Literal Thinking and Symbolic Systems: Tarot for Autistic Minds

BY NICOLE LAU

Autistic people are often described as "literal thinkers"—we take words at face value, struggle with metaphors, and prefer clear, concrete communication over vague abstractions. This is usually framed as a limitation, especially in spiritual contexts where everything is symbolic, metaphorical, and open to interpretation.

But here's the paradox: many autistic people excel at tarot, astrology, and other symbolic systems. We memorize every card meaning, master complex correspondences, and build systematic understanding of archetypal patterns. How can literal thinkers be so good at symbolic systems?

The answer: literal thinking isn't the opposite of symbolic thinking—it's a different way of processing symbols. Autistic minds don't struggle with symbols; we struggle with vague, inconsistent, or socially-constructed meanings. Give us a clear system with defined rules and correspondences, and we'll master it faster than neurotypical "intuitive" readers.

This article explores why autistic literal thinking is actually perfect for tarot and other symbolic systems, how to leverage your systematic mind for divination mastery, and why your need for clear meanings makes you a more accurate reader.

Understanding Autistic Literal Thinking

What It Actually Means

Literal thinking doesn't mean you can't understand symbols. It means:

• You prefer clear, consistent meanings: "The Tower means sudden change" is easier than "The Tower means whatever feels right to you"
• You detect inconsistency: If someone says one thing but means another, you notice the mismatch
• You think systematically: You want to understand HOW things work, not just accept vague explanations
• You value accuracy: Precision matters; you don't like fuzzy or contradictory information

Why This Is Seen as a Problem

Neurotypical communication relies heavily on:

• Subtext and implication (saying one thing, meaning another)
• Social context (same words mean different things in different situations)
• Vague language ("maybe," "sort of," "it depends")
• Inconsistency (rules that change based on unspoken factors)

Autistic brains find this exhausting and confusing. But this doesn't mean we can't handle symbols—it means we need CLEAR symbolic systems.

Why Tarot Is Perfect for Autistic Minds

1. Tarot IS a System

Tarot isn't random—it's a structured system with:

• Clear categories: Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, four suits
• Numerical progression: Fool (0) through World (21), Ace through Ten
• Elemental correspondences: Wands = Fire, Cups = Water, Swords = Air, Pentacles = Earth
• Archetypal patterns: The Hero's Journey, elemental cycles, numerological meanings

This is exactly what autistic brains love: a system with rules, patterns, and correspondences.

2. Symbols Have Defined Meanings

Unlike social communication (where "fine" might mean anything from actually fine to deeply upset), tarot symbols have established meanings:

• The Tower = upheaval, sudden change, destruction of false structures
• The Star = hope, healing, inspiration
• Ten of Swords = ending, rock bottom, betrayal

Yes, there's room for interpretation, but there's a FOUNDATION. You're not making it up—you're working within a system.

3. Pattern Recognition Is Key

Autistic brains excel at pattern recognition. Tarot reading IS pattern recognition:

• Recognizing which cards appear together frequently
• Seeing patterns across multiple readings
• Understanding how card positions affect meaning
• Identifying archetypal patterns in life situations

Your literal, systematic brain is BUILT for this.

4. Memorization and Mastery

Neurotypical readers often rely on "intuition" without deep study. Autistic readers tend to:

• Memorize all 78 card meanings
• Study multiple interpretation systems
• Create reference materials and correspondence charts
• Build systematic understanding before reading

This isn't "overthinking"—it's mastery. You're building a solid foundation instead of winging it.

5. Literal Symbols, Not Social Performance

Tarot symbols don't lie or perform. The Tower doesn't pretend to be The Star. The imagery is literal—what you see is what it means. This is refreshing for autistic minds tired of decoding social performance.

How Autistic Minds Read Tarot Differently

Systematic vs. Intuitive Reading

Neurotypical "intuitive" approach:

• Pull cards, see what "feels right"
• Rely on gut feelings without systematic knowledge
• Interpretations vary wildly based on mood
• Often inconsistent or vague

Autistic systematic approach:

• Study card meanings thoroughly first
• Understand the system before reading
• Apply consistent interpretation framework
• Precise, accurate, reliable readings

Both are valid, but the systematic approach often produces MORE accurate readings because it's grounded in actual knowledge, not just vibes.

The Autistic Advantage

1. You catch details others miss: You notice every symbol in the card imagery
2. You see patterns: Connections between cards that others overlook
3. You're consistent: The Tower means upheaval today, tomorrow, and next year
4. You're precise: You give specific, actionable guidance instead of vague platitudes
5. You've done the work: You actually know what you're talking about

Building Your Autistic Tarot Practice

1. Start with the System

Before reading for yourself or others, study the structure:

• Learn the categories: Major vs. Minor, suits, court cards
• Understand numerology: What Aces mean, what Tens mean, progression from 1-10
• Master correspondences: Elements, astrology, Kabbalah (if that interests you)
• Create reference materials: Charts, spreadsheets, databases

This isn't procrastination—it's building a solid foundation.

