Buddha called it "enlightenment." Abraham Maslow called it "self-actualization." Carl Jung called it "individuation." Jesus Christ called it "The Way, the Truth and the Life." Gandhi called it "self-realization." In her wonderful book, In The Spirit, Susan Taylor, who is also the editor of Essence Magazine, describes the quest for enlightenment as "living from within." Whatever terminology you use to describe a state of consciousness that is different from our everyday awareness, it is a goal to which many of us aspire. But the question we might ask is "What does enlightenment look like?" or "How will I know when I've achieved self-actualization?"

Psychiatrist Carl Jung described such a state as the development of total individuality, with all the mind's parts functioning in harmony. Psychologist Abraham Maslow arrived at at least 15 characteristics which could be ascribed to a self-actualized individual, such as a sense of humor, the acceptance of self and others, detachment from one's culture, unclouded perceptions of reality, acceptance of full responsibility for what he or she makes of his own life (or doesn't make of life), living in the here and now, freedom from prejudice and the ability to show respect towards others. Maslow also says that such whole and healthy individuals cope better with tragedy -- they grieve more completely and are able to leave their sorrow behind and move on with life. These are individuals who do not allow adversity to stop them -- they are able to accomplish their goals despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Another significant character trait of self-actualized individuals, the one that seems essential, is the emphasis on internal versus external rewards and motivations. In such individuals, both inspiration and reward appears to come mostly from within, rather than from an external need for approval, prestige, or status. Such individuals are autonomous, they function independently of popularity and acceptance. The main difference between those who are actualized versus those who are not, seems to be the shift in focus away from the material realm (money and power) towards the inner or spiritual realm. We might say such individuals are "peak performers" -- individuals who seem to live their lives without much regard for either the criticism or accolades of others.

Self-actualized individuals appear to know, either consciously or unconsciously that the love, the tranquillity, the security, the wisdom which we often seek externally are within us. These are qualities that we typically apply to God or "Spirit" (however we conceive it) and these spiritual qualities are our fundamental nature. Taylor says, "Life is first an inner experience . . . living from within is an exercise in self-awareness . . . To know yourself is to know the power of God within you." Like the Gnostics who conclude, "To know oneself is to know God", like Gandhi who sought "To see God face to face," there are many who believe that as we pursue self-awareness we are also moving along on the path to God.

There are many, many ways to explore the inner dimensions, both conventional methods like psychoanalysis, meditation or prayer and non-traditional methods such as the use of oracles to help us tune into our inner selves. An oracle is an external object, usually presented in a symbolic way, that we use to focus our thoughts and tune into the energies and vibrations around us. Oracles are having a resurgence in their popularity right now and include such tools as Rune Stones, Tarot cards, crystals and the I Ching. The Tarot, in particular, is an oracle that shows us pictures or archetypes of universal human experiences. The Tarot images contain many levels of symbolic meaning and they are a powerful tool for exploring this inner terrain, for getting to know oneself at a deeper level. The Tarot can operate in a manner similar to the Rorschach Ink Blot Test which is a test meant to determine personality traits and various emotional and intellectual states by the way they are interpreted. The Tarot's archetypal images can be used in place of the ink blots to stimulate memories and associations. Like the ink blots, the Tarot images can lead you into a self-analytical dialogue, exploring places deep within the mind. The Tarot can be used in many ways, but when it is used like the Rorschach, the true value of the Tarot's images is brought to light by what they tell us about ourselves.

Since the images of the Tarot can act like ancient archetypes, or inherited behavior patterns we can use them in a number of ways to nourish our growth, development or spiritual and personal power. For example, the Empress card, Key number 3 of the Major Arcana, is the visual expression of the archetype for mother or the creative spark made manifest. We can meditate on this card to release the creative spark that resides within. Another powerful way to use the Tarot is to have an imaginary dialogue with a figure from the Tarot card. In the Empress example you would begin by asking the Empress what you need to know about your creativity. Questions might include the following: What is blocking my creativity? What would help to nourish my creativity? Once you determine the question(s), just begin writing, try not to analyze or think about what is coming through (and don't worry about grammar and punctuation!).

In a similar way, the images that appear in your Tarot readings may call your attention to other internal aspects: repressed fears and unexpressed motives which may influence your perceptions and your future because they are unacknowledged. Because they are unrecognized, they are seeking a means of expression or release. The appearance of an archetypal image allows you to observe and acknowledge its influence, to see what that image stirs up inside you. The archetype's appearance may also act as a verification and validation of concepts that you could not quite grasp or articulate. The archetype's appearance may allow you to have a more accurate understanding of a situation, making you more alert to, and aware of, choices about what is ahead. In the same sense that Maslow described owning responsibility for the outcome of one's life, the Tarot calls upon you to own your future course of action by directing your attention towards the interior issues. These are the precise issues which may be the most important ones in establishing or assessing the future and the decisions which you are making.

To summarize: We can use the symbols and images on the cards to achieve a higher level of self-actualization. It works like this: As you seek validation and knowledge from within your own being via a tool like the Tarot, you are in a sense training yourself to be your own source. The archetypes of the Tarot can put you in touch with your own inner guidance, the deepest part of the mind which knows everything you need to know. And it is in the deep mind in which you may find that center of autonomy and intrinsic worth to which Maslow referred. Accessing the spirit within, focusing inward through any of the tools I've mentioned such as prayer, meditation, chanting or Tarot cards, may allow you to feel centered and at peace -- perhaps even a connection to God. Looking inward can teach you to find validation, self-esteem, even spiritual wisdom from inside yourself rather than outside.

"Living from within" is not necessarily the easiest path we can choose. It contradicts the cultural norms and values to which we are constantly being exposed. Still, it reminds us of an important aspect of a happier and more successful life -- that all we need to be whole is within ourselves. The Tarot's images can serve as a visual cue to remind us that the inner realm is what we seek and that through such seeking, we are led to God. To understand the power of God within ourselves -- perhaps that's ultimately the most important characteristic of a self-actualized individual.

References:

Susan Taylor. In The Spirit. (New York: HarperCollins, 1993).

Blum, Ralph. The Book of Runes. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1982