By Geraldine Amaral
Pick up just about any book on the Tarot and you will probably find more than a few spreads at the end of the book or interspersed throughout the book. There are even Tarot books that are solely about spreads (such as The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads by Evelin Burger), with page after page of spreads. Since there is an almost limitless number of layouts in which the Tarot cards can be placed, how do you know which one(s) to use? How can you choose?
Choosing a Tarot Spread
Using the Tarot, especially when you are just starting out in your Tarot studies, is one of those times when “less is definitely more.” The symbols and metaphors within the cards’ images, and the wisdom in the stories they tell hold enormous depth and breadth. The fewer cards you use in a reading the more impact they will have and the easier it will be for your psyche to integrate the messages which are coming through the cards. A simple spread—one to four cards—can be quite powerful and can provide you with endless insights and guidance. If you use a lot of cards in a spread, the messages you receive could be confusing or overwhelming, leading you to a point of sensory overload. Keep it simple!
Here’s one such straightforward spread:
1 2 3
1 The Current Issue/Problem
2 Action or Lack of Action Needed for a Favorable Outcome
3 New Possibility (Based on Advice of #2)
Purpose of the Spread
Another factor to consider when selecting, or even creating your own spreads, is determining the purpose of the spread. Do you want help solving a problem? Do you want predictive information? Do you want to find comfort during a difficult time? Or do you seek a creative brainstorming session to help you make a wise decision? Each one of these situations would call for a different type of spread.
Since my personal favorite use of the Tarot is for self-understanding and inner exploration, one of my favorite spreads is a very simple one called “Advice from the Archetypes.” It is not a predictive spread, or a brainstorming spread or a decision-making spread. Rather, it is meant to help you see and understand yourself more clearly. This compact spread may help encourage a “dialogue” between you and your deck, showing you a mirror of your current state of consciousness. You could even consider these cards to be your own personal panel of wise advisors.
Begin by shuffling the deck, taking some nice deep breaths and focusing within. Using the 22 Major Arcana cards only, draw and lay out three cards as follows:
1 2 3
1. The Archetype influencing where you are now
2. The Archetype influencing where you desire to be
3. The Archetype influencing the path to your desires
Because it utilizes only the Major Arcana cards, this spread will show you the cosmic and psychological forces operating in your life in the three areas (where you are now, where you desire to be and the path to get there). It will help you explore the energies around you. It will show you the current themes operating in your spiritual journey in the current phase of your life. But, if you would like to take it one step further, you can add a Minor Arcana card to each of the Major Arcana cards. These cards would represent the specific aspect of your life that the archetype is addressing. While the Major Arcana card shows you the general energies, the Minor Arcana card shows you the particular life experience that the Major card portrays. Place these cards above the archetype card in the spread, as if the message was a bubble above each card’s head. Now observe how the cards modify and interact with each other in each category.
Archetypes
But let’s back up a moment and talk about what we mean by “archetypes” and why we care about them. Applying concepts developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung, you can use the Tarot Cards to assist you in the process of "individuation" or individual healing. Individuation, according to Jung, is the process of becoming a more complete or whole personality, primarily through the exploration of symbols and myths; it is the process of becoming one's whole, unique self beyond the cultural stereotypes. Jung focused his work on mankind’s search for integration and wholeness. His "psychology of wholeness" was primarily concerned with man and his relationship to the unconscious. Jung encouraged the idea that the unconscious could serve as a guide for living. He described a personal unconscious which consists of the contents of an individual's mind acquired during that individual's specific life[1] -- experiences and images that have been forgotten or repressed. He further believed that we all share in the collective unconscious, a realm deep below the personal unconscious.[2] He proposed that all humans are linked together through the collective unconscious since all humans share in the archetypes,[3] which compose the collective unconscious.
The archetypes are inherited behaviors: innate predispositions to experiences that portray universal human situations. They are a template for human experience. They are "cultural imprints" -- images and ideas reinforced by the thoughts and actions of humans throughout time.
Further, these archetypes have cross-cultural implications; their meanings are consistent from culture to culture. A few examples of experiential archetypes are finding a mate (as in the Lovers card), confronting death or change (as in the Death card) or seeking a spiritual path (as in the Hermit card). Examples of personal archetypes are the young hero (as in the Magician), the impetuous adolescent (as in the Fool card), or the nurturing mother (as in the Empress card). Because these archetypes have developed throughout the centuries, they enable people to react to situations in ways similar to their ancestors. Therefore, Jung believed that the collective unconscious contains great wisdom -- wisdom that has the potential to guide humanity – and each one of us. He believed that psychological healing should bring people into contact with both the collective and personal unconscious, and the archetypal symbols found there. Such contact could act as a means of uncovering inherent wisdom and integrating any experiences that may be disassociated from the rest of the psyche.
