Jessica Dore is a licensed social worker and tarot practitioner, teacher, and writer who is interested in using tarot cards to, as she puts it, “help people understand the interplay between internal and external life, and to behave flexibly and in alignment with what is most precious.” In other words, she uses tarot as a means for helping the mind and the spirit work in more interconnected ways. Jessica’s hugely popular Twitter and Instagram accounts and beautifully written newsletter all delve into both the psychological and magical meanings of the tarot, and in her tarot sessions, she seeks to support people during times of transition and stagnation. Her insightful, integrated approach to tarot as a therapeutic tool has been featured in such places as The New York Times, New York Magazine‘s The Cut, Teen Vogue, and on NPR’s Weekend Edition. And her writing has been featured in O Magazine, VICE, and Psych Central.

On this episode, Jessica discusses how tarot can offer psychological revelations, the importance of synchronicity, and why spirituality is a crucial component to maintaining one’s mental wellbeing.

Pam also talks about mystical methods that help settle the mind during anxious times, and answers a listener question about witchcraft and mental health.

Content warning: While we don’t go into graphic detail, we do discuss mental health struggles and therapies, including very brief mentions of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Again, it’s not extensive, but if even reading those words is distressing for you, then you may want to skip this episode.

Disclaimer: As stated throughout the episode, tarot is not therapy, nor is it a replacement for therapy. If you are struggling with your mental wellness, please consult your doctor or seek support from an official mental health resource such as the National Aliiance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

Our sponsors for this episode are Altar New Orleans, Ethereal Visions Publishing, and Mithras Candle