Who’s Speaking to You through Tarot Cards? (Hint: It May Be You)

Many Tarot practitioners believe that the cards can serve as a conduit for communication with spirits or divine entities. But have you considered maybe it’s tapping into your own subconscious mind, which is a surprisingly powerful source of wisdom?

We’re going to take a look at some of the prevailing theories about the origins of the insights we get from tarot. We’ll talk about theories from external spiritual sources to the untapped well of insight within each of us.

You may be surprised to discover that the true “speaker” behind the cards could be none other than your own intuitive self. And the bottom line is: you decide for yourself what you’re getting from tarot.

The Spiritual Hypothesis: Channeling Entities and Divine Guidance

One of the most common beliefs about Tarot is that the cards connect us to spiritual guides, angels, or even departed loved ones. According to this theory, when you draw a Tarot card, you’re tapping into a higher realm of consciousness and whatever entities exist there.

This would mean that Tarot readers are basically mediums channeling messages from these spiritual sources and interpreting them. The cards are tools that open portals to other dimensions, allowing us to access knowledge and insight that transcends the physical world.

This spiritual interpretation suggests we are all connected to a vast, unseen network of divine intelligence. The cards become a conduit for tapping into this universal consciousness, allowing us to receive guidance, wisdom, and even glimpses of the future.

The Psychological Hypothesis: Accessing Your Inner Wisdom

But there’s another school of thought that attributes the card’s insights to a more internal source: our own subconscious mind. This psychological take on the cards suggests that the true “speaker” behind the Tarot is not a disembodied entity, but rather our own intuitive, inner voice.

The idea is that when we engage with the Tarot, we’re not actually channeling messages from external spiritual realms. Instead, we’re accessing the well of knowledge, experience, and wisdom that resides within our own psyche.

In this view, the cards serve as a mirror that reflects back our own intuitions, fears, desires, and deeper truths. Things that we may not always be consciously aware of, but that nevertheless shape our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

If this sounds disappointing compared to the spiritual theory, note that the unconscious mind is vastly powerful, capable of making amazing calculations the best-trained conscious minds cannot. When we interpret the cards, we’re essentially tapping into the subconscious part of our mind that holds insights that can help us find answers.

In this scenario, the cards are a tool for self-exploration and personal growth, allowing us to uncover our own inner guidance and resources. You don’t need to believe in divine entities or spirits to get a lot out of tarot.

The Blended Approach: Integrating the Spiritual and Psychological

It doesn’t have to be either/or. Many Tarot readers believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, readings serving as a bridge between the spiritual and psychological realms.

In this case, when we engage with the cards, we may be tapping into a combination of external spiritual energies and our own inner intuition, creating a rich and multi-layered experience of insight and self-discovery.

This approach acknowledges that your mind isn’t a closed-off system, but rather one that is deeply interconnected with the broader spiritual and energetic dimensions of the universe. The Tarot, then, becomes a tool for navigating the interplay between the seen and unseen, the conscious and subconscious, the individual and the collective.

The Role of Archetypes in Tarot

One fascinating concept often discussed in relation to Tarot is the idea of archetypes. Archetypes are universal symbols and patterns that appear across cultures, religions, and myths throughout human history.

These archetypes represent fundamental aspects of the human experience, such as the Hero, the Lover, the Shadow, or the Wise Old Man. In Tarot, each card represents its own archetype, embodying distinct energies and themes.

For example, The Fool represents new beginnings and unlimited potential, while The Tower symbolizes upheaval and transformation. These archetypes resonate deeply with us because they reflect shared human experiences, tapping into something primal and universal.

From a psychological perspective, working with these archetypes can help us better understand ourselves and our place in the world. They act as a framework for exploring our personal stories and help us connect to a larger narrative of growth, struggle, and triumph.

Intuition as a Muscle You Can Strengthen

One thing many people don’t realize is that intuition isn’t just some magical ability that a select few possess—it’s something we all have, and it can be developed and strengthened over time. Think of intuition as a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Your intuition may speak to you in different ways—through gut feelings, flashes of insight, or even subtle images or words that pop into your mind. When you practice Tarot consistently, you’re essentially giving your intuition a workout. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in how your intuitive mind communicates with you.

The key is to trust what comes up, even if it doesn’t make logical sense right away. If a certain card gives you an unexpected feeling or brings to mind an unusual image, pay attention to that. These intuitive nudges are often where the most profound insights come from.

To strengthen this connection, try pairing your Tarot practice with activities like meditation or creative visualization. These practices quiet the analytical part of your brain and create space for your intuitive mind to come forward.

Building Your Personal Connection to the Cards

Ultimately, the most powerful way to work with Tarot is to develop a personal relationship with it. While guidebooks and external interpretations can be helpful starting points, it’s important to trust your own impressions and associations.

One way to do this is by keeping a Tarot journal. Each time you do a reading, write down the cards you pulled, what they mean to you in that moment, and any insights or feelings that arise. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in how certain cards show up for you or how their meanings evolve based on your experiences.