Jung also suggested that the information in the collective unconscious is in a non-verbal state -- it is portrayed through symbols and pictures. Is it possible that the Tarot images are a visual expression of the archetypes that Jung described? Since the cards portray human experiences, the totality of our earthly existence, I think they do portray archetypal experiences. They show us a snapshot of the templates governing our lives.
In short, Jung's collective unconscious is a repository for universal, shared symbols; the Tarot is a visual expression for these same shared symbols. Since the symbols of the Tarot depict the kinds of shared experiences described by Jung, each Tarot Card can be viewed as an archetype, representing experiences from either one's personal or collective unconscious. By exploring the symbols of the Tarot as archetypes, as in the Advice from the Archetypes Spread, we are able to delve into deeper levels of consciousness, integrating experiences that may have been repressed or suppressed, and calling forth experiences and memories from the deepest recesses of our minds.
Using the Advice from the Archetypes Spread is meant to interpret the Tarot symbols in a Jungian manner – to strive to attain a state of absolute self-knowledge or, as Jung called it, individuation, as described previously. The Tarot offers a unique way to enter into and explore powerful energies that can help one to heal, to grow and to approach individuation. Further, using the Tarot in this particular way can express a special state of consciousness in which the conscious mind turns inward in order to access the wisdom of the deeper mind. This deeper mind has no boundaries and no limitations. Through it, we can tap all our resources and none of our ego's self-imposed restrictions. Tarot Cards offer a unique conduit to the unconscious.
Examples from the Advice from the Archetypes
For example, in the Advice from the Archetypes Spread, if the Empress Card (the archetypal mother) appeared as the first card in the spread (where you are now), it might suggest that you are exploring matters around mothering – your own motherhood, or perhaps your relationship with your mother. You might be called upon to conceptualize your definition of "mother," or to resolve issues with your mother. If the High Priestess appeared in the second card of the spread (where you desire to be), it might suggest that you are seeking to develop your intuition, to learn to trust yourself more, especially in regard to a particular situation in your life. The High Priestess often acts as a catalyst for activating the wisdom of the unconscious mind or the intuitive mind. And last, if the Death card came up in the third position (the path to what you desire), it might suggest that in order to achieve what you seek, you will need to make some major changes -- perhaps letting go of some old self-concepts, patterns of behavior, or even some toxic relationships.
The Tarot Gifts
So you see, despite what you may have thought, Tarot Cards are NOT only about fortune-telling! They are a useful tool for self-development and for accessing inner wisdom through meditation or contemplation. Tarot Cards can assist you in identifying and replacing beliefs that are counter-productive to your well-being. They can assist you in focusing your intentions and energy towards both your internal and external goals. The 78 cards of the Tarot deck can do so many things for you – help you to meditate, brainstorm new ideas, inspire you to act on a particular seed idea, help you to try on a new persona, help you visualize what you want to achieve, or give you hope when you are feeling down.
But if you are seeking self-understanding, then the Advice from the Archetypes Spread is one that can give you much insight for a very long time. In fact, I might suggest that you lay the spread out in plain sight and keep it out for several weeks . . . Let the archetypes “work” on you, showing you the many layers of your psyche that you might not know.
If you are looking for a quick fix reading, then the Advice from the Archetypes Spread may not be right for you. If you believe that life happens from the inside-out, rather than from the outside-in, that our life experiences are determined largely by our internal beliefs, then this spread may provide you with invaluable insights and personal clarity. But no matter what spread you use, your understanding of the individual meanings of cards will develop, and your ability to interpret the interactions between and among the cards will expand as you continue to spread the cards out. There is always a learning curve involved, and you can make it easier on yourself by keeping your spreads very simple. The Tarot holds many gifts for those who are sincere about accessing its wisdom, but be gentle in your learning. Take your time. The wise counsel of the archetypal interpretation of the Tarot images are right there, waiting for you to ask for their guidance. May you be nourished and healed on your Tarot journey.
Pick up just about any book on the Tarot and you will probably find more than a few spreads at the end of the book or interspersed throughout the book. There are even Tarot books that are solely about spreads (such as The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads by Evelin Burger), with page after page of spreads. Since there is an almost limitless number of layouts in which the Tarot cards can be placed, how do you know which one(s) to use? How can you choose?
