(Original journal entry: December 2020)

I thought it would be interesting to show some tarot cards that either mean anxiety, or the picture on the card brings up an uneasy feeling. Each tarot deck is unique and amazing in it’s own right. The artist creates a special picture for each card, even though the basic meaning behind the card is the same no matter what deck you use. However, what I find absolutely wonderful is the connection you can make to a particular deck based on the emotions and thoughts that come up when looking at the actual image. Below I have used the Dark Mansion Tarot to show some examples of how anxiety can be seen in Tarot. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, right? I thought this would be a fun way to display images that show or bring on an intense feeling of anxiety (not necessarily the literal meaning of each individual card). 

 8 of Swords

 This woman appears trapped. What’s neat about this image is that swords in tarot have to do with mental awareness and perspective. The woman may have her eyes covered but it’s only because her hair is in her face. Her hands are behind her back and the reader/viewer may assume that her hands are tied. Therefore she is believed to be stuck and cannot be freed. We do not get to see if her hands really are tied, or if she is choosing to keep them in that position.

The reason I chose this card to express a version of anxiety is because it can be more about the current perception of the situation and not the actual situation itself. (As a side note… as I am writing this the song “Outta your mind” by Lil John came on. Seems fitting, no?) Point is this card represents being caught in an anxiety circle and YOU have to be the one to set yourself free. There is no one around her keeping her there and the swords are not raised so she is not in any physical danger.

9 of Swords: This has to be one of my favourite images to express anxiety! The nine of swords is all about anxiety, nightmares and even insomnia. This image is perfect to me since the little girl is covering her eyes and brings about the feeling of wanting to hide and curl up into a ball out of hopes to protect herself. What is most prominent is the monster that looks like it wants to bite or eat her. However, we do not get to see the actual monster, just the shadow of it. This makes me question the real size the dark creature. (This picture reminds me of the scene from Mulan where Mushu, the dragon, tries to make himself appear larger to Mulan by showing his shadow first. When he steps forward she sees he is quite small and her fear of him fades).This tarot card reminds me that sometimes our monsters are really not as big as we make them out to be. We need to be brave and open our eyes. We must also remember to turn on the light, because darkness and shadows cannot survive in the light.

(update from a 2023 reading with a client: a suggestion from my Guides came up if trying to help a child who maybe is feeling fearful. Go under the covers and do a big dramatic drape with the blankets as do this… so looks like making a big parachute almost… and then when under the covers start talking about and imagining the most fantastical creatures and smells… anything that brings a smile to yours and child’s face. This way they are under a “protective bubble” and there’s more positive, sweet and kind energy surrounding them. Also, bring focus to what the fun creatures would sound like, what yummy foods would smell and taste like, because this will bring them back into their bodies and has a grounding and calming effect on the body).

5 of Swords: This card is typically seen as “the bully”. I look at it from the perspective of the man with the bandana around his mouth. He looks ready to fight at any cost and his words (or thoughts) are being silenced. Sometimes this is how I feel with my anxiety. I don’t want anyone to get too close and get very protective of my “bubble”. (Let’s be clear here… I am NOT looking to actually jab anyone, lol! But my anxiety can bring out a need to create more space and energy between me and someone else). 

Another way I look at this card is anxiety is “the bully” because it can create a very sharp-tongue when interacting with others. Sometimes defenses go up without even being aware of it. Think of a time when either you were really anxious, or perhaps were working with a client, patient or co-worker that was stressed. How high was their patience in that moment? Probably not very, right? So this is how I see this image. If anxiety is the one yielding the swords, it’s more as a protective stance but comes across to others as being rude, harsh, mean… in general being a bully. Not the nicest perception or most comfortable way of dealing with a situation, but that’s the thing about anxiety. Once it’s high enough frustration sets in and trying to rein in quick-tongued comments become much more difficult. So then everyone feels bullied by the anxiety.

5 of Wands: This card is a little different from the previous one. Wands is tarot have more to do with creativity, passion and the element of fire. This particular image makes me think of others trying to persuade me into believing anxiety is “no big thing” and I am trying to fight to be heard over all the other voices. There is also no consensus between all the parties as to what anxiety means, or how to “fight” it. This is the card I think of when having to go see multiple practitioners. Each one believes they have a better approach than the last person I saw. One thing I try to remind myself is that I live in my head. I live in my body. At the end of the day I am the one who knows best as to what will work and what won’t. I really do appreciate different views and ways to lessen the role that anxiety plays in my life. That is why I am open to meeting new people and discussing it, while also sharing these things in my posts. There will always be new ways to treat something that negatively impacts one’s life. Ultimately though, who I choose to listen to and how I approach my anxiety is my decision and I need a chance, and space, to be able to hear my inner voice. That is why this card is important to me. It reminds me to quiet all the “noise” going on around me and do what feels right to me.

7 of Wands: Compare this card with the 5 of Swords from earlier. The man makes me think of me, trying to separate myself from anxiety and tell its mean “friends” (Guilt and Shame) to f*ck right off! He seems to embody strength and courage and refuses to be ignored. He also looks like a leader as he is standing higher than the other people carrying wands. He appears to be defending himself, not aggressively being the attacker. This card reminds me that sometimes the best way to combat the negative vibes and the high energy that can accompany anxiety is by using that energy and pouring it into something creative. Turn it into something positive and defend your “happy bubble”!

    These are just some examples from one deck that can show different sides of anxiety and how people may respond during an anxious moment and how it traps our minds and bodies… but only if we let it. Now please don’t get me wrong. Anxiety is VERY real and everyone experiences it differently. Anxiety is not something you just “will away”. I think it is important to respect it when it comes up and learn how best to deal with it… for YOU! I am simply wanting to offer alternative images to help others better understand their own anxiety, or assist others in gaining a deeper respect for someone else’s anxiety. For me, the first 2 images are the most prominent and speak to me the most about my particular kind of anxiety. 

Which images stand out the most for you?