Tarot Talk | Tarot As a Tool for Healing 1

One of the topics closest to my heart is tarot. I'm an intuitive tarot reader and am fascinated with how the cards can be used as a tool for healing. In this post I'll be exploring how a simple four card reading provided me with insight into my battle with anxiety in an uplifting and supportive way. For more information on tarot and my approach to reading the cards, feel free to read my previous tarot post here. 

I recently hosted my first tarot evening for three of my closest friends and it was such a success that I had to write a blog post about it! I was quite nervous beforehand as I deliver most of my tarot readings via email rather than in person, so the pressure was on to impress! I shouldn't have worried though, as the cards always come through and my intentions are always good when handling them. I did a selection of three and four card readings and it was interesting to notice that my own four card reading linked very much to my struggle with anxiety, providing some brilliant insight into my current situation and where I am in the healing process. 

L-R: 4 of Cups, The Hermit, Queen of Swords, 8 of Wands

The 4 of cups represents a sense of dissatisfaction, of searching for something outside of ourselves and outside of what we already have. This immediately mirrors my journey with anxiety, which for so long has centred around the message 'I am lost'. When attached to this way of thinking I assume that there is something 'out there' that is missing, something external that will make me happy. Cups is the suit of emotions, of feelings. Having been guided by 'I am lost' for so long I've found it really difficult to focus on the many ways I am found already, from my wonderful relationship with my fiance to my brilliant friends. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy has given me tools to question 'I am lost' and to effectively compile evidence lists which suggest I have been found all along. 

Through these Cognitive Behavioural Therapy exercises I've spent a lot of time reflecting on my thought patterns and really picking them apart in order to see whether or not they serve me positively. The Hermit represents a period of solitude such as this, an inner journey needed in order to move forwards after a time of difficulty. I have spent the last few months very much dedicated to unpicking thought patterns and behaviours that have only exacerbated rather than alleviated anxiety. I feel as if I am making many positive discoveries about who I am and the path I wish to take, and time spent as The Hermit has been invaluable in reaching this point. 

The Queen of Swords is a very strong character, someone who speaks their mind and speaks their truth clearly and confidently. At first this card puzzled me, as she often represents a family member in my usual readings who is often very cutting with her words. One of my friends then suggested that she could instead represent me finding my voice and speaking my own truth with clarity; parting the 'clouds' with my sword (the suit of swords represents communication and intellect) and finding clarity in the path I'm now taking. This is definitely one of the benefits to reading the cards with others; multiple perspectives and fresh insights I might have missed if I was reading for myself alone! I think my friend's interpretation is spot on; for so long I have felt muddled, uncertain and unsure, whereas I'm reaching a point now where I really can say with confidence what I'm aiming for and where I'm going next. I'm setting short term and long term goals, clearly mapping out a path for myself, and it feels incredible!

Change your thoughts, change your life. Now that I'm making a conscious effort to live with 'I am found' rather than 'I am lost', I've noticed that changes are already occurring  When you start listening to your inner voice and respecting its wishes, rather than suppressing it or ignoring it, things magically begin falling into place. I've found courses to apply for, classes nearby to attend, and serendipitous opportunities have appeared as if out of the blue. The 8 of Wands represents fast moving news or movement, which fits perfectly with what's been happening recently. The cards illustrate my journey through anxiety over the past ten months, from feeling stuck to realising that I'm anything but. My power comes from within, from listening to and respecting my dreams and passions. Which is a pretty powerful message! I felt so uplifted after my reading, as if the cards (or my subconscious!) were confirming my recent hard work and supporting my plans for the future. 

The tarot evening was so much fun and really rewarding for all of us (from what my friends have told me!) The cards pinpointed lots of different situations with perfect precision, and we were able to talk about our feelings and thoughts towards such topics in a supportive and healing way. I really enjoyed reading with friends, as I'm a firm believer in the collaborative tarot approach, in asking querents what they see in the cards and if anything strikes them as particularly significant. After all, the tarot is open to everyone, and although it takes time to learn the ropes, there's no reason why you can't begin learning during your very first reading! 

In part 2 of Tarot As a Tool for Healing I'll be talking about using tarot in meditation for decreasing anxiety and restoring a sense of calm to the mind and body. This is the only thing that helped ease my anxiety when I was signed off sick from work, and I don't know what I would have done without it. 

I hope you enjoyed reading, let me know if you have any questions! 

                                                    

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