More Than Belief: Embracing Tarot and Astrology as Tools for Growth
Growing up, I was taught that tarot, witches, and astrology were bad—dangerous even. That belief was deeply tied to my religious upbringing. Even now, I’m discreet about my love for tarot and astrology because of the lingering stigma.
Recently, someone I know—a person I’ve always considered kind, thoughtful, and understanding—caught me off guard by condescendingly asking, “Do you really believe in that?” His tone surprised me, and his words made me feel diminished. In the moment, I gave a half-hearted response, something along the lines of what I’ve developed here:
“I use tarot and astrology as tools for self-discovery and personal development, not as a matter of belief.”
But I didn’t say it with much conviction, and that bothered me. Later, in a moment of beautiful synchronicity, I stumbled upon a copy of Pam Gregory’s book, You Don’t Really Believe in Astrology, Do You? It reminded me how common that question is—and how much misunderstanding surrounds these practices.
Tarot and Astrology: Tools, Not Beliefs
For a long time, I struggled to explain why tarot and astrology matter to me. People often oversimplify them as matters of faith, like religion, but they are not about belief. They are tools—much like language, maps, or mirrors—that help us navigate life and reflect on our inner world.
How are Tarot and Astrology Are Like Language, Maps, and Mirrors?
Language:
Tarot and astrology are symbolic systems, like a language with its own vocabulary and grammar. Astrology uses planetary positions and aspects as a “grammar” of cosmic patterns, while tarot cards provide a rich “vocabulary” of archetypes and themes. Both help articulate thoughts and emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Maps:
Astrology is like a map of the heavens, offering a "cosmic GPS" for understanding the energies at play in your life. Tarot, on the other hand, serves as a map of your subconscious, guiding you through choices, challenges, and personal growth.
Mirrors:
Tarot acts like a mirror, reflecting your thoughts, emotions, and subconscious patterns. It doesn’t predict the future but helps you gain clarity and perspective about where you are and where you might want to go.
These comparisons highlight how tarot and astrology provide frameworks for reflection and self-awareness rather than dogma or blind faith.
Finding Conviction in Self-Discovery
That conversation left me unsettled because I realized I hadn’t fully owned my relationship with tarot and astrology. It was a reminder that sharing these interests requires not just understanding but confidence in how they serve me.
Tarot and astrology are deeply personal practices. They’ve helped me explore my thoughts, clarify my goals, and understand patterns in my life. When I reflect on how they function—not as something to “believe in” but as tools for self-reflection—it strengthens my connection to them and my ability to explain their value to others.
A Practice Worth Embracing
Pam Gregory’s book reminded me how common it is to face skepticism. But it also reaffirmed that these practices are valid, meaningful, and powerful tools for those who resonate with them. The next time someone asks me if I “believe in that,” I’ll feel more prepared to respond with both clarity and confidence.
Tarot and astrology aren’t about convincing anyone else. They’re about the insights, growth, and clarity they offer you. And that’s worth embracing.