Metaphorical Associative Cards "My Myth: Hero's Journey": The Key to Inner Transformation
Author: Dmytro Telushko
Metaphorical Associative Cards (MACs) are a powerful tool that serves as a psychological mirror, reflecting what is hidden in the depths of the unconscious. They utilize the universal language of symbols, images, and archetypes, which is readily understood by our psyche. It is on this philosophy that the author's deck, "My Myth: Hero's Journey," is founded.
Metaphorical Associative Cards
The "My Myth: Hero's Journey" deck is an invitation to embark on your own inner adventure, exploring profound change, inner strength, and personal transformation. It is based on the universal structure of the myth, which, according to the author, is the path for each of us in those moments when life ceases to be understood and begins to be "real."
For a detailed acquaintance with the deck, you can follow the link: Метафоричні карти Мій Міф: Шлях Героя.
The Structure of the Hero's Journey in 50 Cards
The deck consists of 50 metaphorical cards, each representing a symbolic situation or state that reflects the key stages of inner transformation. It helps to recognize which stage of the hero's journey your consciousness is currently in: challenge, loss, awakening, or returning with a gift.
The main stages of this inner myth:
- The Call to Adventure: It begins quietly, like a faint itch in the soul, the feeling that "This is not all there is." This is the moment when the habitual life begins to feel too small.
- The Leap into the Unknown: The moment you take a step forward, leaving the familiar world behind. This is the point of no return, after which the real journey begins.
- Encounter with the Darkness (Descent into the Underworld): This is a dive not down—but deep inside, where all supports disappear and you meet your Shadow—in all its forms: envy, pain, and resentment.
- Death and Resurrection: The old version of you can no longer exist. This is a painful process, but the death of the old is the beginning of the new, when the Inner Phoenix rises from the ashes.
- Return with the Elixir: The hero returns, carrying the gift of experience, compassion, and the wisdom found in personal darkness.
How Do MACs Aid Psychological Work?
Metaphorical cards are a subtle tool that combines magic and psychology, intuition and science. Their effectiveness is based on the projective effect. When a person chooses a card, they might think they are choosing randomly, but in reality, their unconscious is making the choice.
- Dialogue with the Unconscious: The cards pose precise, unexpected questions that make the heart stir. They open the way to healing.
- Trauma Work: Through metaphor, it is easier to touch the pain—it "wraps around, it does not wound," allowing one to be near the experience without drowning in it. This is especially important for working with traumatic events and crises of identity.
For those seeking a universal catalogue of MACs, follow the link: МАК Карти купити.
Specialized Deck "My Myth: DREAM.DESIRE.FANTASIZE."
Author Dmytro Telushko also created the deck "My Myth: DREAM.DESIRE.FANTASIZE.", which is more focused on complex, existential themes of the feminine path. It is ideally suited for:
- Analysis of crises and life transitions (end of relationships, career change).
- Working with themes of trust, betrayal, codependency, and inner balance.
- Exploration of feminine archetypes and their harmonization.
Metaphorical Associative Cards
You can learn more about this deck here: Метафоричні карти Мій Міф: МРІЙ.БАЖАЙ.ФАНТАЗУЙ..
Practical Exercises and Tools
The "My Myth: Hero's Journey" deck presents a series of techniques for self-work, including:
- The "Hero's Journey" Exercise (4 cards): Helps visualize the current state, shadow influence, resource, and direction of movement.
- The "State and Path to Self" Exercise: Focuses on the current emotional state, the striving for the desired state, and the search for inner supports.
- The "Psyche's Four Tasks" Exercise: This technique, described in the workbook, is a method to break down a complex problem into parts and find a strategy for its solution, based on archetypal trials.
It is important to remember that you are the main expert. The card is only a key, and your personal feelings, memories, and associations are the most valuable information.