On the grand stage of life, coherence and purpose dance a complex choreography and Tarot demonstrates this very thing… However, it is coherence that leads this dance, preparing the ground for purpose to flourish. Let’s explore how coherence precedes purpose, using the major arcana of the Tarot as a guide on this journey of self-knowledge and fulfillment.
The Foundation of Coherence
The Fool (0): The Starting Point
Our journey begins with The Fool, representing pure potential and openness to all possibilities. Before we can set our sights on any purpose, we need to be open and receptive, free from prejudices and self-inflicted limitations. Coherence begins with this willingness to adventure and discovery. “The Fool” is numbered zero in the Tarot, symbolizing pure and unlimited potential. This card represents a state of being before any choice is made or path taken. It is a state of pure possibility, where all options are open.
The Fool's posture, about to step forward, symbolizes a fundamental openness to experience. This openness is essential for developing inner coherence and discovering an authentic purpose.
Being open means:
Be willing to question existing beliefs and assumptions
Welcoming new ideas and perspectives
Embracing uncertainty as part of the growth process
The Magician (I): Inner Alignment
The Magician symbolizes the ability to align will, thought, and action. This alignment is the essence of coherence. Before we can manifest any purpose in the outer world, we must first create harmony between our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
The Concept of Internal Alignment
Inner alignment, as symbolized by The Magician, refers to the harmony between three fundamental aspects of being:
Willing: The underlying intention, desire, or motivation.
Thought: Mental processes, ideas and beliefs.
Action: External behavior and the choices we make.
When these three elements are aligned, we experience a state of inner coherence that manifests as authenticity and personal power.
The Importance of Internal Alignment for Coherence
Coherence, in the context of personal development, refers to a state of internal and external consistency. Internal alignment is the basis of this coherence for several reasons:
Clarity of Purpose: When our will, thoughts and actions are aligned, we have a clearer understanding of what we really want and why.
Authenticity: Inner alignment allows us to live more authentically, as our external actions truly reflect our inner beliefs and desires.
Effectiveness: When we are internally aligned, our energy is not wasted on internal conflicts, allowing us to be more effective in our actions.
Trust: Inner alignment generates a feeling of confidence and security in ourselves, as we know that we are living in accordance with our values and beliefs.
Resilience: When we face challenges, inner alignment provides a solid foundation from which we can respond, rather than reacting impulsively.
The Manifestation of Purpose
The Magician reminds us that before we can effectively manifest our purpose in the outer world, we must first create harmony within. This is because:
Clarity: Inner alignment gives us clarity on what we really want to manifest.
Power: When we are internally aligned, our energy is not dispersed by internal conflicts, giving us more power to manifest our intentions.
Authenticity: The purpose we manifest from a state of inner alignment is more likely to be authentically ours, rather than something imposed externally.
Sustainability: A purpose born from inner alignment is more sustainable in the long term, as it is in harmony with who we really are.
The High Priestess (II): Intuition and Inner Wisdom
The High Priestess represents our intuitive wisdom. Coherence requires us to be in tune with our inner voice, trusting our intuition to guide us through the complexities of life. This inner connection is crucial before we can set meaningful goals.
Understanding Intuitive Wisdom
Intuitive wisdom, as represented by the High Priestess, can be understood as:
Innate Knowledge: A deep understanding that goes beyond intellectual learning or direct experience.
Subliminal Perception: The ability to capture and process subtle information that may escape immediate awareness.
Connection with the Subconscious: Access to insights and understandings that emerge from the depths of our mind.
Synchronicity: The ability to recognize and interpret meaningful patterns in seemingly random events.
The Importance of Intuition for Coherence
Coherence, in the context of personal development and the search for purpose, benefits greatly from intuitive wisdom:
Authentic Alignment: Intuition helps us discern what is truly important to us, beyond external expectations or social conditioning.
Holistic Decision Making: Complements logical thinking, allowing decisions that consider subtle and complex factors.
Navigation in Uncertainty: In ambiguous or unfamiliar situations, intuition can offer guidance when pure logic is insufficient.
Incongruence Detection: Helps identify when our actions or beliefs are out of alignment with our deepest values.
Creativity and Innovation: Intuition is often the source of original ideas and innovative solutions.
Tuning into the Inner Voice
Developing and trusting our intuitive wisdom is a process that requires practice and patience:
Cultivate Silence: Practices like meditation and mindfulness can help silence mental noise, allowing your intuitive voice to be heard.
Body Attention: Intuition often manifests itself through bodily sensations. Learning to “listen” to your body can enhance your intuitive perception.
Journaling: Writing regularly, especially in a free, unstructured way, can help you access intuitive insights.
Dream Observation: Dreams are a window into the subconscious and can offer valuable intuitive guidance.
Contemplation Practice: Taking time to reflect deeply on important issues, without seeking immediate answers.
Gradual Confidence: Starting to trust small intuitive insights and observing the results can build trust in intuition over time.
The Link Between Intuition and Purpose
Before we can set truly meaningful purposes, connecting with our intuitive wisdom is crucial:
Authenticity: Intuition guides us towards purposes that resonate with our true essence, not just with external expectations.
