Shadow Work
The Shadow Reading
Here's the “tea” on Tarot - tarot readings can be used as a form of shadow work and we’ll tell you how!
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There are multiple ways to interpret a tarot spread. Commonly, the cards are used as a guide to your near future or a way to read the current energy. What many don't know is that tarot readings are also used as a form of intuitive life coaching and you can DIY it! Read on to learn how…
The Basics - A tarot deck will always have major Arcana (the unique cards such as ‘the Fool’) and minor Arcana (the four suits, often Swords, Pentacles,Wands & Cups). Some decks include specialized additional cards and/or aspects to the cards. When you are starting out, you learn the common meanings, the main symbolism and any unique aspects so you can go about your reading. Traditionally you learn a few spreads to make divining information easier. You may even learn about common card pairings (where cards have a meaning together) and “reverse readings” (which are often seen as blocks or opposing forces). Those reverse meanings, are the focus today because those reversed cards are where your shadow sits.
For a shadow reading, the major arcana will signify major life events and lessons, while the minor arcana will stand for everyday feelings, thoughts, and messages. During any tarot reading, be mindful of the process. We recommend journaling about the cards as you pull them, including feelings, thoughts and messages that come forward. This is a great way to keep a record of your progress over readings as well. Reflection is key when healing the less desirable parts of self so if you learn something surprising or new about yourself that feels right don’t be afraid to put it down where you can see it and keep yourself accountable for even the less perfect parts of you. Know those parts of yourself are an incredible asset in everything from decision making to having successful relationships.
Let’s pull a 3 card shadow spread and see what comes forward. If you’ve read this far this may have some meaning for you so pay attention 💜
Lets take a look…
The Star ⭐️
+ Generally a positive card about finding hope, inspiration and peace - the shadow side may be about false hope, illusions, being stingy or not having faith in yourself. This could even be a message of disconnection with oneself or spirit. Even though this image is face up with a shadow reading we intentionally ‘feel into both sides’ and there is no judging. The idea is to jot down the ways in which you fit the + and - aspects.
[Carl Jung one of the father’s of modern psychology said that much of our pain came from not accepting our shadow aspects so embrace your true self + and minus.]
The Moon 🌙
- The moon is naturally a shadow card; it is the realm of fear, overwhelm and distortion, though it may well spring to life our imagination and fantastic self + let go of inner demons, engage in creative pursuits, learn to use your intuition, find your path. Paired with the moon next door it warns of anxiety, fear and problems to come if we fail to pay attention. I hear you starting to get nervous but remember our intention is shadow work not fortunetelling so you don’t need to worry that this pretends something ominous. Ask yourself - have I been on edge lately? Have I been seeing red flags but not dealing with them? What do I want to do about it going forward?
Death ☠️
+ Endings, transitions, life events, powerful forces - Fresh Start, the hard parts have passed, changes are strengthening you, you are accepting fate. Often times, this card has a kind of scare factor but isn’t really that scary! The shadow side of the death card would be transformation - it also represents humanity’s tendency to resist change. Ask yourself if you are ready to work through your fears around change? Are you ready to move into a phase where you can take on some calculated risks? Do you like playing it safe? How will you go forward? The choice is yours!
The Wrap up …
Keep in mind you don’t have to change anything unless you want to. It’s all about accepting the tough love reflections that come back to us through this universal mirror. You can make changes or you can love yourself exactly as you are, shadow and all. The way to progress is to let yourself journal, observe, reflect and, only if you want, to prescribe changes, and this is how you can move forward letting the cards and your intuition lead you. If you trust the process tarot can help you by-pass months of expensive therapy - and who isn’t looking for that?
by Sophia Morando & Elizabeth Black ©AmethystHouseLLC
