Great question! I always say the guidebook is there to support your intuition—not replace it. When I draw a card, I first notice how it makes me feel—what colors, symbols, or words jump out to me? What’s my immediate gut response?
Then, I’ll check the guidebook to see how the written meaning aligns with what I felt. Often, it adds extra depth or confirms what I already sensed. Sometimes, the message in the guidebook gives me a new perspective I hadn’t considered—and that’s where the magic happens.
It’s not about following rules—it’s about creating a conversation between your inner knowing and the energy of the card. The more you trust your intuition, the more the guidebook becomes a companion rather than a crutch.
My advice? Let your intuition speak first, then use the guidebook as a wise friend who helps fill in the blanks.