and reading books will help - but not because this forms the basis of the reading. Rather, it forms part of the background which may provide a framework and certainty by which to understand what the 'intuitive sense' is providing - in the same way I may instantly recognise a redback spider, or a greynurse, or a kookaburra.

Icestorm	05 Mar 2003
Wow, very well written :-] This brings out a problem I have stumbled across in my first few weeks of learning the tarot. I have been attempting (with some success) to memorise the meanings of the cards as given to me in a tarot book, but when I was searching for the meaning within my head during a reading it seemed to me that certain aspects of the cards provided interpretation on their own. I used these, and later checked back with the book to find that some of the meanings I gave to the reading was almost exactly the definitive meaning given by the book, but others were noticeably similar. It is my feeling then that I had intuitively read off the cards, but perhaps arrogantly as I do not know all the definitive meanings off by heart yet! My question then, is whether a neophyte learner like me should just ignore intuitive temptation until I have learnt all the definitive meanings first? or not?

Alex	05 Mar 2003
jmd Thanks for initiating the discussion on this subject. Whenever we discuss about it (and we do it over and over again) I feel that several different things are mixed together in one pot. Some of them are: · A frequent question from beginners: "should I learn the meanings of the cards from the books or should I read "by intuition?". I think people are often referring to "intuition" as a mix between insights they get from pictures on the cards, and cues they receive from the querrent. My personal view is that for most people it would take *several years* to construct a coherent system of interpretation based on experience/intuition alone. I'm talking about a "tabula rasa" sort of reader, someone who won't pay any attention to numerology, suit associations or any other information that might come from an already established "system". · Intuition as referred to by more experienced readers. Here comes to my mind the expression "after you've learned your lesson you can forget it". Most people who claim they read "by intuition" have already learnt either one or another system of interpretation; their further development expands on it. Like them or not, there is a basis of knowledge they expand on, and which works on the background. · I totally agree with you that , 'an accurate reading will depend on its accuracy not from these [learned] skills (which may only aide), but from the open disposition of the reader at the specific time, whether the reader be 'experienced' or be a 'beginner' (we are all the latter in some ways)'. However, the question that has been brought over and over is how to acquire these "learned skills" one can further expand on. Intuition, as understood by most, embodies an element of shortcutting/bypassing steps of logical reasoning. It's a "getting there without knowing how". Should we remember that many scientific discoveries/innovations "came through" "intuition" and were latter expanded into logical steps in order to be "justified", in order to be accepted by the scientific community. They came as intuitive insights not to the man on the street who don't know anything about science, but to actual scientists. Why? You need more than a basic knowledge on a subject in order to have intuitive insights on that subject. . You may instantly recognise a redback spider because you've once learnt, it's dangerous. It's different than a newborn bird that can instantly try to hide from a flying eagel. It will also try to hide from an airplane. With time, it will lean other things that are worthy hidding from and it will also learn that an airplane is not an eagel. It worries me that some people are being advised not to learn anything, just face the cards and take daily notes on what these cards *mean* to them. I wonder what can be accomplished this way, and in how many years one will need in order to begin to make any sense out of the cards. I hope I have helped to clarify, rather than blurry this subject any further. Alex.

