We had a nice, relaxing weekend that included a lot of Tarot talk and general discussion about positive change. Rather than discussing a particular card today, I wanted to talk about intention and self-reflection as a precursor to change, as this is a really fundamental part of how I have used Tarot as a tool for impactful change in myself.

Part of our discussion this weekend was about how it can be very easy to read for some people and difficult for others, and that the difference usually lies in how receptive they are to the reading. If they walk into the reading with a desire to understand more about their intention, the reading is usually awesome and well-communicated, with a plan of action (homework) to take with them. If they approach the reading with an attitude that there is nothing to gain, don't take it seriously, or aren't willing to accept the insights, then the energy in the reading tends to feel chaotic and washed out.

That is why intention is so important to Tarot: it leads the direction of the reading and provides purpose and awareness of what is being said. It can also open the door to self-reflection.

This self-reflection is what inspires personal growth and change.

I see "change" as coming in two different flavors: reactive and proactive. I think of this like the difference between having to find a new job because you were laid off versus wanting more and searching out and applying for a job that better matches your qualifications and career trajectory. While change happens in both, one is more controlled because we choose to change. We choose to be present.

I mean, we all know that change is unavoidable; it affects literally every aspect of our lives from fluctuations in our weight to whatever is happening with the weather to inflation. Most change that happens around us is beyond our control (and can be an extreme source of anxiety if we allow it to be), and most of us (especially young children) are adverse to change. But recognizing that change is needed in order for things to be able to improve is how we bring about awareness and purpose for personal growth. It adds that sense of control in what could otherwise be a chaotic evolution, a half-assed or short-lived attempt at change, or, even worse, a missed opportunity for growth altogether.

Meaningful change can occur when you first recognize there is something that needs to change, often seen through self-reflection brought on by observing something negative that has happened to you or someone close to you. Personal behaviors, lifestyles, involvement in certain situations, learned attitudes, biases, and expectations... these things must first be recognized and accepted as part of our shadow self before we can embrace them and transform them into something that moves us forward. Why do these dark feelings exist? Where did they come from? What triggers them to appear? Having these dark attributes is part of being human and does not make you a bad person; recognizing them in yourself allows you to channel how they are expressed in your life and puts the control back in your hands.

There are 5 key themes when it comes to change through intention:

1. Conscious Awareness: Intention grows from conscious awareness, where we become aware of our desires and goals. It involves the ability to focus our attention and energy on a particular direction or purpose.
2. Purposeful Action: When someone has a clear intention, it drives them to act in ways that align with that intention. It can be as simple as intending to get out of bed in the morning on time or as complex as finishing your education and getting a Master's degree.
3. Motivation and Drive: Intention provides motivation and drive to accomplish something. It gives meaning and direction to our actions, guiding us toward our desired outcomes.
4. Influence on Perception: Intention can also shape our perception of events and experiences. It affects how we interpret situations and the meaning we attribute to them. It allows us to be present in situations while understanding the goings-on from a new or altered perspective.
5. Impact on Behavior: Our intentions often influence how we interact with others and the choices we make in various situations. They can impact our relationships, communication, and overall behavior. These changes in our behaviors are also often visible and seen by others, which can be an inflection point to encourage change in others as well.

Tarot also offers some beacons of inspiration that can serve as mentors:

• The Emperor: Ever the father, The Emperor encourages you to look for structure, order, and routine. He encourages you to set goals and make plans to find stability as you grow. Having a plan in place to see you through to your end goal is necessary to see things through.
• The Hanged Man: If there were ever a time to step back, be present, and look at things from a new perspective, it's now - and The Hanged Man is there to serve as the reminder.
• The Moon: Hidden in the dark are parts of us that we are embarrassed, ashamed, disgusted, scared, and mortified of. Remember though, that they are just as much a part of you as the good parts. Recognizing them and accepting that they exist is part of finding peace in yourself and allows you to find acceptance and control.
• The Star: Remember that change also breeds humility and the need to look outside ourselves for guidance and assistance. This comes in the shape of family, friends, associations, and other forms of positive support.

I KNOW that self-reflection is extremely powerful when we allow it to be and are open to the new perceptions we discover. No one is perfect, but as we are aware of ourselves, our behaviors, and our attitudes, we can find the union between our lighter and darker-self to ultimately, one day, become our best self.

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