Tarot talk: What the cards have to say about your semester at NECC
Faced with academic pressure and life-defining choices at Northern Essex Community College (NECC) this semester, some students are finding unique insight in the tarot deck—a set of 78 illustrated cards. Long seen as a tool for fortune-telling, tarot is now being embraced on campus as a powerful resource for self-reflection and personal guidance when the path ahead feels uncertain. (Keep in mind that tarot is generally written in lowercase.)
The modern relevancy of tarot lies in the symbolism of each card, which together represents a framework for navigating life’s challenges. Each of the 78 cards represents a part of the human experience, from celebrating victory and mourning losses to making critical decisions as well as taking time to rest. The cards become a relatable language when it comes to the hurdles students face.
A Note on Methodology
As a seasoned tarot reader who uses the cards primarily for journaling and meditative self-inquiry, I selected these three Major and Minor Arcana cards for their direct relevance to the common struggles faced by students at NECC: balancing responsibilities, taking initiative, and maintaining hope.
Tarot breakdown: Three cards for your college journey
For students at Northern Essex Community College, tarot’s most powerful messaging often lies in any card that addresses the universal themes of new beginnings, balance, and resilience. Here are three major cards whose symbolic lessons speak directly to the pressures and possibilities of academic life:
1. The Magician (I) — The Card of Resourcefulness, Manifestation, and Initiative
The Lesson for NECC: This card, often depicted with a figure standing over a table holding all the tools of creation, is a powerful reminder that you already possess everything you need to succeed. The Magician tells the NECC student who feels overwhelmed by a challenging course or a big project to stop looking externally for help and start utilizing their own skills, knowledge, and the resources available to them (like the NECC library, tutoring centers, and faculty). It’s a call to take decisive action and manifest your goals instead of just dreaming about them.
2. The Two of Pentacles — The Card of Balance and Juggling
The Lesson for NECC: The Two of Pentacles is the definitive card for the community college student. It shows a figure gracefully juggling two coins (pentacles) against a backdrop of turbulent seas. This card perfectly represents the act of balancing school with work, family, or other commitments. It’s a non-judgmental acknowledgment that life gets busy, yet it also advises the student to stay flexible, manage time wisely, and find a sustainable rhythm. When this card appears, it serves as a prompt to check your schedule: are you over-committed, or are you managing the juggling act with necessary grace?
3. The Star (XVII) — The Card of Hope, Healing, and Inspiration
The Lesson for NECC: Following cards that represent major crisis, The Star is a symbol of calm, tranquility, and profound optimism. It is often seen as a cosmic blessing after a period of stress or burnout. For the NECC student facing the fatigue of late nights or recovering from a difficult semester, The Star is a guiding light. It encourages you to have faith in your long-term vision (your degree, your career path) and to maintain hope. More practically, it suggests a period of renewal and finding inspiration to move forward, reminding you that your future is bright, and you are exactly where you need to be on your journey.
Beyond the ‘Magic’: Using Tarot Responsibly
While tarot offers a captivating lens for self-reflection, students and experts alike emphasize that the cards should be a tool for introspection, not an alternative to professional advice.
The cards are not a substitute for clinical support. For students feeling truly overwhelmed by the “Two of Pentacles” struggle, or lost on their career path despite the “Star’s” message of hope, Northern Essex Community College offers several tangible, free resources:
• Counseling and Psychological Services: Available to all students, these services offer confidential, short-term counseling for stress management, anxiety, and personal issues. To make an appointment, call 978-556-3730 or email counseling@necc.mass.edu.
• Academic Advising/SOAR Program:
This program provides personalized coaching to manage academic load, major exploration, goal setting, and plans for transferring or career entry. Contact them at academiccoaching@necc.mass.edu to schedule a meeting.
• Success Workshops: Regular workshops and coaching sessions dedicated to time management, overcoming procrastination, and building crucial life skills. Check the NECC Student Success Center homepage for the latest schedule.
Conclusion: Your Own Agency
The resurgence of tarot on campus speaks to a generational search for meaning and control in a world that often feels chaotic. Whether a student uses the imagery of the cards to journal their feelings or simply to pause and reflect on their week, the practice itself encourages a form of self-care.
Ultimately, the tarot deck is a set of picture prompts.
It may illuminate a student’s hidden potential or warn of impending burnout, but the responsibility—and the power—always remains with the individual.
As students at Northern Essex Community College look to the future, the message is clear: You are the author of your story. The cards can only offer a suggestion, but the final, most powerful move belongs entirely to you.
