Beyond Fortune Telling- Tarot for therapy, healing and personal insight
When most people hear the word tarot, they picture a fortune-teller in a dimly lit room, laying out cards to predict the future. But tarot is so much more than a divination tool—it’s a mirror to the subconscious, a map of the psyche, and a powerful instrument for self-exploration and healing.
Modern psychology, particularly the work of Carl Jung, offers a compelling framework for understanding tarot’s deeper applications. Instead of seeing it as a mystical oracle, we can view it as a therapeutic tool that helps us navigate personal growth, archetypal patterns, and the unconscious mind.
Tarot and the Science of Self-Reflection
Psychologically, tarot functions as a form of projective storytelling—a technique often used in therapy.
Projective tests like the Rorschach inkblot test and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) operate on a similar principle: a person sees ambiguous imagery and assigns meaning to it, revealing subconscious thoughts and emotions.
When someone pulls a tarot card, their mind fills in the gaps, drawing from personal experiences, fears, and desires. This process, called apophenia (our brain’s tendency to find meaning in patterns), allows tarot to surface hidden thoughts and help us reframe challenges from a new perspective.
Neuroscience & Tarot: Studies in cognitive science show that storytelling and metaphor help the brain process emotions and make sense of life experiences. Tarot provides symbolic language that speaks to our subconscious, making it a natural tool for reflection and insight.
Cognitive Reframing: The images in tarot cards allow for cognitive reframing, a psychological technique where we shift our perspective on a situation. Instead of feeling trapped by a challenge, tarot can help us see it as a transformation, an initiation, or a call to action
The Archetypal Power of Tarot: Jung’s Influence
Carl Jung, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, believed that archetypes—universal symbols and themes—are embedded in the human psyche. He argued that these patterns appear in mythology, religion, and personal dreams, shaping how we understand ourselves and the world.
Tarot is filled with these archetypal energies, particularly in the Major Arcana, which tells a symbolic story of the Fool’s Journey—a metaphor for the human experience.
Key Archetypes in Tarot and Their Psychological Meaning:
The Fool (Beginnings, Trust in the Unknown) – Represents the unconditioned self, stepping into the world with curiosity.
The Magician (Manifestation, Personal Power) – Embodies potential and the ability to shape one’s reality.
The High Priestess (Intuition, Inner Wisdom) – Symbolizes the unconscious mind, dreams, and deep knowing.
The Tower (Destruction, Breakthroughs) – Represents crisis, upheaval, and sudden awakenings.
The Death Card (Transformation, Letting Go) – Signals rebirth, necessary endings, and personal evolution.
These archetypes resonate because they represent stages of growth that we all go through. When we work with tarot, we are engaging with these universal human experiences, seeing them play out in our own lives.
Tarot & Shadow Work: Uncovering the unconscious
We all have hidden parts of ourselves—the thoughts we push away, the emotions we avoid, the patterns we repeat without realizing. This is known as the Shadow Self, and confronting it can be one of the most powerful steps toward healing and self-awareness.
Tarot isn’t just about telling the future—it’s about revealing what’s already inside you. The cards act as a mirror, helping you see your subconscious patterns, fears, and limiting beliefs from a new perspective.
What is shadow work?
Shadow work is about:
-Bringing hidden thoughts and emotions into awareness
-Understanding old wounds and why we react the way we do
-Letting go of beliefs that keep us stuck
– Accepting all parts of ourselves—light and dark
Think of it as getting to know yourself fully, without judgment.
How Tarot helps with Shadow Work
Tarot gives us symbolic images that help us see things from a new perspective. Instead of being stuck in the same thought patterns, we can step outside of them and gain clarity.
Here’s how it works:
You ask a question → Tarot gives you an image and meaning
Your brain makes connections → The symbols bring up emotions, thoughts, or memories
You gain new insights → You see patterns you may not have noticed before
A quick guide to using tarot for shadow work
How to Use Tarot for Shadow Work
You don’t need to be a tarot expert to start using it for self-reflection. Try this simple practice:
1️⃣ Pick a Card – Shuffle your deck and ask, What part of my shadow needs attention today?
2️⃣ Describe It – What symbols stand out? What emotions do you feel?
3️⃣ Question It – How does this relate to your current life or mindset?
4️⃣ Reflect on Change – What small shift in thinking or action could help you move forward?
Tarot can help you see yourself more clearly, understand deep-rooted patterns, and create real change.
If you’re curious about using tarot for self-discovery, I offer Tarot-Based Therapy Sessions designed to help you:
✔ Uncover subconscious patterns
✔ See challenges from a new perspective
✔ Integrate shadow work into your healing journey
Book a session today and start uncovering the wisdom already within you