Astrology and Tarot Wheel, planetary rulers of the 12 zodiac signs, the seasons, aces, and pages.
Tarot and astrology are connected through elements and using their connection, you will become a better tarot reader.
In earlier articles, we provided correspondences between the Zodiac and some of the Major Arcana cards. But this isn’t the whole picture, it’s only a simplified version of a larger topic. If you’ve had experience working with the Golden Dawn, or have ever worked with a Thoth tradition deck, you’ll likely also be wondering about the astrological symbols that you see imprinted on the cards. If you take a closer examination of all this, you’ll see that the entire Minor Arcana of the tarot is arranged in a way so that they are connected beautifully with astrological concepts. This article is meant to briefly cover the connection between astrology and tarot in the Minor Arcana only. A fair word of warning, we’re trying very hard to cover this complex topic in a single article alongside diagrams. Much like our previous series on the Tree of Life and Tarot, there are just some depth that we won’t be able to do. We’re going to assume here that you have an intermediate understanding of both astrology and tarot. If you don’t, you can read a bit more about both astrology and tarot on our free resources section. That area will likely include key concepts that you may see mentioned here. Astrology and Tarot: The Qualities, Elements and Numbered Cards of the Minor Arcana We’ll start with looking at some concepts that are more likely to be familiar to those that have prior knowledge of astrology. One key concept used in determining correspondences between tarot and astrology is how each zodiac sign has their own quality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) and their own element. The quality of the zodiac sign determines the numbered cards, while the element, as you may already know, determines the tarot suit. Cards 2, 3, 4 - Correlated to cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). Cardinal signs are considered the initiators or leaders of the zodiac; they represent the start of their respective seasons. Cards 5, 6, 7 - Correlated to fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Fixed signs are reliable and stable; they are dedicated with strong follow through. They represent the middle of their respective seasons. Card 8, 9, 10 - Correlated to mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces). Mutable signs are adaptable and versatile. They represent the end of their respective seasons. By looking at these correlations, we can start getting a vague picture of which numbered cards are assigned to which zodiac signs. For example, we know that Aries is a cardinal, fire element sign. That means that the zodiac sign Aries corresponds to the 2, 3 and 4 of Wands. You may also notice that the aces are not present in this chart. That is because the aces are the source of power for each of the elements, meaning that aces instead represent the entire element itself, and therefore 3 entire zodiac signs. The Ace of Wands is thought to represent Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.We’ll summarize these correspondences in this following chart: Astrology and Tarot: Classical Astrology and the Chaldean Order So that should take care of the zodiac correspondences within the Minor Arcana. But if you examine a minor arcana pip card from a Thoth tradition tarot deck, you’ll see two astrological symbols each; a zodiac sign and a planet. Before we get into understanding the planet symbol on each of your cards, we’ll need to make a distinction about is the difference between Classical Astrology and Modern Astrology. Classical Astrology flourished during the Renaissance, before many of the concepts that we’re now so used to talking about in astrology were even discovered. One of the main differences was the number of planets used in astrological calculations; instead of our usual 10 familiar planetary bodies, there were only 7 back then. The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) were