Holistic Vision: It allows us to consider the impact of our purposes not only on ourselves, but on the world around us.
Alignment with the Flow of Life: Intuition can help us recognize opportunities and paths that are in harmony with the natural flow of events.
Resilience: Purposes defined based on intuitive wisdom tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges because they are rooted in deep understanding.
Continuous Evolution: Intuition allows us to adjust and evolve our purposes as we grow and change, always keeping them relevant and meaningful.
Building Coherence
The Empress (III): Nutrition and Growth
The Empress teaches us the importance of nurturing and cultivating our inner coherence. Just as a garden needs constant care to flourish, our inner coherence requires continuous attention and dedication.
Inner coherence refers to the state of harmony between our thoughts, emotions, values, and actions. It is a deep alignment that allows us to live authentically and purposefully.
The Garden Metaphor
The comparison of internal coherence with a garden is particularly illuminating:
Soil Preparation: Just as a garden needs fertile soil, our internal coherence requires a solid foundation of self-knowledge and clear values.
Seed Planting: Seeds represent our intentions, ideas and aspirations for a coherent life.
Regular Watering: Constant attention and care are essential both for a garden and for our inner coherence.
Weed Removal: Just as we remove weeds from a garden, we must identify and eliminate thoughts and behaviors that undermine our coherence.
Patience and Time: Growth, whether of plants or of internal coherence, takes time and cannot be rushed.
Adaptation to the Seasons: As a garden changes with the seasons, our internal coherence must be flexible and adaptable to the different stages of life.
Practices to Nurture Inner Coherence
Regular Self-Reflection:
Take time daily to examine your thoughts, emotions and actions.
Use techniques like journaling or meditation to deepen self-knowledge.
Value Alignment:
Identify your core values.
Regularly evaluate whether your actions are aligned with these values.
Mindfulness:
Practice being present in the moment.
Observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment.
Physical Care:
Maintain healthy eating, exercise, and sleeping habits.
Recognize the connection between physical well-being and inner coherence.
Continuous Learning:
Seek knowledge and experiences that expand your perspective.
Be open to new insights and understandings.
Creative Practices:
Engage in creative activities that allow for authentic expression.
Use art, music, or writing as ways to explore and strengthen your inner coherence.
Meaningful Connections:
Cultivate relationships that support your growth and authenticity.
Practice honest and compassionate communication.
Challenges in Cultivating Coherence
Internal Inconsistencies:
Recognize that we all have internal contradictions.
Work to reconcile these inconsistencies gradually.
External Pressures:
Learn to balance social expectations with your inner truth.
Develop healthy boundaries to protect your consistency.
Life Changes:
Accept that big changes may temporarily disrupt your coherence.
Use these transitions as opportunities for reassessment and growth.
Excessive Self-Criticism:
Avoid the perfectionism trap.
Practice self-compassion as you grow.
The Harvest of Coherence
When we consistently cultivate our inner coherence, we can expect to:
Authenticity: A stronger sense of being true to yourself.
Clarity: Greater ease in making decisions aligned with your values.
Resilience: Improved ability to deal with challenges and adversities.
Purpose: A clearer sense of direction and meaning in life.
Deeper Relationships: More authentic and satisfying connections with others.
Increased Creativity: Greater flow of ideas and creative expression.
General Well-being: A general feeling of peace and satisfaction with life.
The Emperor (IV): Structure and Stability
The Emperor represents the structure needed to maintain coherence. Establishing routines, habits and practices that reinforce our inner alignment creates a solid foundation on which we can build our purposes.
The Pope (V): Values and Beliefs
The Hierophant symbolizes our core values and beliefs. Consistency requires that we identify and live by these guiding principles, even before we set specific goals.
The Transition to Purpose
The Lovers (VI): Aligned Choices
The Lovers represent the choices we make. When we act coherently, our choices naturally align with who we truly are, paving the way for the discovery of purpose.
The Chariot (VII): Direction and Will
The Chariot symbolizes focused will and direction. Once inner coherence is established, we gain clarity about the direction we want to go, allowing purpose to begin to manifest.
Manifestation of Purpose
The Strength (VIII): Courage to Move Forward
Strength represents the courage and determination needed to pursue our goals. This courage is born from the confidence that comes from living consistently.
The Hermit (IX): Reflection and Clarity
The Hermit invites us to introspection. Through continual reflection, we maintain our coherence and refine our purpose over time.
The Wheel of Fortune (X): Adaptability
The Wheel of Fortune reminds us that life is constantly changing. Consistency allows us to adapt our purpose to changing circumstances while remaining true to ourselves.
Conclusion: The World (XXI) – Realization and Integration
The World arcana represents complete integration and fulfillment. When we live coherently, our purposes manifest naturally, leading us to a state of completeness and harmony with the universe.
Coherence, then, is not just a precursor to purpose, but the very foundation upon which we build a meaningful and fulfilling life. By prioritizing coherence—by aligning our thoughts, emotions, and actions—we create fertile ground in which our purposes can not only emerge, but flourish and bear fruit.
Remember: purpose is not something we find, but something we naturally manifest when we live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us.
Coherence is the path; the purpose, the natural consequence of walking this path with integrity and authenticity.
EN 
PT