Tarot for Self-Care: An Interactive Guide
By Meags McGinty
This guide introduces a comprehensive self-care system predicated on the symbolism and imagery of tarot. This is a great resource for anyone interested in self care methods or in a new use for tarot cards. When you pull a card and gaze upon the colors, symbols, and images, the conscious and unconscious minds work together to creatively interpret the card. The same card may mean something entirely different to different readers in different situations. This guide interprets all 78 tarot cards through a self-care lens. While these interpretations may serve as a helpful guide to read the cards for self-care wisdom, I encourage readers to develop their own interpretations. Trust your intuition and speak the truth you see, feel, and know from each card.
How to Use this Guide:
I encourage all readers to start at the beginning to learn a bit about self-care. You may want to continue by reading this guide straight through all 78 tarot cards and complete a journey self care. If you have a tarot deck, you may want to pull cards from your deck and consult this guide as a reference for card interpretations. Finally, there is an index in the back of this guide which may be useful for looking up various themes, challenges, or aspirations you will encounter in your self-care journey.
The Interactive Approach:
If you seek an interactive way to bring your self care journey to life, I encourage you to create a piece of art for each tarot card. Taking one card at a time, read the interpretation and create a work of art about the self-care tenants of that card. Work with any art form that you feel activates your spirit and the wisdom of the card. Save your art to build a comprehensive self-care guide. If you wish, work on index cards and you will create your very own self-care tarot deck!
What is Self Care?
Self-care is for everyone; it is a way of life. Self-care is a strategy and a commitment to maintain holistic wellness of your total self: body, mind, and spirit. Self-care is about you, so your personal self-care plan should be just as unique and vibrant as you are! Self-care is particularly emphasized in humanitarian and social services fields. A common phrase advises, "you cannot serve from an empty vessel." People who commit themselves to serving others often run the risk of neglecting themselves or burning themselves out. Self-care is not selfish when you practice from a position of honesty, integrity, and intentionality.
Everyone has many responsibilities- to family, work, school, community, and the list goes on. It is important to honor these responsibilities and fulfill them in a balanced manner. Consider what are your responsibilities to yourself? Consider your health, your happiness, your individuality and your spirit. Are you living your present life as the person you want to be? We don't need to answer this question now; revisit it from time to time for guidance. As you begin your journey in self-care, take small steps and do what you love. Honor your self by nurturing your passions. Let your passions nourish you, guide you, and empower you.
What is Tarot?
Tarot is an historic system for divination. Traditional tarot decks include 78 cards. 22 of these cards belong to the Major Arcana, which means greater mysteries in Latin. These cards relate to the grand and spiritual experiences and challenges. The remaining 56 cards are divided in four suits similarly to standard playing cards. Traditionally the four suits are Pentacles, Swords, Wands, and Cups. These Minor Arcana, or lesser mysteries cards relate to day to day experiences and challenges.
About the Author:
I love tarot because it is imbued with mystery, art, history, and magic. I fell deeply into Tarot during a particularly difficult semester in college. After spending long days at a demanding internship, attending classes, and conducting research, I needed a personal refuge. I needed an outlet for my individuality, creativity, and my sense of wonder and whimsy. I began to study the meanings of tarot cards and illustrating my own set of cards. The endeavor helped me connect with myself and all of the themes and stories of the universe. I write this self care guide as a student of Expressive Art Conflict Transformation and Peacebuilding.
