Imposter Complex in Tarot

Ever since the start of the year, I’ve been hearing more and more tarot readers talk about their struggles with imposter complex.

Imposter complex is something that gets all of us at one time or another. No matter how much work you put into your craft, and no matter how much positive feedback you receive on your readings, there will be days when you question whether you’re cut out for this.

One of the things I think is important to do when doubt creeps in is to sit within the awareness of it. Ask yourself: “Why is this feeling coming up? Where might it be coming from?”

Sometimes imposter complex rises up when readers are trying too hard to do something spectacular. That might look like an attempt to make a wild leap of a prediction, or it might come from pressure to impress a querent by knowing something they haven’t revealed.

When we try to force the uncanny, or when we assume we have to perform omniscient feats, doubt is often in the corners, waiting to pounce.

In these instances, it’s good to remember that you don’t have to do anything more than read the cards that are in front of you. Let the information be what it is. Honour the messages as they are – even if they feel mundane or obvious.

Sometimes imposter complex is rooted in a reader’s own judgement of whether a message is “enough.”

While there are times when you might recognize an opportunity to push yourself as a reader, it’s also important to know how to accept a reading as it comes. This is a balance that every diviner walks for as long as they do this work.

Another way that imposter complex creeps in is when readers hide their own humanity.

We aren’t perfect, and we don’t have to be. When I think about readings I’ve received that resonated with me the most, they have always come from people who get it: 

They understand that shit happens. They understand that people make mistakes. They understand that life gets confusing. 

And they aren’t trying to be above it all. They aren’t promising to have all the answers.

They are just trying to help. 

Embracing our own humanity as readers – warts and all – is one way to counteract imposter complex. Because imposter complex can be a cousin to perfectionism.

But when we model our own humanity for our querents, we allow others to accept who they are, too. And we can help them find the silver lining in it all if we can show ourselves a little humility along the way, too.

At the end of the day, the route to moving through imposter complex comes down to letting yourself be who you are, and acknowledging that we are all on paths that of continuous unfoldment.

p.s. Want to learn more about deepening your tarot practice? You might enjoy my free webinar, When Intuition Isn't Enough. Access it here.