Symbolism and the Unconscious: The Tarot

Recognition of universal symbolism happens through the sub- and unconscious parts of our psychological make-up. We do not have to consciously think of certain symbols identified as "universal" to understand and comprehend their meanings.

An example of this at work is the tarot. It would seem that the reader of the tarot cards during a session will intuitively chose the correct cards to read unconsciously, and then interpret them using both knowledge learned and universal. Even without reading a book on tarot or having previous understanding of the subject, a person receiving a reading will choose cards relevant to their situation. There is no "magick" involved with tarot cards that isn't already within us, which makes it one of the easiest forms of divination to learn and use. Because we already know and understand the tarot picture symbols on an unconscious level, a person only needs to practice and learn how to recognize the symbols consciously to begin reading the tarot for themselves.

The Major Arcana of the tarot contains pictures and symbols that will elicit an emotional or mental response upon looking at them. You will find that in most cases, with a good deck that has correct symbology, that your intuition on the meaning of the card and symbol will be correct. Each card or symbol in the Major Arcana is an archetype that is present in everyone's psychology, whether in personality or as a subconscious understanding. Different cards represent different levels of spiritual and emotional evolution and awareness and none are intrinsically good or bad.

For example, imagine the card called "The Fool". The Fool is happy, walking along, and about to fall off of a cliff. He may be foolish and impulsive, as well as downright "foolish" for not looking where he is going. However, he is also trusting, refreshingly childlike; an inner child so to speak. As the Fool, we may go in and tread where others fear to go, if only out of naiveté.

Another example is Death. The thought of getting the "Death Card" might make you shiver and shake if you have seen too many scary movies. In reality, death in a symbolic sense (which is how it is portrayed in the Tarot) is not "evil". Death is the ending of the old to bring in the new. While the card is awfully surreal-looking and almost fear-inspiring, it is actually symbolic of change. Change and the death of an idea or way of life can be a scary thing for many people. Change brings with it the unknown. But it also brings forth regeneration and growth.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic