So, when I got an email about the Goop and KonMari-loved Inner Compass Cards, my interest was piqued. I'll be honest — I didn't do much research before my session with founder Neel van Lierop in the interest of going into our discussion with a totally open mind.
About 40 minutes into a session with her, I felt like I had totally changed my self-perception and started thinking about tangible steps towards a more positive outlook on life and my self-perception.
Inner Compass
How To Use Them
Neel's disarming, warm nature makes it clear that she is a spiritual healer and visionary before being a businesswoman. I highly recommend her to anyone with an interest in spiritual healing and guidance. She had me draw cards from one of two decks she offers: a standard one with a chic navy-blue design and a love-focused one with a luxurious red design.
Similar to tarot cards, the idea is that the card I draw from either deck at random is one I was, on a subconscious and universal level, meant to choose. Each card has a single word on it. Reading the words usually spark an immediate reaction or feeling I discuss with Neel.
We would then refer back to a glossary-type guidebook that listed each word with a few paragraphs explaining why someone might draw this card. Though it was calming and useful to Neel's warm presence and spiritual guidance, I could immediately feel how the cards could also be a great tool to pull out on a whim on my own if I were randomly having a bad day, feeling anxious, or stressed.
The beautifully-designed cards don't just spew out generic fortune cookie-like wisdom. Inspired by Buddhism, Taoism, and I Ching, Neel writes with tangible advice.
For example, all of the cards I picked had associations with self-love. While they offered complex theories on life, those were paired with specific items I should add to my to-do list like spending more time going on walks in nature, picking up a musical instrument, or learning how to say "no" to people who don't match my energy.
@innercompasscards
How They Worked
For me, these cards had a profound effect because for the past several months I've been using them, I've randomly drawn cards that all unite under a similar theme of self-love and compassion.
In my time with Neel, I decided to make a conscious effort to focus more positive energy internally, taking specific advice from the cards with things like going on quiet, technology-free walks on my own or setting aside time in the evening to put my phone away — things I never used to do before out of fear of being unreachable to people.
By creating those boundaries of "me-time" I actually recognized a shift in my self-perception. Simply taking two hours a day for myself reminded me to prioritize myself outside of those moments, as well. I'm not a different human or anything, and I definitely still have days I stay on my phone till hours after I want to go to bed while texting my friends.
But, I can feel the beginnings of a shift in mindset I feel very confident and positive about.
I even used these cards with my mom, sister, and best friend as a launching pad for discussion about some deeper discussion — not only did it feel extremely cathartic for all of them (even my non-believer sister), it was a great way to learn a bit more about each of them, regardless of how close we already were.
Conclusion
Though I wouldn't recommend this to anyone as a replacement for professional help or therapy, I think Inner Compass cards are a great motivator for anyone interested in tangible tools for self-improvement. This is great for someone who may feel uncomfortable opening up to another person and prefers doing this sort of self-work on their own.
It's also great if you don't have a lot of time on your hands and occasionally enjoy the quick pick-me-up. If you may have an interest in tarot cards but don't totally buy into them or believe in them, Inner Compass cards are a great gateway into the world of spirituality for beginners.
Yes, Inner Compass is pricier than the deck you might pick up at a souvenir store. What you're paying for is in support of a small, female-owned business with 49 unique, individually-designed cards and a full guidebook of mantras, affirmations, sayings, and advice. I would definitely say it's worth the price for what it's given me — cheaper than any tarot card reading I've ever been to.
The beautiful cards, designed by Neel herself, are gorgeous — the aesthetically calming Instagram page was enough to sell me and I love having them on my coffee table at all times.
Buy Inner Compass Cards from Inner Compass for $55.
Odyssey may earn a portion of purchases made via links on this page.
