I've been reading tarot and oracle cards for a few years now, but lately I've wanted to get better at understanding the meanings of the cards without having to open the guidebook that comes with the cards. I have so many decks, but I often jump around and never completely get to know all the cards in the deck.
So, I decided to focus on one specific deck each month to better learn the card meanings. Once the kids are off to school, I head to my office in the basement and before pulling three cards, I ask what I need to know for the day. Then I look at each card in turn and write about what comes to mind. This practice, rooted in the ancient tradition of tarot and the reflective act of journaling, has become a cornerstone of my personal mental health care routine, guiding me towards a more focused and calm day.
A Brief Introduction to Tarot
Tarot cards are often shrouded in mystery, associated with fortune-telling and the esoteric. However, at their core, tarot cards are tools for introspection and guidance, rich in symbolism and meaning that can reflect the complexities of our lives and inner selves.
A typical tarot deck consists of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, each depicting various aspects of human experience, emotions, and the spiritual journey. So while every card depicted as The Fool has the same general meaning, the symbolism will vary from deck to deck depending on what the author and artist of the deck have chosen to represent their specific Fool card. This is why it's important to interview your deck when you first start working with it to understand what type of readings it's best for.
The Intersection of Tarot and Mental Health
Tarot reading can be a powerful practice for mindfulness and mental health. It's not about predicting the future but rather about using the cards as a mirror to reflect on your life, choices, and feelings. This reflective process encourages a mindfulness practice, asking us to stay present with our emotions and thoughts, acknowledge them without judgment, and consider our paths forward with introspection and care.
This is why I chose to ask the same question every day while working with the same deck. My energy isn't exactly the same every day, so the cards aren't going to be the same in response to may asking what the most important thing I need to know is. I also keep the cards out of the deck after I've drawn them to ensure I work through the entire deck during the month.
My Daily Tarot Journaling Practice
My journey into tarot journaling began as an experiment, driven by curiosity and a yearning for a deeper connection with my inner self. Each morning, I draw three cards from my deck and spend time contemplating their meanings, how they relate to each other, and what they reveal about my current state of being or the day ahead.
I also recently learned how to do angel numerology readings so this practice keeps my skills up. Since tarot cards are numbered, I can work in the angel numerology at the same time as I'm reading the tarot cards. I then write in my journal, exploring my thoughts and feelings, guided by the imagery and symbolism of the cards. This practice has become a sacred time for self-reflection, allowing me to start my day with clarity and intention.
Tips for Starting Your Own Tarot Journaling Practice
If you're interested in beginning your own tarot journaling journey, here are a few tips:
- Choose a tarot deck that speaks to you visually and emotionally. There are countless decks available, each with its own thematic elements and art style.
- Start by learning the basic meanings of the cards, but don’t feel bound by them. Tarot is a deeply personal and intuitive practice.
- Use journaling prompts based on the cards to dive deeper into your thoughts and feelings. Questions like "How does this card reflect what I'm feeling today?" or "What is this card advising me to focus on?" can be starting points.
The main thing is to have fun with it and trust your intuition!
The Impact of Tarot Journaling on Personal Growth and Happiness
Since incorporating tarot journaling into my daily routine, I've noticed profound shifts in my awareness, understanding, and approach to life. This practice has helped me navigate difficult emotions, celebrate my strengths, and make more mindful decisions. It has been a journey of discovering the many layers of my being, constantly evolving and growing with each card drawn and every journal entry written.
Tarot journaling is more than a ritual; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It offers a unique blend of reflection, intuition, and mindfulness that can support mental health and lead to lasting change and happiness. Whether you are new to tarot or looking to deepen your existing practice, I encourage you to explore tarot journaling as a path to understanding and nurturing your inner self.
