Journal Exercise

I find this to be a fun, meditative exercise to do with the Major Arcana archetypes. Explore the questions that I've posed from the perspective of each card and write down the feelings and thoughts that may surface. I have done this contemplative exercise during 'transitional' stages in my life and have gotten surprisingly different results.

The Fool/Dreamer
Remember a time when you felt careless and free? When you followed a hunch and trusted that it would work out just fine. What happened?

The Magician
What skills are you learning to develop? What talents do you already have at your disposal?

Sorceress/High Priestess
What is the biggest secret you keep from yourself?

Empress
In what ways do you feel you make the world a better, more livable place? How do you nurture yourself?

Emperor
What is your greatest achievement? What are you most proud of?

Hierophant/Sage
Who do you look up to and why? What has been your greatest truth - your 'motto'?

The Lovers
Think back to a time when you had to make a choice between love and your own needs and goals. Do you feel you made the right decision?

The Chariot/Challenge
Recall a time when you were courageous and overcame your fears. What was that like?

Justice
What is the most difficult injustice you face in your own life? What is the greatest injustice you perceive in the world around you? Do you think you have any power to change this and if so, how? And if not, why not?

The Hermit
How often do you make time just for yourself? What do you do with this space and time?

The Wheel/Karma
Recall a time when you were faced with your own prejudice. Did this awareness alter your views?

Strength
Remember a time when you put your own needs, wants, even ego aside to look compassionately upon another and protected them or defended their honor.

Hanged Man/Reflection
Think of a time when you knew you were right, but then someone's view turned yours upside down.

Death
When was the last time you felt rejuvenated by the possibilities life has to offer? Is there something key in your life that you are letting go of...what is this experience like?

Temperance/Alchemy
What aspect of your life seems effortless, flowing?

The Devil
What are your dreams and secret desires? What is holding you back from living them out?

The Tower
What is the most devastating tragedy you have lived through? How did you overcome this loss?

The Star
What are you optimistic about? What is the one dream that you will never part from?

The Moon
What cycles of change do you feel you move through over and over again in your life? When are you most receptive to change? What part of yourself do you keep hidden from everyone else?

The Sun
Recall a time when you felt completely happy and comfortable with who you are.

Judgment/Liberation
How have you changed your view about the meaning of life over time? What mistakes in your life have you still not forgiving yourself for?

The World
Think of a time when you felt the awareness of a connection to all living beings. Are you feeling that now?