not visible with the naked eye. A key concept when working with the tarot will be something called the Chaldean Order, where each of these 7 planetary bodies are arranged based on their relative geocentric orbital period, or in other words, their speed of movement based on our perspective from earth. Understanding the Chaldean Order will be the basis for how we begin to create correspondences between the Minor Arcana and astrology. Astrology and Tarot: Understanding the Decan Let’s start by looking at the Zodiac Wheel. You may recognize this wheel if you draw your own natal charts or your transits. You’re probably already used to seeing the zodiac signs along the circumference of the wheel, dividing this wheel into 12 sections. Each zodiac sign controls 30 degrees of the wheel. The 12 signs of the zodiac can be further divided into 3 decans each, for a total of 36 decans. Each decan takes up 10 degrees on the zodiac wheel, which is just about equivalent to 10 days. Now, remember the Chaldean Order? In Classical astrology, each of these decans are ruled by the 7 planets of the Chaldean Order. They go in sequence, starting from Aries (the first zodiac sign of the year, since in astrology, the year starts with the Spring Equinox) and ending in Pisces. The first decan of Aries is ruled by Mars, the second by the Sun, and the third by Venus. The order does from slower relative geocentric orbit, to faster. After Aries, we find Taurus, symbolizing the middle of spring. If we continue the Chaldean Order, that means that the next planet and the first decan of Taurus is Mercury. The second decan of Taurus is the Moon, and then we begin the Chaldean Order over, with the third decan of Taurus being ruled by Saturn.Finally, at the end of it all, the third decan of Pisces is ruled by Mars again. Now with all the planetary rulers of each decan in place, you can look at your tarot cards again. The planetary symbol corresponds to the decan on the zodiac wheel, giving you its exact location. Putting it all together, you’ll see a pattern emerge; weaving together elements, qualities and zodiac signs to form a picture of the whole year and the entire zodiac wheel. Aries Tarot Cards Taurus Tarot Cards Cardinal Fire2 of Wands - Mars in Aries3 of Wands - Sun in Aries4 of Wands - Venus in Aries Fixed Earth5 of Pentacles - Mercury in Taurus6 of Pentacles - Moon in Taurus7 of Pentacles - Saturn in Taurus Gemini Tarot Cards Cancer Tarot Cards Mutable Air8 of Swords - Jupiter in Gemini9 of Swords - Mars in Gemini10 of Swords - Sun in Gemini Cardinal Water2 of Cups - Venus in Cancer3 of Cups - Mercury in Cancer4 of Cups - Moon in Cancer Leo Tarot Cards Virgo Tarot Cards Fixed Fire5 of Wands - Saturn in Leo6 of Wands - Jupiter in Leo7 of Wands - Mars in Leo Mutable Earth8 of Pentacles - Sun in Virgo9 of Pentacles - Venus in Virgo10 of Pentacles - Mercury in Virgo Libra Tarot Cards Scorpio Tarot Cards Cardinal Air2 of Swords - Moon in Libra3 of Swords - Saturn in Libra4 of Swords - Jupiter in Libra Fixed Water5 of Cups - Mars in Scorpio6 of Cups - Sun in Scorpio7 of Cups - Venus in Scorpio Sagittarius Tarot Cards Capricorn Tarot Cards Mutable Fire8 of Wands - Mercury in Sagittarius9 of Wands - Moon in Sagittarius10 of Wands - Saturn in Sagittarius Cardinal Earth2 of Pentacles - Jupiter in Capricorn3 of Pentacles - Mars in Capricorn4 of Pentacles - Sun in Capricorn Aquarius Tarot Cards Pisces Tarot Cards Fixed Air5 of Swords - Venus in Aquarius6 of Swords - Mercury in Aquarius7 of Swords - Moon in Aquarius Mutable Water8 of Cups - Saturn in Pisces9 of Cups - Jupiter in Pisces10 of Cups - Mars in Pisces Astrology and Tarot Correspondences: The Minor Arcana Infographic
Do you know which Major and Minor Arcana cards correspond to your sign?
Unlock the secrets of your soul with zodiac sign tarot cards. Discover the deep connection, enhance self-awareness, and chart your spiritual journey.
The Ultimate Tarot Guide, get to know the Tarot Cards, their meaning and how they are used in Tarot readings and predicting the future.
