Tarot Spread for a Mental Health Check In: Getting Insight for Support
Last Updated: October 26, 2022
When we’re feeling down, it’s often difficult to see things clearly. We might feel like we’re stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get out. If you’re feeling this way, it might be helpful to do a mental health check-in using tarot. This 6-card spread will provide you with insight and support so that you can start getting on the path to healing. In this blog post, we will discuss a tarot spread for checking in on your mental health. This reading can provide you with clarity and productive actions during difficult times.
Mental Health tarot spread layout & questions to ask
I have created the below tarot spread as a way for you to get some clarity with mental health currently. Getting some insight from your subconscious can help you plan and prepare to guard yourself, as well as opportunities to care for yourself you may not have thought of. To begin, shuffle your tarot deck and draw a card for each position in the mental health tarot draw (as shown in the below layout).
Finally, take some time to reflect on the questions that each card position represents and what message the tarot cards in that position might be trying to tell you. If you’re just starting to learn tarot, or if you’re still getting to know your deck, you may find my in-depth articles on the meanings of every tarot card helpful.
Tarot card #1: General support from the cards, my guides, or the Universe no matter what - I need to remember this.
This card will be a “before you start let’s have a minute together” type of card. This is a gentle reminder for you that we are all on your side, whatever you believe in, and that we want what is best for you. This is why I felt it was so important to put it at the beginning of the tarot spread. I just want you to remember that will always have tangible supportive advice from tarot, and the team here at Backyard Banshee.
Tarot card #2: A card to represent what is going on with me right now
Sometimes it is hard to articulate what is going on with us. You can choose to place a significator card here to represent how you are feeling, alternatively you can let the deck choose for you, and you’ll be able to explore this in more detail through its meaning and symbolism.
Tarot card #3: What is growing in my life right now?
When we spend more time in our heads, we don’t see the progress moving forward in other areas of our lives. This card will show you that with patience, this area is slowly growing and that it’s part of your long-term benefit.
Tarot card #4: What overlooked blessings are there for me right now?
When we are focusing on the negatives, it’s easy to overlook the positives for us too. This card will help you to remember some of the smaller things that are going right for you, and how they can be used as a stepping stone.
Tarot card #5: What actions can I take that have a positive impact on my life?
This placement may pull up multiple cards or even just one single card to demonstrate an action that can be in your best interest. This may be a physical action, such as going for a walk or taking some time out for yourself (The Hermit).
Alternatively, it may be an emotional or mental action, such as letting go of something that is no longer serving you (3 of Swords). Whatever comes up for you, research the cards meaning across multiple platforms (not leaning just your own insight) as there may be a suggestive meaning that you’d never come across before, and the action may be a game-changer in helping you with any mental health issues.
Tarot card #6: How can I guard my mental health and protect myself more fiercely?
This placement will show you ways to protect yourself from bad energies that may affect your mood and well-being. This card will also give you ideas on how to create a stronger support system for yourself.
I hope that this mental health tarot spread provides you with some clarity and insight. If you have any questions about the reading, please feel free to get in touch.
Naturally, if you find that instead of a bad mood your feelings are heavy, darker and a burden that’s getting too much to carry, I implore you to reach out. This is not something you should go through on your own. If you need support, please reach out to your local mental health professional or hotline. I encourage you with the strength to please seek medical or therapeutic support. I can recommend The Calm Zone as a great place to find free supportive charities who are there for you and for your wellbeing moving forward.
International Mental Health Charities
Remember, you are not alone. We are all in this together.
What to do after this mental health tarot reading
After you’ve finished a tarot reading, there are a few things you can do in order to reflect on the experience and integrate the insights you gained. Here are some suggestions:
Use a tarot journal to record your findings
Jotting down your thoughts in a tarot journal after reading can be helpful in a few ways. First, it can help you remember the details of your reading later on, such as how you felt at the moment and perhaps your first impressions of what a card meant. Second, it can provide a space for you to process the information you’ve received and explore what it means for you. Third, it can be a way to keep track of your progress over time as you revisit your journal entries and reflect on your journey.
Take a picture of the cards
If you want to remember the position of the cards and what they meant in relation to your questions, take a picture of the spread. This will help you look back on the reading later and review the insights you received. Sometimes, clarity is better acquired after you’ve stepped back from the situation for a little while and had some time to process it.
Some people create Instagram accounts or Pinterest accounts specifically for this, and if you use any of our spreads please tag us @backyardbanshee if you feel comfortable!
Take some time to meditate and reflect
Immediately after a tarot reading, it’s important to take some time to sit with the insights you’ve received. This can be done through proper meditation, visualisation, or simply taking some time to reflect on the reading. It can be helpful to think about what the messages from the cards mean for your life and how you can apply the advice that was given to you. That time can also be used to replenish your energy level and cleanse your tarot deck.
Get a second opinion from a close friend
If you have close friends who also happen to be tarot practitioners, it can be helpful to get their take on your reading. They may be able to offer additional insights or perspectives that you hadn’t considered before. This is also a good way to get feedback on your own interpretation of the cards.
Ensure to ask permission before just blindly sending your cards across in a message and saying “what does this mean to you?” as your friends may not have the energy or have a boundary with this sort of thing – manners cost nothing, and this is especially to note if they are a professional tarot reader who normally gets paid to interpret readings.
Layer your reading with more divination
Why not try adding astrology dice or a pendulum reading to your tarot session? Your intuition will guide you on how to best use these tools, but they can be helpful in providing more clarity around the messages from your tarot reading. We have lots of methods for you to utilise here on the website.
Do the same reading a month later
This is a great way to check in on your progress and see how far you’ve come. It can also be helpful in understanding the cyclical nature of our lives and how our current situation is likely to change over time. This can be especially useful if you’re struggling with a decision or trying to figure out which path to take as to offer suggestions, provide perspective and encourage your confidence to move forward.
At the end of the day, tarot readings are meant to be a helpful tool, not a replacement for your own intuition. The best way to use tarot is to combine the insights you receive with your own understanding of the situation. Trust your gut and follow your heart—the answers you’re looking for will come.
It is my hope that these tarot spreads on my website help you with clarity and articulate whatever is going on. Let me know what you think of this tarot spread in the comments below and if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
I have been passionate about reading divination for more than 15 years. This gives me a unique perspective when it comes to creating fun, supportive and creative tarot spreads. I hope they help you find the clarity and insight you are looking for.
More tarot spreads for you to try ✨
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