We have already delved into the rich history of Tarot, tracing its origins as a courtly game in the 1500s to its continued relevance and influence in the present day. Furthermore, we have explored the significant figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the evolution of Tarot. Now, it is time to turn our attention to an individual of immense importance in understanding Tarot from a psychological perspective: Carl Gustav Jung.
Carl Gustav Jung: a concise introduction
Let’s kick off with a concise introduction about this influential figure. Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and philosopher of the early ‘900. He is the founder of analytical psychology, which, in some aspects, is a response to Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis. Moreover, Jung’s involvement in esotericist thought was notable, always approaching it with a multidisciplinary and open mindset.
In 1907, Jung met Freud and assumed the role of the first president of the International Psychoanalytic Association. However, their paths diverged in 1912 when Jung published “Psychology of the Unconscious”, where he reveals the definition of the collective unconscious.
The unconscious, which manifests itself through archetypes and exerts influence on, as well as being influenced by, the individual unconscious. Later on, as we delve deeper, we will see how Jung connects this concept to the Tarot, identifying transformative archetypes within them.
Tarot reading from the lens of Carl Jung
To gain a deeper understanding of Jung’s perspective on Tarot, it’s essential to grasp the notion of Jungian archetypes.
The archetypes are fundamental and universal symbols, inherent in the collective unconscious and shared by all humans. They shape our perceptions, emotions, and behaviors, often manifesting in myths, dreams, and cultural symbols, representing various aspects of the human experience.
In short, as defined by britannica.com, archetypes are instinctive patterns, have a universal character, and are expressed in behavior and images.
With a keen eye, Jung recognizes profound archetypes of transformation within Tarot. Thanks to this brilliant thinker, Tarot transcends its role merely as a glimpse into the future; it becomes a powerful tool for understanding both the present and the future. The intriguing interplay of Tarot archetypes, their potential combinations, and individual interpretations (the individual unconscious) can unlock the essence of the present moment, providing valuable insights into the complexities of our lives.
Understanding the present, the hidden dynamics, and the shadows that shape our current reality equips us better to plan for the future. In this context, we can move away from the notion of a predetermined, fixed future – a perspective that offers little in terms of constructive outlook – and instead embrace a more active role in shaping our lives. This shift leads us towards a less esoteric and more psychological and introspective approach to Tarot. By doing so, we recognize Tarot as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth, a means to explore the deeper aspects of our psyche and the underlying factors influencing our life’s path.
But now let’s delve even deeper into the Jungian archetypes.
What are the 12 archetypes of Jung?
Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes presents twelve primary archetypes, each symbolizing fundamental human motivations and social roles. These archetypes are deeply ingrained in the collective unconscious and manifest in dreams, myths, and behaviors.
- The Self represents the unified unconscious and conscious mind, symbolizing the pursuit of wholeness and balance.
- The Shadow embodies the hidden, repressed, and often darker side of the personality.
- The Anima and the Animus represents the feminine aspect in men (anima) and the masculine aspect in women (animus), symbolizing the opposite gender energy within each individual.
- The Persona is the social face or mask one presents to the world, conforming to societal expectations and norms.
- The Father symbolizes authority, discipline, and protection, often representing traditional paternal figures or authority.
- The Mother represents nurturing, care, and fertility, often linked to the idea of creation and protection.
- The Child embodies innocence, rebirth, and salvation, often signifying new beginnings or the need for rebirth.
- The wise old Man serves as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and guidance, offering insight and advice.
- The Hero represents the pursuit of overcoming obstacles, achieving success, and self-sacrifice for a greater good.
- The Trickster is a symbol of mischief and the subversion of norms, challenging the status quo and introducing change.
- The Lover represents passion, intimacy, and deep emotional connections.
- The Sage embodies a quest for knowledge, understanding, and truth.
Jung’s archetypes offer a framework for comprehending universal themes in human life, reflecting shared experiences and instincts across cultures and time. This concept is equally applicable to Tarot, as we delve into the connections between archetypes and Tarot to discover the profound interplay between these symbolic realms.
Jung’s archetypes in the realm of Tarot
In the realm of Tarot, Carl Jung’s archetypes come to life, each card acting as a vivid representation of these deep-rooted universal patterns. The Tarot deck, in its rich symbolism, seems almost designed to reflect Jung’s conceptualization of the human psyche.
Take, for instance, the archetype of The Self. In Tarot, this could be seen in The World card, which signifies the completion and unity of the conscious and unconscious mind, much like Jung’s idea of individuation.
The Shadow, representing the darker, unacknowledged parts of the self, finds resonance in The Moon card, with its themes of mystery, the unknown, and the need to confront the hidden aspects of one’s psyche.
The Anima and Animus, embodying the feminine and masculine energies within, can be discerned in the polar energies of The Empress and The Emperor. These cards not only symbolize the literal mother and father figures but also the qualities of nurturing, intuition, authority, and structure.
The Persona, or the mask one wears in society, is akin to The Fool, which represents the beginning of a journey, the exploration of identity, and the roles one assumes in life. Similarly, The Hierophant often takes on the role of The Father archetype, symbolizing tradition, societal structures, and the passing down of knowledge and moral values.
The Empress card could be seen also as a reflection of The Mother archetype, with its connotations of fertility, care, and creation, just as The Sun card, radiating joy and innocence, captures the essence of The Child archetype, representing new beginnings and the purity of the uncorrupted spirit.
In the figure of The Hermit, we find echoes of The Wise Old Man, a beacon of introspection, wisdom, and guidance.
The Hero’s journey, a central motif in Jung’s theory, finds a parallel in The Chariot, depicting the triumph over obstacles and the courageous pursuit of goals. Lastly, The Magician can be seen as the embodiment of The Trickster archetype, with its connotations of cunning, transformation, and the subversion of the conventional.
In the Tarot, each card becomes a narrative in itself, a story that mirrors the human journey through these archetypal stages and experiences. The deck serves not just as a tool for divination but as a profound medium for psychological and introspective exploration, aligning seamlessly with Jung’s vision of the archetypal journey.
So, now that we’ve covered all these aspects, we can finally address the big question: What did Carl Jung think about tarot?
What did Carl Jung think about tarot?
As we’ve seen, Jung saw Tarot cards as representing archetypes of the human experience. He believed that the imagery in Tarot cards could serve as a mirror to the subconscious and could be used for self-reflection, offering insights into one’s mental and emotional states.
Jung did not use Tarot in the conventional sense of fortune-telling or predicting the future. Instead, he appreciated the Tarot for its ability to symbolically represent and communicate the dynamics of the human psyche. He viewed the Tarot as a form of what he called ‘synchronicity’, where the cards drawn in a reading could reflect the current psychological state and inner experiences of the individual.
The Major Arcana of the Tarot, for instance, unfolds with its rich, symbolic figures – The Fool, The Magician, The High Priestess, and so on. These are seen by Jung as depictions of various stages of psychological development and life situations. Each card, boasting unique imagery and symbolism, has the potential to offer a distinct perspective on an individual’s personal journey.
Dive into another psychological perspective on Tarot
While we’ve delved into Jung’s intriguing take on tarot, he’s not the sole explorer of the psychological sides within these cards. If you’re craving more, explore the captivating world of Alejandro Jodorowsky’s distinctive perspective on Tarot. Click below to embark on an exhilarating exploration of his visionary insights.
Alejandro Jodorowsky: a pioneer in the contemporary use of Tarot
