Self Love And Empowerment – Tarot Version
Hi All. I know that as my love for tarot has grown, it has become my primary focus in this blog. However, I don’t want to abandon those of you who were kind enough to stop by regularly to read my work on mental health, body liberation, self love and empowerment. These are still key parts of my life and focus, I’m just exploring them from a tarot angle as tarot is truly excellent as a hotline to your subconscious.
I am still sticking to the spreads book by Shannon Knight at The Tarot Diagnosis and when I was looking through today I was considering ways to return to my original topics a little more. That’s why the Self Love And Empowerment spread slapped me in the face, metaphorically of course!
The Self Love And Empowerment Spread
This is a medium spread, it’s not two cards but it’s not a massive Celtic cross spread either. It’s four cards and that seems nice and manageable. It’s also reminding me of the strength I posses as well as the love I direct into the world and into myself. On some spreads, my mind starts to think of what the answers to each question might be in advance. In the case of this spread I am genuinely drawing a blank, so the information will be a direct reaction to what I see in my cards.
The Deck
This one was an easy choice. I am normally not into cutesy decks at all but the Happy Tarot simply stole my heart. I wanted to use it as a deck for inner child work but I feel that self love and empowerment also very much fit the bill. The deck it so perky and, well, happy that I feel it will help me learn where I love myself and what my strengths are.
If this deck appeals to you the good news is that it’s a mass-market deck available for Amazon and other retailers. I should warn you that it’s by Lo Scarabeo, so it only comes with a little white book which is almost a pamphlet. There will only be a brief description of each card’s meaning. If you want a bigger guidebook this might not be the one for you. The images are very clear, though, so you may get a lot of meanings just by looking at the cards.
My Reading
Current Strength – Two of Cups. The first thing I noticed was that they’re baking, I am a good baker! What it also speaks of is an equal exchange of love, respect and kindness. I do believe I am a very kind and giving person and that i have a lot to give to the world. My instinct is always to help people and put others first. It’s why I keep wondering about finding a career where I can do that.
Recent Positive Experiences – Judgement. I am not where I want to be but I am not where I was either. I have made progress and begun evolving into a new version of myself. I have found a spiritual path through tarot and paganism and I have begun my healing process by going to therapy and trying to work through my issues through tarot work. I’m trying to find activities I enjoy and learn more about who I am meant to be. The keyword for the Judgement card is evolution and I am definitely evolving.
The Energy I Lovingly Give To Others – Three of Cups. I am a naturally friendly person and I do enjoy cooking for others and taking care of them. I can be quite funny and so my energy is one of fun, food and support. I do tend to work well with others and enjoy achieving things together. My energy is one of love and the fact that I will always try to help and support others if I possibly can.
The Energy I Lovingly Give To Myself – Ten of Swords. Oookaaay. Not an ideal card in this position! I have two perspectives on this card. The first is my own by looking at it and mulling it over for a while. The second comes from descriptions in Kitchen Table Tarot by Melissa Cynova and All Of Our Stories by Beth Maiden. (BTW I don’t have a commision account, I get nothing for posting the links).
So, my thought was that the energy I lovingly give myself is the knowledge that the worst is now over and that I am beginning to heal from the trauma of my past. I felt stuck for so long and taking these steps forward is the best way I can possibly show love for myself.
The insights I got from the books is that sometimes it’s ok to admit you’re down. You’re pinned to the floor, feeling like crap and it’s ok to have a little whine about it while you lie there as long as yu don’t stay there too long. So, to love myself I’m going to allow myself to rage and cry about how bloody unfair my situation is.
I didn’t ask to be different and have endless trouble fitting in. I didn’t ask for my dad to leave my mum for another woman and cause her permanent damage to her mental health. I didn’t ask her to meet and marry stepdad which made my life an absolute misery. I didn’t ask her to trauma dump all over me and leave me in a state of constant worry. I didn’t ask to bullied at school cos I was weird.
In short, I didn’t make this damned mess and it shouldn’t be on me to clean it up!! The shit part is that it is on me because there’s no one else. No one can wave a magic wand and fix my wounds. I can’t take a pill and wake up healed. I have to make the long, hard slog myself.
Ok! Claireymoo’s whinge is over and it’s time to get back to work on healing. It is a true gift letting myself vent though, thank you for listening if you’re still here 😃
Don’t Forget Self Love And Empowerment Is For You Too
I hope you enjoyed my self love and empowerment spread and if anything I’ve said resonates with you, please take it with my love. If you try this spread yourself, please let me know in the comments as I’d love to hear what cards emerged for you. Take care of yourselves and give yourselves a great big hug xx
