“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”~ Thomas Merton

Relationships are challenging, even during the best of times. They invite us outside of our comfort zones and into vulnerability. They reflect both the best and the worst within us, and force us to see that which we’d often prefer to hide or ignore. They conjure our most powerful emotions, both generative and destructive, and they challenge us to grow and change into better, more integrated people.

Because our relationships are often what make our lives worth living, it’s important for us to do whatever we can to ensure that they’re nurtured and well cared for. I created the Growing Closer Tarot Spread to support you as you strive to create and sustain healthy relationships with others as well as a healthy, nourishing relationship with yourself.

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Growing Closer Tarot Spread

1. The conflict that separates me from my loved one.
2. The shadow that feeds this conflict.
3. How to heal the shadow and save the relationship.
4. Advice for nurturing compassion and understanding for my loved one.
5. Advice for nurturing compassion and understanding for myself.

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When you read the cards in each position, pay close attention to your emotional and intellectual responses. Do you “agree” with the messages that the cards are conveying to you? If not, why? If so, where are these messages leading you?

Remember: tarot readings can only show us the door. We are the ones who must open it. Good luck on the next chapter of your journey, and may you take the next step on your life path with confidence and clarity!