There’s a big difference between reciting an interpretation for a card, compared to knowing what that card is all about. Here’s how to gain a profound understanding of a Tarot card’s meaning in a really short period of time.

Let’s use the card called The Emperor for our example. When he turns up in a spread, you could say, “This card means power, leadership, and authority.” It’s a valid interpretation, but it won’t give you the feeling for how that card fully fits the question. You’ve given the spark of an idea, but you don’t have the fuel to turn that card’s meaning into a raging fireball of meaning, awareness, and relevance to the query.

Can you recall when you have dealt with people in the way that The Emperor would? Remember when you acted with authority; when you knew that your way was the right way and that others should follow your example. Think about when you were in charge of a difficult situation. And consider a time when you felt in total control and had people relying on you. This is the energy of The Emperor, and when you’ve experienced his power, he is going to feel more real than if you just read a description in a book. With this in mind, whenever you see him in a Tarot spread, remember how it felt to act like The Emperor and you will have a much better idea of an interpretation, instead of reciting memorised words about the card’s meaning. Doing this for each character in the Tarot will make them come alive by realising a personal connection to their energies.

Some years ago a friend of mine made a decision that expressed the energy of The Fool from the Major Arcana. It was near midnight and he’d been at a party in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. When he left the party he drove to the main intersection of the town and paused. He said to himself, “If I turn right I can be home in half an hour and I can go to bed. If I turn left I could drive 8 hours and I’d be in Melbourne for that game of football I want to see!” He turned left and went to Melbourne. He slept in his car before going to the football match and then he drove home. He knows what it’s like to do something impulsive, spontaneous, exciting, and fun! He didn’t have a change of clothes, he didn’t even have a toothbrush — he just had the desire to do something different and off he went. How fantastic! It makes me smile whenever I think of his adventure. He chose to embody The Fool’s energy and he had a meaningful weekend.

Don’t think of the Tarot as something you have to learn. Avoid looking at the cards and then trying to memorise a list of traditional meanings. Tarot shouldn’t be seen as an intellectual exercise, it’s meant to be felt in your heart and the meanings of the cards are to be discovered. Like a pirate with a treasure map, go hunting for the signs and symbols in the cards that point toward the gold of understanding and enlightenment that is buried within the Tarot. To feel the interpretation of the cards, you have to know what it is like to be that character. Whenever possible, get in touch with the energy of the characters in the cards to truly appreciate their essence. With this in mind your readings will improve dramatically!