Look at the image and ask questions about it. An example using the 10 of Wands from the Waite-Smith might be:

Why is he carrying all those wands? How does he feel about his burden? Where is he going?

You can turn these questions around and ask them about yourself.

What burden am I carrying? Why am I carrying it? How do I feel about this?

More Practice

Allow your subconscious to bubble up with messages by simply looking briefly at the card and then closing your eyes and letting whatever impressions come to mind.

More Practice

Notice at least three images in the card and look them up in a symbol dictionary.

More Practice

I've put this one last, not because it's the least important, but because many people start with this one without first getting in touch with their own intuitive ability.

After you've worked with a card on your own, read what other people have to say about the card. As you read their definitions, notice if they are referring to a specific deck. The image in your deck may be very different than theirs.

Remember, the experts aren't more right than you, but their definitions may be more traditional and wide-spread. These definitions may also be based on the study of other symbol systems such as qabala and astrology. These other systems may or may not work for you.