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Carl Jung and the Tarot: A Journey of Self-Discovery

eyeinsidetherapy

Updated: May 8, 2023


Carl Jung and the Tarot: A Journey of Self-Discovery



Carl Jung was one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work on the human psyche, including his concepts of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the process of individuation. What many people may not know, however, is that Jung was also deeply interested in the Tarot.


CARL JUNG AND THE TAROT: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY| COMMONS WIKIMEDIA | EYE INSIDE THERAPY
Evolution, No3 - Hilma af Klint

The Tarot is an ancient system of divination that uses a deck of 78 cards to explore the human psyche, it has been used for centuries for divination and spiritual guidance.


For Jung, the Tarot was more than just a tool for fortune-telling. He saw it as a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth, a way to access the archetypal energies that exist within all of us. In fact, Jung was so intrigued by the Tarot that he wrote extensively about it in his private journals, and even created his own Tarot deck, which he called the "Psychological Tarot." He saw the Tarot as a kind of "map" of the human psyche, with each card representing a different aspect of the self.


So what is the Tarot, and how did Jung use it in his work?


CARL JUNG AND THE TAROT: A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY| WIX IMAGES| EYE INSIDE THERAPY
Rider Waite Smith's Tarot deck and the Empress card

The Tarot is a deck of cards that have been used for divination, meditation, and spiritual exploration for centuries. Each card represents a different aspect of the human experience, from the mundane to the spiritual. The Major Arcana, which consists of 22 cards, represents the major themes and archetypes of life, while the Minor Arcana, which consists of 56 cards, represents the day-to-day experiences that shape our lives.


One of the key concepts in Jung's analytical psychology is the idea of the collective unconscious. According to Jung, the collective unconscious is a repository of universal symbols and archetypes that are shared by all human beings. These symbols and archetypes can be seen in myths, legends, and

religious traditions from all cultures and throughout history.


To Jung, the Tarot was a way to access the collective unconscious, the deepest level of the psyche that contains the universal archetypes and symbols that are common to all human beings. By meditating on the cards and exploring their meanings, Jung believed that we could gain insight into our own unconscious minds and connect with the deeper aspects of our being.


Jung also saw the Tarot as a way to facilitate the process of individuation, which he described as the journey of becoming one's true self. By working with the Tarot, Jung believed that we could gain a deeper understanding of our own unique path in life, and learn to integrate the various aspects of our personality into a harmonious whole.


In his own Tarot deck, Jung replaced the traditional images with symbols and archetypes from his own psychological theories. For example, the card that traditionally represents the Hierophant (a religious figure) was replaced with the archetype of the Wise Old Man, a symbol of wisdom and guidance that is common in Jungian psychology.

Today, many people continue to explore the Tarot as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, drawing on Jung's insights and teachings to deepen their understanding of the human psyche.

Whether you are new to the Tarot or have been working with it for years, the insights and wisdom of Carl Jung and the Tarot can help you on your own journey of self-discovery.

In conclusion, Carl Jung's relationship with the Tarot was fascinating, rooted in his belief in the power of symbols and archetypes to access the deepest levels of the psyche. By exploring the Tarot as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Whether you are a psychologist, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who is curious about the mysteries of life, the Tarot can be a powerful tool for exploration and transformation.


Discovering our true selves is crucial in unleashing the power of our unique qualities. It's common to feel lost in societal expectations, but accepting our individuality enables us to live a genuine and satisfying life. Our group for Individuation and Self-discovery: The art of Connection is going to be open soon to those seeking support on their journey of self-discovery. Would you like to join us and take the initial step together toward a more meaningful existence?





References:

Nichols, S. (1980). Jung and Tarot: An Archetypal Journey. Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc.


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