Sabbats, Seasons, and Tarot Spreads

Intuition. It’s that word we all toss around, especially in the presence of the High Priestess. But what is it, really? Can we learn to hear it?

Listening to Your Intuition

No one can accurately define or quantify intuition. It’s been described by some as part of our conscience, quick to let us know if our behavior is crossing a boundary, and by others as a voice of spirit sent to guide us and warn us of potential dangers.

Many of us refer to it as a gut feeling. Sometimes we simply know something, and we know that we know it, but we don’t know how. It’s just our intuition.

The High Priestess of Tarot represents intuition, mystery, hidden knowledge, and spiritual wisdom. It’s a powerful card that encourages us to look deep within ourselves and to trust that still, small voice that sometimes whispers in our ear.

Men sometimes scoff at the idea of intuition, or think it to be exclusively a feminine trait. Not true. Both men and women do have the capacity for intuition. Whether we’re male or female – or any combination thereof – most of us can benefit from tuning in and listening more closely to our intuition.

Today, the High Priestess herself will be guiding us, offering helpful ideas on how to strengthen and use your intuitive powers.

Grab Your Tarot Deck and Let’s Get Started

Shuffle your Tarot deck and focus your thoughts on the High Priestess. Ask for her guidance. Turn the cards over one by one until you come to the first Major Arcana card. This card is your special message from the High Priestess.

Scroll down to read your message, and then work through the simple exercises that follow.

Fool

If the Fool appears, you might need to embrace the Fool’s qualities of openness and curiosity when it comes to your intuition. Maybe you need to let go of preconceived ideas and expectations so that your intuition feels free to come out and play. The Fool teaches us a lot about trusting in the universe. Sometimes things aren’t logical. Sometimes our intuition can seem nonsensical.

With this card, you’ll want to be willing to listen even when that still small voice doesn’t seem to be making any sense. This doesn’t mean, of course, that you should go blindly jumping off cliffs! It does mean, though, to open yourself up to unexpected possibilities that come your way. Be willing to listen to whatever your intuition says.

Magician

If the Magician appears as a guide for improving your intuition, it suggests that you have the potential to master your intuition, just as the Magician masters the elements. The Magician is all about channeling your inner power and manifesting your desires, and in this context, it could be about learning to harness your intuition and make it work for you.

The Magician advises you to practice and refine your intuitive abilities, much like you would practice a skill. It’s about discipline, focus, and willpower. It could also suggest using your logical mind to understand and interpret your intuitive impressions, or using tools like tarot, meditation, or journaling to strengthen your connection to your inner wisdom.

High Priestess

If the High Priestess herself appears to teach you about intuition, the message is about deepening your understanding and connection to your inner wisdom. The High Priestess encourages you to quiet your mind, listen to your dreams and gut feelings, and trust the messages that come from within.

It’s a reminder that intuition isn’t just a feeling or a hunch—it’s a deep well of knowledge that’s available to you if you know how to listen. The High Priestess is inviting you to become more introspective, meditative, and receptive, so that you can hear the whispers of your inner voice more clearly.

Empress

If the Empress appears as a guide for intuition, she teaches us to connect with our senses and the natural world. The Empress represents creativity, abundance, and fertility—not just in the physical sense, but also in terms of ideas and inspiration. She encourages us to pay attention to the messages we receive from our environment, from our bodies, and from our emotions.

The Empress might suggest that you can improve your intuition by spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in creative activities. It’s about tuning into the rhythms and cycles of life, and trusting the guidance that comes from our instincts and our connection to the earth.

Emperor

Despite the Emperor’s seemingly logical and authoritative nature, he can still teach us valuable lessons about intuition. The Emperor is a master of structure, discipline, and organization, and these qualities can actually be helpful for honing our intuition.

The Emperor reminds us that intuition isn’t just about feeling our way blindly through the world—it’s also about creating a framework within which our intuition can flourish. This might mean creating daily rituals for connecting with our inner voice, setting aside time for meditation or journaling, or even using tools like tarot to give structure to our intuitive insights. The Emperor shows us that intuition and logic aren’t necessarily opposed—they can work together to create a fuller understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Hierophant

The Hierophant represents traditional wisdom, spiritual guidance, and the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. When it comes to intuition, the Hierophant encourages us to see our inner voice as a source of divine guidance and to trust in the wisdom that comes from a higher power.

