Skip to main content

Top 10 Tarot Cards for Mental Health Issues

By June 5, 2013 September 29th, 2022
Blog-20130605-Top10MentalIllness
 

Oftentimes, people turn to the Tarot at a point in their lives when they feel vulnerable, confused or uncertain about their present circumstances. It is not uncommon, then, for the Tarot cards to highlight potential mental health issues such as depression, addiction, bi-polar and anxiety.

As Tarot readers, we need to be prepared for what Tarot cards may indicate these mental health issues.

In this post, I share with you my top 10 Tarot cards for mental health issues. But first, a word of warning about engaging in Tarot readings that may involve mental (or any other) health concerns.

Important! Read This Before You Start

As many of us Tarot readers are not trained psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners, please do not ‘diagnose' a mental health issue using your Tarot cards. Don't say, “Oh, it looks like you're bi-polar. Yes, definitely bi-polar.” This is unethical and can have a very detrimental impact on your client, even if you are right.

Instead, suggest that it is a possible indication of a mental health issue and recommend that your client sees a professional mental health practitioner to investigate further.

Also, never assume that just because you have drawn one of the following cards that there is definitely a mental health issue present. Use your judgement and your intuition and look at the other cards in the reading. Remember that these Tarot cards also have many other possible meanings so consider if the card is actually pointing to a different issue instead.

And finally, if you do see a potential mental health issue, be very mindful of the way you explain this to your client in the reading. Your client may be very sensitive and vulnerable. (Jenne Perlstein wrote an excellent guest post on counselling and the Tarot here that is good background reading for working with these clients.) Suggest that it is a mere possibility that there is a mental health issue and recommend that they seek out professional help to delve deeper into the potential issue. (Always use language such as, “a possibility”, “a potential issue”, “an indication of a mental health issue”, etc.) I also recommend drawing another card to understand what the client can do to overcome the mental health issue and/or what the client has to look forward to in their life.

UPDATE: For more caveats and warnings, please read through the comments provided in the Comments section. A number of people share very relevant and valid points of view that you need to take into consideration before using the Tarot for highlighting potential signs of mental health concerns.

Now with all that said, here are my top 10 Tarot cards for mental health.

And if you want to discover the top 10 Tarot cards for all kinds of Tarot readings (love, finance, success, travel and more), then click here for my free eBook – Top 10 Tarot Cards. Learn the Tarot card meanings and read Tarot with more accuracy and confidence!

Moon reversed

General mental health issues, including fear, anxiety and depression, that haven't yet been explored or resolved. Recommend that your client works with a trained professional (possibly a hypnotherapist) to uncover some of these deep, subconscious concerns.

Nine of Swords

Anxiety and depression that is spurred on by very negative self-talk. It can also point to insomnia as a result of stress and anxiety and the constant ‘mind chatter' about everything that is going wrong.

Devil

Addiction and unhealthy attachment. The addiction may be to an actual ‘thing', such as drugs, alcohol or sex, or to certain situations such as abusive relationships or material wealth.

Nine of Wands reversed

Paranoia and feeling as if the world is against you. If accompanied by the Nine of Swords, your client might be hearing voices that contribute to the paranoia.

Star reversed

A lack of faith and a general feeling of hopelessness that may lend itself to depression, deep sadness and anxiety.

Five of Cups reversed

Depression, often due to a loss of some kind. Your client may be finding it difficult to get out of a rut following a loss or deep regret.

Five of Pentacles

Anxiety, perhaps as a result of job loss or financial hardship. This card may also point to feeling isolated and unsupported, or not wanting to accept help.

Nine of Cups reversed

Discontentment and depression because emotional needs are not being fulfilled.

Temperance reversed

A possible indication of a chemical imbalance which may lend itself to bi-polar or other mental health issues that are related to the body and brain's chemical balance.

Tower

A major break-down or crisis, or a series of panic attacks. It may be as a result of a major life change that was unexpected or sudden.

Are you feeling drawn to a particular card? I'd love for you to share your insights on Instagram, and remember to tag #biddytarot so I can see!

CATEGORIES

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Add your name & email below to receive the Biddy Tarot newsletter!

Not sure what to manifest?

How To Manifest When You Don’t Know What You Want

Get clarity and take action with this 3-minute quiz

Take the Quiz

Not sure what to manifest?

How To Manifest When You Don’t Know What You Want

Get clarity and
take action with
this 3-minute quiz

Get the Practice