Tarot Card and Mental Health

Mental health is an important thing, and there are some self-care decks that some readers use in order to give a mental health reading for clients. One 10-card spread is called the Mental Health Check-In Spread, and it is a way that you can point out and look at your mental health.

People must look at their mental health and monitor it often. Sometimes we don’t realize that stress is part of our lives until it has gotten out of control, and then it feels like it’s too late to fix it. This can affect people emotionally and mentally. Mental health is something that people often overlook, and some people are not comfortable being open about what they struggle with. We must put our mental health first so that we can talk about what we are going through without feeling shame or judgment.

There is nothing wrong or shameful about having mental health issues or about getting help or treatment to help combat these problems. As you open up about your own stress and anxiety, you can help to normalize the struggles and see that you aren’t alone in what goes on in your life.

Around 25% of people in the United States have at least one mental health condition, and that equals 1 in every 4 Americans. Even more of society has experienced some kind of symptoms, which can mean that they have some mild depressive symptoms, and they don’t get diagnosed with a disorder. This means that a person might experience depression symptoms that are mild or moderate.

It’s normal to go through different moods and to have different things happen in your life. It’s also normal to have depression symptoms after going through something hard, like a divorce or even a breakup. Other problems can come if you lose someone to death or if you have problems at work. There are different emotions that everyone experiences, and it’s important to be able to talk about these emotions.

Some people have suicidal thoughts, and these are more common than most people know. You might not realize this happens, though, because people feel ashamed for having these thoughts, and instead of talking about it, they keep it to themselves. If people would stop shaming those who have these thoughts, we could address the issues. Since suicide rates are going up, especially in times of crisis like the pandemic, this is a big deal. Even though in the spiritual community, some face suicidal thoughts or depression when going through their awakening, which is sometimes termed the “Dark Night of the Soul.”

When Life Feels Like a Waiting Room Between Who You Were and Who You’re Becoming

There’s a special kind of discomfort that comes when you’re no longer the person you once were, but not yet fully living the life you’re meant to lead. It’s as if you’re standing on shaky ground, caught between two realities, the one you’re shedding and the one still forming on the horizon. This space between is fragile, unsettling, and often feels unbearably lonely.

This in-between place can bring on what’s often called existential depression, that heavy, hollow feeling when you’re unsure where you belong in the grand scheme of life. While awakening, you may feel disconnected from everything familiar while struggling to trust what’s ahead. Nights can be the hardest. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I could make it through until morning. In those dark, silent hours, the weight of hopelessness felt heavier than ever, and yet, this is when the tarot cards became my lifeline.

I would shuffle my decks endlessly, desperate for even the smallest spark of hope. With every card that flew out, it felt as though the Universe was reaching down into that dark well with a lantern, lighting up the path forward one tiny step at a time. That’s why I say, with complete honesty, that tarot saved me. It gave me something to hold onto when everything else felt impossible.

 Finding Your Way Through the Darkness, One Card, One Message at a Time

Different people reach for different lifelines when life feels unmanageable. Some find peace through meditation. Others pour their emotions into movement through yoga or the quiet calm of energy healing. For me, it was always the cards; both tarot and oracle decks became my trusted companions in the hardest seasons of life.

And I know I’m not alone in that. This pandemic awakened something deep in all of us. It forced every person on the planet to sit with themselves in a way many had never done before. While the impact hasn’t been equal, some faced unbearable losses, others simply felt the slow erosion of normalcy, we’ve all carried some emotional weight through this.

Mental health struggles skyrocketed. Anxiety became the background noise of our everyday lives. And for those already managing conditions like OCD, the constant fear of contamination added yet another layer of stress. But if there’s one silver lining, it’s that people have started talking about mental health more openly. We’ve begun making space for those conversations, and that’s a powerful shift.

What Happens When the World Slows Down?

As life slowed, something unexpected happened. Many of us realized just how overextended we were before all of this. The constant go-go-go lifestyle wasn’t sustainable, and in those quiet days of quarantine, we finally had the space to breathe and reflect. For some, this time brought burnout to the surface. For others, especially those of us who are empaths, this pause became a time to protect our energy and reconnect with our inner selves.

I felt my creativity return during that time. Even through the rising anxiety, I found space for ideas to blossom. With fewer social interactions draining my energy, I had more to give back to myself. And now, as the world slowly reopens, I’m not rushing to return to “normal.” I’m fiercely protective of my time and my energy. I know how precious it is to have that creative space, and I’m not giving it up without a fight.

Making Space for Healing in a World That’s Always Demanding More

Every one of us has different realities to navigate. Some people have the privilege to decide how much time they want to give to work and social obligations, while others simply don’t have that kind of control. That’s why it’s so important to assess how your current life circumstances are affecting your mental and emotional health. Are you thriving? Or just barely getting through the days?

Work pressures, family dynamics, and social obligations all pull on us in ways we don’t always recognize until we hit that wall of burnout. This is why regular self-check-ins aren’t just helpful; they’re vital. Whether it’s through journaling, quiet meditation, or my personal favorite, which is pulling cards, these small rituals help us gauge when we’re running on empty and need to refill our own cup before pouring into others.

When the Cards Become a Mirror for the Soul

Tarot and oracle cards have always been my sacred space for reflection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything shifting in your life, take a moment. Sit with your favorite deck and ask the cards: How am I really doing right now?

