Back to the Basics, Buddhist Style
The Eightfold Path of Buddhism and how it can be used with Tarot
The Eightfold Path in Buddhism offers a profound framework for living a life free from suffering, emphasizing wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. While not traditionally associated with tarot, integrating these principles into your readings can transform them into powerful tools for mindful introspection and personal growth. Here are some ideas on how each aspect of the Eightfold Path can be applied to a tarot reading:
The Eightfold Path in Tarot Readings
The Eightfold Path is often grouped into three categories: Wisdom (Panna), Ethical Conduct (Sila), and Mental Discipline (Samadhi). There are eight descriptors within these categories that are often paired with an adjective. Depending on the author or audience you might see “right view” or “wise intention”. For my purposes I like to use the word skillful. This emphasizes the active participation we have in each of these categories.
In the following outline there are examples of cards with the mindful empath’s tarot name, but for those that are familiar with the Rider Waite (RW) system, you will see that indicated in parentheses.
Wisdom (Panna)
This category focuses on understanding reality as it truly is.
Skillful View (Samma Ditthi)
Tarot Application: When a card is drawn, consider what fundamental truths it illuminates about your current.
Questions to ask: "What is the true nature of this situation, beyond my immediate desires or fears?" "Am I seeing things clearly, or through a biased lens?" "What are the underlying causes and conditions at play here?" "How does this card reflect the principle of impermanence, suffering, or non-self?"
Example: Drawing the Struggle (RW Tower) card might prompt you to see the impermanence of structures you cling to, rather than just fear disruption. The Core (RW Wheel of Fortune) card might highlight the interconnectedness of events and the cyclical nature of life.
Skillful Intention (Samma Sankappa)
Tarot Application: Explore the motivations behind your actions and desires as revealed by the cards.
Questions to ask: "What are my true intentions in this situation?" "Are my motivations rooted in goodwill, non-harming, or renunciation (letting go of attachment)?" "Am I acting from a place of compassion or self-interest?" "How can I align my intentions with a path that reduces suffering for myself and others?"
Example: A reversed Air (RW Swords) card might suggest intentions driven by anger or hostility. The Two of Water (RW Cups) could point to intentions of connection and partnership.
Ethical Conduct (Sila)
This category deals with skillful actions and speech.
Skillful Speech (Samma Vaca)
Tarot Application: Reflect on how your communication impacts the situation and others.
Questions to ask: "How does this card advise me regarding my speech?" "Am I speaking truthfully, kindly, helpfully, and at the right time?" "Am I avoiding divisive speech, harsh words, or idle chatter?" "What message does this card have about expressing myself constructively?"
Example: The Air Nurturer (RW Queen of Swords) might encourage direct, honest, but not necessarily unkind, communication. The Surrender card (RW Hanged Man) could suggest a need for silence and deep listening before speaking.
Skillful Action (Samma Kammanta)
Tarot Application: Consider the ethical implications of your choices and behaviors.
Questions to ask: "What actions does this card encourage or caution against?" "Am I refraining from actions that cause harm?" "How can I act in a way that promotes peace, generosity, and respect for all beings?"
Example: The Balance (RW Justice) card explicitly calls for ethical and fair action. A reversed Seven of Air (RW Swords) might suggest dishonest or harmful actions to avoid.
Skillful Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)
Tarot Application: Examine how your work and means of living align with ethical principles and your values.
Questions to ask: "Does my current livelihood (or the path this card suggests) cause harm to myself or others?" "Am I earning my living in a way that is honorable and aligns with my deepest values?" "How can I contribute positively to the world through my work?"
Example: The Ten of Earth (RW Pentacles) might signify a stable and ethical livelihood, while a reversed Shadow (RW Devil) card could prompt reflection on liberating oneself from unwholesome work environments.
Mental Discipline (Samadhi)
This category focuses on cultivating a focused and aware mind.
Skillful Effort (Samma Vayama)
Tarot Application: Assess your energy and determination in pursuing wholesome states and abandoning unwholesome ones.
Questions to ask: "What effort is required of me, according to this card?" "Am I putting in balanced effort – not too much, not too little?" "How can I prevent unwholesome states from arising and cultivate wholesome ones?" "Where can I direct my energy to nourish positive qualities and diminish negative ones?"
Example: The Courage (RW Strength) card encourages inner effort and perseverance in overcoming inner struggles. The Eight of Fire (RW Wands) could suggest a need for focused, energetic action.
Skillful Mindfulness (Samma Sati)
Tarot Application: Use the card as a prompt for present-moment awareness of body, feelings, and mental state.
Questions to ask: "What am I truly noticing in this moment as a result of drawing this card?" "Am I fully present with my sensations, emotions, and thoughts related to this card's message?" "How can I observe this situation with clear, non-judgmental awareness?"
Example: The Intuition (RW High Priestess) card emphasizes inner knowing, and encouraging mindful observation. Any card, when viewed mindfully, can be a prompt to simply observe its imagery and the feelings it evokes without interpretation.
Skillful Concentration (Samma Samadhi)
Tarot Application: Foster focused attention, often through meditation or deep absorption in the card's meaning.
Questions to ask: "How can I bring sustained, calm focus to the insights this card offers?" "Where is my mind scattered, and how can I bring it back to this present inquiry?" "Can I delve deeply into the wisdom of this card, allowing it to penetrate my understanding without distraction?"
Example: The Mindfulness (RW Hermit) card often signifies deep introspection and focused solitude. Practicing a short meditation on the imagery of a pulled card, allowing its symbolism to absorb your attention, directly applies Right Concentration.
By approaching tarot readings through the lens of the Eightfold Path, practitioners can transform them into a contemplative and transformative practice, guiding them towards a more mindful, ethical, and liberated way of being.