Umbrae	05 Mar 2003
Intuition: n. 1. a capacity for knowing without the use of rational process. 2. Knowledge acquired in this way. 3. Keen insight. 4. Instinct. 5. The sixth-sense. Tarot attracts a large range of types. There are the readers who memorize the little paragraphs in a lwb and then, voila! They are readers! After a while they learn to read ‘body language’ and call themselves ‘intuitive readers’. Some ‘interpret’ the artwork. Some combine numerology with suit meanings to derive meanings for the individual cards. Some believe that divination is to communicate with the divine, and rely on information from ‘out there’ to augment their ‘readings’. In some parts of the world, divination is done with bones, or miscellaneous items spilled on a surface. There are no memorized ‘patterns’; some folks gaze into polished stones, bowls of water, or mirrors (sometimes painted black). Often they are referred to as kooks. Intuition has become an overused word of late…it is no longer fashionable to use the word psychic. So intuition is a catch-phrase that includes things such as…”When the children are this quiet for this long – ya gotta check on them, and fast…trouble is brewing”; or - acting on the little voice in the head that tells you to exit the building to have a cigarette, “Now”, and have the building explode seconds later. Intuition is a word that encompasses extremes. It’s another example of how language is bastardized. Often, those ‘leaps’ made in the invention process are based on making new connections within the sub-conscious with information already stored; nothing spooky, just a fresh connection. There is an entire range of psychic phenomenon that escapes science’s efforts to prove or disprove – phenomenon that one can neither qualify nor quantify (at this time). It is referred to as Intuitive. We have two problems in exploring the Intuitive and the Reading. One is the very definition of intuitive, and what type of information is being translated and insinuated into the reading. The other is the reading itself – which by its nature will vary into fall into different ‘categories’. The question is much larger than most folks grasp. So I’d like to jump the language gap here and dare to be different (big surprise). Many folks want to use Tarot cards to be a psychic reader. Some folks will memorize little paragraphs and think they are psychic (*snigger snick*). Some folks will think they can become psychic in a weekend – “I only read the book once…” Some folks will take years to acquire a catalogue of body language postures to read… But how do we define the reader of Bones…the person who picks up the Tarot the first time and delivers “spot on” readings with no learning what-so-ever. The professional student, the pragmatist will tell you that it is about the learning process, that pre-digested knowledge gained from books and the insight of others is the learning process. They will equate an un-measurable, or un-observable event with a learned process such as instinct, and disallow even the possibility that such an even could occur without prior or a priori information by which to define the event. Such an attitude disallows anything grander, than the human experience, and holds us prisoners in this skin – calling it alone…life (and thusly the sum total of all). Sad. True, not all readers will become or even touch – psychic experience, and that does not make them ‘less than’ others. Some of the best readers are outright charlatans who can deliver a reading by looking at the handbag – but wait until the cards are drawn (not intuitive). My…I’ve rambled for far to long and made a mess of things…now if you’ll excuse me, these entrails are drying out…

firemaiden	07 Mar 2003
Wow! Geez Louise, how did I miss this killer thread! Thanks jmd for initiating such a cascade of penetrating insights and distinctions, from youself, Alex and Umbrae. Whew!! Umbrae, you are so persuasive! But boy oh boy, what a stench, whoo, couldn't you try reading with flowers instead?

lunalafey	08 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Intuition: n. 1. a capacity for knowing without the use of rational process. 2. Knowledge acquired in this way. 3. Keen insight. 4. Instinct. 5. The sixth-sense. and Intuitive:a. perceived by the mind immediatelywithout reason Quote: Intuition has become an overused word of late…it is no longer fashionable to use the word psychic. So intuition is a catch-phrase that includes things such as…”When the children are this quiet for this long – ya gotta check on them, and fast…trouble is brewing”; or - acting on the little voice in the head that tells you to exit the building to have a cigarette, “Now”, and have the building explode seconds later. I agree that the word is overused and misused. But I don't think the example of 'smoke, now!' falls under the big umbrella...that's an example of true intuition. Now the kid thing...can go either way, kids are creatures of curious habit...they get into trouble and we ALL know this from being kids and watching them. The term intuition is used by MIT scientist, Pete Sanders Jr., to define a specific psychic ability. Those high is psychic intuition are likely mind readers/telepathic. They wake up right before the alarm goes off. They just 'know' things. This is the most ambiguous of the psychic senses because it can be hard to catch and understand the quick flashes of thought. Intuition is tied to prophets, but we all have the capability of tapping into psychic intuition. One just has to not question how or why it's known. Like the proverbial "they" say....trust your intuition. Intuition and the Reading....look at the deck....and before the first card is turned over....what is it?....an intuitive would just know....so a intuitive reading has nothing much to do with traditional, learned meanings. The cards just cause a spark of insight and the outcome could be far from the words in the LWB.

