'Archetype' is a term used to describe essential human experiences, and patterns of behaviour and development. Jung describes the archetypes as the building blocks of the psyche, going to great lengths in his interpretations and explanations of how mythic stories can be a guide for modern life.

In keeping with the Greek theme and Jung's theories, the Mythic Tarot's in-depth psychological approach offers self development through self-awareness. Tarot divination can often seem less threatening than therapy, where defences against the therapeutic process can come up.

The most widely-used Tarot decks in readings and teaching are not to everyone's liking, some of the obscure symbolism is difficult to grasp. Some writers describe the hard to describe symbolism as giving the cards a sense of mystery. It could be said that the only mystery is the processes involved in the development of self. When we are lost in the process of maturation we need coherence, any system that needs to mystify is covering up an inadequacy about what they have to offer. Does the psyche know on some level that these particular Tarot decks offer a limited model for any in-depth exploration of the psyche?

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