Tarot as a Bridge to the Subconscious Mind
Tarot: Just Your Average Deck of Cards?
Tarot, an ancient tool immortalized in a deck of cards, serves as a powerful bridge between our conscious and subconscious minds. While variations exist in tarot decks, they all echo the same profound themes that resonate deeply within us. Tarot is the basis for our modern deck of playing cards, so without knowing it many people are already connected with this wisdom.
When we engage with a tarot deck, we delve into a world of symbolism and archetypes that speak directly to our subconscious. These symbols act as keys, unlocking hidden stories and beliefs buried in the depths of our minds. Tarot doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths; it confronts us with images and symbols that challenge us to explore what makes us uneasy. It’s as if the cards themselves urge us to ask, "What is it about this symbol that unsettles me?"
Major Arcana
Central to the tarot experience is the Major Arcana, which traces the hero's journey from the Fool to the World. This archetypal odyssey mirrors the profound inner quest of every individual, resonating through the narratives of our favorite stories and epics. Everyone loves a good redemption arc! Each card not only speaks to the individual on their journey but also cautions against pitfalls and guides us back to our inner strength and equilibrium. It speaks to us of those we meet along our journey, reminding us we are never in this life alone. The Major Arcana also whispers of universal forces at play, nudging us along our destined paths. I am of the belief that the subconscious is the access point to the superconscious mind, and so when we are connecting with the tarot, we are using our subconscious as the conduit for universal forces, and allowing them to surface in our conscious awareness.
Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana, on the other hand, embodies our human experiences—the realm where our magic and ability to shape our lives reside. Represented by suits of wands, cups, swords, and pentacles, they remind us that life encompasses more than just logic and reason. In today's world we put so much emphasis on the conscious mind, on the rational, logic mind (The swords suit). What is so amazing about the tarot is it reminds us we also have passion, emotions, and energetic currency. The minor arcana help show us what is behind the stories we carry, reminding us that everything starts with a spark, and we make stories from the emotions we feel. When we activate our subconscious mind with the symbolism of the tarot it can help make sense of what may feel rigid in the conscious mind. The Minor Arcana illuminates subconscious patterns and reveals how our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality.
Conclusion
Through tarot, clients often gain fresh perspectives, offering themselves grace by discerning external influences from personal contributions to their situations. Viewing life through a broader lens empowers them, fostering a sense of connection with the universe. This newfound clarity brings lightness, ease, and joy to their journey.
One of the enchanting aspects of tarot is how the subconscious eagerly participates in the reading. As stories, analogies, and memories surface, it becomes evident that the subconscious delights in contributing to the narrative. Embracing and befriending this aspect enhances the tarot experience, deepening insights and strengthening connections with the forces symbolized in the Major Arcana, as well as having compassion for our human experience as seen in the Minor Arcana.
In essence, tarot acts as a profound conduit, linking our conscious minds with the vast reservoirs of our subconscious and the universal energies that guide us. It invites us to awaken the hero within, navigate life's twists and turns with clarity, and ultimately, embrace the magical journey of self-discovery and empowerment.