Use Tarot for Self-Discovery and Spiritual Growth

Do you feel trapped in the present and in your life? But you don’t know where to start or how to break free? First, don’t panic. We all go through moments of doubt. Then, why not seek the answer through spiritual growth? When my friends ask for advice about self-discovery, I hand them a tarot deck and ask them to draw four cards.

Want to understand why and try it out?

Tarot for Self-Discovery

First Card – Future Path

Start by choosing a deck of cards. You can choose the Tarot of Marseille or the Rider-Waite. Then, hold it in your hands and shuffle the cards while asking yourself: “Where is my life headed?” This first step may take a few seconds or minutes. Only you know what you need to pick the first card. Next, spread the cards in front of you on a table and draw the card you want, placing it in front of you. What comes to mind as you see it? How do you feel about it, even without knowing its meaning? Joy, fear, questions, etc.?

Second Card – What’s Blocking You?

When you feel ready, ask yourself a second question (out loud or in your mind): “What is preventing me from growing?” Like with the first card, take your time and draw a card, placing it next to the first one. What do you think of it? Does this card reveal a fear, habit, or limiting belief?

Third Card – Inner Strength

For the third card, ask yourself: “What strength or wisdom do I already have to overcome my challenges?” Draw a card and place it next to the two previous ones. This card represents your hidden power. Write down how you think it expresses the way you use this form of power in your daily life.

Fourth Card – Guidance from the Universe

Finally, for the last card, ask yourself: “What message does the Universe have for me right now?” Draw a card and place it next to the other three. This card represents you. Look at it carefully, then close your eyes. Meditate for a few moments, and visualize the energy of this card surrounding you.

• Try These 10 Simple Three-Card Tarot Spreads for Quick Clarity

Understanding the Message of the Cards

Two options are available to you:

• Interpret on your own
• Interpret using tarot card meanings

Interpreting on Your Own

By looking at the four cards and your thoughts, what do you think? Did the cards offer you a clear message? Do you feel they accompany you on your self-discovery? How can you act for your spiritual growth?

Interpreting with Symbolism

Here is a quick guide to the most common meanings for each tarot card, based on the Rider-Waite-Smith deck.

Remember: Tarot is more than just a tool for divination; it’s a powerful guide for self-discovery and personal growth. Each card carries deep symbolism that reflects different aspects of your journey, emotions, and challenges. This list of common meanings will help you interpret your readings with clarity, offering insight into your path and guiding you toward self-awareness. Don’t forget, tarot is meant to support your self-discovery, bringing you serenity and comfort as you navigate different situations. There’s always a way to grow, heal, and move forward, no matter what the cards reveal.

Major Arcana (Life’s Big Lessons & Transformations)

You can also read our full article about the Major Arcana Tarot Cards.

• The Fool – New beginnings, spontaneity, a leap of faith
• The Magician – Manifestation, power, resourcefulness
• The High Priestess – Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom
• The Empress – Nurturing, creativity, abundance
• The Emperor – Structure, stability, leadership
• The Hierophant – Tradition, spiritual guidance, conformity
• The Lovers – Love, relationships, choices
• The Chariot – Determination, control, willpower
• Strength – Inner strength, courage, patience
• The Hermit – Soul-searching, introspection, solitude
• Wheel of Fortune – Change, cycles, destiny
• Justice – Truth, fairness, karma
• The Hanged Man – Letting go, new perspective, surrender
• Death – Transformation, endings leading to new beginnings
• Temperance – Balance, moderation, healing
• The Devil – Addiction, materialism, feeling trapped
• The Tower – Sudden upheaval, chaos, revelation
• The Star – Hope, inspiration, renewal
• The Moon – Illusions, intuition, confusion
• The Sun – Joy, success, clarity
• Judgment – Reflection, spiritual awakening, rebirth
• The World – Completion, achievement, wholeness

Minor Arcana (Daily Life Situations)

You can also read our full article about the Minor Arcana Tarot Cards.

