Dr. Smith shared with us her thoughts on some tarot cards:
The Fool
The tarot card known as the Fool represents new beginnings, infinite possibilities, and a world unexplored. The Fool integrates with every character he meets and is the essence of innocence and spontaneity. As part of Jung’s original archetypes, the Fool is the epitome of self-realization and describes the potential future. According to Jung, the Fool’s journey is one shared by the collective unconscious symbolizing the experience and wisdom obtained through trial and error. Accepting this journey demonstrates a willingness to step into the unknown and embrace the inevitable development obtained through starting something new. From the Jungian point of view, taking risks is an integral part of growth, which embodies the perspective of the Fool who is unafraid of trying new things absent of the certainty of success. This process is necessary for the development of individuation, as described by Jung, supporting the realization of one’s purpose or direction in life. An individual can be liberated from the fears associated with the personal unconscious through the journey of the Fool, which operates from a strength’s-based perspective of promise and potential. An unwillingness to embrace the journey of the Fool stifles personal development into the archetype of the Sage or Savior.
The Emperor
Each card of the Major Arcana represents an archetype defined by Jung, which carries a significant meaning. Within the collective conscious lies authority, structure, and order represented by the tarot card known as the Emperor. The emperor depicts the role of provider, tasked with protecting and defending your loved ones. When the Emperor appears within tarot it symbolizes a journey towards personal growth and conformity. Jung describes this journey as necessary to build the foundation needed to embrace your whole psychological self. An instinctual motivation to attain love and power is a central goal within this process of revealing the divine self. The Jungian viewpoint further defines the emergence of the Emperor to represent a time for overcoming challenges in life to achieve goals. This archetype encourages purposeful movement towards embracing the innate qualities designed to guide you through your current situation. Within the journey of the Emperor an individual is encouraged to face conflict with confidence. The Jungian viewpoint describes this journey as a representation of the conscious and unconscious mind merging to overcome inadequacy. The Emperor becomes a valuable ally during the transition to one’s higher self, described by Jung as the process of individuation.
The Empress
The Empress embodies the archetype of stability, nurturing, and connectedness. The Empress highlights the importance of exploring creativity and is frequently associated with motherhood and the power of nature. A true understanding of the human potential as described by Jung can best be captured through the underpinnings of the Empress. The emergence of the Empress within tarot can symbolize a significant change that is impending or needed within your life and serve as a reminder to remain grounded in the present. This archetype promotes the need for harmony between physical and emotional well-being which is reflected in the Jungian viewpoint. Jungian principles identify the needs of the higher self and seek to bring balance between the conscious and unconscious mind. This focus on emotional health and nurturing relationships supports one’s journey towards self-actualization, further explained by Jung as the process of discovering meaning and purpose in life. The Empress additionally represents emotional intelligence described by Jung as necessary to initiate the self-care needed to obtain healing. Through the celebration of the abundance of life, the Empress encourages exploration of creativity and inspiration which Jung describes as the spontaneous product of the psyche. This spontaneity allows the free flow of energy allowing new thoughts and ideas to appear.
The High Priestess
The High Priestess is often associated with dreams and spiritual exploration of hidden knowledge and dormant thoughts within the unconscious. It is symbolic of understanding the balance of life and manifesting what you want out of life. These dormant thoughts are explained from the Jungian viewpoint as a shadow encompassing repressed insight and memories. The shadow is described as a point of untapped knowledge that we carry with us. The High Priestess appearing within tarot is an indication for one to connect with this shadow or inner voice and identify what it is attempting to reveal. The findings can reveal a greater understanding and self-awareness supporting growth. The teachings of Jung caution against ignoring this inner voice if one is to ever know themselves truly. The High Priestess encourages an analysis of the signs and symbols revealed within dreams and to trust your instincts. Although this process can be lengthy, Jungian principles explain it as integral in exploring the presence of unconscious influences. Through this exploration one is encouraged to trust instinctual responses part of the collective unconscious which provide a deep understanding of behavior. Failing to acknowledge the shadow or dormant thoughts can lead to moments of unawareness where the impulses may reveal themselves in harmful ways.
The Magician
Within tarot, the Magician card represents initiative and taking actions towards manifested goals. This archetype represents the ability to combine creative and imaginative forces with the unconscious mind to foster creativity and innovation. According to Jung, the Magician symbolizes the power of transformation and manifestation. Individuals can use visualization to conjure possibility and bring ideas to the mind’s eye. Through this action self-discovery and transformation occurs allowing an individual to gain mastery over their mood and affect. The Magician takes the naivety of the Fool and molds it into potential and willpower to create your inner world. In Jungian teachings, the Magician can be seen as the archetype of self, merging concepts of both the conscious and unconscious psyche. This merge creates a balance and unity within the human experience. Through this mastery reality can be manipulated based on the choices made and actions taken. When the Magician is revealed within tarot it symbolizes the need to act and make choices supportive of becoming your best self. It reveals that you already possess the self-confidence and tools needed to obtain success and encourages the use of your intellect. By embracing and trusting one’s intuition the ability to influence and inspire others is revealed.
