How Can I Trust My Intuitive Voice?

"How do I know if I can trust my intuition?" is a question I get asked a lot. People hear their intuitive voice, but are hesitant to believe it. Usually the intuitive message is right-on; it's our interpretation of the message that can be off. Our interpretation can sometimes be clouded by our own perceptions.

We all live in a box of sorts. To us the box is invisible and only other people can see when we are bumping up against our box -- because their box is different. For example, when I am upset about something and explain it to my husband or to a good friend, each of them can see how this must have upset me, but they see it from the perspective inside their box, and perhaps in their world, something like this would not be such a big deal.

When I read cards for someone, I find it's easier to get an intuitive hit for people I barely know...because I can just blurt out what comes to me intuitively, whether or not it makes any sense. And, sometimes I just throw it out there and see if it lands (makes sense). They usually confirm that what I am getting intuitively is right on, but if it is a bit off, it allows them to try it on to see what does feel right. Together we interpret the intuitive message.

Everyone has intuition but each of us has different levels of tapping in and trusting what we hear/feel/see. Play with your intuition. Tell a friend that you are practicing with your intuition and ask permission to tap into their energy throughout the day. Really focus on it and see if you can feel what's going on with them. Then call them to see how their day is going and confirm your intuitive feel. It's a fun and harmless way to check it out.

The Three Card Spread
Another great way to tap into your intuition is to pull cards (tarot, goddess, oracle, angel, etc.). When I need to get some intuitive advice, I shuffle my cards and ask a question, "Is it in my best interest to ______?" Or say something general like, "Tell me what I need to know..." Then when I feel "done" shuffling, I spread the cards out and select three. Don't think about it. Just select the three that grab your attention.

The first one provides information about the past; the second one shows the present and the third predicts the future. Of course, there is always free will and any event can be changed, but this gives you the most likely outcome if you stay on the path you are on.

Then tap into your intuition and look at the pictures or words on the cards you selected. You can look up the meanings of the cards and start to make sense of the intuitive messages that are coming to you.

This simple 3-card spread can be used for almost any situation. Make notes on what your question was, what cards you pulled and what intuitive messages you received. Then as you watch your life unfold, check back and see how "on" your intuitive voice really is. I think you'll be surprised and in awe of this magnificent tool.

Then it's just practice, practice, practice (and have some fun while you are at it)!

Surprisingly Intuitive

I recently met a woman -- I'll call her Bette -- who insisted she had no intuitive abilities at all. In fact, she was skeptical about the entire phenomenon.

I got to know Bette and a few other attendees at a weekend conference during dinner one evening. Bette seemed to be a straight-forward, fairly mainstream, no B.S. type of person. As Tamra and I talked about intuition, energy, etc., I felt Bette's energy shift. She was uncomfortable but curious.

As we ended the meal, Cole offered to buy mine in exchange for a tarot card reading. Since I didn't have my cards, Tamra encouraged me to just let the intuitive energy flow...so I did. I looked at Cole and told him the intuitive insights that were coming to me. I was picking up on a business venture he and his wife were pursuing, described his personality, and even told him about some new discoveries he was experiencing on his own personal journey. He confirmed the information I was getting -- and he said it was very helpful to him.

Bette sat in amazement, and somewhat in awe of what had happened. Then her curiosity got the better of her. "Can you do a reading for me?" And so I did. I looked at her and got images of a deep loss she had experienced in her early teen years. The grief she had experienced had caused her to build a wall of armor that has protected her ever since, but it also kept her from fully welcoming people into her life. I saw her walking for exercise and picked up on her feelings for the people in her life. Her amazement and curiosity turned into excitement. "How do you do that?"

I told her that she had the ability to do this too, but her skepticism remained. I encouraged her to look at Tamra and express any intuitive impressions that came to her. I explained that usually the intuition is right on; it's our interpretation that might be off. As she relaxed into it, the information began to flow. It was right on and Bette was amazed. When she got the name of an important man in Tamra's life and it was confirmed, her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Her entire energy had shifted as though a new door had opened.

Bette and I have emailed since then and she has been aware of the intuitive insights that are coming to her. But she also realizes that she has had this ability all along. It's like in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy realizes that she'd always had the power to click her ruby red slippers and return home.

Bette requested some books to help open her intuition, but the real shift came when she opened her energy to her gifts, and began to listen to her intuitive voice.

If you are curious about your own intuition, begin now to realize the intuitive impressions that come to you all of the time. The phone rings and you sense who it is. You are busy working and creative thoughts and images come to you. Recognizing, welcoming and trusting these images will become easier the more you play with it.

Challenge yourself to move forward with this energy. Notice when it happens. Journal about it and then read back and confirm it. It is stronger than you realize and will help to guide you in your life.