The magic of tarot isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about understanding yourself in the present. When you draw a card, notice what emotions bubble up. What stories does the imagery bring to mind? That’s where the real healing happens.

Forget about memorizing card meanings perfectly. The power lies in how those cards speak to your heart, not just your mind.

Want to explore this deeper? Try one of these simple three-card spreads for a quick mental and emotional health check-in:

• Mind / Body / Spirit
• Obstacle / Advice / Lesson
• Situation / Advice / Outcome
• Subconscious / Conscious / Superconscious

Take a few moments after pulling to journal what came through. Often, those quiet thoughts and realizations will reveal exactly what you need to hear.

Sacred Tools for Self-Care and Empowerment

I’ve often said that reading tarot is a form of self-care, and I stand by that. But some decks are especially tuned into that nurturing, healing energy. If you’re looking for a supportive, gentle way to explore your emotions and mental well-being, these decks have become my go-to companions.

The Self-Care Cards by Cheryl Richardson are a beautiful starting point. With 52 cards offering simple but powerful prompts, this deck gently reminds you where you need to slow down and focus on nurturing yourself. Each card carries a thoughtful message, some about setting boundaries, others about trusting your inner wisdom, or practicing self-respect. And the best part? No guidebook required. The messages are right there on the card, making this deck perfect for daily pulls when you need a quick check-in.

Another favorite is the Power of Surrender Cards by Judith Orloff. This deck has such a calming presence, offering clarity on what you might be holding onto that’s weighing you down. Whenever I feel stuck or blocked creatively or emotionally, this is the deck I reach for, especially around the full moon, when it’s time to release and reset. Dr. Orloff, an empath and psychiatrist, brings a beautiful balance of intuition and psychology to her work. Her book, The Empath’s Survival Guide, is also a must-read if you’re an empath like me navigating this overwhelming world.

And for the women reading this, I can’t recommend the Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom Oracle by Christiane Northrup, M.D., enough. This deck is like having a wise elder gently guiding you back to your center. The artwork is ethereal and dreamy, and each card brings awareness to areas of your life that might need healing, whether it’s creativity, relationships, self-care, or nurturing your emotional and physical health.

Turning Simple Rituals Into Soul Medicine

For me, these moments of pulling cards are more than just a practice, but they’re a lifeline. Late at night, when everything is finally quiet and the world feels still, I pull out my cards. It’s my version of meditation, a sacred pause where I turn inward and listen.

Sometimes the cards offer gentle reassurance. Other times, they deliver the tough love I didn’t know I needed. But no matter the message, I always walk away feeling lighter, like I’ve just given my soul a much-needed hug. That’s the beauty of this practice. Even in the hardest seasons, it reminds us that we have the power to heal ourselves, one small, loving step at a time.

A Gentle Check-In for Your Mental Health

Because we’re diving deep into healing and self-care, I want to share a powerful tool I created to help you assess your current mental and emotional state. Think of this as a check-in with your higher self, a compassionate way to see where you are and what you might need to address.

This 10-Card Mental Health Spread was inspired by the mental status evaluations I’ve done professionally, but it’s designed with a healing and intuitive twist. You can use tarot or oracle cards, whichever calls to you in the moment.

Here are the areas you’ll explore with each card pull:

• Mood: How are you truly feeling right now?
• Affect: Are you expressing your emotions openly or holding them back?
• Behavior: What patterns or habits have shown up in your actions lately?
• Thought Content: What thoughts have been looping through your mind?
• Thought Process: Are your thoughts organized and clear, or scattered and unfocused?
• Communication: How are you expressing yourself? Are you using your voice or staying silent?
• Perception of Reality: Are you viewing life through a grounded lens, or feeling disconnected from reality?
• Judgment: Are you making decisions from a place of clarity and wisdom?
• Insight: How aware are you of your emotional needs and triggers?
• Motivation: What is currently driving your actions, such as fear, love, passion, or something else?

If 10 cards feel like too much at once, try focusing on just three key areas. I recommend Mood, Thought Process, and Perception of Reality for a quick but meaningful snapshot.

A Book That Feels Like a Warm Hug for Your Healing Journey

If you’re looking for additional support, I highly recommend How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera, also known as The Holistic Psychologist. Her approach to self-healing is practical and empowering, blending psychology, nutrition, and breathwork to help you regulate your emotions and build a stronger foundation for mental health. It’s the kind of book that reminds you healing is possible, even on the hardest days.

You Are the Light You’ve Been Searching For

As we wrap this up, I just want to remind you: every time you choose to slow down, check in with yourself, and give your heart the space it needs to speak, you’re doing powerful, life-changing work. It might not always feel like it, but every small act of self-care is a ripple that moves through your life and the lives of those around you.

I see you doing the work. And every time you pull a card, write in your journal, or simply sit with your feelings instead of pushing them away, you’re healing the collective in ways you can’t even imagine.

We are all in this together. And as we each heal ourselves, we create a brighter, more compassionate world for everyone. Keep going, keep shining, and always remember, you have the power to write your own story, one page, one breath, and one card at a time.

Closing Affirmation:

“I honor where I am right now, knowing that healing is not a race but a sacred journey. With every breath, I release what no longer serves me and open my heart to the peace, clarity, and joy that are waiting for me. I am worthy of rest, worthy of love, and worthy of becoming everything I dream to be. I am both the seeker and the healer. And I am exactly where I need to be.”

Take a deep breath. You’ve done beautiful work today.