Tarot is totally normal

I have been reading tarot cards for almost 30 years. And while I’ve never had anyone NOT want their cards read, I’ve had to explain a lot about what tarot cards are and what they do. People often seem nervous, or even scared, for some reason, so I want to explain why this response is not warranted in this article. Tarot cards are really as normal as the interpretation of dreams.

I like to start the explanation by sharing that Dr. Carl Jung (founder of Myers-Briggs type indicator, shadow work, archetypes, the collective unconscious), reported that he opened his clients’ therapy sessions with a tarot card reading . That makes a lot of sense to me. Although he was a medically trained professional, his core research and writings on the subconscious have long been the point of reference in the psychological and behavioral science communities. And tarot is really just a catalog of the subconscious.

Jung spent years identifying something he called archetypes. These archetypes were made up of stories and symbols; myths, metaphors and analogies that seemed to be documented across generations and across cultures. For example, The Knight in Shining Armor is a common archetype. And there are four Knights in the tarot deck, they all represent a different facet, element, approach, etc.

So the tarot is a complete representation of our subconscious players, so to speak. We all have dreams with similar images or characters. The tarot allows you and me to discuss these elements in a common and understandable format. Otherwise, we would have to describe in detail— each and every time—- what you mean or how you felt or what you were picturing in your mind.

A tarot reader gives you guidance or suggestions or even prompts based on the cards you “pull” or draw. The cards presented are part of a unique 78 cards. After handling and shuffling the cards (or the reader can do it for you), the ones that appear or appear are the ones you need to see. These cards will represent your blocks, patterns, obstacles, gifts, etc. You may not be able to consciously see them for yourself. The tarot allows a SOFT message from the subconscious to the conscious. The conversation between the reader and the seeker after the cards are revealed is a big part of the healing or answers sought.

The only real “magic” here is that a tarot reader spends an enormous amount of time learning about the meanings of the cards and how they can be applied to the individual in front of them. A lifetime of exploring and learning about the archetypes and symbolism and myths of the world is not uncommon when one decides to be a reader. The ability to ask questions or probe with emotional intelligence (in my opinion and experience) is also needed as the reader is delving into very private areas in the seeker’s mind and world.