Tarot

Tarot – Why Jung Would Approve

Carl Jung’s concept of synchronicity—meaningful coincidences that defy causal explanation—offers a fascinating lens through which to view the practice of tarot. While Jung never explicitly endorsed tarot in the same way he discussed astrology, his theories provide a framework for understanding why this symbolic system can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and insight.

Jung defined synchronicity as an “acausal connecting principle,” suggesting that events can be connected by meaning rather than cause and effect. These meaningful coincidences often involve archetypal imagery and are accompanied by a strong emotional charge. This concept is central to understanding why tarot can be more than just a deck of cards.

Tarot, like astrology, is a rich symbolic system. Each card represents an archetype, a universal pattern of human experience, emotion, or situation. When we draw cards in a reading, we’re not simply picking them at random; rather, Jung would likely argue that we are engaging in a synchronistic event. The cards that appear, in their specific combinations and positions, reflect the current state of our inner world, our unconscious, and the dynamics at play in our lives.

Here’s how Jung’s ideas connect to tarot:

• Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious: Jung believed in a collective unconscious, a shared reservoir of universal symbols and archetypes inherited by all humanity. Tarot cards, with their rich imagery and symbolic meanings, tap into this collective unconscious. When we draw a card like “The Empress,” for example, we’re not just seeing a picture of a woman; we’re connecting with the archetype of nurturing, creativity, and abundance.

• Meaningful Coincidence: The act of shuffling and drawing cards can be seen as a synchronistic event. The cards that emerge are not causally related to the question we’re asking, but their appearance can be profoundly meaningful. Jung would likely suggest that the meaning arises from the interplay between our conscious question and the unconscious forces at play.

• Subjective Experience: Synchronicity is inherently subjective. The meaning of a tarot reading is not objective or fixed; it’s interpreted by the individual in the context of their own life and experiences. This aligns with Jung’s emphasis on the importance of individual experience and interpretation in psychological processes.

Why Jung Would Likely Approve:

Jung was interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche and the ways in which the unconscious communicates with the conscious mind. He saw symbolic systems like astrology and alchemy as valuable tools for this exploration. Given his emphasis on synchronicity and the power of archetypes, it’s reasonable to infer that he would have found merit in the use of tarot.

Tarot, like dreams, can provide a window into the unconscious. The images and symbols that appear in a reading can offer insights into hidden motivations, unresolved conflicts, and potential pathways for growth. By engaging with the cards in a thoughtful and reflective way, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the forces shaping our lives.

In Conclusion:

While Jung didn’t explicitly write about tarot, his theories of synchronicity and the collective unconscious provide a compelling framework for understanding its potential value. Tarot, when approached with an open mind and a focus on self-reflection, can be a powerful tool for exploring the inner landscape and uncovering hidden aspects of the self. It’s not about predicting the future, but about gaining deeper insights into the present and navigating the journey of self-discovery. This approach, grounded in Jungian principles, can be a valuable complement to traditional therapeutic practices.