Healing Trauma with Tarot: A Journey to Inner Peace

If I told you that you could use tarot to help heal your trauma, you might need a little bit of convincing if you have only ever considered it a tool for fortune-telling.

The truth is, each of the 78 cards in the deck holds a unique story, a lesson, or a piece of wisdom, and so I always think it’s a shame when people only want to find out about cheating spouses, or problems at work.

When I lay out the cards, I’m essentially creating a map of your inner world, highlighting areas that need attention and healing.

Trauma loves to bury itself deep within us, sometimes so deeply that we’re not even fully aware that it exists. Tarot has this incredible ability to bring these hidden wounds to light.  

From my own personal experience, using tarot to heal trauma is like peeling back the layers of pain and allowing yourself to be reflected back to yourself in a way that encourages you to reclaim your power and find peace. 

I first learnt to use tarot in this way a few years ago because I was feeling stuck and overwhelmed by a traumatic relationship. Doing reads on my present didn’t help (I already knew what was happening right now and how I felt), and doing spreads on the future only frustrated me more since I couldn’t see an end to my current misery. 

In my first session, the Three of Swords appeared, symbolising heartbreak and pain. It was a clear indication of my unresolved trauma surrounding the relationship..

In each subsequent spread I did, The Moon card was prominent revealing hidden fears and subconscious patterns. This led me to journal about things in my past that I had never fully confronted. 

Each week I diligently had a session with myself, working through my emotions. The Star card, symbolising hope and healing, frequently appeared, encouraging me to believe in my ability to heal.

I began to see this traumatic relationship not as a defining aspect of my life but as a chapter that I could learn from and eventually close.

So, as well as making us aware of the pain we need to address, how else can tarot help aid our healing?

Providing Clarity and Understanding: Each tarot card carries specific meanings and messages. When dealing with trauma, these cards can offer insights into why certain events happened and how they’ve shaped us. Understanding the root of our pain and how it was designed to strengthen us is the first step toward healing.

Encouraging Emotional Release: The process of a tarot reading itself can be incredibly cathartic. As you explore the cards and their meanings, you may find yourself releasing pent-up emotions. Crying, journaling, or simply talking about what you see in the cards can be a healing release.

Guiding Toward Positive Action: Tarot doesn’t just highlight problems; it also offers solutions and guidance. The cards can suggest actions to take, mindsets to adopt, or paths to explore, helping you move forward in your healing journey.

Healing trauma is a journey, not a destination. Tarot can be a gentle, insightful guide on this path, helping you understand your pain, release emotional burdens, and find your way to inner peace. Remember, it's okay to take your time and be patient with yourself.

Tarot is a powerful tool, but it's important to remember that healing trauma can sometimes require additional professional support. Don't hesitate to seek help from a therapist alongside your tarot readings.

So, if you're feeling called to explore tarot as a healing tool, why not give it a try? I would be more than happy to help you along the journey. Find out more here.