The Twelve Steps as Tarot Cards

I have been a student of the tarot for over 15 years now. I fully immersed myself in the practice when I stopped drinking in 2019. When I re-wrote the steps to better reflect what worked for me on my healing journey, I realized how much tarot helped me work through my version of the steps.

Here are the 12 steps reimagined at major arcana tarot cards!

Step One: The Tower

Admit we are living in misalignment and our life has become unsustainable. 

Key Ideas: call to action, sudden changes, an opportunity for growth, “the need to act before it’s too late”, abrupt enlightenment 

Step Two: Death

Believe that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves and our ego. 

Key Ideas: major change, renewal, a sprouting seed, new growth, closing of a chapter, entering a new stage of existence 

Step Three: The Hanged Man

Let go of the notion of control and have faith in the mission the universe has for us 

Key Ideas: letting go, going with the flow, stop fighting the river, adopting a unique perspective, serenity through faith

Step Four: The World

Make a fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Key Ideas: clearly defined goal, one’s destiny, a desired place, going for gold. 

Step Five: The High Preistess

Admit to the universe and to ourselves through self reflection or prayer the nature of misalignment from our highest self. 

Key Ideas: spiritual wisdom, intuitive awareness, the seed of an idea, piercing the views of the unconsciousness

Step Six: The Hermit

Allow ourselves to be ready to do the shadow work needed to align with our highest self. 

Key ideas: introspection, maturity, discernment, wisdom of experience, careful attention 

Step Seven: The Star

With the help of someone you trust and through your own vigorous honesty, you learn how to alchemize the parts of yourself that have cause pain to yourself, and others, into assets that bring peace, empathy, and love to the universe. 

Key Ideas: light at the end of the tunnel, clarity, peace, hope, support, guiding light, opportunity for renewal 

Step Eight: The Moon

Make a list of the people who you hurt when you were not aligned with your highest self.

Key Ideas: facing ones fears, introspection, gut instincts, voluntary changes 

Step Nine: The Chariot

When possible, healthy for all, and not based in ego, make amends with the people in your life who were hurt when you were living in misalignment. 

Key Ideas: establishing boundaries, setting out on a quest, respecting your own limits, strength of purpose.

Step Ten: Temperance

Continue to practice living in alignment and give yourself grace when falling back into old patterns of thinking by promptly admitting misalignment when it happens and allowing yourself to grow.

Key Ideas: self-control, balancing different needs, respect, artful blending of contrary forces, creative resolution

Step Eleven: Magician

Have full spiritual awakening leading to the insight that only you have the power to create your reality, whether it be good or bad. 

Key Ideas: skill, mastery, transforming ideas into realities, alchemy, “as is above, so is below” 

Step Twelve: The Sun

Use your spiritual insight to help others who are starting a similar path. 

Key Ideas: clear vision, healing, positive energy, enlightenment, lucid radiance, achievement and recognition. 

Friendly reminder, this started as a game! There are so many ways to interpret the cards. It's all about finding a style that works for you. Have fun and play your way.

Cheers,

Hollis Rose