Tarot As Therapy

Tarot As Therapy

The Tarot is most commonly considered a source of divination or spiritual insight. But over the years, many Tarot Readers have noticed something about their readings: they’re incredibly therapeutic, as well.  When presented with a card spread, clients analyze what the cards mean in the context of their life. Many times, they will ask the reader- and themselves – questions they didn’t expect to have.  They will leave with a new perspective, not only based on what the reader has told them, but because of their own questions and statements that came about during the session.

Few, if any, Tarot Readers would deny this aspect of a reading.  And yet, while Tarot has begun to be recognized as playing a healing role in some forms of alternative medicine (I myself use a method that involves Tarot, aromatherapy,and other elements), it isn’t widely considered or acknowledged as a potential form of psychotherapy.  This, to me, is rather surprising, not only because we know Tarot readings can make people react, think, respond, and analyze the challenges in their lives, but also because Tarot readings are actually very much in keeping with the foundations of modern psychotherapy. 

Psychoanalysis as we know it was developed by Sigmund Freud in the late 19th century.  One of his students, Carl Jung, developed his own ideas, based on his reactions to Freud’s theories. While Freud essentially argued for a primitive, sexual driving force behind each person, Jung disagreed.  His work led him to explore the relationship between humankind and the universe, and he came to feel that there was a sort of force that ties us all together, and that gives meaning to what might have been random coincidences.

 This idea of meaningful coincidences evolved into Jung’s theory of synchronicity. Another Jungian belief is that of archetypes, symbolic figures recognized by all human beings on a deep level. Archetypes feature in what Jung dubbed our “collective unconscious” –that is, this basic understanding all humans share.  

Jung felt that divination tools like the I Ching and the Tarot could work because of synchronicity. Although he wasn’t an expert on or practitioner of Tarot, it has been pointed out by many scholars and Tarot readers that the major arcana cards do seem to correspond to Jungian archetypes. Common examples include the Emperor as the all-powerful father figure,and the Empress as the mother figure.  As counsellor, hypnotherapist, and esoteric scholar Finn McMillan points out: “Understanding the link between the cards and the unconscious mind, the tarot counsellor invites the unconscious mind to communicate in its own language, through the powerful pictures of the tarot. The link between the unconscious and the chosen card can be described as the principle of synchronicity at work.”

It makes sense that there is a place for Tarot within the confines of traditional psychoanalysis.  Some contemporary practitioners have even been using Tarot readings in their therapy sessions, with very positive results.  The most famous of these is probably Dr. Arthur Rosengarten. Rosengarten is a clinical psychologist and professor who became interested in Tarot as a hobby early in his career.  He soon noticed that “with a random series of cards properly interpreted in pre-designated positions (a spread), the intuitive observer will be surprised by the amazing subtlety and sophistication with which this method facilitates self-reflection, deep insight, and spiritual wisdom.”  This led Rosengarten to publish the first accredited doctoral dissertation on Tarot and psychotherapy, in the1980’s.  

Rosengarten continues to integrate Tarot readings into some of his therapy sessions today.  A profile on the doctor and his book Tarot and Psychology – Spectrums of Possibility even mentions that in addition to traditional, one-on-one readings, Rosengarten does group Tarot psychotherapy sessions, which have also proven successful. 

Another well-known practitioner of Tarot and psychotherapy is Dr. Elinor Greenberg. A licensed psychologist and gestalt therapist, Greenberg has said that “Tarot and psychotherapy seem to be natural partners. Many of the most experienced tarot readers are already using the cards to help their clients in ways that have more in common with psychotherapy than divination.”  Greenberg sees many advantages to incorporating Tarot readings into psychotherapy.  Notably, the fact that a Tarot spread can be read as the soul’s journey can help people confront what would otherwise be seen as their particular personality flaws, allowing them to explore their issues without shame.  

The seemingly unconventional approach of using Tarot as psychotherapy means that many people won’t directly see it as therapy at all, which could encourage those wary of traditional psychology methods to get help. 

It just seems logical doesn’t it?  

 There is so much more to Tarot than most people think. It goes far beyond, fortune telling, magic and traditional ritual work.  By exploring a Tarot spread with a client, allowing them to question or work through their own lives in this guided way, Tarot can prove an immensely effective treatment option, both for people who dislike or distrust more traditional methods, and for just about anyone open and willing to give it a try.  Some highly respected psychotherapists have already integrated Tarot readings into their work.  

 Here’s hoping that in the years to come, society’s perception of Tarot will move beyond where it is now, and more people will be able to give and seek the unique kind of help a Tarot reading can provide.

Note: This article was written for and originally published in the winter edition of Alternative Spirit in 2014

If you are interested in learning the Tarot for yourself, do check out the in person and online training options available this year.