Choosing a Tarot SpreadUsing the Tarot, especially when you are just starting out in your Tarot studies, is one of those times when “less is definitely more.” The symbols and metaphors within the cards’ images, and the wisdom in the stories they tell hold enormous depth and breadth. The fewer cards you use in a reading the more impact they will have and the easier it will be for your psyche to integrate the messages which are coming through the cards. A simple spread—one to four cards—can be quite powerful and can provide you with endless insights and guidance. If you use a lot of cards in a spread, the messages you receive could be confusing or overwhelming, leading you to a point of sensory overload. Keep it simple!
Here’s one such straightforward spread:
1 2 3
1 The Current Issue/Problem
2 Action or Lack of Action Needed for a Favorable Outcome
3 New Possibility (Based on Advice of #2)
Purpose of the Spread
Another factor to consider when selecting, or even creating your own spreads, is determining the purpose of the spread. Do you want help solving a problem? Do you want predictive information? Do you want to find comfort during a difficult time? Or do you seek a creative brainstorming session to help you make a wise decision? Each one of these situations would call for a different type of spread.
Since my personal favorite use of the Tarot is for self-understanding and inner exploration, one of my favorite spreads is a very simple one called “Advice from the Archetypes.” It is not a predictive spread, or a brainstorming spread or a decision-making spread. Rather, it is meant to help you see and understand yourself more clearly. This compact spread may help encourage a “dialogue” between you and your deck, showing you a mirror of your current state of consciousness. You could even consider these cards to be your own personal panel of wise advisors.
Begin by shuffling the deck, taking some nice deep breaths and focusing within. Using the 22 Major Arcana cards only, draw and lay out three cards as follows:
1 2 3
1. The Archetype influencing where you are now
2. The Archetype influencing where you desire to be
3. The Archetype influencing the path to your desires
Because it utilizes only the Major Arcana cards, this spread will show you the cosmic and psychological forces operating in your life in the three areas (where you are now, where you desire to be and the path to get there). It will help you explore the energies around you. It will show you the current themes operating in your spiritual journey in the current phase of your life. But, if you would like to take it one step further, you can add a Minor Arcana card to each of the Major Arcana cards. These cards would represent the specific aspect of your life that the archetype is addressing. While the Major Arcana card shows you the general energies, the Minor Arcana card shows you the particular life experience that the Major card portrays. Place these cards above the archetype card in the spread, as if the message was a bubble above each card’s head. Now observe how the cards modify and interact with each other in each category.
Archetypes
But let’s back up a moment and talk about what we mean by “archetypes” and why we care about them. Applying concepts developed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung, you can use the Tarot Cards to assist you in the process of "individuation" or individual healing. Individuation, according to Jung, is the process of becoming a more complete or whole personality, primarily through the exploration of symbols and myths; it is the process of becoming one's whole, unique self beyond the cultural stereotypes. Jung focused his work on mankind’s search for integration and wholeness. His "psychology of wholeness" was primarily concerned with man and his relationship to the unconscious. Jung encouraged the idea that the unconscious could serve as a guide for living. He described a personal unconscious which consists of the contents of an individual's mind acquired during that individual's specific life[1] -- experiences and images that have been forgotten or repressed. He further believed that we all share in the collective unconscious, a realm deep below the personal unconscious.[2] He proposed that all humans are linked together through the collective unconscious since all humans share in the archetypes,[3] which compose the collective unconscious.
The archetypes are inherited behaviors: innate predispositions to experiences that portray universal human situations. They are a template for human experience. They are "cultural imprints" -- images and ideas reinforced by the thoughts and actions of humans throughout time.
Further, these archetypes have cross-cultural implications; their meanings are consistent from culture to culture. A few examples of experiential archetypes are finding a mate (as in the Lovers card), confronting death or change (as in the Death card) or seeking a spiritual path (as in the Hermit card). Examples of personal archetypes are the young hero (as in the Magician), the impetuous adolescent (as in the Fool card), or the nurturing mother (as in the Empress card). Because these archetypes have developed throughout the centuries, they enable people to react to situations in ways similar to their ancestors. Therefore, Jung believed that the collective unconscious contains great wisdom -- wisdom that has the potential to guide humanity – and each one of us. He believed that psychological healing should bring people into contact with both the collective and personal unconscious, and the archetypal symbols found there. Such contact could act as a means of uncovering inherent wisdom and integrating any experiences that may be disassociated from the rest of the psyche.
Jung also suggested that the information in the collective unconscious is in a non-verbal state -- it is portrayed through symbols and pictures. Is it possible that the Tarot images are a visual expression of the archetypes that Jung described? Since the cards portray human experiences, the totality of our earthly existence, I think they do portray archetypal experiences. They show us a snapshot of the templates governing our lives.
