When people think of Tarot cards, they often think of mystics and fortune tellers, using cards to predict unexpected events.
But, the truth is, Tarot is a way of looking inside ourselves, thinking about our goals, and finding ways to deal with challenges.
And, it can be surprisingly fun and rewarding to do that together as a family!
Whether getting insight into small decisions or learning about the different cards and their meanings, from the Strength Tarot card to the Magician card, there are all kinds of ways to incorporate Tarot into your family activities.
Learn more about Tarot and how you can use it to connect with your family here!
Start With a Simple Family Tarot Routine
Every mom knows that free time can be hard to find in a busy family, so start with a simple routine when you first introduce Tarot to your family.
It’s not something that has to be done every day, either.
You may want to choose a card each day in the early evening, and reflect on how it might relate to your day.
Or, you may simply want to let each of your kids choose a card on a weekend morning, and then think about its meaning and how it might relate to the week ahead.
In the standard Tarot deck, there are 22 major cards, and 56 minor cards. Each has its own meaning, and each can offer insight into challenges in daily life.
Choose a deck with clear images so kids can follow along. A Rider Waite style deck can be a good choice, as the cards and the different symbols on each one tend to be illustrated in a crisp and clear manner.
Keep in mind that kids may not have the attention span for a long, detailed Tarot session. Ten minutes is a good starting point for most age groups.
Ask your kids a simple question that ties the card’s meaning to something in their life, whether that’s dealing with a tough homework assignment or finding enjoyment in a common activity.
You may be surprised just how quickly kids pick up on the nuances of the Tarot cards and start applying them to real-world moments.
How Tarot Can Add Insight
It’s important to remember that the best way to use Tarot is to treat the cards as mirrors, not predictors.
The goal is to learn about yourself and your family, through the insights that each card offers.
Kids may surprise you with their emotional depth. Adults might find clarity in a card’s symbolism they wouldn’t have considered on their own.
The imagery and meaning behind each Tarot card can also give you a safe and neural way to talk about sensitive topics, from your child’s fears to their friendships.
A card depicting strength, patience, or transformation can open a door to conversations that might be hard to start otherwise.
Apply Tarot Insights to Parenting Moments
There’s no question that Tarot can be a fun and rewarding way to connect with your kids, helping to teach them about the value of self-reflection.
But, it can be just as valuable of a tool for parents dealing with the constant challenges and stresses that come with raising children.
Start each day, or even each week, by choosing a card, and see how its meaning might relate to the pressures you have to handle throughout your day.
Whether it’s deciding on a new school for your child or managing sibling rivalry, reflecting on a card can help you separate your hopes and worries, giving you a clearer idea of the best path forward.
When stress starts to feel overwhelming, taking the time to choose some cards and reflect on them can both give you a much-needed moment of calm and provide direction to help you move through any challenges.
The goal is to use the moment to look within yourself, and find solutions for your problems that you may realize you already had.
Fun Ways to Use Tarot Together
If you’re new to Tarot as a family, try these easy activities to help you get started:
1. One-Card Check-In
Everyone pulls one card and shares what they feel the card is saying about their day. It doesn’t have to be serious. Sometimes, someone might see the card and make up a silly story. That can be part of the fun of the experience!
2. Storytelling Circle
Pull three cards and build a story together. One person starts with card one, someone else continues with card two, and so on. This is especially fun for kids who love imaginative play.
3. Family Theme of the Week
Choose a card at the beginning of the week and display it somewhere visible in the house. Throughout the week, talk about ways the meaning of the card might apply to your family’s experiences.
4. Compare Interpretations
Sometimes family members have wildly different readings of the same image. Talking about why can reveal perspectives you didn’t know the other person had.
Support Kids as They Learn to Read Cards
Kids are naturally curious, which makes Tarot an especially fun and engaging activity for most children.
Start with simple prompts that help kids put names to their feelings. Explain a card’s meaning, then help them tie that detail to a moment from their day.
Keep early sessions short and simple. Tarot can be as simple as letting your child choose a single card.
Incorporate some of the traditional rituals to make the process more engaging. Let kids shuffle the cards, or simply mix them around in a pile on the table, before choosing one.
As your children start to learn the different cards and their meanings, you can consider letting them try more complex readings.
Thinking of a question and choosing three cards is a popular option, with the three cards representing the past, the present and the future.
By reflecting on each card’s meaning, kids can think about how the past relates to their question, what point they’re at in the present, and what they can do to find the answer to their question in the future.
You may also want to give your child a special Tarot notebook, so that they can write down any thoughts they have about the cards, or draw pictures about their interpretations.
Many moms like to revisit these pages with their kids over time, because they show a child’s growth and maturity developing.
Whether you decide to incorporate Tarot into a daily, weekly, or monthly routine, this simple ritual is one that can bring joy to the entire family.
The process of choosing a card, reflecting on its meaning, and using it as inspiration either for the coming days or for the challenges you’re facing, is something that can be both enjoyable and motivating.
Remember, Tarot isn’t about predicting the future. Rather, it’s about finding ways to recognize strengths, both individually and as a family unit.
And that can make it a wonderful way to bond with one another, share stories and perspectives, and grow closer to each other while having fun at the same time.