The Hierophant may suggest that we can improve our intuition by connecting with our spiritual traditions or seeking guidance from teachers, mentors, or spiritual leaders. It’s about recognizing that our inner voice is not just a product of our individual minds, but is also connected to a larger spiritual reality. The Hierophant reminds us that by trusting in this higher wisdom, we can learn to hear the voice of spirit more clearly and live in alignment with our deepest values and beliefs.

Lovers

The Lovers card teaches us that intuition is also about balance, harmony, and making choices that align with our highest good. The Lovers represents the union of opposites, the integration of different aspects of ourselves, and the power of love to guide us on our path.

In terms of intuition, the Lovers encourages us to listen to the voice of our hearts and to trust the guidance that comes from our deepest desires and values. It’s about making choices that feel authentic and true to who we are, even if they don’t always make sense on a logical or practical level. The Lovers reminds us that intuition is a powerful force that can guide us towards greater love, fulfillment, and harmony in our lives.

Chariot

The Chariot card teaches us that intuition can be a powerful tool for taking control of our lives and directing our own destiny. As a symbol of higher consciousness and willpower, the Chariot reminds us that we have the power to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals when we tap into our inner wisdom and trust our instincts.

In terms of intuition, the Chariot encourages us to take a proactive approach to listening to our inner voice. Rather than waiting for intuitive insights to come to us passively, we can actively seek them out by setting intentions, visualizing our desired outcomes, and taking inspired action towards our goals. The Chariot is a call to harness our intuition as a force for transformation and empowerment.

Strength

The Strength card teaches us that intuition is also about harnessing our inner power and cultivating emotional resilience. The card depicts a woman gently taming a lion, symbolizing the ability to control our emotions, impulses, and lower instincts through inner strength and compassion.

In terms of intuition, Strength reminds us that our inner voice can sometimes be drowned out by fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions. By cultivating emotional resilience and self-awareness, we can learn to quiet the chatter of our minds and hear the still, small voice of intuition more clearly. Strength encourages us to approach our inner work with patience, gentleness, and self-compassion, trusting that our intuitive guidance will emerge when we create the right conditions for it to be heard.

Hermit

The Hermit is very much about solitude, introspection, and tuning out the external noise in order to tune into our inner voice. In this card, we see an old man alone on a mountaintop, holding a lantern that represents the light of inner wisdom.

The Hermit encourages us to make space for silence, contemplation, and self-reflection in our lives. It’s only when we step back from the busyness and distractions of the external world that we can hear the subtle whispers of our intuition. The Hermit reminds us that sometimes the most powerful insights come from within, and that it’s important to take time for self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune often represents cycles, change, and the idea that some things are beyond our control. When this card appears, it can be a reminder to let go of our need to control everything and trust in the larger forces at play.

In terms of intuition, the Wheel of Fortune encourages us to surrender to the flow of life and to listen to the messages that come from our higher selves. Sometimes, our intuition will guide us to step back, release our attachment to a particular outcome, and allow the universe to work its magic. The Wheel reminds us that we are part of a larger whole, and that our intuition is often a way for us to connect with that larger intelligence and find our place in the grand scheme of things.

Justice

With Justice, we can think of intuition as a kind of inner compass that helps us navigate complex situations and make wise decisions. While the card often represents balance, fairness, and objectivity, it can also be about aligning our actions with our highest values and deepest sense of truth.

When we make decisions based on intuition, we’re not just weighing pros and cons in a purely logical or rational way. We’re also tuning into our inner sense of right and wrong, our gut feelings about a situation, and our deeper sense of purpose. Justice reminds us that true balance and harmony come not just from external fairness, but also from inner alignment and integrity.

Hanged Man

The Hanged Man is all about surrender, release, and a shift in perspective. It often appears when we’re stuck in a situation and need to let go of our old ways of thinking or doing things.

When it comes to intuition, the Hanged Man encourages us to pause, take a step back, and listen deeply to our inner voice. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is to stop struggling and let go of our resistance. In that space of stillness and surrender, we can often hear our intuition more clearly and receive guidance about the next steps to take. The Hanged Man is a powerful invitation to trust the process and allow our intuition to lead the way.

