Why You're not "Making It Up" – Learning to Trust Your Intuition in Tarot

If you’ve ever pulled a tarot card, gotten a gut feeling about what it meant… and then immediately second-guessed yourself—you’re not alone. One of the most common things I hear from new readers (and even some seasoned ones) is:“But what if I’m just making it up?”

Let me tell you a little secret:

That feeling? That spark? That intuitive nudge?

That is the reading.

🔮 Tarot Isn’t About Memorizing — It’s About Listening

Yes, each card has meanings. Yes, studying symbolism and learning the suits and numbers and archetypes helps.

But tarot is a language—and like any language, once you learn the basics, the real magic happens in the conversation. You pull a card, notice something—a color, a facial expression, a reaction in your body. That’s not random. That’s your intuition speaking.

Tarot is meant to be a mirror for your inner voice, not a pop quiz on card definitions.

🌙 Why You Doubt Yourself (And Why You Shouldn’t)

Here’s what often causes that “I’m making this up” spiral:

• You don’t trust what comes up because it feels too easy or too obvious.

• The card meaning doesn’t line up perfectly with what you expected.

• You’re comparing your reading to what you read in a book or saw online.

• You're afraid to be "wrong."

But intuition doesn’t always shout—it whispers. It comes through as feelings, visuals, metaphors, even memories. When you pull The Moon and suddenly feel confused, foggy, or emotional—that is the message. When you pull The Tower and feel relief instead of fear—that’s truth coming through.

✨ How to Strengthen Your Intuition in Readings

Here are a few practices I recommend if you’re learning to trust your intuitive voice:

1. Journal Your First ImpressionsBefore looking up a card meaning, write down the very first thing that comes to mind when you see the card. Even if it feels weird. Especially if it feels weird.

2. Ask the Cards Follow-Up QuestionsTreat the reading like a conversation. Don’t understand a card? Pull another for clarification. Ask, “What’s blocking me from seeing this clearly?” You’ll be surprised how specific the answers get.

3. Notice What Your Body DoesDo certain cards give you a chill, a sigh of relief, a burst of energy? That’s intuitive data. Your body speaks the language of truth.

4. Validate Yourself With ReflectionGo back and read old spreads. You’ll be shocked at how “off” you thought you were—only to realize the cards made perfect sense once time passed.

   
   

🕯️ Final Word: Intuition Is a Muscle

It’s not about being psychic or mystical 24/7. It’s about paying attention, trusting your inner reactions, and knowing that you are part of the reading just as much as the cards.

You’re not “making it up.” You’re remembering how to listen.

Listen to your intuition, it's your most powerful and trustworthy friend,

Readings by Joey