Alex	09 Mar 2003
Umbrae, I think in that case definition is superfulous. Such person is unlikely to write a msg asking whether (s)he should memorize the card meanings or read by intuition. I'm glad you have made the distinction between "psychic" reading and "intuitive" reading because I was not aware of the fact that I do differentiate both in my head. The problem with some "intuitive" readings, mostly with self-readings, is that people tend to fail to differentiate between "intuition" and the voice of one's own defense mechanisms and unresolved issues. Others tend to associate "intuition" with "looking/interpreting the figures on the cards" what is OK but, in my head, it can be different from "intuition". Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae But how do we define the reader of Bones…the person who picks up the Tarot the first time and delivers “spot on” readings with no learning what-so-ever. Speaking for myself only, I have referred to one of the meanings of "intuition" as connections made based on "pre-digested knowledge gained from books and the insight of others" as well as "new connections" based on these, but I have not meant to restrict the definition of "intuition" to these definitions. I also have not denied the possibility of intuitive readings "without prior or a priori information". Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae The professional student, the pragmatist will tell you that it is about the learning process, that pre-digested knowledge gained from books and the insight of others is the learning process. They will equate an un-measurable, or un-observable event with a learned process such as instinct, and disallow even the possibility that such an even could occur without prior or a priori information by which to define the event.. [/b] I really really think that many people refer to intuition but when they do so they have different things in mind. When you tell them to "use" it, they will use different "things", "cognitive processes" or "sides of the brain". The only use to discussing semantics is to make sure people are arguing over the same subject. That has been my point all along. See, I have taken a few variations of M-B personality tests and according to these I'm a highly intuitive type. I'm not "psychic" and I can't read grass stems or tea leafs, I don't see people's past in flashes and if my plane is meant to crash, I'm still gonna take it. However, I tend to approach complicate machines without looking at the user's manual and that, too, fits modern definitions of "intuitive" approach. It's more than fair that we make sure we are all taking about the same thing when we use the same word. Alex.

Moongold	12 Mar 2003
Alex's comments about people sometimes not being clear about "their own stuff," i.e. defence mechanisms, projections and so on came up for me today when thinking about the attributes often given to the Queen of Swords particularly but also to other Tarot images. And I wondered how, if ever, people can clear themselves of their own veils. I agree with you also, Alex, that a level of knowledge is often necessary before people can make intuitive leaps about issues, problems, hypotheses and so on. I just want to make a couple of random observations which are probably more about process. The first is to do with desire or intention. This is critical, I think - that you have a desire to be a channel for good, for the Divine, to help people - however you choose to put it. I guess this assumes some kind of belief in a higher power, the Divine or even just the tarot. Then it is important (for me anyway) as far as Tarot is concerned to have level of knowledge as a foundation to spring from. At this stage of my life as a Tarot reader this provides a framework, a foundation, something of a protection against my own stuff. One day I may spring a long way from it but I need it now. The next thing is state of consciousness. Sometimes I feel really very calm and clear. Other times there is the dark fog or a terrible headache or some other disturbance and I can't do much of anything. Some kind of grounding can change that. Meditation is one such thing. Not just one half hour of meditation but the state of consciousness that comes through the regular and disciplined (ritualistic?) practice of meditation. I don't have that now but many years ago I did and I really believe that it brought about a different, sustained state of consciousness. It was a period of deep happiness and the most incredible dreams. All of these things in some measure or other help "know" things. I have often been "telepathic" in the sense of knowing that things are going to happen. Nothing dramatic, just everyday things. I'm not quite sure what that means. This has not been a conscious thing. I have known people whom are genuinely psychic.....Someone very close to me once...She would "see' things and she wasn't a kook. Nor was she a tarot reader. She was teletype operator in a newspaper. Some people just seem to have this gift. Anyway, I'm rambling now and I've reached the end of the post without remembering the beginning. Sleep...sleep is also really important and that is where I'm going now. Moongold