Another tip is to spend time with each card individually—not during a reading—just to get familiar with its imagery and symbolism. Ask yourself questions like: What emotions does this card evoke? What symbols stand out to me? How does this card relate to my life right now?

By building this personal connection, you’ll start to feel more confident in your readings and more attuned to the unique “voice” of your deck.

Developing Your Intuitive Relationship with Tarot

No matter which theory you subscribe to – or whether you believe in a blended approach – the key to unlocking the true “speaker” behind the Tarot cards lies in developing your own intuitive relationship with the practice.

The goal is to go beyond the card meanings you read in a book and start understanding the cards in your own way, through your own intuition and/or divine guidance. To do this, you need to tune out the conscious mind and tune into the symbols of the cards, and allow the insights to flow through them organically.

This intuitive approach to Tarot takes time and practice to develop it. But if you stick with it, you’ll learn to access the deeper wisdom that lies within the cards – no matter where the wisdom is coming from.

Some ways to get started include:

Regular meditation and mindfulness exercises to quiet the mind and heighten your sensitivity
Journaling and self-reflection to explore the personal associations, symbols, and archetypes that resonate with you
Developing a daily or weekly Tarot practice, where you draw cards and sit with their messages without rushing to interpret them
Paying close attention to your bodily sensations, intuitive flashes, and felt sense of the cards as you read them
Cultivating an attitude of curiosity, openness, and non-judgment, rather than approaching the cards with rigid expectations

Whether you believe the Tarot is channeling messages from the spiritual realm or simply reflecting back the wisdom of your own subconscious, one thing is certain: the cards are a powerful tool for giving you new insights.

The true “speaker” behind the Tarot may not be a disembodied entity or a divine force – it may be the powerful, intuitive voice of your own inner wisdom, waiting to be heard.

The Role of Synchronicity in Tarot Readings

Another intriguing concept tied to Tarot is synchronicity—a term coined by psychologist Carl Jung to describe meaningful coincidences that seem to defy logical explanation. When you shuffle and draw cards during a Tarot reading, the idea is that the cards you pull aren’t random; they’re synchronistically aligned with your current energy or situation.

For example, let’s say you’re grappling with a major life decision and draw The Lovers card, which often represents choices and alignment with values. You might interpret this as a sign that the decision you’re facing is deeply tied to what truly matters to you at a heart level. The appearance of this card at this moment feels significant—not because of any supernatural force per se, but because of the alignment between your inner state and the message of the card.

Believing in synchronicity doesn’t necessarily require a spiritual worldview. Even from a psychological standpoint, paying attention to “coincidences” can help you tune into your subconscious mind and uncover insights you might otherwise overlook. In this way, synchronicity can act as a bridge between the external world and your inner wisdom.

Tarot as a Tool for Empowerment

One of the most empowering aspects of Tarot is that it puts you in the driver’s seat of your own life. Whether you see the cards as messages from a higher power or reflections of your own subconscious, they ultimately serve as tools to help you make decisions, set goals, and navigate challenges.

Unlike some forms of divination that might feel deterministic—suggesting that your fate is set in stone—Tarot emphasizes free will. The cards might show potential outcomes based on your current path, but they also highlight areas where you have the power to make changes. In this way, Tarot readings are less about predicting the future and more about helping you shape it.

When you approach Tarot with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, it encourages self-reflection and personal growth. You’re not just asking “What will happen?”—you’re also asking “What can I do?” and “How can I grow from this experience?” This shift in perspective can be incredibly empowering.

Using Tarot for Shadow Work

Shadow work is another area where Tarot can be an invaluable tool. Shadow work involves exploring the parts of yourself that you usually keep hidden—your fears, insecurities, and unresolved emotions. These “shadow” aspects often hold us back in ways we’re not even aware of.

Because Tarot cards tap into the subconscious mind, they’re particularly well-suited for shadow work. Let’s say you draw a card like The Devil or The Moon—cards often associated with fear, illusion, or temptation. Rather than seeing these as negative omens, you can use them as prompts to explore what’s lurking beneath the surface. What fears or habits might be keeping you stuck? What illusions might be clouding your judgment?

By facing these shadow elements head-on, you can begin to integrate them into your conscious awareness and transform them into sources of strength and wisdom.

Tarot as a Creative Spark

In addition to its spiritual and psychological uses, Tarot can also be a fantastic tool for creativity. Many writers, artists, and musicians use Tarot cards as prompts to overcome creative blocks or spark new ideas.

For instance, if you’re working on a story and feeling stuck, try pulling a few cards to create characters or plot points. A card like The Magician might inspire a character who’s resourceful and charismatic but perhaps a bit overconfident. A card like The Tower could suggest a dramatic turning point where everything falls apart before being rebuilt.

Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, using Tarot creatively can help you think outside the box and see situations from fresh perspectives.