Wands (Fire – Passion, Action, Creativity)

• Ace of Wands – New inspiration, creative spark
• Two of Wands – Planning, future decisions
• Three of Wands – Expansion, progress
• Four of Wands – Celebration, homecoming
• Five of Wands – Conflict, competition
• Six of Wands – Victory, recognition
• Seven of Wands – Defensiveness, standing your ground
• Eight of Wands – Speed, movement
• Nine of Wands – Resilience, perseverance
• Ten of Wands – Burden, responsibility
• Page of Wands – Curiosity, enthusiasm
• Knight of Wands – Passion, adventure
• Queen of Wands – Confidence, independence
• King of Wands – Leadership, vision

Cups (Water – Emotions, Relationships, Intuition)

• Ace of Cups – New love, emotional renewal
• Two of Cups – Partnership, connection
• Three of Cups – Friendship, celebration
• Four of Cups – Apathy, contemplation
• Five of Cups – Loss, regret
• Six of Cups – Nostalgia, childhood memories
• Seven of Cups – Illusions, many choices
• Eight of Cups – Walking away, seeking deeper meaning
• Nine of Cups – Wishes fulfilled, contentment
• Ten of Cups – Happiness, family harmony
• Page of Cups – Creativity, new emotional experiences
• Knight of Cups – Romantic gestures, idealism
• Queen of Cups – Compassion, deep intuition
• King of Cups – Emotional balance, wisdom

Swords (Air – Thoughts, Challenges, Communication)

• Ace of Swords – Truth, mental clarity
• Two of Swords – Indecision, stalemate
• Three of Swords – Heartbreak, sorrow
• Four of Swords – Rest, recovery
• Five of Swords – Conflict, hollow victory
• Six of Swords – Transition, moving on
• Seven of Swords – Deception, strategy
• Eight of Swords – Feeling trapped, mental blocks
• Nine of Swords – Anxiety, nightmares
• Ten of Swords – Painful endings, betrayal
• Page of Swords – Curiosity, vigilance
• Knight of Swords – Swift action, recklessness
• Queen of Swords – Independence, clear thinking
• King of Swords – Authority, truth

Pentacles (Earth – Money, Stability, Practical Matters)

• Ace of Pentacles – New financial opportunity, prosperity
• Two of Pentacles – Balance, juggling priorities
• Three of Pentacles – Collaboration, teamwork
• Four of Pentacles – Security, holding on too tightly
• Five of Pentacles – Financial hardship, feeling left out
• Six of Pentacles – Generosity, giving and receiving
• Seven of Pentacles – Patience, long-term planning
• Eight of Pentacles – Skill-building, mastery
• Nine of Pentacles – Independence, luxury
• Ten of Pentacles – Wealth, family legacy
• Page of Pentacles – Learning, new ventures
• Knight of Pentacles – Hard work, responsibility
• Queen of Pentacles – Nurturing, financial security
• King of Pentacles – Abundance, leadership

An Example Tarot Spread for Self-Discovery

I didn’t want to leave you alone, so here’s an example of a tarot spread and its possible interpretation.

Spread

• First Card: Wheel of Fortune
• Second Card: The Devil
• Third Card: Strength
• Fourth Card: The Star

Interpretations

Future Path – Wheel of Fortune

The Wheel of Fortune represents movement and how we’re influenced by external forces. It’s an invitation to accept that life is not fixed and that there are always opportunities for transformation. Therefore, the tarot encourages you to seize opportunities to advance on your path of self-discovery.

What’s Blocking You? – The Devil

The Devil symbolizes invisible chains that hold you back. This card asks you to become aware of the traps you impose on yourself, whether they be toxic relationships, addictions, or an irrational fear of change. To move forward, it’s essential to break these chains and free yourself from negative influences.

Inner Strength – Strength

The Strength card reminds you that your true power lies in your ability to face challenges with calm, determination, and inner courage. Even when things seem tough, you have the ability to remain centered and face difficulties with a positive attitude.

Guidance from the Universe – The Star

The Star represents hope and inspiration. It offers a light of hope and guides you toward clarity and peace of mind. It’s an invitation to believe in your dreams and not lose faith in your spiritual growth and the future that awaits you.

Cross-Interpretation

This tarot spread shows you that you have within you the strength and resources to overcome your inner obstacles. Moreover, with the Wheel of Fortune, you see that transformation is already underway. Each tarot card reveals an aspect of your self-discovery toward a deeper understanding of yourself, which in turn nurtures your spiritual growth.

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