2. Memorize Systematically

Use your autistic strengths:

• Flashcards: One card, one meaning, repeat until memorized
• Spreadsheets: Organize all 78 cards with keywords, elements, numbers
• Pattern study: Group cards by theme (all "endings," all "new beginnings," etc.)
• Visual memory: Study card imagery systematically

3. Create Your Interpretation Framework

Build a consistent system for reading:

Example framework:

1. Identify card's core meaning (from your study)
2. Note position in spread (what question it's answering)
3. Check surrounding cards (context and modifiers)
4. Apply to querent's situation (specific, not vague)
5. Deliver clear, actionable guidance

Having a framework reduces anxiety and increases accuracy.

4. Use Spreads with Clear Positions

Vague spreads ("see what comes up") are hard for literal minds. Use spreads with defined positions:

• Past-Present-Future: Clear timeline
• Situation-Action-Outcome: Logical progression
• Problem-Cause-Solution: Systematic problem-solving

Each position has a specific question, so you know exactly what each card is addressing.

5. Journal Your Readings

Track everything:

• Date, question, cards pulled
• Your interpretation
• Outcome (did it prove accurate?)
• Patterns you notice over time

This builds your personal database and improves accuracy through pattern recognition.

Handling "Intuition" as an Autistic Reader

The Myth: Intuition Is Vague Feelings

Neurotypical readers often describe intuition as "just knowing" or "feeling it." This is unhelpful for literal minds.

The Reality: Intuition Is Pattern Recognition

What neurotypicals call "intuition" is often:

• Subconscious pattern recognition
• Rapid processing of multiple data points
• Accessing stored knowledge without conscious effort

Autistic brains do this too—we just do it systematically. Your "intuition" is your brain recognizing patterns based on your extensive study.

Trusting Your Systematic Intuition

When you've studied tarot thoroughly, your readings will start to feel "intuitive"—but it's actually your systematic knowledge becoming automatic. Trust this. It's not less valid than neurotypical intuition; it's MORE grounded.

Common Autistic Tarot Challenges (and Solutions)

Challenge 1: "Too Many Meanings"

Problem: Different books give different meanings for the same card.

Solution: Choose ONE primary source (book, deck guidebook, teacher) and master that system first. You can add other interpretations later, but start with consistency.

Challenge 2: "Reversed Cards Are Confusing"

Problem: Reversals add complexity and inconsistency.

Solution: You don't have to use reversals. Many excellent readers don't. If you do use them, create a clear system (reversed = blocked energy, or reversed = opposite meaning—pick one and stick with it).

Challenge 3: "Reading for Others Is Overwhelming"

Problem: Social interaction + card interpretation = too much at once.

Solution:

• Offer written readings (email, text) instead of in-person
• Use a script for in-person readings to reduce social demand
• Read for one person at a time in quiet, controlled environment
• It's okay to only read for yourself

Challenge 4: "I Can't Tell If I'm Right"

Problem: Need for certainty in an uncertain practice.

Solution: Track your readings and outcomes. Over time, you'll see your accuracy rate. Also, remember: tarot shows possibilities, not certainties. Being "right" means offering helpful guidance, not predicting exact futures.

Crystals for Autistic Tarot Practice

Mental Clarity and Focus

• Fluorite: Mental organization, systematic thinking, clarity
• Clear quartz: Amplifies focus, supports memorization
• Sodalite: Logic and intuition combined, perfect for systematic readers

Intuition and Pattern Recognition

• Labradorite: Enhances pattern recognition, intuitive downloads
• Amethyst: Spiritual insight, transmutes anxiety into clarity
• Lapis lazuli: Wisdom, truth-seeking, symbolic literacy

Grounding During Readings

• Black tourmaline: Grounding, protection from overwhelm
• Hematite: Anchoring, staying present
• Smoky quartz: Gentle grounding, transmutes confusion

Other Symbolic Systems for Autistic Minds

If you love tarot's systematic nature, you might also excel at:

• Astrology: Complex system with clear rules and correspondences
• Numerology: Mathematical, pattern-based, systematic
• I Ching: Binary system (yin/yang), mathematical, philosophical
• Runes: Alphabet-based, clear meanings, systematic
• Kabbalah: Highly structured, correspondence-heavy, systematic

All of these reward systematic study and literal understanding of symbols.

Integration: Your Literal Mind Is Your Strength

Neurotypical readers might have "natural intuition," but you have something better: systematic mastery. You've done the work. You know the system. You recognize the patterns. You deliver accurate, consistent, helpful readings.

Your literal thinking isn't a barrier to symbolic work—it's your foundation. You don't need to become more "intuitive" or "go with the flow." You need to trust that your systematic, literal, pattern-recognizing mind is PERFECT for tarot.

The symbols are literal. The system is real. The patterns are there. You see them clearly because you think clearly.

Your autistic mind doesn't limit your tarot practice. It makes you a master.

Next in this series: HSP and Empathic Abilities: The Overlap