Using Tarot Images as an empowerment tool in coaching.
The most basic information that a coach would need to know is that the tarot deck consists of 78 cards- 22 Major Arcana archetypal symbol of man/woman’s inner journey through life and its lessons, 56 Minor Arcana – divided into 40 “pip” or numbered cards- represent the outer life and environments and 16 Court cards – aspects of personality or people in your life. The 56 Minor cards are divided into four suits. Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. I have included some extra information. The tarot is a rich source of metaphors.
Wands,rods – fire energy, ignite, combust, illuminate - passion, inspiration, desire for growth-find value only in the meaning of an experience and have a purpose behind every action.
How can I creatively express who I am?
What inspires me and gets me fired up?
Cups – water energy, reflect, immerse, turbulent, buoyant, flow- emotions, love, relationships, imagination- provide nurturance, open to inner feeling, connectedness to others.
What are my emotional needs and how can I meet them?
What emotions are flooding me?
How receptive am I to this idea?
Swords – air energy, invention, communication, refinement, intellect – they dissect ideas think about it, talk about it, struggle with it, organize it, cut through anything focused on the issue- they judge solely on logic and reason, they thrive on the exchange of ideas and communication.
What is the philosophy of life and how does my lifestyle reflect that philosophy?
What needs to be communicated?
How am I defending myself and my ideas?
What is clouding the issue?
Pentacles – earth energy, develop, manifest, embody, grounded, establish a new sense of security, - home, money, traditions, control or power, things we value and rewards for work well done.
What are my physical and security needs and how do I meet them? What do I value?
How can I become more grounded?
How am I trying to establish security?
What is the diamond in this dust heap?
The suits alone help us understand on what level the client is dealing with the issue spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. The symbols help us create metaphor and language to build rapport with the client.
Pages-open and willing to take risks, messengers, study, learn, try out
Knights- adventurers, seeking new opportunities and insights, acquire new skills, expansion
Queens – embody maturity, stable, receptive, nurturing, understand what must be done to bring ideas into reality, inner and interpersonal mastery-Tell you what to do
Kings-mastery and maturity, commanding, outer accomplishments- Show you how to do it.
Number cards or PIP Cards
Ace- new energy, the realm of greatest potential, beginning, focus, new opportunities
Two- Choice, opposing energies, partnering, balance, decision
Three- creativity, co-operation, integration, blending, expression
Four – rest, realization, order, foundation, structure,
Fives – crisis, change, adversity, disturbance, conflict, difficulties, problem-solving
Sixes- choice, knowledge, support, collaboration, harmony, accomplishment
Sevens – challenges, tests, effort, taking chances, imagination and experiment, uncertainity
Eights – adjustments, acknowledgements, re-evaluation, redirection, efficiency, movement
Nines – limits, strengths, restoration, repose, culmination, completion
Tens –necessity, wholeness completion and new beginning, responsibilities, community, transformation
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