Using Tarot to Set Intentions of Gratitude This Thanksgiving
Let’s be real, Thanksgiving is a weird holiday. It’s a time for delicious food comas and awkward family conversations, but it’s also a great opportunity to get intentional. Instead of just mindlessly eating turkey, why not use this time to reflect on what you’re genuinely grateful for and what you want to manifest? Forget basic gratitude lists, we’re pulling out the big guns: the Tarot. This isn’t just about predicting the future, it’s about actively creating it. So, grab your favorite deck, pour yourself something warm, and let’s dive into how you can use Tarot to set some powerful Thanksgiving intentions.
A (Super Quick) History of Tarot
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s have a little history lesson, shall we? Tarot cards didn’t just appear in a puff of smoke at a spooky-themed Hot Topic. Their origins trace back to 15th-century Italy, where they were used for a playing card game called tarocchini. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that occultists, like the ever-so-dramatic Jean-Baptiste Alliette, started using them for divination and fortune-telling. Fast forward to today, and Tarot has evolved into a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. The 78 cards, split into the Major and Minor Arcana, tell the story of the human journey, making them the perfect companions for exploring our own paths.
Manifesting Gratitude with Tarot
So, how does a deck of cards help with gratitude? Think of Tarot as a mirror for your subconscious. Traditional gratitude practices can feel a bit stale, like writing “I’m grateful for my cat” for the hundredth time. Tarot shakes things up by giving you visual prompts that connect to deeper emotions.
For example, pulling The Sun card might not just make you think “I’m happy,” but instead remind you of the specific joy you felt during a sunny afternoon walk. Even a “scary” card like The Tower can be a reminder to be grateful for the stability you do have, or for the strength you discovered after a challenging event. It’s about finding the light, even in the shadows.
Setting Your Intentions for Thanksgiving
Setting Thanksgiving intentions with Tarot is all about focusing your energy. This isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s about declaring what you want to call into your life. Start by creating a calm space, maybe light a candle or some incense, and take a few deep breaths. Shuffle your deck while thinking about what you truly want to feel and experience this holiday season.
Are you seeking peace, connection, or maybe just the strength to deal with your weird uncle? Let this energy flow into the cards. When you feel ready, you’ll pull cards for a specific spread that helps clarify your goals and desires. This practice aligns your inner world with your outer actions, setting the stage for some real magic.
Recommended Tarot Spreads
Ready to get started? Here are a couple of simple Tarot spreads perfect for setting your Thanksgiving intentions.
Three-Card Gratitude Spread
This is a quick and easy spread to get you started. Pull three cards and lay them out:
- What I am grateful for from my past: This card helps you acknowledge the lessons and blessings that brought you here.
- What I am grateful for in the present: This focuses on the gifts and joys available to you right now.
- What future blessing can I call in: This card gives you a glimpse of the abundance you can manifest.
The “Harvest Your Blessings” Spread
This five-card spread goes a little deeper into your gratitude practice.
- What blessings have I harvested this season? What have you accomplished or received?
- What blessings are available to me now? What gifts in your current situation deserve more attention?
- What new blessings are coming my way? A peek at what the universe has in store.
- How can I show gratitude to myself? A prompt for some much-needed self-love.
- How can I show gratitude to others? How can you share this positive energy with the world?
Conclusion
Using Tarot for your Thanksgiving intentions is a powerful way to bring mindfulness and magic to the holiday. It’s a chance to connect with yourself on a deeper level, celebrate your journey, and consciously create the abundance you desire. So this year, as you’re getting ready for the feast, take a few moments to pull some cards. You might be surprised by the insights and gratitude that surface. After all, the best kind of magic is the kind you make yourself.
