In this episode of The Path to Wholeness, I sit down with fellow Spiritual Director Brian Relph to explore Tarot as a contemplative practice within Spiritual Direction—how the cards can become a doorway into conversation with the Divine, as a practice of presence and listening.

I first met Brian at the Haden Institute, where he was introducing Tarot to Spiritual Direction trainees. Having discovered Tarot myself at fifteen, I had long felt its power to awaken spiritual insight but struggled to integrate it fully into my direction work. Brian’s seamless, reverent approach revealed how the two worlds—symbolic image and sacred listening—can beautifully inform one another.

Together we reflect on the ethics and discernment of using Tarot in direction sessions, what it means to treat the cards as prayer, and how image and Spirit meet in the sacred conversation between director and directee.

This one’s a long listen — what can I say, we were on a roll. Once Brian and I started talking about Tarot and the language of image, time ceased to exist. So pour a cup of something good, settle in, and join us in the deep end.

In this episode:

• Why Tarot belongs in the context of Spiritual Direction
• How to discern when and how to bring Tarot into a session
• Ethical and soulful considerations when using Tarot with directees
• Tarot as a contemplative, prayerful practice rather than prediction
• The meeting place of symbol, psyche, and Spirit

Takeaways:

• A new lens on Tarot as a living language of presence
• Practical insights for integrating Tarot into your own spiritual practice
• Inspiration to approach symbol and image as sacred conversation partners

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Haden Institute – hadeninstitute.com
• Rider Waite Smith Tarot deck - Wikipedia

Upcoming courses:

Praying the Tarot with Bethany Ward (Spring 2026) – Sign up at bethanysward.com

Window to the Soul: A Tarot Certification for Spiritual Directors, Therapists, and Dreamworkers with Brian Relph (Spring 2026) - Sign up at soulgrowthcoaching.com

Connect:

Follow Bethany’s reflections, writings, and upcoming offerings at bethanysward.com

Find Brian Relph at soulgrowthcoaching.com

What happens when a Naturalist and a Spiritual Director sit down to talk about wonder, language, and the nature of knowing?

This episode is a playful and sincere conversation about what it means to pay attention—whether through scientific observation or spiritual practice—and how awe might be the bridge between worlds. We talk about the ways science and spirit overlap, how intuition and skepticism can live in the same body, and why smelling the roses is not just a cliché but a legitimate act of spiritual formation.

There’s a slight pop on the mic line now and then—apologies for that. But the spirit of this episode felt too alive not to share.

Meet Carrie Elvey:

Carrie is a naturalist, blacksmith, and Creator of Darwin’s Dream, where she shares her love of natural history and art.

Connect with Us:

Carrie’s work: darwins-dream.com

Bethany’s offerings and reflections: bethanysward.com

🎧 Follow & Share:

If this episode left you thinking, smiling, or seeing your backyard differently—share it with a friend.

And if you're curious about your own Path to Wholeness, visit my site to learn how we might work together.

Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the role of rituals in healing and wholeness. Joining me is Jennifer Zona from La Loba Soul Support, who shares her expertise in Spiritual Direction and psycho-spiritual coaching. We discuss how rituals can provide structure and meaning, especially during chaotic times, and how they facilitate connection, integration, and personal transformation.

We explore: The definition and significance of rituals across various cultures and spiritual practices. The psychological benefits of engaging in rituals, including stress reduction and fostering stability. Practical examples of rituals that listeners can incorporate into their daily lives, such as morning intention setting and gratitude practices. The concept of ritualizing dreamwork, referencing Robert A. Johnson's Inner Work. How rituals aid in integrating life experiences and the journey from wounds to the sacred. The invitation of Spiritual Direction and how rituals support the process of wandering within our experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

Inner Work by Robert A. Johnson – A valuable resource for exploring the role of dreamwork in personal transformation.

Timestamps:

54:13 - Introducing Jennifer Zona

4:44 - Defining Rituals

12:05 - The Psychological Benefits of Rituals

19:41 - Practical Examples of Rituals

26:05 - Ritualizing Dreamwork (with reference to Johnson's Inner Work)

31:40 - Rituals of Integration

35:17 - The Invitation of Spiritual Direction (including a quote from Joseph Campbell)

40:10 - Conclusion

Note: There is a brief notification sound early in the episode. Our apologies. Thank you for your understanding!

Connect with Jennifer: La Loba Soul Support

Connect with me: Instagram: @bethany.s.ward

Email: bethany@bethanysward.com

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