Using Tarot for Healing and Spiritual Growth
Susan Ezra, RN, HNC
Imagery International Newsletter, August 2004
Whether well versed or a neophyte, the reader will find Messages from the Archetypes an intriguing exploration into the history and application of the Tarot as a tool for self-exploration. I am familiar with the Tarot, but even if one is not Toni makes the system understandable and accessible to all readers. The book is user-friendly and direct.
Images predate the spoken word. Universal symbols have held meaning for humans since the beginning of time and across cultures. As images, the archetypes in the Tarot reveal information from the psyche and the spirit. As the author states, “We find archetypal symbols in our imagination, in our dreams and fantasies, and in the world of art, myth, legend, literature and religion.” (p. 58)
The Tarot is an ancient system of cards, each depicting one of the archetypal characters in our collective consciousness. By asking a question or focusing on a theme in one’s life or relationships, the cards that are drawn speak personally to the individual. It is a gentle way of teaching people about themselves through the cards, which represent “major universal principles that act in and through us.”
Archetypes, images, dreams, and symbols all come from the same source. The imagery process and Tarot counseling are two different means of accessing this subterranean source. “The spontaneous imagery or visualization found at the preconscious level of the self can uncover insights and wisdom beyond the knowing of the conscious ego.” (p. 48) During an imagery session, images arise from the deeper self to be revealed in a similar way. The archetypal images on the cards mirror characteristics to the individual for his or her reflection. Whether they come from the inside or the outside, the images come alive to offer healing information. Dipping into the rich symbolism within each figure, Toni brings them to life for us to use in our own lives.
I appreciate the stories and the case examples from diverse life issues that are sprinkled throughout the book. Toni is a good storyteller. The stories make the application of the Tarot easy to comprehend. There is also mention of caveats and some limitations about who would not be a good candidate for using this tool. I would have liked even more elaboration on this aspect. There are detailed descriptions about the messages from each archetype and how to go about conducting a reading. I would strongly recommend, as Toni does, that further training and mentoring are important for those considering using this tool professionally.
Overall, I would say this book is an enjoyable and informative primer.
Susan Ezra, RN, HNC is co-founder and co-director
of Beyond Ordinary Nursing, which offers the Nurses’ Certificate Program in
Imagery. She has 20 years of hospice nursing experience, and incorporates
imagery and complementary care into the medical model of hospice care. She is
also in private practice as a holistic nurse, providing stress management and
imagery for health promotion and healing and specializing in the area of
oncology. She currently shares a full-time position with Terry Reed, RN, HNC,
as a clinical supervisor in guided imagery at Mills-Peninsula Health Services,
where she provides imagery services to patients, staff and the community. Susan
can be contacted at sezra@aol.com