Tarot Archetypes in Everyday Life: Part 3
Tarot archetypes don’t just live in the big, dramatic turning points of life. They weave themselves into our everyday choices too. In this third part of Tarot Archetypes in Everyday Life, we’re moving deeper into the Major Arcana and exploring cards that often feel heavy, intense, or even intimidating at first glance.
But when you strip away the mystery, you can see how these archetypes show up in simple, ordinary moments. From the Wheel of Fortune reminding us that life has ups and downs, to Justice nudging us toward honesty and accountability, to the Hanged Man teaching us patience, Death inviting us to release what no longer fits, and Temperance guiding us back to balance.
10 - The Wheel of Fortune
As the Chancer
Everyday ways the Wheel of Fortune shows up in your life:
Finding $5 in the pocket of jeans you haven’t worn in months
Spilling coffee on your shirt right before a meeting
Catching the last bus/train just as the doors are closing
Hitting every green light when you’re running late
Getting caught in the rain when you didn’t bring an umbrella
11 - Justice
As the Fair
Everyday ways Justice shows up in your life:
Splitting the dinner bill evenly with friends
Fact-checking a news story before sharing it online
Returning the shopping cart instead of leaving it in the parking lot
Choosing honesty even when a white lie would be easier
Apologizing for snapping at someone because you know it wasn’t really about them
Voting in a local election
Accepting the grade you got because you didn’t study
12 - The Hanged Man
As the Pause
Everyday ways The Hanged Man shows up in your life:
Waiting in a long line and deciding to breathe instead of stressing
Pausing before replying to a text so you don’t respond out of irritation
Choosing to listen fully in a conversation rather than rushing to respond
Spending an afternoon painting, writing, or creating with no pressure to be “good”
Skipping your morning coffee run so you can save for something bigger
13 - Death
As the Change
Everyday ways Death shows up in your life:
Blocking your ex
Deleting old photos or texts so you can move on
Changing your hairstyle or wardrobe to reflect who you are now
Finally unfollowing someone whose posts always drain your energy
Ending a friendship that feels one-sided, even if it hurts
Letting go of a career path you thought you “should” follow and opening to something new
14 - Temperance
As the Balancer
Everyday ways Temperance shows up in your life:
Choosing a salad and fries instead of just one or the other
Blending work and rest into your day so neither takes over
Drinking water in between cocktails on a night out
Watching TV while stretching or doing yoga poses
Doing breathing exercises while waiting for your coffee to brew
Reading something inspiring during your commute
