Shadow Work with the Tarot: Illuminating Autumn’s Depths

Autumn is not only the season of harvest, it is also the season of shadows. As the nights lengthen and the trees shed their leaves, the outer world mirrors an inner descent. This is the time of year when the veil between the seen and unseen thins, when the spirit naturally turns inward, and when hidden truths rise to the surface.

Shadow work, the practice of facing the unconscious aspects of the self, is a powerful path to walk during this season. And one of the most effective companions for this inner work is the tarot. With its archetypes, symbolism, and layered meanings, tarot provides a map to navigate the landscapes of the shadow.

In this second installment of our Autumn Tarot Series, we’ll explore how certain cards embody the work of shadow, how to use tarot as a tool for self-discovery, and a spread designed to guide the process.

What Is Shadow Work?

The “shadow,” a term popularized by psychologist Carl Jung, refers to the hidden or repressed parts of the psyche, the traits, desires, wounds, and fears that are often pushed aside because they feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. Yet these very parts often shape behaviors, choices, and emotions in powerful ways.

Shadow work is the conscious act of bringing these hidden elements into the light of awareness. In doing so, the spirit becomes more whole. Rather than rejecting or fearing these parts, shadow work teaches how to integrate them with compassion and clarity.

Autumn is an ideal time for shadow work. The season’s energy encourages release, reflection, and the honoring of cycles of death and rebirth. Just as trees shed their leaves, shadow work invites the soul to shed illusions and face truth.

Tarot as a Mirror of the Shadow

Tarot cards reveal both light and shadow. While many seek their uplifting messages, the cards also hold space for the uncomfortable, the fears, attachments, and illusions we must face to grow. During autumn, certain cards in particular seem to emerge with potent shadow messages.

The Moon

This card is the quintessential symbol of shadow. It represents illusion, confusion, dreams, and the hidden subconscious. When The Moon appears, it signals that something is obscured by fear or illusion, and that clarity can only be found by walking through uncertainty.

The Devil

Often misunderstood, The Devil highlights bondage, unhealthy attachments, and self-imposed limitations. Its presence asks: What chains are holding me back? Shadow work with this card can uncover addictions, toxic patterns, or fears of freedom.

The Tower

The Tower embodies disruption, upheaval, and sudden change. Shadow work with this card reveals where false structures must fall so truth can be revealed. Though uncomfortable, its destruction clears the way for authentic growth.

Five of Cups

Though not Major Arcana, this card is a frequent shadow messenger in autumn. It reflects grief, disappointment, and fixation on loss. Shadow work here involves acknowledging sorrow while turning toward what remains.

These cards, and others like them, invite courage. They do not punish; they reveal what lies beneath the surface. Working with them is an act of deep self-love.

How to Use Tarot for Shadow Work

Create a Safe Space

Before beginning, ground yourself. Light a candle, burn incense, or place protective crystals nearby. Shadow work can stir deep emotions, so creating sacred space ensures a container for the work.

Ask Open Questions

Instead of “Will this bad thing happen?” ask questions like:

What part of myself am I avoiding?

What needs to be released for me to heal?

What illusion must I face?

Journal the Process

After pulling cards, write freely. Allow thoughts, feelings, and memories to surface. Shadow work unfolds gradually; journaling helps track insights and patterns.

Practice Compassion

Shadow work is not about shame or judgment. Approach the cards with gentleness. Remember: the shadow is not the enemy; it is the unseen ally.

A Shadow Work Spread for Autumn

Try this four-card spread to guide shadow exploration:

The Mask – What part of myself am I hiding?

The Chain – What fear or attachment holds me back?

The Lantern – What wisdom can guide me through the shadow?

The Gift – What transformation waits if I embrace this work?

As you interpret the spread, notice your emotional reactions as much as the card meanings. Resistance, discomfort, or strong feelings often point directly to the heart of the shadow.

A Ritual for Shadow Integration

This simple ritual combines tarot with the seasonal energy of autumn:

Choose one card that feels shadow-heavy for you right now (perhaps one that appeared in a spread).

Place the card on your altar, surrounded by autumn symbols such as fallen leaves, apples, or a dark stone like obsidian.

Sit in meditation, gazing at the card. Ask aloud: What truth are you showing me?

Write down any insights. Then, take a black or brown cord and tie a single knot in it while affirming:

“I see this shadow, I honor it, and I integrate it into my wholeness.”

Keep the knotted cord as a reminder of the shadow you’ve acknowledged and embraced.

This ritual weaves tarot symbolism into tangible form, offering a way to carry the shadow’s lesson into daily life.

Closing Thoughts

Shadow work can feel daunting, but it is one of the most healing and transformative paths the tarot offers. Autumn, with its lengthening nights and falling leaves, provides the perfect container for this deep work.

Cards like The Moon, The Devil, and The Tower remind us that the shadow is not something to fear, it is a teacher, a mirror, and an opportunity for growth. Through spreads, rituals, and compassionate reflection, tarot helps illuminate what was once hidden.

As the season darkens, may the tarot guide your journey inward. May the shadows you face become the soil in which new wisdom grows, preparing you for the rebirth that lies ahead.