cheekyminx	12 Mar 2003
Most days when reading through threads I just think to myself "Wow". Some people have a wealth of knowledge & seem so intelligent and then there's little old me....who is often too afraid to reply to threads in fear of looking like a ditz. But I'm going to add my 2 cents worth here, even if I do sound like a ditz. Intuition & Psychicness is something we all have, but varies greatly from person to person. There are different levels- high, medium & low. With Tarot for example, some people are born with the ability & don't need any form of tool, others need a little push, some have to study a little to get the ball rolling & some just have to read & read and memorise - which must be annoying? I wouldn't really know! (I don't mean any offence by the above, perhaps I've worded it wrongly? I really don't like to categorise or label) Once a person starts using a tool of some kind, be it Tarot, wicca, ruins etc they start tapping into their intuition & psychicness. We all get those gut feelings, dreams, day dreams, feelings - as we've been here before its only natural to sense things like this. Often people don't go with their intution, but gut feelings are normally right - well for me they are. My intuition is very spot on & scares me from time to time. I suppose being an old soul has a lot to do with intuition & psychic & the fact that I've read cards for a while. One can read a hundred books, but all books will differ with meanings, which is only natural as we all share different opinions & differences - for we are all individuals, but its always great when we agree ;) Tarot can be fun, it can be confusing, it can be sad, it can anger - tarot expresses all that us humans feel...... I think I've babbled enough, so I'll leave that paragrah just how it is!

Alex	12 Mar 2003
Umbrae is right when he talks about all this sensorial stimulation we're all constantly exposed to as being something that hinders the work of any "intuition". In my apartment, there's about no way I can have total silence and darkness. Junk food, stress, all that makes us more like automated robbots than prone to hear our inner voice screaming. May be we should all go for a 5-day retreat somewhere with no electricity. Kinda hard, for I've heard yesterday on the news that there is a plan to build a cafe at the top of the Everest. Alex. Quote: Originally posted by cheekyminx76 Intuition & Psychicness is something we all have, but varies greatly from person to person. There are different levels- high, medium & low. Some people are born with the ability & don't need any form of tool, others need a little push, some have to study a little to get the ball rolling & some just have to read & read and memorise - which must be annoying? I wouldn't really know! (I don't mean any offence by the above, perhaps I've worded it wrongly? I really don't like to categorise or label)

Aerin	12 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moongold Alex's comments about people sometimes not being clear about "their own stuff," i.e. defence mechanisms, projections and so on came up for me today when thinking about the attributes often given to the Queen of Swords particularly but also to other Tarot images. And I wondered how, if ever, people can clear themselves of their own veils. I agree with you also, Alex, that a level of knowledge is often necessary before people can make intuitive leaps about issues, problems, hypotheses and so on. Moongold My experience is that Tarot *can* act as a prompt and a catalyst to lift some of those veils. Just like a third person asking questions is. I've had lots of 'aha!' moments that would not have come if it hadn't been for using an external stimulus. Re: intuitive: I define the unconscious adding up of clues as intuition, along with picking up patterns and relationships/ seeing the big picture. I think it is quite possible to do that without being what I'd call psychic i.e. picking up information that isn't in your surroundings. I reckon Tarot is an excellent tool for developing intuition. Re: psychic: I don't know. Whenever I think of my own 'moments' e.g. being called to an office, saying as a reaction to someone 'oh no, I hope X hasn't committed suicide' and then finding out they had... I can usually rationalise them away to information my unconscious has picked up and hence intuition. Now, that could be self defense :). I mean, how would I know for sure? And I can always rationalise away Tarot to the patterns etc being broad enough for people to find their own relevant and specific interpretation in what I say. Aerin

The Intuition and the Reading thread was originally posted on 05 Mar 2003 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.