Key to the Subconscious: How Metaphorical Cards Help You Hear Yourself (Using the "Dreams" Deck as an Example)
In a modern world full of information noise, the hardest conversation is an honest one with yourself. We often get lost between what we feel and what we must do. Metaphorical Associative Cards (MAC) are not fortune-telling or magic. They are a psychological tool, a mirror that helps reveal what is hidden behind the daily hustle: your true needs, deep-seated beliefs, and resources.
Let's look at how this works using the "Dreams" ("Mrii") deck as an example.
Anatomy of Our Psyche: Who is Speaking in Your Head?
Different internal voices constantly sound within each of us. The unique feature of this deck is that it is structured to help you distinguish and hear the two most important ones, while forming the third one on your own.
The Voice of the Inner Child (Images)
The front of the card features bright, surreal images. This is the language of your subconscious, sincere emotions, dreams, and fears.
The Child does not think in text; they think in metaphors.
- For example, they might see fear not as an abstract concept, but as a concrete image, understanding that "fear is just a thought."
- They see a world where an elephant (a big problem) is eaten piece by piece (like a cake).
- They feel that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
The Voice of the Inner Parent (Text)
The back of the card contains proverbs and sayings. This is the voice of society, the wisdom of generations, experience, rules, and sometimes—limiting beliefs.
This voice often speaks in imperatives or warnings:
- "Strike while the iron is hot."
- "If you go into the woods, you must not fear the wolf."
- "No good deed goes unpunished" (or literally: "Don't do good, you won't get evil").
- "The less you know, the sounder you sleep."
You are the Observer (Synthesis)
Your main task when working with MAC is to become the Observer. You must listen to the "Child's" emotional response to the picture, analyze the "Parent's" statement on the back, and make your own adult decision.
Metaphorical cards the "Dreams" by MriyaRun
Practice: Two Paths to Mindfulness
How to use the cards? The instructions offer two deep methods depending on your query.
Option 1: The Classic Path (From Feelings to Meanings)
When to use: If you feel anxiety, uncertainty, or an unclear emotional state.
- Query. Formulate a question, for example: "What am I feeling right now?" or "What is stopping me from moving forward?"
- Image (Inner Child). Draw a card face up. Look at it. What does your Inner Child see? What emotions does the image evoke: an owl with a microphone, a girl in the water, or perhaps a broken clock? Does the Child like it?
- Meaning (Inner Parent). Flip the card over. Read the phrase. How does it sound to you today? Is it support ("Everything happens for the best") or a strict rule ("Leave well enough alone")?
- Synthesis. How do the picture and text together answer your question? For instance, if you see a beautiful image but the text says "All that glitters is not gold," what does that say in the context of your situation?
Option 2: The Semantic Path (The Art of Choice)
When to use: For complex choice situations where you need to set priorities and "switch on" mindfulness.
- Filter. Choose a card "blindly" by the text on the back. For example, you picked: "Trust your intuition—it is the whisper of your experience."
- Mirror. Look at the picture under this phrase. Does it resonate with you?
- Choice. Draw 8 more random cards from the deck face up.
- Analysis. Among these options, find the one card that, in your opinion, best illustrates the phrase you chose right now.
- Reflection. Why did you choose this particular card and discard the others? What exactly in this image helped you "choose yourself" and give a sense of safety to your Inner Child?
Psychological First Aid Kit: Inner Permissions
Working with MAC is not just about looking at pictures. It is a process of rewriting old scripts. Many phrases in the deck act as a "remedy" for painful beliefs of the past, transforming into Inner Permissions.
Try saying these phrases to yourself while looking at the cards:
- Permission for boundaries: "'No' is a complete sentence." You don't need to justify your refusal.
- Permission for worth: "Your value does not depend on anyone's opinion."
- Permission for peace: "My nervous system is not a testing ground."
- Permission to be yourself: "Don't dim your light just because it shines in others' eyes."
- Permission for self-preservation: "Don't burn yourself to keep others warm."
Metaphorical cards the "Dreams" by MriyaRun
Top Tips for Beginners
- Write. Insights tend to be forgotten. Keep a journal for your card work. As the instructions say: "You can't buy happiness, but you can buy a diary and sort yourself out."
- Don't rush. Accidents are not accidental. Give the image time to "live" inside you, to unfold.
- Be honest. Even if a card shows something unpleasant, like "still waters run deep" (implying hidden devils), remember—this is just a part of your unique path that is worth accepting and exploring.
Metaphorical cards are a tool that returns the authorship of your life to you. After all, as one card says: "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans," but it is you who decides how to react to what happens.
Find the answers that are already within you.
Ready to start an honest dialogue with your subconscious? Choose your perfect deck for self-discovery, client work, or as a gift for loved ones.