For those who work in residence life, supporting our student staff requires both structure and adaptability. Sometimes it feels like balancing logic with intuition—understanding policies while reading the unique personalities on our team. You’ve likely heard of Marvel’s newest hit TV series; Agatha All Along. In Agatha All Along, viewers are introduced to tarot cards as a tool for exploring life’s questions, seeing things from a new perspective, and gaining insight. And while tarot might traditionally seem more mystical than managerial, it can also serve as a creative lens through which residence life supervisors can reflect on the needs, growth, and dynamics of their teams.
In this post, we’re going to try a tarot-inspired “reading” for residence life supervisors, using a three-card spread to help frame team dynamics, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth. You don’t need to believe in tarot for this to be meaningful; think of it as a reflective exercise to help tune into your team’s current energy and needs. For this reading, each of the three cards represents a different area relevant to supervising and developing student staff. This spread can be adapted at different points in the academic year, providing insight for new challenges or goals.
Card 1: The Foundation Card – Past Experiences
The first card represents the foundation—the experiences and dynamics from the past semester or year that continue to influence your team’s current situation.
The card pulled for our reading is The Hierophant. This card is often associated with tradition, structure, and guidance. It signifies the influence of established policies, norms, and the typical ways of “doing things” within your residence life team.
To put this card into practice requires some reflection. Think about how your team’s past experiences shape the present. What traditional approaches have worked well, and what might feel too rigid or outdated? Are there practices you’ve held onto that might benefit from a fresh perspective? While traditions provide stability, it’s essential to strike a balance between structure and flexibility to keep the team adaptable and resilient.
Practical Idea: Hold a mid-semester “Retreat Reflection” where staff can revisit personal goals, share successes, and consider areas for improvement. This creates a space for vulnerability and celebrates the team’s journey, helping them feel more connected.
Card 2: The Present Card – Team Dynamics and Current Needs
Now let’s look at our next card. This second card reveals the current state of your team, highlighting immediate needs, challenges, or opportunities.
The card pulled for our reading is The Lovers. While often associated with relationships, The Lovers card can also signify harmony, connection, and the importance of open communication within a group. For residence life, this card could reflect the need to foster relationships within the team, creating a sense of cohesion and mutual support.
The Lovers card suggests a focus on team dynamics and communication. This might be an ideal time to build or rebuild trust within the group. How can you ensure that every member feels heard and supported? Are there unresolved conflicts or unspoken tensions that need to be addressed? Consider team-building activities that encourage honest conversations, helping your team members connect on a personal level. This openness can lead to stronger relationships and a more supportive environment.
Practical Idea: Host a monthly “Let’s Talk” session, an open forum where staff can discuss concerns, celebrate wins, and connect. This helps build a sense of community and trust, making it easier for staff to lean on one another when challenges arise.
Card 3: The Future Card – Growth and Development Opportunities
Finally, the third card represents where your team is headed, pointing to areas for growth and new development opportunities on the horizon.
The card pulled for this reading is The Star. The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, and renewal. It represents looking to the future with optimism and planning for new possibilities. In the context of residence life supervision, this card suggests a time to focus on personal and professional development for each team member.
The Star encourages you to consider the long-term growth and inspiration of your team. How can you motivate your staff to look beyond their immediate responsibilities and envision their future potential? What resources, training, or mentoring could help them develop the skills they need to grow? Whether it’s a new leadership program or a series of workshops on career development, consider ways to inspire and empower your student staff to become their best selves.
Practical Idea: Start a “Pathway to Leadership” program for staff who may want to take on additional roles or prepare for future positions in residence life. Offering mentorship or training programs can deepen their commitment to the team and broaden their skills, creating stronger leaders for the future.
Remember, you have your own intuitive tools as a supervisor. Like any good tarot reading, trust yourself to interpret what feels right for you and your team. By tuning into the “reading” of your team’s current foundation, dynamics, and future potential, you’re not only supporting their development but also fostering a positive, empowering environment. Let your intuition guide you, and remember that every staff member brings their own story, energy, and potential.
