Can Tarot be used together with psychology?

Of course, and this is actually a very common usage; many people find using Tarot cards this way more meaningful.

You can understand it like this: Tarot cards are like a set of small cards, each illustrated with various "life scripts." Every card, such as "The Fool," "The Tower," or "The Lovers," represents a state, a mood, a challenge, or a role.

When you're confused about something and your mind is in turmoil, drawing a card is like randomly opening a page in a storybook. The imagery and meaning of the card you see might suddenly "click," making you connect it to your current situation.

How does this connect with psychology?

1. It's a mirror to your subconscious: Many times, we aren't unaware of the answer, but our thoughts are obscured by various emotions and worries. Tarot cards are like a friend who suddenly shows you a picture and asks, "Hey, what does this make you think of?" For example, if you draw the Three of Swords (three swords piercing a heart), your first reaction might be "It hurts so much." Then, you'll follow that feeling to ponder, "What exactly am I heartbroken about? Is it unspoken disappointment, or suppressed grievances?" You see, the card doesn't tell you what the future holds; it merely helps you find an emotional breakthrough, allowing you to converse with your inner self.

2. Application of Jungian Psychology: Carl Jung, a master of psychology, proposed the concepts of "archetypes" and "synchronicity," which are perfectly suited for Tarot cards.

   • Archetype: The figures in Tarot cards, such as the Emperor, Empress, and Hierophant, are essentially universal "father," "mother," and "teacher" archetypes common in our culture. When you draw these cards, they can help you explore your relationship with these archetypal figures, or whether you exhibit traits of these archetypes yourself.
   • Synchronicity: Simply put, it's a "meaningful coincidence." You happen to draw this particular card at this specific moment, with this particular question, and its meaning resonates with your inner state. This isn't some mysterious force at work; rather, the "coincidence" itself is highly insightful, prompting you to pause and reflect on the meaning behind it.

For example:

Suppose you're feeling lost about your current job and unsure whether to resign.

• If you treat it merely as fortune-telling: You might draw the "Death" card and get scared, thinking, "It's over, I'm going to lose my job!"
• If you view it through a psychological lens: You would interpret the "Death" card as "the complete end of one phase and the beginning of a new one." It's not predicting you'll lose your job, but rather asking you: "Do you deep down feel that your current job situation is already 'dead'? Do you long for a complete break and a fresh start?" This card encourages you to confront the idea of "ending" and to consider what kind of "new beginning" you hope to embrace.

So, when Tarot cards are combined with psychology, they cease to be a tool for predicting the future and instead become a partner that helps you explore yourself, organize your thoughts, and clarify your true inner feelings. It doesn't give you a standard answer, but rather offers a "perspective" that allows you to understand yourself better.

Of course, and they are a perfect match! Many people misunderstand Tarot cards, thinking they are just a superstitious fortune-telling tool. However, from a psychological perspective, they are an excellent medium for self-exploration and communication.

You can think of Tarot cards as a mirror, or a set of symbolic "psychological images." They themselves possess no mystical power; their true power lies in how they trigger our inner thoughts and feelings.

The most frequently cited theory behind this is Jungian psychology. Let me explain it to you in plain language:

1. It's a "Translator" of the Unconscious

Jung believed that in addition to our personal consciousness and personal unconscious, each of us also has a deeper "collective unconscious." Simply put, this is a reservoir of experiences, emotions, and archetypal images accumulated by all humanity throughout its long development. For example, figures like "the hero," "the sage," or "the mother"—regardless of your cultural background, you'll have a general impression of them in your mind. These are "archetypes."

The 78 Tarot cards, especially the 22 Major Arcana (such as The Fool, The Magician, The Empress, The Tower), perfectly correspond to these "archetypes." They depict various classic roles, challenges, and states encountered on life's journey.

So, when you draw a card, like "The Hermit," you see more than just an old man with a lantern. The image on this card touches upon your collective unconscious memories regarding "solitary exploration," "seeking inner wisdom," and "temporary withdrawal from the crowd." Then, you unconsciously begin to think: "Do I also need some time alone recently?" "What answers am I seeking within myself?"

You see, it's not "predicting" the future, but rather "translating" the current state and needs of your unconscious.

2. It's an Excellent Tool for "Projection"

In psychology, there's a term called "projection." It means that we unconsciously attribute our own thoughts, emotions, desires, and even things we're unaware of, to others or other objects.

Tarot card images are often neutral, full of symbols open to multiple interpretations. When we face a card, such as "The Three of Cups," seeing three people raising their glasses in celebration, some might associate it with a joyful gathering with friends, feeling warmth and happiness. However, someone who has just experienced betrayal by a friend might see false friendship and superficial harmony, feeling cynicism and sadness.

Do you see? It's the same card, but everyone's interpretation is completely different. This interpretation is actually a projection of your inner world. By discussing "Why do you see this card this way?", a psychological counselor or Tarot reader can guide you to see your true inner thoughts and repressed emotions. It becomes a very safe starting point for dialogue.

So, how is this different from fortune-telling?

• Traditional fortune-telling tends to give you a "fixed" answer, telling you "what will" happen. This can make people passive, merely waiting for fate's decree.
• Using Tarot combined with psychology focuses on helping you ask the "right" questions, guiding you to look inward. It asks: "What situation does this card reflect for you right now?" "Facing this situation, what resources (the next card) do you have available?" "What is the outcome you truly desire (the card after that)?"

It shifts the focus from "what will happen in the future" to "what I can do now," emphasizing personal insight and subjective agency.

In summary, Tarot cards can play a wonderful role as an "icebreaker" and "catalyst" in psychological counseling and personal growth. They can bypass our brain's rational defenses, communicating directly with our unconscious through images and symbols, helping us better understand ourselves, discover the core of our problems, and find the strength to move forward. It doesn't tell you where the destination is, but hands you a map of your inner world, letting you decide where to go.