Tarot Through a Jungian Lens
At Tarot Amplified we view Tarot through a Jungian lens, so that readings can facilitate personal growth via the process that Jung called individuation. Similar in some ways to dream analysis, working with Tarot in this way brings together different elements of the psyche. In so doing, we make use of what Jung called the “transcendent function,” which grows out of the tension between consciousness and the unconscious, and creates a “middle ground on which the opposites can be united.”1
Synchronicity
Working with Tarot from this perspective employs the principle of “synchronicity” – a term that Jung originated in the 1920s to refer to events that happen at more-or-less the same time, and appear to be related in a meaningful way, but have no apparent causal connection. Jung refined the concept of synchronicity working with physicist Wolfgang Pauli. Jungian analyst Ken James describes this as when “matter and psyche, or the so-called outer world and the so-called inner world meet at the point of meaning.” In the context of Tarot he refers to this as “an evoked synchronicity.”
Amplification
Amplification is a technique of association that uses comparative study of mythology, religion, fairy tales, and related phenomena to interpret images in dreams – or in our case, Tarot cards.
Psychological Context
Jung compares deciphering the unconscious to the process of trying to understand a fragment of a document, or a text containing unknown words. One might compare a series of passages in which the word occurs or examine the “web of associations” in which an image occurs.2
Encircled and Expanded
Like dreams, Tarot readings can serve as “compensation.” Jung described consciousness as “selective,” and believed that, in response, the unconscious “compensated” – balancing or supplementing the “conscious orientation.” In a process analogous to what occurs in dreams, these contents can emerge in readings.3 In the context of discussing alchemy, Jung wrote “… [A] dream is too slender a hint to be understood until it is enriched by the stuff of association and analogy and thus amplified to the point of intelligibility.”4
Archetypal Images
Sometimes referred to as “transpersonal” images, these must be examined in their historical symbolic context. The human psyche, Jung writes, “is a natural phenomenon like the psyche of animals and is rooted in inborn instincts which bring their own specific forms with them and so constitute the heredity of the species.”5
What Our Clients Are Saying
See what clients have to say about Tarot Amplified….
“Clark’s no-nonsense reading style paired with his deep knowledge in Jungian concepts gave me a good look into where I have been unconsciously holding myself back. He explained the card positions and possible meanings very clearly and his insights opened up a discussion that got me out of my own head.”
C.G.
IT consultant
“As a curious person and also a bit of a skeptic. I was surprised and delighted with my readings! Clark was informative about the process and insightful with the readings which proved to be helpful and a bit eye opening to new possibilities.”
S.H.
Retired professional
“Clark has done several fascinating readings for me. I appreciate his calm and informative insights.”
B.B
Artisan, academic
“What stood out most was how Clark created a calm and chill space where the reading felt personal and thoughtful. He shared some spot-on reflections and helped me to understand the process and card interpretation. If you’re looking for a reader who brings sincerity and clarity to their practice, I highly recommend giving Clark a try.”
M.S.
Productivity consultant and coach
“Clark facilitated two fascinating tarot readings for me. Both times, it was an intriguing, woo-free experience where Clark’s interpretation of the cards helped me investigate aspects of my own life, past situations, and opportunities where I might take more active control. … I appreciated that Clark used “meanings” assigned to the cards, in concert with questions and consultation, to create an opportunity for me to analyze and work through my questions. I liked that we got to think through the implications of each card, and the reading as a whole, as reflections on the situation surrounding my initial question. A tarot reading with Clark is a great way to get some traction when you’re stuck and need a different perspective.”
J.B.
Professional organizer
“My reading with Clark was insightful and clear. His willingness to listen and receptivity to the querent, made the message feel more relevant and personal. He is obviously well versed in Traditional Tarot but also keeps the reading fluid and alive.”
O.A.
Fashion industry executive
- CW 6, 825. Note: we refer to Jung’s collected works using a standard reference style, where CW indicates collected works, and is followed by a volume, a part number if present (i.e. volume/part), and a paragraph number. This method allows the reference to be mapped to different editions where page numbers might not be consistent. You can find a list of Jung’s collected works here. ↩︎
- CW 12, 43 and 403. See Footnote 1 for explanation of reference style. ↩︎
- CW 18/1, 521. See Footnote 1 for explanation of reference style. ↩︎
- CW 12, 403. See Footnote 1 for explanation of reference style. ↩︎
- CW 10, 646. See Footnote 1 for explanation of reference style. ↩︎