Contemplative Tarot: What to Do with Darkness

Shadow, Self, and Soul:

When darker thoughts and feelings show up, I often assume something is wrong. But The Tower says this may be a message: something in my foundation needs to shift. Maybe I’m being asked to believe that pain doesn’t mean everything is ruined—that even real upheaval can lead to growth.

Instead of running from the darkness, I try to stay with it and listen. What is it revealing? Beneath it, I can still feel my longing for joy, for connection, for peace. That longing is part of me—and it points me back to the vision I hold of emotional harmony and belonging (Ten of Cups). That vision is real.

My soul reminds me that emotions aren’t obstacles. They’re signals. They guide me toward what matters. So I choose to keep going—not forcefully, but faithfully. I let my heart stay open, and I let my soul guide me (Knight of Cups), even through uncertain waters.