Using the tarot, myth and archetypes to break free from your self-sabotaging beliefs (ft. Dr. Elliot Adam)

Spirituality, tarot, symbolism, and mythology have played their own special roles in my BPD and complex trauma recovery journey. I came across Elliot Adam’s work at a very dark time in my life – his words helped me better understand myself and begin my own hero’s journey. By listening to this episode, I hope that his wisdom will have a similar impact on you, my listeners. When there are feelings we’re not willing to feel, that’s where a lot of us get “stuck.” As I began to work with the images in the tarot more, I understood myself in a new way, which was incredibly therapeutic for me. Dr. Elliot Adam has professionally read tarot for clients for over 25 years. After launching his website, ElliotOracle.com, he has attracted a substantial international clientele, including Hollywood scriptwriters, high-profile journalists, actors, doctors, and entrepreneurs. Elliot’s online success led to the publication of his book, "Fearless Tarot."

💡 Questions answered and topics discussed in this episode:

■ How symbolism in the Tarot can help us access the unconscious mind and become more deeply connected with ourselves

■ Common misconceptions about the Tarot

■ Understanding psychology and personality through archetypes and symbols

■ Connecting to our Higher Selves (and the meaning of the Temperance card)

■ The concept of “the hero’s journey” (or the "monomyth") as it relates to the major arcana and narratology/comparative mythology 

■  Exploring self-sabotaging thought patterns (the meaning of the 10 of swords)

■  Allowing ourselves to “feel through” our repressed emotions

■ How society tells us we should be constantly happy and the impact this has on our mental health

■ Reframing the idea of death and how to move through the fear of it

■ Elliot’s experience growing up poor in an evangelical Christian household struggling with his sexuality

■ Elliot’s battle with severe panic attacks and perfectionism during his time as a professional oboe player

■ Carl Jung’s idea of “the shadow”

■ What self-love means to Elliot and his advice to those of us who hates ourselves and struggle deeply with this concept

■ What the word (and card) strength means to Elliot

Resources directly mentioned in the episode:

*My episode on the "hero's journey" that I mention in the episode intro is episode 20 of the podcast*

Book | Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot by Rachel Pollack

Book | Following Your Path by Alexandra Collins Dickerman

Connect with Elliot at https://www.elliotoracle.com/

Disclaimer: information contained in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional. 

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