Using Tarot as a guide for self-help purposes
Spirituality and Union
The final segment of our exploration is aptly titled "Spirituality and Union," where we unearth the spiritual dimensions of our existence and reveal the transformative power of connection. Spirituality offers a sanctuary for the soul, a sacred space where we can discover the eternal truths that bind us all.
Spirituality is a process of awakening, a profound recognition of our interconnectedness with the universe and all that exists within it. It invites us to transcend the boundaries of the ego and embrace a higher state of consciousness, where love, compassion, and wisdom reign supreme.
Through the lens of spirituality, we come to understand that our struggles are not isolated experiences but rather integral parts of a larger fabric of existence. Each challenge we face becomes a gateway to deeper self-awareness and spiritual enrichment, inviting us to surrender to the wisdom of the universe.
In our quest for union, we can delve into various spiritual traditions, each offering a distinct path to enlightenment. Whether through meditation, prayer, ritual, or sacred ceremony, many are drawn to practices that uplift the soul and awaken the essence within us all. The tarot, with its symbols and wisdom, can also guide us on this transcendent journey.
Major Arcana
The Fool, The Magician, The Hierophant, Strength, The Sun, The World.
The Fool: Trusting the Journey
No card embodies spiritual exploration and union quite like the Fool. Depicted as a carefree wanderer setting out into the vast unknown, the Fool calls forth a wholehearted approach to life’s sacred adventure with an open heart and mind, teaching us that the true value of the journey lies not in reaching a destination but in the process itself.
In the Rider-Waite tarot deck, the Fool appears at first as a naive figure, standing on the edge of a cliff, seemingly unaware of the potential danger. The name, “the Fool”, hints at innocence, perhaps even recklessness, encouraging an initial impression of heedless risk-taking. Yet, a closer look reveals a deeper meaning: the Fool represents boundless potential and fearless curiosity. Free from self-doubt and unburdened by ego, this traveller steps into the unknown, guided by an inner trust in the divine path unfolding before them.
Our ego, seeking security and control, often keeps us confined to familiar routines and environments. When we step outside of this comfort zone, it can feel unsettling or uncomfortable, triggering defensive reactions. To move beyond these fears, we must let go of self-doubt and be open to change and personal growth.
This card invites us to own our journey, stay open to where it leads, and trust the process as we connect with something greater.
Epiphany ~ Embracing the unknown comes with trust and surrender, letting go of fear and ego.
The core of the Magician’s teachings lies in recognising our ability to wield transformative energy and manifest our desires by integrating higher wisdom into daily life. Every thought, action, and emotion carries an energetic charge, and by consciously directing this energy, we shape the course of our lives. This process requires aligning our goals with a deeper understanding of universal harmony.
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What we want to achieve and how we wish to feel is essential to this connection. Setting both practical and spiritual goals, and pursuing them mindfully, ensures that our efforts resonate with our authentic selves. Our inner compass, attuned to the rhythm of the universe, guides us toward thoughts, emotions, and actions that facilitate balance, transformation, and interconnectedness - principles central to the Magician’s symbolism.
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The Magician, acting as a bridge between the earthly and divine realms, points to the power of intentionality. When we honor our inner compass, we channel transformative energy to manifest desires that are in tune with universal harmony. Conversely, when we act against our intuition or values, we disrupt this flow, leading to discomfort. By following our inner guidance, we live authentically, positively impacting the energy of life and resonating with the Magician’s path of spiritual wisdom and transformation.
Epiphany ~ True manifestation involves spiritual wisdom in everyday life, aligning our intentions with universal harmony.
The Hierophant: Welcoming Spiritual Wisdom
The Hierophant symbolises the role of a spiritual teacher or guide, acting as a channel for divine wisdom and encouraging individuals to reflect on their inner selves through the framework of mentorship or spiritual tradition. This archetype emphasises the importance of connecting with something greater than oneself - whether through religion, philosophy, science, astronomy, astrology or personal spirituality.
Furthermore, The Hierophant prompts us to approach teachings with discernment, encouraging us to question authority and dogma. This critical inquiry helps us distinguish between truth and falsehood, enabling us to carve out unique paths. Higher consciousness often emerges from personal reflection, introspection, and direct experience.
