In Tarot, these are the 13 challenge cards representing limiting patterns we are stuck in.
By Michelle Crandell
In Tarot, the aces through tens of the four suits comprise their own body of wisdom: the Minor Arcana. This “mini-deck” illustrates patterns of problems humans face and solutions to those problems. When reading for yourself, the following mindset will help you assess psychological, interpersonal, energetic, and behavioral challenges and opportunities you are facing.
According to Angeles Arrien, all problems start in the mind: SWORDS. If not resolved in the mind, those problems emerge in relationships and emotions: CUPS. If not resolved in the heart, problems show up in your energy and intuition: WANDS. If not resolved by energetic changes, those problems show up in your material world: money, housing, work, partnerships, and manifesting: PENTACLES.
There are thirteen challenge cards representing limiting patterns you can get stuck in. Challenges can be addressed by using the patterns found in the remaining Minor Arcana cards.
For example, the challenge card Three of Swords is usually pictured as three swords piercing a heart. The pattern: ruminating on old wounds hurts your heart. If you draw this card frequently, you are stuck in this negative thinking pattern.
Other Sword cards, such as Ace of Swords (recognizing different ways of thinking about your life) and Six of Swords (psychology, understanding mental patterns), can help you think in patterns that will help overcome Sorrow in the Mind.
Each suit provides solutions to the challenge cards within the suit. Using the cards to see your own patterns of coping with life’s problems allows you to rise above the content of your life to see the bigger picture.
Michelle Crandell provides individual Tarot readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. Call if interested in her next class. To learn more, email michelle.crandell@gmail.com or call 501-655-6242.
