Project 78: A Holistic Exploration of the Tarot
Tarot Cards as Constellations of Meaning
Every card of the Tarot is an archetype— a container of a rich, multifaceted meaning and symbolism that invites us into endless mystical and philosophical exploration.
We can think of each tarot card as a constellation of meaning – a collection of different influences and perspectives that come together to contribute to the overall meaning of the card. Every symbol, every number, every correspondence acts as another star in the constellation, illuminating different aspects of that card’s core archetype.
Project 78 is my endeavor to treat each card as its own constellation, revisiting the foundational elements of tarot while uncovering new layers through its many ‘amplifications’ – facets of the cards that derive meaning from various doctrines and philosophies.
Refining our Craft: The Continuous Journey
Having read tarot for nearly 15 years and now working professionally, I've learned that the journey never truly ends. Tarot teaches us the potential for continuous improvement, not only in our self-discovery but also in our relationship with the cards themselves.
Project 78 is a guide to understanding not just the fundamentals but also the many mystical, mythical, and psychological correspondences that enrich tarot practice. It serves as a roadmap for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers, helping you enhance your understanding of tarot and invite fresh perspectives into your readings. Each amplification—whether astrological correspondences, Jungian psychology, alchemy, or mythopoetics—can be embraced or set aside, depending on how it resonates with your intuition and practice.
My hope is that Project 78 becomes your guide to cultivating a personalized, comprehensive, and holistic relationship with tarot, one that evolves alongside you and your spiritual journey.
Why A Holistic Approach Matters
Put simply, a holistic view of the tarot deeply enriches our readings. By integrating different approaches and perspectives, we cultivate a more informed and dynamic tarot practice. A holistic approach encourages us to see beyond just the surface. To not only appreciate the multiple facets of meaning within each card, but to integrate them into our readings.
An approach that harmonizes the card’s symbolism with its astrological correspondences, adds a layer of psychospiritual meaning, and considers how the card can be used as a tool for healing and manifestation results in a much richer interpretation than just sticking to the fundamental meanings and keywords.
This approach not only enhances the accuracy of readings but also enriches our interpretive skills and strengthens the intuitive ‘muscle’ that every good tarot reader needs.
The Tarot Fundamentals:
Building a Strong Foundation
To begin our journey in understanding the tarot, we must first understand its fundamentals—each cards’ element, number, symbol, imagery, and most importantly, the personal interpretation and relationship we form with that card.
These core aspects are the bedrock of any tarot practice, offering a clear framework for interpretation.
Personal interpretation is perhaps the most crucial fundamental. The unique way a card's imagery and title evoke something within you is key to finding deeper meaning in the tarot. Beyond personal interpretations, each card is rich with esoteric symbolism that invites exploration. Numerology adds another layer, as the numerical value of each card influences its meaning. Elemental correspondences connect each card to one of the four classical elements—water, fire, earth, and air—providing insight into the card's energetic qualities and the life areas it pertains to.
Amplifications: Expanding Your Understanding of the Cards
Beyond the fundamentals, amplifications offer additional perspectives that enrich our interpretation of the tarot. These methods connect the tarot to various spiritual doctrines and philosophies to provide new dimensions of meaning and help deepen our connection to the cards.
Astrological correspondences, for instance, align the major arcana with specific signs and planets, and the minor arcana with the 36 decans of the zodiac.
The Kabbalistic Tree of Life provides a mystical blueprint to connect with the divine source itself. Each card corresponds to specific points or paths on the Tree of Life, which adds a profound layer of spiritual meaning.
Given that the tarot comes from 14th century Italy, historical, cultural, and artistic contexts also play a significant role, enriching our understanding of the cards by exploring the time and place in which they were created.
Alchemical symbolism reflects stages of transformation and growth, offering a powerful lens through which to view the cards. The major arcana and the four suits can each be seen as representing a different alchemical and psychospiritual process.
Jungian psychology, which was heavily inspired by alchemy introduces the concepts of archetypes and cognitive functions, connects the cards to the rich landscape of the unconscious mind.
Mythopoetic meanings draw on mythological narratives and archetypal stories, taking from both world mythology and the Hero’s Journey, as described by Joseph Campbell.
Psychospiritual interpretations combine the spiritual with the psychological, focusing on the tarot as a tool for personal and spiritual growth. Additionally, some cards can be linked to psychosomatic experiences, revealing connections to physical sensations and energy patterns.
Finally, tarot can also be used in rituals for manifestation and empowerment, offering a practical way to incorporate the cards into various spiritual practices.
The Journey of Project 78
Project 78 is more than a personal exploration—it’s an invitation for you to join in a deeper understanding of tarot. By revisiting the basics and exploring amplifications, we engage in a dynamic process that enhances our practice and deepens our connection to the cards.
For experienced readers, this project is a chance to refresh and expand your practice. For those new to tarot, *Project 78* provides a structured path to
To kick off Project 78, I’m pulling one card each week and making it the focus of my study. I recommend you do the same, whether you’re a seasoned reader or a beginner. This method allows you to build and refine your personal relationship with each card, exploring its many layers over time.
Ready to embark on this journey with me?
Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date with Project 78, gain exclusive insights, and deepen your tarot practice one card at a time!