We offer Astrology readings that interpret your birth chart in a variety of ways. Learn what makes you tick–your challenges, strengths, predispositions, and tendencies. Upon receiving your date, location, and time of birth I will obtain cosmic information about you. From this information I will determine how the elements of the zodiac influence your life. At the time of your birth, a snapshot is taken of the 12 astrological houses that the star map rotates within. Ancient texts say that your personality depends on where these houses fall on our astrological star map. Each house has a natural planetary and zodiac ruler that can manifest a high amount of energy from favorable configuration. My reading will describe how the planets and the zodiac signs interact with the houses at the time of your birth. The information provided will explain the locations of the celestial bodies and what that means about you. There may not be good things in your snapshot, but it may provide you insight on why things aren’t so good in your life, the challenges you face, and where you may need to focus to overcome your predispositions. I pull my guidance from ancient mythology, astrological texts, and my mother who learned from her mother and so forth. This purchase includes a .PDF File including your natal chart and a reading of all relevant astrological phenomena. This purchase includes analyses on THREE QUESTIONS you have regarding your natal star chart. Psychic readings are a great way to get information about yourself, your future, and your loved ones. There are many different types of psychic readings. The most popular include tarot readings, astrology readings, and psychic readings. Basic psychic readings can be the fodder for lots of entertainment. The questions can be entertaining, and the answers can be entertaining too. But a gifted psychic who understands the human psyche can help you by answering questions about relationships, career, finances, and more. Psychics can also help you understand the past, present, and future. They can help you see what's coming, and what you can do about it. A psychic reading can help you see your life from a new perspective. It can open your eyes to opportunities, and to problems. A psychic can help you see problems for what they are. A psychic can help you see the solutions. The best psychics know that success in the Psychic industry requires an ability to provide accurate and detailed answers. Accuracy is the key to a successful Psychic reading. Psychics who provide inaccurate information to their clients may lose their credibility, which may lead to the loss of their business. The best psychics, mediums, clairvoyants, and Tarot readers are here. 20+ years experience The best psychics give psychic readings over the phone. This way, you can ask questions anonymously and get the answers you’re looking for.
Astrology and Tarot Wheel, the decans & planetary sub-rulers for 12 zodiac signs. In addition to tarot's 22 Major Arcana and Court Cards.
Here are 3 tarot spreads inspired by the fire signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius! Enthusiastic, energetic and no surprise... fiery!
An Introduction to the 12 zodiac signs, 3 modalities, the four elements, and their Tarot correspondences on the YesSpiral Astrology and Tarot Wheel.
Discover the depths of the Moon Tarot Card meaning. Unearth your spiritual journey and personal growth with our comprehensive guide.
Why have horoscopes, tarot readings, crystals and Enneagrams become so alluring? Have we...
The last 3 signs for this series are the water signs Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Emotional, intuitive and imaginative!
The Ultimate Tarot Guide, get to know the Tarot Cards, their meaning and how they are used in Tarot readings and predicting the future.
The decan wheel is extremely helpful in visualizing the houses within the zodiac and the tarot cards that lie within them. It is a great go-to that will help you identify and memorize where the tarot cards live as well as what energies are likely to manifest within them. I printed the one below and taped it into my notebook for quick access when practicing tarot. Ten degrees of separation The zodiac houses span thirty degree sections of the wheel going counterclockwise. Aries is the first house and Pisces is the twelfth. Each of the house is further subdivided into ten degree segments called decans or decanates. The Minor Arcana tarot cards (two through ten) are assigned to each decan. The two, three and four of Wands span the entire house Aries for example. From there you can see the suits are not arranged in order. They are assigned to houses with the same element. For example all Wands correspond to fire signs. So the next order of wands can be found in Leo, then in Sagittarius. Decan Wheel Each card/decan has a co-ruling planet. Starting with the two card in Aries we have the rulerships of Mars, the Sun and then Mercury. These are considered co-rulers because Mars is the ruling planet of the entire Aries house. The wheel also indicates the elemental triangle of Fire (triplicity), and the Cardinal aspect (quadruplicity) of Aries. Court Cards The