Metaphorical Associative Cards: A Guide to Depths of the Subconscious and Self-Knowledge

Metaphorical Associative Cards (MAC) are a unique tool of modern psychology that enables dialogue with one’s own unconscious. Unlike traditional counseling methods, MAC uses visual images to bypass conscious rational filters, making the process of self-knowledge deeper and more effective. In this article, we’ll examine in detail how these cards work, how they differ from divination systems, and how to use them for personal growth.

History of Origin: From Art to Psychotherapy

The history of MAC began not in a psychologist’s office, but in an artist’s workshop. In 1975, Canadian artist and art history professor Eli Raman created the first deck titled “OH”. His goal was to bring art out of galleries and put it in people’s hands, turning it into an interactive process of self-knowledge. The first publication of the deck was in 1981 in Canada.

“I wanted to bring art out of galleries and give it to people so they could interact with it directly,” noted Eli Raman [1].

The real breakthrough occurred in the early 1980s, when German psychotherapist Moritz Egetmeyer met Eli Raman on an island in Canada and saw powerful therapeutic potential in these cards. He understood that images could serve as an ideal “bridge” to the client’s hidden feelings. In 1982, Egetmeyer founded OH Publishing, which began distributing cards worldwide, making them a recognized tool in psychological practice.

How MAC Work: Psychological Mechanisms

The effectiveness of metaphorical cards is based on several fundamental psychological phenomena:

1. Projection: A person imbues a neutral image with their own meanings, feelings, and experiences. What you see on the card is a reflection of your inner state.
   
   
2. Dissociation: Discussing a character or situation in the picture, a person feels safe. It’s “not me,” but “him in the picture,” which allows painless contact with traumatic experience.
   
   
3. Metaphor: The right hemisphere of the brain, responsible for images and intuition, activates faster than the left (rational). This allows bypassing logical defenses and finding the true cause of the problem.
   
   Comparative Characteristics of MAC and Tarot Cards
   
   MAC is often confused with Tarot cards, but they are fundamentally different tools.
   
   Nature of method: MAC — Psychological tool. Tarot — Esoteric system.
   

Meaning of images: MAC — Subjective. Tarot — Fixed.
Purpose of use: MAC — Self-analysis. Tarot — Prediction.

Variety of Decks: How to Choose the Right One?

For effective work, it’s important to choose a deck that matches your query. The modern market offers hundreds of options:

• Universal: Contain diverse scenes (e.g., “OH” or “SAGA”).
• Portrait: Focus on faces and emotions (e.g., “Persona”).
• Resource: Filled with supportive images (e.g., “Morena”).
• Specialized: Developed for specific themes.

Practical Techniques for Independent Work

Using MAC is accessible not only to professionals but to anyone striving for self-development.

1. “My Resource” Technique

Goal: Find inner support in a difficult situation.
• Formulate query: “What will help me cope with the current task?”
• Draw one card “blind”.
• Flip the card and answer: What do I see? What feelings does this image evoke?

2. “Problem — Solution” Technique

Goal: See a way out of a dead-end situation.
• Choose two cards “open”.
• First card — “Me and my problem”.
• Second card — “My path to solution”.

3. “Card of the Day” Technique

Goal: Tune into the day and self-reflection.
• Each morning draw one card with the question: “What should I pay attention to today?”

Advantages of Using MAC for Self-Knowledge

• Speed: Reaching the root of the problem in 15-20 minutes.
• Ecological: Work gently, without causing resistance.
• Creativity: Stimulate creativity.
• Visual: An image is easier to integrate into consciousness.

Conclusion

Metaphorical Associative Cards are not magic, but a scientifically grounded method combining psychology and art. They return to a person responsibility for their life, reminding them that all answers are already within them.

Source list:

1. Lawrence, J., & Raman, E. (2005). The Little Book About OH.
   
2. Egetmeyer, M. (2011). The Inner Adventure.
   
3. Kirschke, W. (1998). Strawberries Beyond My Window.