If you were asked to look at the Kings and Queens of each suit, one of the first things that you would notice is the crown. What does it symbolise? I imagine that most of you will say, ‘authority’. That’s correct, but that is just an intellectual response to the symbol.

If you want to connect fully with a symbol, you need to do it on an emotional level. To do this, imagine having a crown placed upon your head. Step back in time and imagine that you are taking part in your coronation. You become a King or Queen.

As a king or queen you were destined for this role of monarch. You have been chosen by God to be the leader of your country. You are the representative of God on earth. You are the chosen one who has supreme control. People love you and fear you. At any time you can bestow upon them a fortune that will change their lives, or you can take everything away from them (including their lives) and there would be no questions asked. They all rely upon you to keep the country running properly. They all rely upon you to keep them from having to go to war. They all rely upon you for guidance. They now have someone to look up to—as their fearless leader and role model of success.

How’s that for power? How’s that for authority? How’s that for responsibility? Picture yourself being a king or queen and being in a parade in your honour. People are cheering as you pass. You are a god-like figure to them.

When you next see a crown in the Tarot, remember that feeling. It’s more than a symbol for ‘authority’—it’s all of those feelings of control and power and responsibility.

You can do this exercise with all the symbols found in the Tarot, or, when you are doing a reading, you might try to truly connect with the symbol in order to get the most information. Take a moment to experience the symbol and gain the message from it. This is a way of making a stronger connection with that symbol and your subconscious mind.