Death

Death is indeed a card of transformation and rebirth. When it comes to intuition, Death reminds us that growth and change often involve a kind of shedding or releasing of old patterns, beliefs, and habits.

Intuitively, Death invites us to embrace the natural cycles of life and to be open to letting go of what no longer serves us. Sometimes, our intuition will guide us towards endings or transitions that can be scary or uncomfortable. But by trusting in the process of death and rebirth, we can allow our intuition to guide us through these transformations and emerge on the other side with a deeper sense of clarity and purpose. Death reminds us that change is a natural part of life, and that our intuition is often a compass for navigating those changes with grace and resilience.

Temperance

Temperance is all about balance, moderation, and the merging of opposites. In terms of intuition, Temperance teaches us to find a middle way between extremes and to listen to the quiet voice of our inner wisdom.

Sometimes our intuition can get clouded by strong emotions or attachment to particular outcomes. Temperance encourages us to step back from these extremes and find a place of balance and equanimity. From this place of calm and centeredness, we can hear our intuition more clearly and make decisions that are grounded in wisdom and harmony. Temperance is a reminder that true intuition often arises from a place of balance and inner peace, rather than from the highs and lows of emotional turbulence.

Devil

The Devil might seem like an unlikely teacher when it comes to intuition, but he can actually offer some valuable lessons! The Devil represents temptation, attachment, and the shadow aspects of ourselves that we might be afraid to confront.

Intuitively, the Devil invites us to examine our deepest fears, desires, and unconscious motivations. By shining a light on these shadow aspects of ourselves, we can gain greater self-awareness and clarity about our true needs and motivations. This kind of inner work can help us distinguish between the voice of our intuition and the voice of our fears or desires. The Devil reminds us that true liberation comes from facing our shadows and listening to the deeper wisdom that arises when we do so.

Tower

Despite the chaotic and destructive forces of the Tower, this card holds valuable lessons for developing intuition. It represents sudden change, upheaval, and the dismantling of old structures that no longer serve us.

Intuitively, the Tower encourages us to tune into our inner voice amidst the chaos and uncertainty that life can bring. By embracing change and letting go of our attachments, we can learn to trust the transformative power of our intuition. The Tower reminds us that sometimes, our intuition may guide us towards uncomfortable or disruptive paths, but these experiences ultimately help us grow and evolve.

In the face of upheaval, the Tower invites us to surrender control and listen to the deeper wisdom that arises when we allow ourselves to be transformed. By doing so, we can learn to trust our intuition as a guiding force that leads us towards greater authenticity and alignment with our true selves.

Star

The Star is a beautiful card that represents hope, renewal, and healing. In terms of intuition, the Star invites us to trust in our inner light and to have faith in the journey ahead.

When we’re in touch with our intuition, it can often feel like a guiding star, leading us through the darkness and towards our highest good. The Star reminds us to stay open to the possibilities that lie ahead, even when the path isn’t immediately clear. By trusting in the light of our intuition, we can navigate through challenges and obstacles with grace and resilience. The Star is a powerful symbol of hope, and a reminder that our intuition can be a source of light and guidance even in the darkest of times.

Moon

the Moon can be a tricky card that represents illusion, confusion, and the unconscious. When the Moon appears, it’s often a sign that our perception of a situation may be clouded or distorted.

Intuitively, the Moon invites us to dig deeper and look beyond surface appearances. Our intuition can help us navigate the shadowy realm of the unconscious and see through the illusions that may be clouding our vision. By paying attention to our dreams, gut feelings, and subtle impressions, we can start to untangle the threads of confusion and see the situation more clearly. The Moon reminds us that intuition is a powerful tool for navigating the murkiness of the unknown and finding our way back to clarity and truth.

Sun

While the Sun is often associated with logic, reason, and conscious awareness, it can also offer some valuable lessons about intuition. The Sun represents clarity, illumination, and the power of the conscious mind to penetrate the darkness of the unknown.

