What Spiritual Gifts Can Be Used When Reading Tarot?

How Are They Used and How Can You Develop Them?

In many Western cultures, people are often unaware of their spiritual or intuitive gifts. These abilities may have been dismissed or even ridiculed by family members, teachers, or friends. Sometimes you may have been encouraged to hide your gifts — even from yourself.

Historically, people who were aware of their abilities were sometimes persecuted. The memory of this can be passed down from one generation to the next, which may result in fear or even generational trauma.

However, for most of human history, intuition and spiritual gifts were highly valued. These abilities are an inherent part of being human and have been recognized in cultures around the world. To some extent, they were vital for survival, helping people sense danger, find food, and seek shelter.

In many cultures, individuals with especially developed abilities were respected — and in some places, they are still revered today.

Tarot as a Tool for Development

If you’re interested in developing your spiritual or intuitive abilities, tarot is an excellent tool. It can help you uncover and strengthen your innate gifts, allowing you to use them for both personal growth and to support others.

If you don’t believe you have intuitive gifts, don’t worry. Everyone possesses some level of intuition — it’s simply a matter of allowing it to emerge and nurturing it.

Many people have been taught to fear their gifts. It may therefore take time to dismantle the barriers that prevent you from fully embracing them. Give yourself the time and space your abilities need to unfold at your own pace.

Distinguishing Between Intuition and Emotional States

It’s important to differentiate between true intuition and emotional states such as fear, stress, or wishful thinking. These emotions can cloud your judgment.

If you’re feeling upset, anxious, or overtired, avoid doing tarot readings, as your energy may affect the clarity of the message you receive. Instead, focus on calming yourself and grounding your energy.

Remember: alongside the cards, you are the instrument. Your mental and emotional state directly influences the reading.

Types of Intuitive Perception in Tarot

Each intuitive ability expresses itself differently for everyone. Some people experience multiple forms at once, while others connect strongly with just one. Below is an overview of common intuitive abilities and how they may appear during tarot readings.

Clairvoyance (Clear Seeing)

Clairvoyance is the ability to see images, scenes, or people that aren’t visible to the physical eyes. This may include glimpses of the past or future, or sensing energies and spiritual presences such as guides or ancestors.

Example:
You may suddenly see someone who has a message for you. As a tarot reader, you might receive a mental image of a person crying in a dark room. Keep this impression in mind as you read the cards; it may become relevant at a certain point. You don’t always need to share everything you see, but trust the impressions that arise.

Clairaudience (Clear Hearing)

Clairaudience is the ability to hear sounds, words, or voices that are not coming from the physical world. You might hear a specific phrase, a whisper, or even music that holds special meaning for you.

Example:
During a tarot reading, you may hear the words, “the key, the key.” This could indicate that a particular card holds the key to the entire reading.

Claircognizance (Clear Knowing)

Claircognizance is the ability to know something without understanding how you know it. It is a sudden inner certainty that something is true.

Example:
The person you’re reading for appears cheerful, yet you instinctively feel this is a mask for deeper sorrow. The cards may later confirm this, reinforcing your intuitive knowing.

Clairalience (Clear Smelling)

Clairalience is the ability to smell scents that are not physically present. These scents may signal the presence of a deceased loved one or serve as subtle messages from the spiritual realm.

Example:
You might suddenly smell a familiar scent, such as perfume or cigar smoke. Ask your client whether the scent holds meaning for them. It may indicate a spiritual presence or message.

Clairgustance (Clear Tasting)

Clairgustance is the ability to taste something without any physical source. This can be a clear sign of a message from the spiritual realm.

Example:
You suddenly taste sherry while conducting a tarot reading. Your client shares that it was their great-grandmother’s favorite drink. This may indicate her presence during the reading.

Clairsentience (Clear Feeling)

Clairsentience is the ability to sense the energy, emotions, or moods of others or of a particular space. This can manifest physically as tingling sensations, chills, or strong gut feelings.

Example:
If you experience an uncomfortable feeling in the place where you’re reading, it may be important to energetically cleanse the space. If leaving isn’t possible, use a cleansing practice such as spraying Florida Water or reciting a prayer or mantra to protect both yourself and the environment.

Mediumship

Mediumship is a form of intuitive perception in which you act as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds. It often manifests through clairvoyance or other intuitive senses.

Example:
A medium may deliver a loving message from a deceased family member, helping the client connect with their loved one in a meaningful way.

Intuitive or Prophetic Dreams

Sometimes messages, insights, or visions come through dreams. These dreams may be symbolic or prophetic, offering glimpses of the future or clarity about a present situation.

Example:
You may dream about a situation that later unfolds in a way that closely mirrors what you experienced in the dream.

Psychometry (Clear Touch)

Psychometry is the ability to receive intuitive impressions by holding an object. These objects may carry energetic imprints or memories that provide additional insight during a reading.

Example:
Holding a family heirloom or personal item during a reading may help you receive additional impressions, enriching the tarot session.

Lesser-Known or Expanded Clair-Senses

In addition to the more commonly recognized intuitive abilities, some practitioners report other expanded senses, including:

• Clair-empathy – A deep emotional or energetic connection to another person’s feelings or state.
• Clairintellect – The sudden intuitive understanding of complex or spiritual truths.
• Clairvoyant Dreaming – Receiving psychic information through dreams.

Developing Your Gifts

If you wish to deepen your spiritual and intuitive abilities in order to become a stronger tarot reader, you may consider attending a misa espiritual. Regular participation can help you further develop your inherent gifts.

For more information, see the section on espiritismo on my website. Alternatively, you may choose to attend a workshop or course in mediumship to continue expanding your intuitive skills.