Aces and Court Cards live on the outside rim of the wheel. In the THOTH deck the Knights, Queens, and Princesses rule entire thirty degree segments. Notice they are not evenly placed over the houses. This is on purpose. It reflects the constant interaction and balance seeking between the elements. For example the Queen of Wands is the watery part of fire and she rules the last decan of Pisces and the first two decan of Aries. That is one third of a water sign and two thirds of a fire sign. One might think that the highest order of fire, the Knight of Wands, would rule the most pure fire sign of Aries. However such a configuration would be unbalanced, emphasizing too much fire in one place. Therefore the knight's rulership is assigned to Sagittarius-the least pure fire sign. I will do a segment soon on the breakdown of the card ranks and their element classifications. Decan Wheel with Court Cards How the Wheel relates to Tarot Decan wheels vary in design in terms of what data they contain. The more advanced wheel below adds some nice features. It includes all the previous information plus house planetary rulerships and exaltation. It is worthwhile considering these attributes when practicing tarot, they add rich detail that might not otherwise be so easily seen in a card. Similar to the planetary aspects in astrology, we can view the cards through the lens of the ruling planets, elements and images. Deluxe Decan Wheel
Do you need guidance or support in a specific area of your life? Or, are you looking for a message from the Universe? I have 6+ years of reading tarot specifically psychic readings, predictions and general advice regarding any area of your life. I channel messages for my clients, read their energy, and help guide them to address any challenges they have in their lives/situations. I love to be of service to others and I continue to find enjoyment and experience from each reading that I do. I'm new to ETSY so please leave a review for me after you receive your reading. <3
Unlock life's secrets with five-card tarot spreads! Explore love, career, and self-growth in our insightful guide to tarot wisdom.
Astrology and Tarot Wheel, planetary rulers of the 12 zodiac signs, the seasons, aces, and pages.
If you're new to reading tarot for yourself or for your friends, one of the best places to start is by learning the meanings of The Major Arcana cards. In the tarot, The Major Arcana cards
A birth chart, also known as a natal chart or horoscope, is a celestial snapshot of the sky at the precise moment you were born. By mapping the position of the planets, the sun, and the moon in relation to the zodiac signs, it offers a unique astrological blueprint of an individual's life, potential, and personality. **Importance of Knowing Your Birth Chart:** 1. **Self-awareness:** By interpreting the birth chart, you can gain deeper insights into your personality, strengths, challenges, desires, and life's purpose. It acts as a mirror to the self, revealing dimensions that might be overlooked or unrecognized. 2. **Guidance in Decision Making:** Birth charts can shed light on the optimal times to make decisions, embark on new endeavors, or navigate challenges. It offers a cosmic perspective on your life's journey. 3. **Understanding Relationships:** The compatibility between two birth charts can provide insights into the dynamics of a relationship, highlighting strengths and areas for growth. 4. **Personal Growth and Evolution:** By knowing the energies at play in your chart, you can align with them to manifest your best life and transcend any limitations. 5. **Spiritual Exploration:** For many, the birth chart is not just an astrological tool but a spiritual guide, helping one connect with the universe and understand their place in it. In essence, downloading and understanding your birth chart is like having a personal roadmap for life. It doesn’t predict your destiny but rather gives you the tools to navigate it with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Discover the meaning of the Wheel of Fortune tarot card - a powerful guide for life's cyclical nature, change, and spiritual journey...
Tarot and astrology are connected through elements and using their connection, you will become a better tarot reader.
The Magician tarot card stands as a powerful symbol of manifestation, resourcefulness, and potential. Clad with the tools of the Tarot suits (Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles) before him, The Magician raises one hand towards the heavens and points the other towards the earth, embodying the phrase “As above, so below.” This gesture signifies the … The Magician Tarot Meaning (Upright & Reversed) Read More »
The tarot, originally know as the trionfi, is a pack of playing cards used from the mid 15th century in various parts of Europe to play games such as Italian tarocchini, French tarot, and Austrian Konigrufen. In the late 18th century, some tarot decks began to be used for divination through tarot reading, which lead to
In this article we define the 7 Magical Phases of the Moon as we use them for Moon Magic and Spiritual Growth. Discover the spiritual meaning of each phase.
