In this episode of The Tarot Diagnosis, I explore a question that has been lingering in my mind for months: What do the pillars in tarot actually symbolize on a deeper psychological level? Using Viktor Frankl’s famous quote - “Between stimulus and response there is a space…,” I reflect on how the pillars in cards like the High Priestess, Justice, the Hierophant, and even the Moon might represent more than just duality or balance. I explore the possibility that these pillars symbolize psychological thresholds or liminal spaces where uncertainty, intuition, morality, projection, fear, and meaning live. I dive into the symbolism of the flowing/airy tapestry behind the High Priestess and contrast it with the heavy, obscuring curtain behind Justice, exploring how these archetypes reflect the tension between flexibility and rigidity. Through a Jungian, somatic, and trauma-informed lens, I discuss how the body often senses something before the mind can, and before the brain can organize it into language, as well as how our desire for certainty can sometimes become a defense mechanism against our discomfort with ambiguity. From there, I turn toward the Hierophant and explore the psychological impact of inherited systems rooted in religion, morality, culture, authority, and collective meaning-making. I reflect on what happens when external structures override internal knowing, and why the space between the pillars matters so much when it comes to identity, autonomy, and self-trust. I also explain why I believe the Moon belongs in this conversation, despite its “pillars” technically being towers. For me, The Moon represents what happens behind the pillars: the unconscious terrain we enter when certainty becomes hazy and we are forced to navigate ambiguity without reassurance. Toward the end of the episode, I create a brand new three card tarot spread inspired by Frankl’s quote. Pulling the Magician, Six of Pentacles, and Three of Wands, I explore themes of hyper-independence, receiving support, and what becomes possible when we stop trying to survive entirely on our own. This episode is part tarot symbolism analysis, part Jungian and therapeutic exploration, and part philosophical reflection on what exists in the space between instinct and action. Want more of this type of tarot experience? Join us at the Summer Solstice Summit - a three day, virtual tarot conference June 26-28. Grab your ticket here and use code TTD15 to get 15% off! 📚 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 and get access to episode announcements, episode created spreads and photos from the episode! 👥 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 Sound Music by Timmoor from Pixabay