In short, Jung's collective unconscious is a repository for universal, shared symbols; the Tarot is a visual expression for these same shared symbols. Since the symbols of the Tarot depict the kinds of shared experiences described by Jung, each Tarot Card can be viewed as an archetype, representing experiences from either one's personal or collective unconscious. By exploring the symbols of the Tarot as archetypes, as in the Advice from the Archetypes Spread, we are able to delve into deeper levels of consciousness, integrating experiences that may have been repressed or suppressed, and calling forth experiences and memories from the deepest recesses of our minds.
Using the Advice from the Archetypes Spread is meant to interpret the Tarot symbols in a Jungian manner – to strive to attain a state of absolute self-knowledge or, as Jung called it, individuation, as described previously. The Tarot offers a unique way to enter into and explore powerful energies that can help one to heal, to grow and to approach individuation. Further, using the Tarot in this particular way can express a special state of consciousness in which the conscious mind turns inward in order to access the wisdom of the deeper mind. This deeper mind has no boundaries and no limitations. Through it, we can tap all our resources and none of our ego's self-imposed restrictions. Tarot Cards offer a unique conduit to the unconscious.
Examples from the Advice from the Archetypes
For example, in the Advice from the Archetypes Spread, if the Empress Card (the archetypal mother) appeared as the first card in the spread (where you are now), it might suggest that you are exploring matters around mothering – your own motherhood, or perhaps your relationship with your mother. You might be called upon to conceptualize your definition of "mother," or to resolve issues with your mother. If the High Priestess appeared in the second card of the spread (where you desire to be), it might suggest that you are seeking to develop your intuition, to learn to trust yourself more, especially in regard to a particular situation in your life. The High Priestess often acts as a catalyst for activating the wisdom of the unconscious mind or the intuitive mind. And last, if the Death card came up in the third position (the path to what you desire), it might suggest that in order to achieve what you seek, you will need to make some major changes -- perhaps letting go of some old self-concepts, patterns of behavior, or even some toxic relationships.
The Tarot Gifts
So you see, despite what you may have thought, Tarot Cards are NOT only about fortune-telling! They are a useful tool for self-development and for accessing inner wisdom through meditation or contemplation. Tarot Cards can assist you in identifying and replacing beliefs that are counter-productive to your well-being. They can assist you in focusing your intentions and energy towards both your internal and external goals. The 78 cards of the Tarot deck can do so many things for you – help you to meditate, brainstorm new ideas, inspire you to act on a particular seed idea, help you to try on a new persona, help you visualize what you want to achieve, or give you hope when you are feeling down.But if you are seeking self-understanding, then the Advice from the Archetypes Spread is one that can give you much insight for a very long time. In fact, I might suggest that you lay the spread out in plain sight and keep it out for several weeks . . . Let the archetypes “work” on you, showing you the many layers of your psyche that you might not know.
If you are looking for a quick fix reading, then the Advice from the Archetypes Spread may not be right for you. If you believe that life happens from the inside-out, rather than from the outside-in, that our life experiences are determined largely by our internal beliefs, then this spread may provide you with invaluable insights and personal clarity. But no matter what spread you use, your understanding of the individual meanings of cards will develop, and your ability to interpret the interactions between and among the cards will expand as you continue to spread the cards out. There is always a learning curve involved, and you can make it easier on yourself by keeping your spreads very simple. The Tarot holds many gifts for those who are sincere about accessing its wisdom, but be gentle in your learning. Take your time. The wise counsel of the archetypal interpretation of the Tarot images are right there, waiting for you to ask for their guidance. May you be nourished and healed on your Tarot journey.
[1] C.G. Jung, Memories, Dreams Reflections ed. Aniela Jaffe (New York: Vintage Books, 1961) 401-402.
[2] Jung 401-402.
[3] Jung 392-393.
[2] Jung 401-402.
[3] Jung 392-393.
Geraldine Amaral is the co-author of Tarot Celebrations: Honoring the Inner Voice, publisher of Celebrating the Tarot Journal and creator of “Tarot 1-2-3,” an instructional video. She conducts a series of unique and creative Tarot classes in the Washington DC area, utilizing Jungian and archetypal psychology. You can contact her at 703-671-7421 or http://www.tarotcelebrations@erols.com/ or visit her website at http://www.tarotcelebrations.com/
Posts
1 comment:
Hai!
This is krepesh. I am an Illustrator. I visited your site today. It is nice.
www.joseythomas.blogspot.com
bye
Post a Comment