Once we resonate with a teacher, The Hierophant teaches us to use their guidance as a foundation for our journey while maintaining our autonomy. By forging individual paths from these teachings, we can gain authentic understanding that empowers personal awakening.
This card invites us to find balance between tradition and innovation, authority and personal autonomy, as we pursue greater insight and union with the divine. By doing so, we not only enhance our existence but also contribute to a kinder world.
Epiphany ~ Profound spirituality comes from blending divine guidance with personal autonomy.
Strength: Peace in Inner Power
The Strength card in Tarot offers us a spiritual lesson about inner strength and resilience. Typically depicted as the gentle taming of a lion, it signifies the power of courage, compassion, and fortitude in overcoming adversity.
Spiritually, the Strength card reminds us that inner strength comes from harmony and balance, not dominance or force. Through this, we become able to face our fears and challenges with a lion’s majesty, using love and compassion to transform difficulties into beneficial shifts.
By taming the wild instincts of the lion within, we can harness our inner power and direct it towards constructive outcomes. This process requires self-awareness, developed through mindfulness and introspection. Recognising when animal instincts - such as fear or aggression - drive our actions allows us to consciously choose more thoughtful responses. These instincts are natural and rooted in survival, but self-control and discipline enable us to respond with primal insight rather than reaction.
For moments when these instincts feel overwhelming, their energy can be channelled into focused, purposeful actions that promote self-mastery, such as engaging in creative pursuits, physical training, or strategic challenges. Practices like mindfulness and meditation also help calm the mind, fostering clarity and thoughtful responses in emotionally charged situations. Regretful behaviours can be reframed as opportunities for growth, providing valuable lessons for future challenges. With patience and consistency, this practice of self-awareness and compassionate strength empowers us to positively harness the energy of our inner lion.
Epiphany ~ Inner strength lies not in suppressing our wild instincts, but in mastering their energy with love and compassion.
The Sun card radiates joy, vitality, and illumination. Often illustrated as a bright, beautiful sun shining in a clear blue sky, this card represents the ultimate source of light and life, offering a message of peacefulness, optimism and renewal.
This card reminds us of inherent goodness and divine essence that resides in each of us. It speaks to the awakening of consciousness and the realisation of one's true nature as a radiant soul.
With this card, bask in the warmth of divine love and peace. An awakening is like a light turning on inside you. It's a moment of awareness that clears away doubt and confusion, a state of joyous union with the universal energy and a deep bond with all of creation.
When you experience this light, even if only occasionally, you might like to hold onto something to remind you of this union with source. Consider a piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, ring, bracelet or wristband. These items can serve as constant and subtle symbols of this inner light. Carrying a small, spiritually significant stone or a symbolic object can also provide comfort and a tangible link to your moments of enlightenment.
The Sun card is a ray of light that gives us hope and inspiration, guiding us to a state of wholeness. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, joy over sorrow, and love over fear.
Epiphany ~ We share our inner light with all creation.
The World: Wholeness and Infinity
In the Tarot deck, The World card stands as a symbol of completion, fulfilment, and unity. It is an embodiment of wholeness, oneness, and enlightenment. It represents a state of inner calm and contentment that arises from a clear recognition of one's place in the universe, whereby we experience unity and oneness with all of creation.
This sense of completion indicates that the moments of enlightenment you’ve experienced in the past are now woven into every moment. This ongoing integration fosters a continuous state of unfolding and awareness, allowing each moment of clarity to build upon the previous one. As a result, it creates a solid foundation for your existence, nurturing long-term inner peace and purpose.
Despite the feeling of completion, The World card also reminds us that every ending is also a new beginning. It signifies the opening of new doors, reminding us that the universe is abundant and ever-expanding, presenting endless possibilities for discovery and expansion. By remaining open-minded and curious, we can approach new beginnings with eagerness to discover what awaits us. As we move into each new beginning, we evolve with greater wisdom and understanding, taking with us a new perspective with each step forward.
Epiphany ~ True fulfilment is in the completeness of the present moment and the endless possibilities of new beginnings.
Minor Arcana
Queen of Wands, Nine of Cups, Eight of Wands, Ace of Cups.
