a friendly guide on how tarot cards can help ease anxiety and overwhelm

If you’ve landed here, there’s a good chance you’re feeling a bit worn-out. Maybe your heart’s been racing, your thoughts are spinning like a whirlwind, or everything feels just a little too much right now. First off, you’re not alone. Life can throw a lot at us, and it’s okay to seek out tools to help find your center again. And hey, maybe that’s why you’re here, wondering if tarot can play a role in calming your mind.

Spoiler alert: it totally can.

What makes tarot a friend during tough times?

Tarot cards aren’t just about fortune-telling or mystical predictions. Think of them as little mirrors that reflect your inner world. They can help you pause, breathe, and make sense of the chaos swirling inside. It’s not about magic (though it can feel magical); it’s about clarity.

For instance, when I was a college freshman—away from home, feeling lost, and staring down the first failed exam of my life—I turned to my tarot deck in desperation. I wasn’t expecting answers from the universe, just something to help me process what I was feeling. And it worked. The cards gave me a framework to think through my anxiety instead of drowning in it.

You don’t have to be an expert or memorize the meanings of all 78 cards right away. Even a single card pull can be a starting point. Trust us, we’ve been there.

A simple way to start: one card at a time

If you’re new to tarot or feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry about fancy spreads or knowing every card by heart. Start small. Each morning (or whenever you need a moment), shuffle your deck and pull one card. Ask yourself:

• What does this card make me feel?
• How does it relate to what’s stressing me out right now?

Take my favorite go-to card pull. I’d draw The Chariot during particularly rough times. It’s all about control and determination, which helped me refocus on what I could change instead of spiraling over what I couldn’t.

Or sometimes when I’m just feeling a bit lost or uncertain about my direction, I find I pull the Fool card. Whenever this happens, I feel like it gives me permission to accept the fact that I’m on a new journey. It’s a new beginning. Then I start to create a new version of my current reality, of myself. I let go of any idea that I need to know my exact direction and give myself space to breathe.

Feeling brave? Try a three-card spread

Once you’re comfortable with single-card pulls, a three-card spread can help you dig deeper. This one’s for tackling anxiety:

1. The Root — What’s at the core of my anxiety right now?
2. Avoid This — What action or mindset should I steer clear of?
3. Embrace This — What step can I take to feel a bit better?

When I was debating a career change, this spread gave me clarity. The cards nudged me toward risky but meaningful choices instead of staying stuck in my comfort zone. Sure, it wasn’t easy—but the cards gave me a push I desperately needed.

Three-card spreads just help bring so much clarity to whatever situation is at hand. Then I can move forward knowing about the “problem” and solution at hand.

Making it meditative

Here’s a little secret: pairing tarot with mindfulness can take things up a notch. Before pulling a card, take a few deep breaths. Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. Ask yourself, “What do I need to know right now?” This little ritual helps shift your focus from frantic thoughts to the present moment.

A few years ago, I had a late-night meltdown triggered by a comment from a loved one. I felt my mind spiraling, but instead of letting the storm take over, I grabbed my deck. One card (The Star) reminded me to trust in new beginnings and let go of my panic.

Tarot isn’t about fixing everything immediately. It’s about creating space for reflection and finding small, manageable steps forward.

Gentle reminders when using tarot

Left: Tarot of Sacred Kingdoms; Right: Anima Tarot de Marseille

1.  Start with a compassionate deck. Some decks have harsher imagery, and while that can be insightful, it’s okay to reach for something softer when you’re feeling fragile.
2.  Reframe the scary cards. Got the Nine of Swords (aka the nightmare card)? Don’t panic. Instead, ask: What can wake me up from this figurative nightmare?
3.  Be kind to yourself. If you’re too overwhelmed to even shuffle, that’s okay. Try journaling a few thoughts or just sitting quietly with the deck. There’s no right or wrong way to use tarot.
   

And if it feels unmanageable…

Let’s be real—tarot is a wonderful tool, but it’s not a replacement for therapy or professional help. If your anxiety feels unmanageable, reach out to someone who can guide you through it. Think of tarot as a supportive friend, not the whole solution.

If you’ve been nodding along, thinking, “This sounds like something I could really use,” we’d like to invite you to join La Sorcière Gazette, our magickal newsletter. And nope, this one’s not just about tarot—we share tips on mindfulness, divination, wellness, rituals, incantations, recipes and self-discovery. Whether you’re new to tarot or have been reading for years, there’s always something fresh to explore in our enormous community!

Think of it as a little dose of magick delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up and let’s explore this journey together. Who knows what the cards might reveal next?