Horoscopes and all things self-care saw a heightened engagement during 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. More time at home and intensified feelings of instability and uncertainty encouraged new ways of working and an establishment of routine. What followed from this adversity, was an abundance of knitting, banana bread, Joe Wicks exercise videos and a newfound interest and reliance on the mysteries of horoscopes.
Fast-forward to 2022, the following of celestial signs to structure daily routines has filtered into mainstream culture, with a surge in the interest of Tarot Cards, the cooler, older, and seemingly wiser sister to the Horoscope. Similar in essence to the ideas of horoscopes, Tarot is viewed as the next step for those interested in divination and connecting to your higher self, with daily horoscope readings not satisfying the need to understand and explore one’s situation and spirituality deeply enough. Often referred to as a soul map, Tarot Cards, like Horoscopes offer a deep, psychological guide to self-empowerment. However, rather than reading your horoscope on Co-Star every morning to determine whether your day will involve a ‘new love interest’ or ‘power in routine’, Tarot Card readings image your path through 78 symbolic cards. The process is called synchronicity, and essentially means having a conversation with your higher self.
Ruminative in nature, celestial beliefs are often acknowledged as a useful method of self-reflection. Which comes as no surprise, with a larger number of young individuals looking to horoscopes to help make sense of their path at an uncertain time. Checking up on your horoscope app following a break-up, a career change, or during times of social anxiety is a common source of comfort, a guiding voice that everything will work out, and that you are on the right path.
Traditionally, decks have 22 major Arcana cards which feature the archetypal images that pop into mind when you think of Tarot. As well as 56 minor arcana cards, Tarot readings are advised to be done by a trained professional due to the complexity and volume of cards. The practice will not be as accurate if done by someone less knowledgeable.
The filtering of celestial imagery into mainstream culture has seen the practices often criticised as being a self-fulfilling prophecy, with many people calling it out for utilising blanket statements, which are statements so broad that anyone could relate to them. However, like all forms of self-care and self-help, these self-reflective practices bring comfort to mostly young individuals in times of confusion. Bringing forth realisations and alleviating feelings of anxiety, whether accurate or not, such practices can be a useful tool to better yourself or your situation.
If this interests you, Untamd has accumulated a list of spots in London for those seeking some clarity amongst the stresses of the capital city.
Wellness Foundry- https://wellnessfoundry.co.uk/
Treadwells- https://www.treadwells-london.com/tarot-readings
Psychic sisters- https://www.psychicsisters.co.uk/
Words by Rosie Bell