Intuitively, the Sun reminds us that our conscious mind and our intuition are not necessarily at odds with one another. In fact, our logical, rational mind can be a powerful ally in interpreting and making sense of our intuitive impressions. By combining the clarity of the Sun with the subtle, mysterious messages of the High Priestess, we can develop a more well-rounded and integrated approach to intuition. The Sun invites us to shine the light of our consciousness on our inner wisdom, and to use both logic and intuition in our decision-making process.

Judgment

Interestingly, the Judgment card isn’t so much about guilt as it is about awakening, redemption, and forgiveness. In the context of intuition, Judgment invites us to listen to the call of our higher selves and to let go of any limiting beliefs or patterns that may be holding us back.

Sometimes our intuition can point us towards difficult truths or uncomfortable realizations about ourselves or our lives. Judgment reminds us that these moments of reckoning are opportunities for growth and transformation. By facing our shadow aspects with honesty and compassion, we can release the guilt, shame, and self-judgment that can cloud our intuition. Judgment is a call to awaken to our highest potential, and to trust our intuition as a guide towards greater wholeness and self-realization.

World

The World is a card of completion, integration, and wholeness. It represents the fulfillment of our spiritual journey and the realization of our deepest potential. In terms of intuition, the World invites us to trust in the wisdom and guidance that has brought us to this point of completion.

When we’re aligned with our intuition and living in accordance with our deepest values, we can experience a sense of wholeness and integration in our lives. The World reminds us that our intuition is a powerful tool for navigating the journey of life, and that by trusting our inner wisdom, we can find our way to a place of fulfillment and harmony. The World is a celebration of all that we’ve learned and accomplished on our intuitive journey, and an invitation to continue growing, expanding, and trusting in the guidance of our inner voice.

How to Use This Boot Camp Experience

Exercise 1: Once you’ve found your “advice card” as directed by the High Priestess, take a moment to look at its symbolism.

• What features stand out to you?
• What does this symbolize?
• How can you incorporate this symbol or concept into your spiritual practice?

I did this exercise this morning and drew Temperance as my advice card. When I looked at the card, what most caught my attention was the water flowing from one cup to the next. To me, this symbolizes the peacefulness I feel in nature — the gentle flow of a stream. I can strengthen my intuition by closing my eyes and envisioning a quiet stream or by listening to the sounds of nature. 

Exercise 2: Read your advice again. Write down three keywords or phrases. Use these words to create one or more personal “Intuitive Affirmations”.

The keywords I chose from Temperance were “balance, moderation, and calm”. I wrote the following affirmation:

Balance, moderation, and a calm spirit allow me to tap into my intuition.

I center myself within the stillness and listen to my inner voice.

Exercise 3: Find the most meaningful phrase or sentence within the advice you received. Write this down and carry it with you throughout the day, or post it somewhere nearby where you will see it often and be reminded of it.

What I found most meaningful in Temperance was this reminder: Sometimes our intuition can get clouded by strong emotions or attachment to particular outcomes. I’ve copied this on a note card, and I will keep it tucked into my pocket today. It will help me remember that my intuition needs stillness and peacefulness — that I can’t expect it to function effectively if I’m feeling strong emotions or if I’m set on a particular outcome. This helps me understand and appreciate the need to be open for new possibilities.

Exercise 4: Look again at the card you’ve drawn.

• What symbol or feature most puzzles you?
• What do you most dislike about your card?
• What can you learn from this?

Take a moment to think about these questions; learn what any symbols might mean. How might you apply this new knowledge and understanding in developing your intuitive abilities?

My personal experience here was very interesting. What I disliked most in my Temperance card was the odd symbol on the figure’s forehead. I had to do a bit of quick research. I learned that this symbol actually represents the “third eye” and intuition. Does this mean I’ve been resistant to developing my intuition? Could it mean that I need to work on opening my “third eye chakra”? These are definitely ideas I will consider.

Exercise 5: Study the card closely. Look at every symbol. Notice all the colors. Now, write down your personal feelings about the card and what it means in your life.

I won’t share all my personal thoughts here, but the overall experience from this exercise for me was a greater awareness of the complexities of Temperance. I know my intuitive abilities will work more effectively when I am balanced and quiet. I know not to expect my intuition to function well in times of noise and when I’m experiencing strong emotions. I feel I’ve learned a lot about my intuition and how to strengthen it.