Tarot Cards
People are always asking me how to get more in touch with their own intuition. I always recommend going out and buying a good deck of tarot cards and learning to do tarot readings for yourself. There are many fantastic decks of tarot cards with books that teach you the meanings of each card and how to do a reading. You can do tarot cards readings that are predictive or for self-discovery. They can assist you in getting very deep into your own psyche and can help to connect you with your blockages, path in life, strengths, in other words your inner self.
When I first started doing tarot readings for others, I used the Rider Waite deck . This is a very good beginner deck for anyone to become familiar with the universal symbols that are in most tarot card art. I then went from that deck on to 4 other tarot card decks before I finally settled with the Robin Wood deck . I felt most connected with it. I never formally learned the textbook meanings of the tarot cards, but rather used the images on the cards to speak to me. I did try at first to memorize and get all the meanings correct, but I found it interrupted the flow of intuition rather then enhance a reading. Any time you have to put logical thought into the flow of your intuition it clouds the true answers. I feel the key to doing any readings, whether using the tarot cards or any other tools or no tools, is to trust the initial images, feelings, words that come to you without trying to put logical sense and meaning to it. I don't dissuade anyone from learning the formal 'textbook' meanings, just don't get too hung up on the process, but rather the final result, which is trusting the answers you glean from them.
I no longer use the tarot cards for my readings unless someone specifically asks for a tarot card reading or I am in a situation where I can be distracted. They really are just a tool and nobody really needs them to connect to the Universal knowledge.
With a little practice, most people are surprised at how fast they develop their intuitive gifts. I am not saying that everybody can go out and buy a deck of tarot cards and start doing tarot readings for someone else. It is absolutely possible for anyone though to develop their ability for self-awareness using the tarot cards.
I always suggest to people if you are going to use the tarot cards as a tool, please learn how to shield and protect yourself before starting a session. When you open yourself up to being more intuitive, you open yourself to all the energies around you. Some of these energies are not always beneficial and can harm you. I don't want to scare anybody off or instill fear, but I do believe that any tools you use are not just 'for fun'. If you do not approach it with some sense of seriousness, there is potential for problems. I do not believe this is just with the tarot cards and tarot reading, but anytime you approach the metaphysical world. I personally use a simple method of visualization as well as smudging and prayer before I do my readings. It is an individual preference as to how you prepare for a reading.
Aeclectic gives examples of hundreds of tarot card decks I suggest browsing this site and seeing which tarot decks 'feel' good to you. Every deck is different according to the artist's interpretation. Most decks do tend to keep the same basic symbolism assigned to each card, but there are some decks that have added symbols, changed number sequences, added cards, etc. You will find that some tarot card decks will feel 'dark' to you and others will feel 'light' and good. Trust your feelings!
Learn the Tarot has free lessons in reading the cards as well as recommendations on books to read. You can also purchase cards directly from them.
There is a video by Morgan Kiilehua that has rave reviews called Rider-Waite: Learning to Read the Tarot Intuitively This may be a helpful tool in assisting you begin your journey into the world of tarot cards and tarot card reading!