But… Why Tarot?
Tarot is easily one of the most important tools I’ve delved into over my years studying and practicing spirituality and esotericism. It’s opened the door to so many connections, possibilities, and absurd conversations. From readings facing hard truths and tears streaming down, to asking “What type of food should I eat today?”, tarot is a cornerstone in mystifying my life!
While I have an intimately personal and respectful relationship to tarot, not everyone shares my perspective. Commonly, at vendor markets and just out-and-about, I’m met with at least one person asking a mixture of:
“Will this put a curse on me?”
“Do you actually believe in… all this?”
“Is this like fortune telling? Entertainment? Scam?”
“Oh, absolutely not, I don’t need that in my life”
“I’d probably get all bad cards, I better not”
“I’m scared! What if it tells me something bad?”
These fears, concerns, and hesitations are perfectly valid. Believe me, I get it! I also know that my typical blog reader (thank you for reading! lol!) isn’t going to be asking most of those questions. So instead of addressing those directly, I want to chat about why even bother getting into tarot in the first place.
If you have your own practice maybe this blog can help you articulate “why tarot?” when you inevitably receive pushback, fearful questions, or genuine interest.
Education and intentional meanings behind a practice create a depth that can inspire and shift the perspective of those open to understanding. Not everyone will be open to understanding, but it’s good to ponder the “why” behind something we engage with- especially as we traverse along our journeys of self-discovery.
Basic Background Info
Tarot is a divination practice under the umbrella of cartomancy. Tarot itself is a 78-card deck system containing a Major Arcana of 22 cards and Minor Arcana of 56 cards. The three most common traditional frameworks for tarot are the Rider-Waite-Smith, the Marceille, and the Thoth.
Tarot is a lifelong study of the energy, symbolism, history, biases, and intuitions of any of the three traditional frameworks/makers, the artist/makers of any spin-off inspired decks, and yourself.
Tarot with Meaning
People become drawn to tarot for a multitude of reasons: reflection, answers, mystery, rebellion, advice, connection, belonging, the list goes on.
I began exploring tarot seeking connection to life. I longed for deeper meaning to existence, a kindling of joy— that spark of magic— and a grander sense of purpose. I wanted tarot to make me feel special, to fill a void in my heart, to tell me what my purpose in this life was.
It didn’t take me long to figure out that the cards aren’t going to directly fulfill any of those original desires. And, throughout 6+ years along this journey, my reasons for continuing to utilize tarot changes as I pursue intuitive fluency with them and with life.
It’s a tool for guidance. No matter how many times you ask, the cards won’t make a decision for you, but they can give you information to process, address, and reflect on. They can help you articulate the energy surrounding situations so that you can make your own decisions. They encourage authenticity and standing firmly on your own two feet.
The cards may get sassy or increasingly more blunt the more you ignore your inner compass— and occasionally may refuse to answer an inquiry because you’ve asked the same thing too many times… But they truly do become a window into your energetic being, the fate lines encompassing you, and your inner Truth.
There’s no lying to the cards. They see right through every mask and facade. Engaging in a reading is extremely vulnerable. This is why “I’m scared. What if it tells me something bad?” is such a common response.
Practicing tarot for yourself has it’s pros and cons, but specifically addressing our internal fears of vulnerability, the why behind our desire to learn tarot becomings a threshold for growth. The why either drives us to the edge and enchants us to leap, or is not strong enough—meaningful enough— to encourage facing that edge.
I won’t sit here and tell you what your why should or shouldn’t be. It grows and evolves as we do. Tarot’s mysteries may draw us in initially. It’s fun! Spooky! Powerful. But when that shininess starts to fade away in your mind, when the fun becomes dedication and work, that is where you’ll discover deeper meaning. That is where reawakening happens. Where spiritual evolution meets integration.
Integration is where I found that my “why tarot?” is because every ounce of my Being demands authenticity, depth, and Truth. That I’d rather face hard truths, conflicts, mistakes head on instead of brushing anything uncomfortable under the rug. That in order for me to obtain an intensely deep sense of belonging and contentment, I must face the darkest parts of myself.
The brighter a light shines, the longer the shadow. The greater the joy, the harder the sorrow. And I’d rather feel that soul-shaking bliss only once than to never know what joy truly is.
This is my personal why. Tarot is a means to the joyous goal of knowing and expressing myself. All of my decks, in their unique personality styles, keep me accountable towards the person I want to be and the legacy I want to leave behind.
I may have similar whys to many other readers, but we are all unique in our essence. We may be seeking out authenticity, but the definition and expression of such is done so through our own perspectives and desires. What I want to accomplish in life is not what someone else wants.
Ponder your own “why” in the darkness of yourself. Discover a conviction that ties directly into your essence. One that becomes so loud and so unshakable that that no fear dares stand a chance in comparison.
The real challenge of tarot is staring into the mirror each card holds up and not looking away or avoiding Truth.
Can you handle that scrutiny? Will you leap off this edge? Will your “why” overcome the fears churning inside?
Do you have the courage to face the Unknown?
-
Alyssa
