Mindful Tarot: A Powerful Tool for Exploring Your Inner World
The Beginner's Guide to Using Tarot for Daily Reflection
Tarot cards used to scare me. What’s the right way to shuffle? Is it okay to read your own cards? What’s the right spread to use? My fear of doing something incorrectly and ending up cursed was very real, but my curiosity kept growing and I bought my first deck. I also purchased a book, Tarot for Change: Using the Cards for Self-Care, Acceptance, and Growth. Jessica Dore’s call to use Tarot, as “a tapestry onto which we project our inner life safely and without harming ourselves or others ” was the permission slip I needed. My fears quickly dwindled and it wasn’t long before the Tarot gained a coveted spot in my mindfulness and self-reflection toolbox.
I’m stressed. You're stressed. We’re all stressed. The good news is that practices like meditation and mindfulness are proven to help improve overall well-being. But despite the endless apps and chimes on cell phones offering reminders to pause and breathe, slowing down is really hard. Now imagine shuffling 78 cards and trying to write a check, or make a cup of coffee simultaneously. Having something tangible to interact with instantly shifts our focus toward the present moment. Aside from the sheer number of cards, Tarot decks are like visiting a museum using distinct imagery and artwork that captivate your attention. The mere act of picking up your cards is an invitation to slow down and connect deeply.
If you’re feeling yourself pulled toward Tarot, I hereby grant you permission to buy some cards and start experimenting. Don’t worry, if you want some guidelines and ideas to get started, I have you covered!
Create a Daily Tarot Ritual
One of the wonderful things about owning a Tarot deck is being able to design your own ritual. Creating a dedicated time and space is a powerful way to not only connect with the cards but also take a break from the often overwhelming demands of modern life. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Include your Senses:
Consider diffusing a specific essential oil or candle each time you use your cards. You can even play some relaxing music. Tapping into as many senses as possible will help bring you into the present moment and connect with yourself and the cards!
Shuffling the Cards:
If the thought of reading your cards is overwhelming, start with shuffling! Tarot cards are typically larger than traditional playing cards, so it is the perfect opportunity to hone your shuffling skills. It is also a great way to practice mindfulness and self-compassion. Focus on the feeling of the cards. Notice what emotions arise if a shuffle sends cards all over the floor. Be aware of what you are thinking each time a shuffle succeeds.
Learn How to Use Tarot for Yourself
Incorporating Tarot into your life instantly opens the door to curiosity. Yes, there are structures, symbols, and archetypes to the cards, however, the combinations of how they appear in conjunction with your own reality are endless. It is by entering into a state of curiosity that we deepen our own self-knowing.
Curiosity Practice With Tarot:
Traditionally, people are encouraged to have a question in mind when they pull cards, however, it is possible to pull a card without asking a question and still use it to gain valuable information about your inner world.
- Pull a card.
- Take a moment to simply look at it without assigning meaning.
- Notice which part of the card caught your attention.
- Start journaling about your observation and see what arises. Here are some sentence starters you can use:
- “I first noticed …..”
- “It reminds me of….”
- “As I look at….I am noticing that I feel…”
- “I believe my attention was drawn to this because….”
The sky is the limit when it comes to incorporating Tarot into your well-being practices. If you’re curious to find out more about how Tarot as a tool, you're invited to join my workshop, Mindful Tarot: A Powerful Tool for Exploring Your Inner World.
No matter where you are on your Tarot journey, remember to keep an open mind and extend yourself some self-compassion as you poke around in your subconscious.