Tarot Practice - Body, Mind, Spirit

Dear Tarotists,

The long and brutal winter is almost over and it’s a relief to know it will be a wee bit easier from now on to keep our bodies, minds and spirits up and running in the coming months. But I also know not every day is sunny like today so for those days when the sun doesn’t shine and life doesn’t chime, I have a little spread for you and your favorite cards…just to get by. It’s an old one but a very handy one when you want to take a peep inside your out-of-kilter selves. 

BODY-MIND-SPIRIT

This is the classic three card spread that is shown in most beginner tarot books. I have extended it into a three by three question format where we can get more clarity into the situation, understand the nature of the problem and how to resolve it. On any particular day, you may find an issue with either the body or the mind or the spirit or all three. Accordingly, you can consult the cards for insight. Remember, however, that the insight will come from you, the cards are only a trigger. Do not worry about the memorized meanings of the cards, let the illustrations guide you and form associations in your mind about your particular situation.

The Layout:

For all the sample readings shown here, I have used the mini Pamela Colman Smith Rider Waite tarot deck from US Games Systems, copyright 2009-2015.

Draw three cards for any or all of the three areas - body, mind and spirit.  

1The Body

The first step will be recognizing the problem with the body. Ask the question and draw a card.

·       I am lacking energy. Or, I am feeling lethargic. What exactly is happening?

In the sample reading above I have drawn the World card. This is what is happening. I am comfortable in my surroundings. I am lazing around in my cozy spot, on the bed or the sofa. I am surrounded by my favorite things (the animal and human figures on the four corners of the card)  – there’s plenty of food and drink, there’s the TV and the internet.. I don’t feel like getting dressed or being up and about.

Here, I am seeing the image of the woman in the wreath as someone lazing in bed. Traditionally, this figure is considered to be striking a dancing pose. Someone else may see it as dancing, or exercising. For instance, too much exercise leading to tiredness, etc. Allow yourself to see your specific situation in the image. All answers are found within. Trust your own impression.

The second question is about knowing why the situation has arisen.

·       Why am I feeling tired/lazy?

Two of Wands: The reason I am feeling so lazy is that I do not want to leave my creature comforts (the globe in hand) and venture out. But there is also a feeling inside me that if I want something good to happen, I will need to make the effort. I am conflicted; I want comfort but I also want achievement (contradictory feeling is implied by the man holding globe in one hand and wand in the other). I will need to cross that boundary and move out of my comfort zone. I am tired because I am sticking to comfort and not exerting myself.

Lastly, I need to know what to do in order to break this unhealthy pattern.

·       How can I address this feeling and get my energy back?

The Magician: The Magician is exhorting me to make a beginning. For my body to feel good I have to act. In order to manifest action in the real world, I have to first make an intention in my mind, to act. As above, so below. I have to get this idea in my head and my body will follow suit. I must conquer the weakness in my mind, summon up my will power and act now. The energy generated in my mind will flow into my body and the feeling of lethargy will melt away. I must get out of my bed, stand up and start my chores right away.

2  The Mind

Recognize if something feels off in the mental realm. Ask the following questions.

·       I am restless. Or, I am unable to focus my mind on anything. What is happening?

Knight of Wands: This is what is happening. My mind is racing like the horse of this energetic Knight, kicking its heels and not looking where it is going. The horse is not guided by its own will, and this is how my mind feels right now. As if someone else is in control not me.  

·       Why can’t I concentrate?

Six of Pentacles: I can’t concentrate because like the wealthy man in the card who has decided to be generous to people, I am distributing/scattering my mental energy in different areas. I am not consistent with the time and energy I am giving to these tasks I am responsible for. There is no sense of prioritization.

·       How can I make my mind calm and focused?

Ace of Wands: Do one thing at a time. Take ownership of it and finish it. Do not let the mind wander, tame it with your superior inner strength and lead it in your chosen direction, just like the Knight leads the horse.

3The Spirit

Recognize if there is a lack of drive or passion. Ask the following questions.

·       I am bored. Or, I am not interested in my work.  What is happening?

Three of Pentacles: I am not enjoying my work. It feels routine and uninspiring. I am told to do something and I do it but without any passion. Sometimes, I just delegate it to the junior team members.   

·       Why am I so disinterested in everything? Why do I feel so apathetic?

Ten of Cups: The reason I don’t feel interested in my work is that I am thinking about my family who are pestering me to take a break and go on a vacation with them. I feel I need a vacation.  

·       How can I get the interest and passion back in my work?

Nine of Wands: This is a crucial time for my project and the team members are looking for my support. I must feel responsible and not let my lack of interest undermine the entire effort. Once the project is over, I can go on a vacation with my family. I must be strong and think of the greater good and realize how the lives of so many people, including my own family, depend on the quality of my work.

Remember to keep it simple and let the answers flow out of you in a natural, unhurried and relaxed manner. Let the images speak to you, in your own words. Until next time…happy taroting!