If you have a birthday, then you have a birth card in the Tarot. (Actually, you have three—but this article focuses on the birth cards in the Major Arcana.) Learning your birth card(s) can provide insights about your personality and life's path and enhance any readings you perform for yourself. The twelve birth cards (the zodiacal Trumps), are distributed throughout the Major Arcana (interspersed with the planetary and elemental Trumps). They appear in the same order as the zodiac signs, beginning with Aries. These correspondences were inherited from the 19th century Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. But zodiacal images in early European decks suggest that they are probably much older—perhaps as old as the Tarot itself. Finding your birth card among the Major Arcana is easy—just use your sun sign and our handy guide (below): If your sign is Aries (March 21-April 19), your birth card is The Emperor. Bold and ambitious Aries finds its Tarot match in the Emperor. “Bah”-ssy Aries is happiest when he gets to be in charge of everything—just like the Emperor, who's an absolute peach until the peasants start grumbling. Those born under the sign of the Ram won’t hesitate to butt heads to protect what’s his. His aggressive side comes from his ruling planet Mars, and his Fiery nature. Notice how the Emperor, even in a state of repose, is wearing his armor? His robe is red and his breastplate is iron—Mars’ color and metal, respectively. The Emperor is usually authoritative, responsible, and beneficent. But poke his weak spots and he turns into a nasty tyrant. Waite was winking at the Aries connection when he decorated the Emperor’s throne with rams’ heads. He also placed the Emperor’s throne high on craggy cliffs, the kind of landscape on which bighorn sheep love to strut. If your sign is Taurus (April 20-May 20), your birth card is the Hierophant. Taurus follows Aries in the zodiac, the cocky energy of the Ram giving way to the docile strength of the Bull. Tarotists associate the Hierophant with tradition. In Renaissance decks he’s called The Pope. Arthur Edward Waite chose to rename this card the Hierophant, an obscure term that he stumbled across in his studies of Ancient Greece. A hierophant was the chief priest of the Eleusinian Mysteries—a high initiate who preserved the sacred tradition and passed it on to aspirants. Powerful and dignified, the Hierophant is loyal to the powers above him and expects loyalty from those below. In esoteric Tarot, the Hierophant forms a bridge between the physical world and the divine. Though he represents profound spiritual forces, he’s fully rooted in the mundane. Think of the bovine, a big stinky animal that is sacred in several religious traditions. The Hierophant may represent a mentor or teacher. But like everything else associated with Taurus, the proliferation of the Hierophant’s wisdom is slow. (Cows usually only have one calf at a time, and spend a long time carrying and nursing their young.) He can represent initiation, but this is not the kind of initiation brought upon by a cataclysm or epiphany. Taurus, an Earth sign, is quirkily ruled by Venus—and there is a hint of Venusian luxury in the Hierophant’s rich garments and sumptuous interior of his palace. Taureans are creatures of habit and take comfort in the familiar. The Hierophant can signal that someone is (or should be) following an expected method or routine. At best, he’s steadfast, dutiful, and of a serene and generous nature. On the downside, he's rigid, authoritarian, and just plain stubborn. If your sign is Gemini (May 21-June 20), your birth card is The Lovers. If Taurus is the stolid elder proclaiming, “This is the way it is,” then Gemini is the youthful upstart asking, “But why?” Indeed, the Rider-Waite version of this card depicts the prototypical rebels, Adam and Eve, just moments before their curiosity introduces them to the point of a flaming sword. We don’t usually think of Adam and Eve as twins (because then we’re all inbred—ew) but of course they are. They have the same parents (God and God), and thanks to that rib, they share the same DNA. Twins symbolize duality—unity divided into a pair of opposites. The zygote is split into two separate beings. Hence, mythical twins illuminate contrasts: Adam and Eve (male and