Miriam Jacobs
At first glance, my varied roles might seem scattered, but they are deeply interconnected.
My core mission has always been to help individuals embody their own wisdom, whether through hands on bodywork, movement, Tarot or being creative. (community art collaborations too!)
Curriculum Vitae
Miriam Jacobs ,EHP- C, IPE, CMT, BFA, is a passionate energy-based bodyworker, Tarot card reader, and devoted dance enthusiast based in the SF Bay Area. Miriam earned her Fine Arts Degree (BFA) from SUNY at Buffalo, NY in '76 and initially ran and taught art programs in NYC. In '94, her journey into the healing arts began.
Miriam achieved certification as a Registered Polarity Educator (RPE) in '96 from the American Polarity Therapy Association (APTA). Shortly after, she ventured to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she received certification in massage (CMT) from the esteemed McKinnon Institute.
With a diverse range of continued training in Cranial Sacral Therapy, Chi-Nei-Tsang, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Astrology, Ayurveda, and Western herbs, Miriam's expertise spans various holistic modalities. She brings over 30 years of experience to her Tarot card readings, offering profound insights and guidance.
Miriam has delved into Body-Mind Centering techniques by studying under Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, as well as exploring somatic dance practices including those of Anna Halprin, Continuum Movement, and 5-Rhythms. Her extensive background in these modalities enriches her work, allowing her to offer holistic healing and transformative experiences to her clients.
The innovative mind behind the first somatic Tarot deck, Polarity Wellness Tarot, Miriam is also the award-winning author of "Tarot and the Chakras: Opening New Dimensions to Healers.”
Driven by a desire to integrate Tarot with the body, Miriam started using the cards to support others in creating cathartic movement pieces, a practice she calls Tarot in Motion, or Dancing the Tarot. This transformative approach paved the way for her latest book, "Tarot in Motion: A Handbook to Embody Wisdom through the Cards."
In ‘24, Miriam was honored certification of “Full Spectrum, Clinical Reiki and Cognitive Somatic Energy Practices” by the National Certification Center of Energy Practitioners (NCCEP). The Center also honored through their Alliance, Polarity Wellness, giving Miriam the right to teach Polarity Therapy.
Miriam Jacobs embodies a unique blend of artistic insight, healing expertise, and a profound connection to movement and Tarot. Join her on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through her workshops and explore the wisdom that Tarot and movement can bring to your life.
Personal Story
“When I was three years old, I almost died. I developed a high fever and was vomiting blood. When I slipped into a coma, my parents took me to the hospital.
Medical doctors came from all over to try to diagnose my illness to no avail. Did I eat poisonous mushrooms from the garden? Did I have Reis Syndrome? There were also other possible prognoses.
I was placed under an oxygen tent and every medication possible was pumped into my system. Nothing seemed to bring me back to consciousness. My organs began to fail and I was given a 5% chance of surviving.
During my hospital stay, our neighbor, a nurse would come and check on me before her shift. One day she came in my room to find my oxygen tent had been accidentally shut off. I had to be resuscitated, which resulted in my left side being briefly paralyzed.
Soon the whole town was praying for my recovery. Our family pediatrician, Dr. Selma Mitchell, a first generation Russian immigrant, decided to hold an all night prayer vigil with the help of the local Rabbi.
At about 3am, the Rabbi left and Dr. Mitchell stayed, continuing her vigil. As the sun rose that morning my eyes opened and I began to recover.
I still don’t know for certain what happened to me or how I was healed.
I am aware that I went to a very far away place. I believe and have been told by a trusted psychic that I was kept alive to do healing work.”
These types of experiences have become know as Near Death Experiences. Many people who have had NDEs report similar paranormal revelations. Many are inspired to make changes in their own lives and for others. Due to advanced medical technology, NDE have become even more common.
Coming Full Circle
A Foundation in the Visual Arts
My professional life began in New York City, where I immersed myself in various roles within the visual arts. I taught art, was the program director for a community arts organization, and created my own art. These experiences grounded me in the belief that art is a powerful medium for personal and communal expression.
Now: Integrating Movement, Bodywork, and Tarot
Today, my work has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of creative and healing practices. I offer bodywork, Tarot card readings, facilitate the making movement pieces inspired by pulled Tarot cards and magic wands!
As the creator of the first somatic Tarot deck and the author of two Tarot books, I’ve merged my artistic roots with holistic wellness. Additionally, I’ve started producing the UptownBody First Friday Wellness and Craft/Arts Fairs, a monthly event that brings together artists and wellness practitioners.
Coming Full Circle: Embracing Community and Creativity
At first glance, my varied roles might seem scattered, but they are deeply interconnected. My core mission has always been to help individuals embody their own wisdom, whether through creating community, hands on healing, making art, movement, or Tarot. offering tools: wands, Tarot books & decks
I find myself reflecting on my time in NYC during the 1980s, a period of vibrant grassroots arts movements. The collective vision of those times are echoes I now hear in the East Bay, where we have the chance to reimagine art and wellness in our community.
Reflecting Society’s Pulse
Artists have always reflected society's joys and struggles. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to embrace change and innovate. We must create spaces for artists to be seen and heard, to foster new expressions and connections.
Want to understand what I do?
Check out the podcast from The Aquarean, Season 1, Episode 40, “Tarot and the Chakras with Polarity Therapist Miriam Jacobs.”