Navigate Family Issues ... with a Little Help from Tarot

Enjoying family and food are two of the best ways to celebrate the holiday season. As we gather together with those we love to feast and make merry, we gain nourishment both emotionally and physically. Unfortunately, fighting and conflict can sometimes arise as skeletons from the closet come knocking. Epic battles from the past and the airing of dirty laundry can make our hopes for a joyous family reunion fall flat, as our relatives (or friends) engage in epic battles that threaten to destroy a peaceful visit.

The Ten of Pentacles card from the Tarot deck offers valuable insight on how to navigate the ups and downs of the holiday roller coaster. As you work with the symbolism of this card, you can learn more about how to enjoy your time with family -- rather than dreading their next visit.

The visual imagery of Tarot offers up hidden gifts that are available to anyone. All you need is a deck of cards and a few minutes of quiet time alone to reap the precious insights that Tarot offers. Before you set off for your first family holiday event, set aside a moment to work with the Ten of Pentacles in order to get your visit off to the best start. You can use the “Make it Real” tips listed below to help guide you on your journey with the Ten of Pentacles.

The Ten of Pentacles is the last of the minor arcane in the suit of Pentacles. As a suit that represents earth, this card symbolizes a mastery in the art of creating stability, structure and traditions. Each Pentacle in the card suggests a different cornerstone or legacy that we may have inherited from our family, traditions or values that make us who we are.

Make it Real

Think of at least 10 gifts or legacies that you have received from your family of origin or your family of the heart (friends and community). These 10 things can be actual physical items (Great-Aunt Ida’s diamond ring), or inheritances of the heart (your oldest friend’s ability to make you laugh anywhere, anytime). Once you have compiled your list, take a few moments to experience gratitude for the richness in your life.

Notice the people and animals in the Ten of Pentacles Card, observe their posture and relationship to each other. You will probably notice that there are a wide variety of ages and stages of life represented. Diversity and respect for differences is another lesson that is offered by the Ten of Pentacles.

Action Item

Think about the diversity in your family group: who (or what) is represented or is not? What do you enjoy about the diversity in your family? What bothers you and makes you upset about your differences? Try to come up with at least one new way to deal with any uncomfortable feelings you have about the differences in your family.

There is a wealth of information available in the Ten of Pentacles card, guidance that can help you enjoy your best family visit yet. As you continue to work with the images on the card, let them speak to you and help you to have a joyous and abundant holiday season with your family.