Meditation and mindfulness aren’t the only tools for staying present in our lives. Living in the present moment (as opposed to living focused on the past or the future) is how we interact with our lives.
These six tarot cards will help you stay present in your own life in an active and participatory manner. You can also look at the “meditative” cards of the tarot deck, such as the Eight of Cups or The Hermit for additional guidance.
STAYING OPTIMISTIC
The Fool (an eager fresh start)
The Fool lives in the present moment because he doesn’t know any better. He hasn’t been burned by the past and doesn’t know to fear the future. What would happen if you lived your life this way? What would you be missing out? What would you gain?
The Fool lives in the present moment because he doesn’t know any better. He hasn’t been burned by the past and doesn’t know to fear the future. What would happen if you lived your life this way? What would you be missing out? What would you gain?
LETTING GO
The Hanged Man (releasing what you can’t control)
We can only control our own beliefs, thoughts, words, actions and choices. To a lesser degree, we can control our energy, our environment, and our bodies. Everything else is outside of our control. What do you need to release in your life that you can’t control? What do you need to claim that you do control?
We can only control our own beliefs, thoughts, words, actions and choices. To a lesser degree, we can control our energy, our environment, and our bodies. Everything else is outside of our control. What do you need to release in your life that you can’t control? What do you need to claim that you do control?
FOCUSING WITHIN
Four of Swords (solitary focus on a single task)
Meditation and prayer are two ways to practice living in the present moment, but you can also center yourself through other activities such as painting, dancing, walking, or singing. Whenever you lose yourself to the moment in joy, you are living in the present. What activities bring this “lost time” feeling into your life?
Meditation and prayer are two ways to practice living in the present moment, but you can also center yourself through other activities such as painting, dancing, walking, or singing. Whenever you lose yourself to the moment in joy, you are living in the present. What activities bring this “lost time” feeling into your life?
SEEING SOMETHING NEW
Four of Cups Reversed (opening your eyes for a new outlook)
When read upright, this card is about being stuck in our beliefs and missing out on the opportunities right in front of our eyes. When read reversed, the meaning changes and becomes about seeing things from a new perspective. What old beliefs are keeping you tied to the past or living for the future?
When read upright, this card is about being stuck in our beliefs and missing out on the opportunities right in front of our eyes. When read reversed, the meaning changes and becomes about seeing things from a new perspective. What old beliefs are keeping you tied to the past or living for the future?
CRAFTING YOUR WORK
Eight of Pentacles (focused Deep Work)
Single-tasking on projects with absolute focus allows you to dive deep into your intellectual and creative center. This deep, focused activity is necessary to bring forth your most authentic and masterful work. For more, read Deep Work by Cal Newport, which I highly recommend.
Single-tasking on projects with absolute focus allows you to dive deep into your intellectual and creative center. This deep, focused activity is necessary to bring forth your most authentic and masterful work. For more, read Deep Work by Cal Newport, which I highly recommend.
STARTING FRESH
Ace of Wands (creating something new)
This is a card about creating something new. When you are lost in the act of creation, all time disappears and you focus on the physical and energetic sensations in your body. Spend time exploring a challenging new creative adventure and enjoy the process without expectation of the result.
This is a card about creating something new. When you are lost in the act of creation, all time disappears and you focus on the physical and energetic sensations in your body. Spend time exploring a challenging new creative adventure and enjoy the process without expectation of the result.
Images shown are The Fool from the Robin Wood Tarot by Robin Wood © 2002 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., The Hanged Man from The Linestrider Tarot by Siolo Thompson © 2016 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., the Four of Swords and the Eight of Pentacles from The Green Witch Tarot by Ann Moura and Kiri Ostergaard Leonard © 2015 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., the Four of Cups from the Revelations Tarot by Zach Wong © 2005 Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd., and the Ace of Wands from The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck available at www.thewildunknown.com. All rights reserved, used with permission.