Why Tarot Cards Are Important
I finally started something that I’ve been wanting to do for years- making tarot cards out of stained glass! I had the opportunity to show in “The Art of Tarot” at the Electra Gallery, which finally pushed me to make these three cards that have always been important to me.
Tarot cards have been a part of my spiritual practice for a long time, and for good reason. Tarot cards have captured the curiosity and imagination of people for centuries. Originating in the 15th century as a card game in Europe, tarot has evolved into a powerful tool for self-reflection, spiritual growth, and insight into life’s complexities. But what exactly makes tarot cards important today? Whether you approach tarot from a spiritual, psychological, or symbolic perspective, there’s no denying the value they offer to those who seek guidance and deeper understanding of themselves and their path in life.
A Mirror for Self-Reflection
At its core, tarot serves as a mirror to the subconscious mind. Each card is rich with symbolism, archetypes, and stories that tap into universal human experiences. When you pull a tarot card, it’s not just about predicting the future — it’s about gaining clarity on the present. The images and symbols in the cards allow you to connect with your inner thoughts and emotions, revealing insights that may be hidden in the noise of everyday life. In this way, tarot is a tool for introspection, encouraging you to reflect on your current situation, behaviors, and patterns.
Empowering Personal Growth
Tarot cards are often seen as a guide to personal growth. Every card in the deck, from the Fool to the World, represents a stage in life’s journey, full of lessons and opportunities. The beauty of tarot is that it meets you where you are, offering guidance and a fresh perspective on your circumstances. Through regular tarot readings, you can track your growth, better understand the challenges you face, and learn how to approach life with more wisdom and confidence. Each reading can offer an empowering message, helping you to embrace change, overcome fears, or make informed decisions.
Connecting to the Collective Unconscious
The imagery and symbolism of tarot are rooted in archetypes that resonate with the collective unconscious. These archetypes, such as the Magician, the High Priestess, and the Emperor, reflect timeless aspects of the human experience. By tapping into these archetypal energies, tarot readings can evoke deep emotions and insights, helping you make sense of your own personal story in the context of larger universal themes. In this way, tarot cards act as a bridge between your individual consciousness and the greater collective wisdom.
A Spiritual Tool for Guidance
For those who approach tarot with a spiritual mindset, the cards serve as a form of divine communication. Many believe that the tarot offers a connection to higher powers, whether that be the universe, spirit guides, or their own higher self. In this sense, tarot can be used as a meditative or spiritual practice, providing guidance when you feel lost or uncertain. The cards can offer comfort, reassurance, and validation during times of confusion, making them a valuable tool for spiritual seekers.
Fostering Mindfulness and Presence
One of the most underrated aspects of tarot is how it promotes mindfulness. Tarot readings require you to slow down, focus, and consider your current state of being. Each reading is an invitation to pause, tune into your intuition, and connect with your deeper feelings. By practicing tarot regularly, you cultivate a mindful approach to life, becoming more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.
Making Tarot Cards for the Electra Gallery
The three tarot cards I chose were The World, The Lovers, and The Moon
The World
The World tarot card is many people’s favorite card for a reason! Pulling this tarot card signifies a sense of fulfillment and completion: you have literally gotten The World.
Pulling The World tarot card is a reminder to not rush on to the next big thing, but to take some time to bask in this moment of success. Feel gratitude for all that you’ve been given, all that you’ve worked for, and all the beautiful journey that led you here. Take time to integrate all the lessons you’ve learned and the wisdom you’ve gained along the way to this moment. Taking time for hindsight and gratitude will set you up for even greater success down the road.
If you're not quite feeling that sense of completion just yet, this tarot card is a sign that you're almost there. Take a step back, look at how far you've come, and revel in all you've achieved. You might be surprised at just how much you've accomplished! This reflection time could be exactly what you need to get you over that final hump that brings your project to the finish line.
Last but not least, The World can be a sign of travels to come. Maybe you're about to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip around the world or dive into a new chapter of your life in a far-off land. Either way, The World reminds us to be in a state of appreciation and gratitude for everything that has gotten us here, and everything that is to come.
The Lovers
The Lovers tarot card is about deep connections and meaningful relationships. In its most basic form, pulling The Lovers signifies a profound and soulful connection with someone. While it is often a sign of romance, (it’s called The Lovers after all,) this card can refer to anyone with whom you share a soulful connection- like a soul mate, a close friend, or a even family member.
The Lovers tarot card shows two naked people because this card encourages vulnerability and honesty. It reminds us of the importance of open dialogue and authenticity in nurturing meaningful relationships, and in fostering an environment where trust and intimacy flourish.
But The Lovers isn’t just about about your significant relationships- it’s also about you! This card encourages you to bring that same honesty to your own values and beliefs. It's like a little nudge from the universe, encouraging you to figure out what really matters to you and to stay true to yourself.
At its core, The Lovers tarot card embodies the power of choice. It’s a gentle reminder to make choices that align with your heart, whether concerning people we love or for ourselves. It's a call to embrace your highest calling and to navigate life with integrity and sincerity.
The Moon
The Moon tarot card is a card about working with our shadow selves. When this card pops up it's a gentle reminder to look at how our past experiences are affecting our current actions.
It’s only natural to have some trauma that’s carried forward into our lives when bad things happen to us. Hard experiences often give us strategies that may not be healthy for future situations, like habits of lying to ourselves, disproportionate reactions, or living in fear and anxiety.
The Moon tarot encourages us to shine a light on these shadows so that we can heal them and move through them. The goal of this card is to make peace with your shadows and your past. It encourages us to do whatever growth work necessary to move through the hard stuff, and not be afraid of getting support or diving deep.
It’s also a sign to slow down and not make decisions based on trauma-based reactions. Instead, trust your gut, lean into your intuition, and feel your way through situations rather than just thinking your way out of them.
Finally, The Moon tarot is all about tuning into your inner voice and intuition. Whether it's through dreams, gut feelings, or those little nudges from the universe, there's wisdom waiting to be tapped into. So, take some time to connect with the divine feminine energy, maybe through a little ritual or some Tarot readings. Pay attention to those lunar cycles too—they're like nature's roadmap to deeper insights and personal growth.
Conclusion
Whether you see tarot as a spiritual guide, a psychological tool, or simply a method of self-reflection, its importance lies in its ability to provide clarity, insight, and connection to something greater. In a world where we are often searching for meaning and understanding, tarot offers a personal and transformative way to explore our inner selves and the path ahead. Through tarot, you can unlock new perspectives, grow emotionally and spiritually, and find the guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
