Self-Help Stop

A Tool for Self-Discovery, Self-Care and Growth

Everyone wants to understand themselves better, discover their life purpose, navigate this thing called life,  develop a connection with the Divine, and heal their soul wounds. The journey of self-discovery is long and challenging but also interesting, joyful, and transformational. Tarot is one way of facilitating that process that can be particularly useful and meaningful. 

While the cards remain the same, the way they are used has changed a lot in the last few years. Psychology has long been concerned with individuation – accept all aspects of the self. Tarot is a fabulous way to uncover and integrate all parts of yourself, including the shadow.

Unfortunately, Tarot has long faced criticism as being part of the occult and this has led people to be afraid. Occultists have used the cards for their own purposes, but they are not magic.  Wiccan and Pagan traditions use them, but they are not witchcraft. Anyone, regardless of religion, spiritual practices, or lack thereof, can use them. Originally, Tarot was a card game with four suits, just like a deck of playing cards. The Major Arcana cards were added later. There are a variety of decks that put a different spin on things – Oracle cards, affirmation cards, Angel cards, animal wisdom cards, but a true tarot deck has 78 cards.

There is no magic or power in the cards. All the power and knowledge are already inside of us. Only we can decide what to do and take action to change our lives. Tarot can be helpful when you are struggling with a decision, want to understand a person or situation better, to aid in personal growth, to find a path to healing, or create balance in one or more aspects of life (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or social).

The cards do not predict the future. They help us know ourselves better, provide another perspective on what is happening, and hint at possible outcomes if we continue on the same path or don’t modify our behavior. But we don’t really need a deck of cards to tell us that. Somewhere in our gut, our subconscious, unconscious, or through our intuition we already know. Tarot helps us uncover our own inner knowing.

Tarot cards reflect Jung’s archetypes, which explain universal human ways of thinking and behaving. These blueprints help us understand ourselves, others, and the world, leading to self-knowledge, personal growth, and integration. They are a tool that can facilitate individuation on our own or in working with a professional.

Learning the cards and using them to facilitate growth can take some time. As Kate Van Horn suggests, separating the cards into five separate piles consisting of each suit and the Major Arcana will help you work through the deck in a methodical and deeply meaningful way. The Major Arcana cards highlight the soul’s journey through major life events while the minor arcana (the four suits) refer to our day-to-day existence. Pentacles represent the material world – from our physical health to our finances. The mental aspect is highlighted in the Swords. The Cups represent our emotions and our society with others, and the Wands reflect our spirituality.

This way of looking at the suits helps you focus on self-care and corresponds well to the wheel of life. If you want to prioritize physical self-care, simply shuffle and pull a Pentacles card and see how the message can be applied to your personal life. If you’re struggling with your feelings or relationships with others, draw a Cups card. To deepen your relationship with the divine or live in your purpose, use the Wands. If you lack clarity or there is a disconnect between values or thoughts and actions, the Swords will help.

From self-care and self-discovery to healing and personal development, the Tarot has become an important self-help tool. Give it a try and comment below how you get on.

To help you get started, try my beautifully illustrated, perpetual Year Ahead Tarot Journal only $1.99. Download it from my Etsy shop Your Self-Help Shop.

Below are my chosen books for working with the cards. They will guide you on your journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Tarot: Connect with yourself, Develop your Intuition, Live Mindfully  2020 – Tina Gong, an app developer and illustrator.

What I love about this book:

• perfect for beginners – very straightforward, laid out clearly, not overwhelming
• keywords to learn meanings faster
• awesome spreads including self-care, career reflection, conflict resolution, 3 card spreads for daily check-ins and goal progress
• includes real life readings 
• learn to create your own spreads
• elegant card depictions – the whole book is beautiful
• makes a great gift

Tarot for Change: Using the Cards for Self-care, Acceptance & Growth 2021 – Jessica Dore, a social worker.

What I love about this book: 

• great for people who have used Tarot and are looking for deeper a understanding of the cards
• new interpretations based on a combination of psychology, behavioral science, spirituality and old stories
• unites the esoteric with modern therapy
• focused on self-help, growth and change
• helps you cultivate a balanced life with flexibility
• open the book to a random page for insight and wisdom

The Inner Tarot: A Modern Approach to Self-compassion& Empowered Healing 2024 – Kate Van Horn, an Intuitive Healer, Spiritual Mentor, and Tarot Reader.

What I love about this book: 

• includes writing prompts and somatic exercises to learn the wisdom of the cards
• deepen understanding of yourself
• heal old wounds
• live a more embodied life using Tarot
• available as an audiobook, read well by the author