Wooden Figures - Tarot for Kids by Theresa Reed & Kailey Whitman

Creating scenes with your tarot cards is a fun creative exercise. These Ostheimer wooden family figures hold meaning for me. The Tarot For Kids tarot deck by Theresa Reed and Kailey Whitman is the deck that you see here. You can find objects that hold resonance for you and use that in a way that works and is meaningful to you. Next, pick a tarot deck if you have one that is in the mood you are carrying today.

I often use the book Journaling the Tarot: Evolutions by Andy Matzner. This book holds many wonderful journaling questions for you to work with. This book offers prompts based upon each card in the tarot spiral. It is okay to be intentional with your questions in the book as well as picking something to work with that just is a random find in your browsing through the catalogue of ideas/prompts/questions/ponderings. I recommend getting this book for use in exploring your own personal biography.

One example is to work with The Fool card in the deck. Of course each deck is different in what it offers. Imagery is important here. If you are doing internal explorations - working with a deck that is gentle might work the best at some moments. If you are going deeper in with some harder places in your own interior - you may choose a more challenging deck. It is up to you to find a safe way to work with the tarot that is a support rather than a hard place to deal with. You might even ask a friend - support person - therapist - group - to allow you to explore some of these questions with you.

The Fool - Tarot for Kids by Theresa Reed & Kailey Whitman

From the Journaling the Tarot: Evolutions book - some questions to work with under the Fool is the following.
1. If your soul could speak to you, what would it want you to know? Where would it want you to go? What would it want you to do? What would it want you to have? What would it want you to be?

The gentle image of this particular Fool is very nice to work with around childhood memories. It also offers a soft and welcoming and somewhat playful image for creativity and adult explorations around new beginnings. If you work with these question as outlined above - you may find some unexpected gems in going over where you are in this moment.

This is also a useful set of questions regarding a new business exploration and what you might be feeling about this realm in your life. Any time that you are embarking upon a new adventure - this set of questions offers a window in to what might be important to you. A journal is your friend in exploring of course! If you keep a journal over time in working with the tarot as well as these profound exploratory questions - you will discover amazing things about yourself. Keep going.

After you have drawn a card to work with you might set up a creative display for the day or for a week - whatever time you need to sit with and ponder these questions. I will be offering up questions from this comprehensive book over time for you to work with. Of course please purchase the book to support Andy Matzner’s work if you would like to dive deeper in on your own timeframe.

Coming to your little altar of exploration will spark new thoughts and ideas in you each day. Record all of this in your journal. A living tableau to work with life questions makes the important work of self-discovery all that much more rich and enlivening. Discovery about the maps and charts of our Biography is a treasure waiting for you. Please reach out and share any insights you have found.

“If you look deeply enough into something - You will see everything.”

— anonymous

The Fool

The Fool's Journey: Navigating Life with Gratitude

In the grand tapestry of life, there exists a journey that many of us embark upon without even realizing it. It's a journey filled with twists and turns, challenges and triumphs, known as "The Fool's Journey." This symbolic expedition mirrors the human experience and serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of gratitude. Join me as we explore the intersection of these two concepts and discover how cultivating gratitude can illuminate our path on this fascinating journey.

The Fool's Journey: Derived from the tarot, The Fool's Journey is a metaphorical expedition that represents the stages of personal development and self-discovery. The Fool, the main character in this journey, begins as a wide-eyed adventurer, unaware of the challenges that lie ahead. As the Fool encounters various trials and tribulations, they evolve, gaining wisdom and understanding.

Each tarot card in The Fool's Journey reflects a unique aspect of the human experience, from the innocence of The Fool to the enlightenment of The World. This progression mirrors the ups and downs of life, encapsulating moments of joy, sorrow, growth, and self-realization.

Gratitude as a Guiding Light: In the midst of life's unpredictable journey, gratitude emerges as a powerful and transformative force. It acts as a guiding light, illuminating the path even in the darkest moments. When we express gratitude, we shift our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant in our lives. This shift in perspective can be a transformation in thinking, turning obstacles into opportunities and challenges into catalysts for personal growth.

The Fool, in their journey, encounters setbacks and triumphs alike. By embracing gratitude, we can learn to appreciate the lessons hidden within adversity, finding gratitude not only for the destination but for the journey itself. This mindset fosters resilience and a deeper connection to the present moment, allowing us to savor the richness of each experience.

The Power of Gratitude in the Face of Challenges: Life's journey is not without its share of challenges. However, cultivating gratitude enables us to navigate these challenges with grace and resilience. When faced with adversity, adopting a grateful mindset helps us find silver linings, fostering a sense of hope and positivity.

The Fool encounters cards like The Tower, symbolizing sudden upheaval and change. In moments of personal "tower" experiences, gratitude becomes a beacon of light, helping us see beyond the chaos to the potential for growth and renewal.

As we traverse our own Fool's Journey, embracing gratitude can be the key to unlocking the full spectrum of human experience. It allows us to appreciate the beauty in simplicity, find meaning in adversity, and savor the richness of life's tapestry. As we embark on this journey with open hearts and grateful minds, knowing that every twist and turn brings us closer to the wisdom of The World card, where gratitude and self-discovery converge in a harmonious celebration of life.