Intuitive card readings, also known as tarot readings have been used for centuries to gain insight into the subconscious mind. They use a deck of cards (or several), each with its own unique symbolism and meaning, to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their underlying motives, drives and responses. It's important to note that intuitive card readings are neither a form of fortune telling nor a replacement for mental health services but rather an adjunct tool that can be used for self-discovery and self-awareness. It is also a great launching point for stimulating inquiry about the inferred meaning of the cards, opening the door for further internal or external processing.
The subconscious mind is an important aspect of our overall well-being. The subconscious mind is thought to contain the memories, emotions, and experiences that have been repressed or forgotten, but that still have an influence on a person's behavior in ways that a person may not be aware of. For example, a person may have distrust of a particular person or situation, but may be unable to explain why they feel that way. Card-readings can empower a client by helping them identify the potential cause of the distrust and find a new way of dealing with the situation if needed. The subconscious mind is also responsible for our intuition, which is our inner guidance system that helps us to make decisions.
Intuitive card readings can be used as a tool to tap into the subconscious mind and gain insight into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Tarot has been estalished as a tool "to access transcendent states of consciousness and to awaken higher processes of intuition, creativity, and their interactions" (Reese, 2010, p.89; Houston, 1992; Wang, 2004; Wanless, 1996). Working with the subconscious mind through a card-reading helps in increasing intuition and aiding understanding of their motivations, values, and inner conflicts that might be preventing them from achieving their goals and reaching their full potential. They can also reveal our innermost desires, allowing us to often confront shadow aspects of ourselves and helping us understand what is truly important to us. Tarot readings often help cultivate "a space to play with ideas and possibilities about the past and future and about how we can change, reorient, and transform the ways we think and act about something" (Reese, 2010, p.92).
The process of using intuitive card readings to make decisions is simple. After clarifying and distilling the client's question, the card-reader shuffles the cards and lays them out in a particular spread. It is often recommended to bring in only ome concern per reading to give you the most appropriate and in-depth responses. The reader then interprets the symbolism and meaning of the cards to provide insight into the client's current situation. A good reader will not impose their own meaning onto the client's situation but will strike a balance between neutrally relaying the information and holding space to see how the information resonates with the client. Then, they help the client integrate the information and collaboratively flesh out ways to apply the information obtained from the reading to the client's daily life.
The cards can provide guidance and insight, but ultimately it's up to the client to make their own decisions and take action. In conjunction with coaching or done alone, card-readings can be used to learn about the underlying factors fuelling your situation and help you use that information to increase self-awareness and autonomy over the situation. In contrast with counselling or coaching, intuitive readings offer a more affordable and quick path to generating insight about what may be holding you back in life. Card-readings are not a cure-all and may not be suitable for all situations or clients. If you're curious about card-readings and if they're the right fit for you and your situation, book a free consult at https://sacredspaces.teletherapy.io .
Citations:
Houston, J. (1992). Foreword. In A. C. Dickerman, Following your path: Using myths, symbols, and images to explore your inner life (pp. vii-viii). New York: J. P. Tarcher/Putman.
Reese, J. (2010). Examining intuitive-creativity via reading Tarot cards in a person-centered climate (Doctoral dissertation, Saybrook University).
Wanless, J. (1996). Strategic intuition for the 21st century. Carmel, CA: Merrill-West.
Wang, R. (2004). The Qabalistic Tarot: A textbook of mystical philosophy (Rev. ed.). Columbia, MD: Marcus Aurelius Press.
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