**We Spent the Morning with Jhené Aiko, Her Tarot Cards, and Her Beloved Cats | Waking Up With | ELLE**
It was a serene morning in Los Angeles when we visited the home of Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko. Known for her ethereal voice and introspective lyrics, Aiko has always woven elements of spirituality and self-discovery into her music. Today, she invited us into her tranquil space to share how these elements manifest in her daily routine, involving tarot cards and the company of her beloved cats.
As sunlight spilled through gauzy curtains, Aiko greeted us with a warmth that feels both refreshing and deeply calming. Her home is a sanctuary adorned with plush cushions, hanging plants, and crystals scattered across various surfaces. The sound of a gentle water fountain mingled with faint notes from a nearby speaker playing soft ambient music.
“Mornings are sacred to me,” Aiko shared as she led us to the kitchen where her cats, Namiko and Miyagi, twined around her ankles. “They’re for grounding myself before I dive into the demands of the day.” As she spoke, she filled a kettle at the stove and pointed out various herbs and teas neatly arranged on open shelves.
The kettle began to whistle just as we settled at a large wooden table. Aiko then pulled out an intricately illustrated tarot deck — something she refers to as a tool for daily guidance. “I started reading tarot cards as part of my morning routine about five years ago,” she explained while shuffling the deck with practiced ease. “It helps me tap into my intuition and gives me perspectives I might not have considered.”
As our tea steeped beside us, Jhené laid out cards in a traditional three-card spread: one for past influences, one for present situations, and one for future advice. Each card’s imagery sparked discussion about personal growth and challenges.
“The cards really mirror what’s going on internally,” Jhené noted as she interpreted an intricate depiction of The Star card. “This is all about hope, healing after tough times — very much what I try to channel into my music.”
Conversation flowed easily as we talked about how themes from her latest album align with her own spiritual journey. It was clear that her creative process is deeply entwined with these reflective practices.
Soon after our tarot reading, Namiko jumped onto the table seeking attention while Miyagi purred contentedly in a sunny spot on the floor. Aiko’s interaction with them revealed another layer of her nurturing spirit. “They’re family,” she said simply, scratching Namiko behind the ears.
Before departing, we took our teas outside where Aiko walked us through her garden filled with blooming flowers and herbs — another space where she finds creativity and solace.
Spending the morning with Jhené Aiko offered more than just insight into her everyday life; it provided a glimpse into how intertwined her personal health and artistic expression are. Through tarot readings or tending to plants while surrounded by pets, each activity is infused with intentionality—an aspect that not only grounds but continually inspires this profound artist.