Queen of Wands: Authentic Expression
The Queen of Wands encourages us to express ourselves genuinely, sharing our unique gifts with the world. This expression is a vital part of our spiritual journey, allowing our true selves to shine through in our creativity, work, relationships, and how we face challenges. Being authentic means embracing who we are without fear of judgement or criticism.
While it's natural to seek validation from others, relying on external approval is often fleeting and unreliable. Peace and gratification come from within - through self-love and acceptance. From a young age, we learn to equate praise with safety, and criticism with self-doubt. This shapes our perception of worth, sometimes leading us to conform to others’ expectations rather than be ourselves.
Breaking free from the need for approval requires courage and self-reflection. Embracing who we are - imperfections included - fosters self-worth that doesn’t depend on others' opinions. This journey is not about disregarding moral or ethical values, but about balancing authenticity with respect and compassion for others.
When we release the need for approval, we can live freely while caring for the world around us. The Queen of Wands reminds us that by expressing ourselves honestly, we inspire others to do the same, fostering collective growth in consciousness and compassion.
Epiphany ~ Liberation is found in the relinquishment of seeking approval, and strength in the grace of our own resolve.
On our journey towards wellbeing, few things are as powerful as the feeling of genuine contentment and satisfaction. This is where the Nine of Cups, often hailed as the "wish card," becomes a guiding light of emotional stability and spirituality, illustrating a profound sense of happiness. This can be found by pausing and taking in the abundance that surrounds us.
Incorporating the qualities of the Nine of Cups into your wellbeing routine can be transformative. By regularly expressing gratitude for the moments of joy and abundance in your life, you align more closely with your spiritual self and enhance your overall happiness. Embracing this practice not only fosters emotional balance but also strengthens your spiritual connection, helping you recognise and appreciate the abundance in your life. As you journey forward, remember to celebrate these moments of fulfilment and cherish them - they are not just milestones but sacred moments that contribute to a more balanced, joyful, and spiritually enriched life.
Epiphany ~ The depth of life’s significance is found in its most cherished moments.
Eight of Wands: Life's Natural Rhythm
The Eight of Wands embodies the powerful flow of energy, urging us to recognise that resisting this flow creates unnecessary struggle. When we fight against the current, we exhaust ourselves, only to find ourselves further from our destination. However, when we release control and align ourselves with the natural rhythm of life, we discover a sense of ease and progress that surpasses our expectations.
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This card reminds us that life is not about forcefully controlling every aspect, but about embracing and flowing with the experience. Going with the flow involves trusting in the process and allowing life to unfold without forcing every detail. It’s not about passivity, but about aligning with our deeper spiritual intentions and values, while allowing the energy of life to guide us. By letting go of rigid expectations and being open to the present moment, we remain engaged with our spiritual path without the need to control every outcome.
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Instead of striving endlessly, we flow with the current, trusting that it will carry us toward our goals with ease. By accepting life as it comes, while remaining connected to our spiritual intentions, we tap into a current that propels us forward with momentum and joy.
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Epiphany ~ Embracing the natural flow of life will bring serenity and fulfilment beyond measure.
As we reach the end of the final segment and encounter the Ace of Cups, we find ourselves at a turning point in our exploration - a time for reflection and integration.
The Ace of Cups, with its symbolism of new beginnings and spirituality, serves as a fitting conclusion to our journey. It signifies the presence of divine grace and the potential for an awakening and transformation.
Following our spiritual path isn't always smooth sailing. It can be tough, requiring us to face our fears and doubts head-on. Yet, deep down, we sense when the time for change is upon us. In doing so, we naturally gravitate towards experiences that bring genuine joy and fulfilment, elevating our wellbeing and radiating peace to those around us. This journey not only liberates us from self-destructive patterns but also enlightens us through inner struggles, offering profound healing and a shift in perspective. When challenges arise, this inner intelligence supports us, helping us rise again and continue on our path to emotional balance and resilience. This leads to greater compassion for others and enhances our ability to enjoy life more fully.
With faith and perseverance, the wisdom of the Tarot supports and guides us on the path to wellbeing, awakening hope, courage, and the intention to live our most authentic, fulfilling lives.
Epiphany ~ Spirituality is not something to be gained, it is something to be experienced.