Archetypal Neuroscience: The Dopamine & Serotonin of Tarot

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Aug 31, 2025

Dive into the intriguing duality of the Knight of Wands and the Seven of Pentacles, representing the tension between urgency and patience in relationships. Discover how these tarot archetypes reflect our neurobiology, connecting dopamine's drive for action with serotonin's role in sustaining rewards. Learn to integrate these contrasting styles to enhance connection. Plus, get excited about the upcoming book 'Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow,' which promises a deeper exploration of shadow work and personal growth through tarot.

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INSIGHT

Passion's Two Languages

The Knight of Wands and Seven of Pentacles share a common root: passion expressed differently.
One pursues desire urgently while the other patiently nurtures the same longing.

INSIGHT

Relationship Polarity Explained

Relationship pairs often mirror the Knight's urgency and the Seven's steadiness.
Their friction usually stems from different expressions of the same care, not opposite goals.

ADVICE

Ask How Passion Is Experienced

Reframe assumptions by asking how each person experiences passion rather than judging behavior.
Use curiosity to move from conflict toward complementary partnership dynamics.

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This week on The Tarot Diagnosis Podcast, I pulled two seemingly contradictory cards (the Knight of Wands and the Seven of Pentacles) and found myself reflecting on the very human tension between urgency and patience. At first glance, these archetypes appear at odds: one races forward, fiery and eager; the other waits, steadies, and tends. But beneath the surface, they share a common root: passion.

In this episode, I explore how both cards express passion differently - one through movement, the other through stillness. I unpack how this polarity often shows up in relationships (think of the couple where one is impulsive and driven, while the other is methodical and calm) and how both partners are often acting from the same place: care, longing, and a desire for connection. The challenge is in learning how to integrate their styles rather than battle over whose rhythm is “right.”

We then zoom out into the lens of neurobiology by pairing the Knight of Wands with dopamine and the Seven of Pentacles with serotonin. Drawing on recent research from Stanford and Columbia, I discuss how these neurotransmitters operate in opposition yet depend on each other: dopamine initiates action and drives momentum, while serotonin regulates patience and long-term reward. Just like tarot, our brains need both. Without dopamine, we never start. Without serotonin, we can’t sustain.

By working with the Knight and the Seven together, we can begin to honor the full spectrum of passion: the spark that ignites, and the soil that nourishes.

Deck used: Tarot Vintage

Studies cited:

https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/lack-serotonin-receptor-plays-role-aggressive-and-impulsive-behaviors

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39586475/

Pre-order my forthcoming book Dark Shadow, Golden Shadow here and get an exclusive sneak peek!

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Audio Edited by Anthony DiGiacomo of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Deep Resonance Sound⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Contact: DeepResonanceSound@gmail.com

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay