The Ugly Phase: A Philosophical Exploration of Disorientation & Tarot

On this episode of The Tarot Diagnosis, I discuss how I believe we are collectively living through one of the most significant periods of disorientation in modern history. Between political upheaval, personal and collective loss, illness, trauma, and rapid cultural, religious, and spiritual change, many of us are finding ourselves in the liminal, and trying desperately to claw out of it. But…what if we’re not supposed to leave right away? What if there is something to gain from existing in this space of disorientation, so when we do find our way to the other side, we feel better equipped to navigate what lies ahead.In this episode, I explore the psychology and philosophy of disorientation through the work of philosopher Ami Harbin and consider what happens when we stop trying to rush toward certainty, the next experience, or healing. Rather than treating confusion and discomfort as something to fix, I mirror Harbin’s philosophy and ask whether periods of uncertainty might actually become some of the most meaningful experiences of our lives.From both a psychotherapeutic and tarot perspective, I examine why cards like The Tower and Five of Cups often invite us to remain in the discomfort instead of immediately searching for solutions and what if grief, disruption, and uncertainty aren't interruptions to growth that need to quickly be remedied, but instead a necessary process for growth.I also share a three-card "Reorientation" tarot spread for the collective inspired by Harbin's work. Together we explore where we currently feel disoriented, what opportunities for growth exist within that uncertainty, and how these experiences may be reshaping our identities through The Tower, King of Wands, and The Chariot. (Yes, I actually pulled The Tower for card one. And no, I cannot believe it.)Deck: Earth Magick TarotBook Referenced: Disorientation and Moral Life by Ami HarbinInterview referenced: https://jessicadore.substack.com/p/offering-disorientation-with-amiWant more of this type of tarot experience?📚 Order my book Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow for more therapeutic tarot practices!🌙 Stay Connected With Me💌 Follow me on Instagram:⁠ @thetarotdiagnosis⁠🧠 Sign up for my newsletter at⁠ thetarotdiagnosis.com⁠👥 Join ⁠The Symposium⁠ — my tarot & psychology membership community If you love The Tarot Diagnosis Podcast, please consider leaving a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a super easy and FREE way to support my work. Plus, it helps more people discover the podcast. I appreciate you all so much!Audio Edited by Anthony DiGiacomo of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Resonance Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music by Timmoor from Pixabay