Carl Jung and the Psychology of Tarot: How Symbolic Archetypes Shape Our Minds

Tarot is often dismissed as mere fortune-telling, yet, beneath its mystical surface, lies a profound psychological language. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung saw Tarot not as superstition, but as a living map of the human psyche, a mirror of our unconscious, where ancient symbols reflect universal truths about who we are. Through this lens, each card becomes not a prediction, but an invitation to dialogue with the self, revealing what words often cannot express.

In this article, we’ll explore Jung’s perspective on Tarot, how it connects to his theories of the unconscious mind, and why it remains relevant today.

Jung’s Archetypes and the Tarot

Carl Jung developed the concept of the collective unconscious, a deep layer of the mind that contains shared symbols and motifs across all cultures. He called these recurring patterns archetypes, which include figures like:

• The Hero – a character who embarks on a transformative journey.

• The Shadow – the hidden, often darker aspects of the self.

• The Wise Old Man/Woman – a mentor figure offering wisdom.

These same archetypes appear throughout mythology, dreams, and even Tarot cards. For example, the Fool in the Tarot represents the hero at the start of their journey, while Death symbolizes transformation rather than literal endings.

Modern research in psychology supports Jung’s idea that symbols and metaphors have measurable effects on our cognition and emotional processing. Studies in narrative therapy and symbolic cognition show that when people work with images or archetypes, like those in Tarot, the brain activates regions linked to imagination, empathy, and insight. In other words, engaging symbolically allows us to bypass analytical resistance and reach the subconscious in ways that logic alone cannot.

Tarot as a Psychological Tool

So how can Tarot be used psychologically, not mystically, but meaningfully? When you draw a card, you externalise an inner state. The symbols on the card act as mirrors, helping you articulate what’s often unspoken. A Jungian approach invites you to notice which card draws your attention, what emotion it stirs, and what archetype it awakens in you — The Fool, The Lovers, The Hermit, The Death. Each becomes a chapter in your inner story, waiting to be interpreted not for prediction, but for self-understanding.

Why Tarot Still Matters Today

Jung’s perspective on Tarot has influenced modern psychology, coaching, and therapy, where symbolic tools are used for introspection. Some practitioners use Tarot as a form of self-reflection rather than divination, helping people clarify emotions and life challenges.

While Tarot remains a controversial topic in scientific circles, Jung’s framework provides a grounded, psychological approach to its use. It’s not about supernatural forces, it’s about understanding the symbols that shape our thoughts and behaviors.

While Tarot is deeply psychological, another form of symbolic interpretation, the Runes, has historical and linguistic significance. In our next post, we’ll explore how Dr. Stephen Flowers has studied runes through a scholarly lens, bridging the gap between history, magic, and academia.

Do you use Tarot for self-reflection? What’s your take on Jung’s interpretation? Share your thoughts in the comments!