Tarot cards have long been used as a tool for fortune-telling and connecting with the unseen world. But for my guest, Beth Lees, a transformation guide and tarot reader, the cards are far more than a tool for prediction.

Beth relies on the cards as a gateway for self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. Beth and I explore the deep wisdom of tarot and how it helps navigate life’s changes on t his episode of the Breathe Love & Magic podcast..

Tarot – A Tool for Self-Discovery

Many people approach tarot expecting to learn about the future. However, Beth sees the cards as a mirror for the unconscious. Quoting Carl Jung, she explains, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

The imagery of the tarot taps into our subconscious mind, allowing you to see your life from new perspectives and make empowered choices.

Beth’s readings help you understand yourself and your situation more deeply. She suggests that as you see things differently, you can change the trajectory of your life for the better.

Surrender – The Hanged Man Card

Beth drew a card for collective clarity for the listeners and chose The Hanged Man. While the card appears to be ominous, it’s actually about surrender. While hanging upside down from one foot, the man can see the world from a new perspective. The Hanged Man looks relaxed and illuminated, inviting you to let go and trust the process.

Beth shares a favorite Rumi quote that captures the essence of this card, “Don’t worry that your world is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?” Surrender, she explains, is not about giving up or losing, but pausing, reflecting, and allowing things to unfold without a lot of effort.

4 of Pentacles – Gratitude & Letting Go

Next, Beth picked the Four of Pentacles, often called the “Miser” card. While it can represent holding resources too tightly, Beth offers a more nuanced view.  Her interpretation is to appreciate what you have, pause to reflect, and practice gratitude.

Every tarot card, has both positive and negative aspects, which is the same of life.

I mentioned that I felt confused about the cards pointing to surrender and holding on. Beth responded that confusion is a sign of growth. When you’re curious and open, you’re no longer stuck in old stories—we’re in a state of beginner’s mind, ready for creativity and new opportunities.

Debunking Tarot Myths

Tarot often gets a bad rap, Beth acknowledges, due to religious misconceptions and dramatic portrayals in movies. She emphasizes that there are no “good” or “bad” cards—each card simply reflects different aspects of life. The infamous Death card, for example, is not about literal death but transformation and new beginnings. Think of a snake shedding its old skin to promite growth.

The Tower and Transformation

Beth shared a powerful story from a tarot party she worked. A man, sat at her table, who was an Assocaited Press photographer. He was known for his iconic photo of someone jumping from the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Not knowing this, Beth pulled two cards for him –  first the Hanged Man and then the Tower card in his reading. The Tower is a card about a big shake up, and the Hanged Man is about surrender. He asked her not to explain as he said what he saw.

Beth added her interpretation reading so he could see his photographic image in a new light. Rather than being associated only with the tragedy, she saw this also as an invitation to let go and find meaning in that person’s surrender.

Use Intuition to Learn Tarot

For those interested in learning tarot, Beth’s advice is simple. She suggests buying a deck and pick one card every day. Don’t rush to read the guidebook for meaning. Instead, pay attention to what you see and how the card makes you feel. According to Beth, the most important interpretation is your own.

Over time, you’ll develop a relationship with the cards and build trust in your intuition. Later, you can consult books for additional perspectives, but the foundation is your personal connection to the imagery.

Creative Uses for Tarot

The tarot has value beyond self-reflection or divination. It can also be a powerful tool for creativity and inspiration in everyday life. She offered several creative ways to use tarot.

1. Character Development – If you’re writing a book or story, pull a card to help shape a character’s personality or backstory. The imagery and symbolism can spark new ideas and add depth to your characters.

2. Decision-Making – Use tarot to bring a playful, intuitive element to everyday choices. Even something as simple as “What should I have for breakfast?” The cards can prompt you to consider new perspectives or options you hadn’t thought of.

3. Artistic Inspiration – Let the cards’ colors, symbols, and archetypes inspire visual art, poetry, or music. Beth encourages using quotes, songs, and questions along with the card meanings to deepen your creative relationship with them.

4. Personal Reflection – Beyond prediction, tarot can be a daily practice for journaling, meditation, or setting intentions. Pull a card and ponder its meaning for your day, your mood, or a challenge you’re facing.

The key is to approach the cards with curiosity, playfulness, and an open mind. There are no limits to how you can use tarot to spark creativity and insight.

The Joy of Tarot

Above all, Beth reminds you that tarot can be fun. In times of uncertainty, a sense of wonder and playfulness can help  navigate life’s challenges. Pick a card each day, consdier its meaning, and look for the positive aspects. Approach the cards and life with eyes of curiosity and joy.

According to Beth, the point of the tarot is not just a tool for predicting the future, but a companion for the journey of self-discovery. Whether you’re facing a major life change or simply seeking a daily dose of inspiration, the cards can assist.

Tarot invites you to pause, reflect, and trust the unfolding path. The magic of tarot lies beyond the card meanings, in the wisdom, curiosity, and joy you bring to reading them.

BIO – Beth Leas

Beth Leas uses the Tarot as a tools for transformation – both personally and professionally. She is a Transformation Guide for women navigating change in their lives – using tarot, energy healing, meditation and the art of inquiry as tools in her work.  Beth has been inspiring connection for 35+ years and enjoys supporting people as they awaken their inner wisdom, embrace joy and live with greater purpose.

In addition, Beth is the founder of the TLC Tribe networking group in CT and NY and host of the Shifts and Giggles podcast.

Website & Social Media

Website: https://www.BethLeas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethleas/
https://www.instagram.com/shiftsandgiggles.podcast/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bethleas

ApplePodcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shifts-giggles-conversations-with-beth/id1823692145

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