female), Apollo and Artemis (sun and moon), Castor and Pollux (immortal and mortal). All human interactions are really variations on the twin myth, an exploration of sameness and difference between souls. There’s a point in any friendship or relationship when you realize that you and the other person are similar enough in language, in background, and in temperament that you can understand one another—and also different enough that there’s something new to be learned from the exchange. That’s the definition of communication, the ruling function of Gemini. Gemini is an Air sign ruled by Mercury, and we get a few hints in this Trump: The airy clouds and peaks, the angel (which is presumed to be Raphael), and the coiled serpent which recalls the caduceus of Mercury. In addition to communication, the ever-versatile Lovers card relates to decisions (from Latin, “de-” and “cis-,” to separate and cut) and love relationships. When well-aspected, it speaks of harmony, adaptability, and magnetic attraction. If your sign is Cancer (June 21-July 22), your birth card is The Chariot. At first glance, there's not much in this image that relates to Cancer. The Chariot is one of the most complicated cards in the entire deck. Its symbolism is complex and arcane—a lot like Cancer, which always plays its cards close to its chest. Speaking of the chest, in traditional astrology Cancer rules the area of the chest. Our charioteer wears a sturdy breastplate, protecting the tender heart within. He has spiky shoulder armor and fin-like gauntlets. He’s encased in a car that he takes with him wherever he goes. A moat or river is behind him, a reference to Cancer’s watery home. Like the crab that skitters nimbly from earth to water, the Charioteer bears the livery of both a priest and a warrior. He’s crowned with an elaborate headdress and canopied by the night sky. Magickal symbols adorn his apron. Cancer is ruled by the moon, and two yellow crescents adorn his shoulders. The black and white sphinxes yoked to the Chariot recall the black and white pillars in that other lunar Trump, the High Priestess. Divinatory meanings for the Chariot vary widely, but he can often signal success, self-reliance, and internal drive. When he’s feeling crabby, The Chariot may be withdrawn, inert, directionless, or just too damn deep for his own good. If your sign is Leo (July 23-August 22), your birth card is Strength. Oh, Leo! The sign of Leo encompasses the strength and willpower of the lion, combined with the beauty and charm of the maiden. No wonder Leo gets stuck on its own reflection. The noble lion, king of the beasts, purrs beneath the gentle caress of a golden-tressed lady. Summer flowers encircle her. A lemniscate crowns her head (as it does the Magician’s) suggesting her command of natural forces. Leo is ruled by the Sun, so it’s fitting to find these two basking in a sunny meadow. Distinct from the pure solar energy of the Sun card, Strength is really about self-possession—directing your passions and life force toward constructive ends. Strength, and its zodiacal counterpart Leo, shine with enormous grace, charisma and strength of heart. If all that goes to its head, Strength is vain and willful enough to be downright obnoxious. If your sign is Virgo (August 23-September 22), your birth card is The Hermit. The sign of Virgo is supposed to be represented by a beautiful young woman, and instead, in the Tarot, we get this old dude. Huh? Did he retire to the mountaintop after 80 years of failing to get laid? The word “virgin” connotes purity—sexual purity, to be sure, but also insularity. When the alchemists talked about a virgin substance, they meant that it had not been contaminated or corrupted by contact with other materials or forces. The Hermit is a paragon of moral integrity. He’s seen the ways of the world, but they have not swayed him from his purpose and quest. Nor has he “married” himself to any institution, person, or ideology. Like the proud maiden Virgo, the Hermit doesn't need nuthin' or nobody in order to understand himself and the ground on which he stands. The lamp of the Hermit symbolizes his penetrating powers of observation. Reason and experience are his guiding light. Like his ruling planet Mercury, the Hermit is a wanderer. Like the ever-skeptical Virgo, if the truth is out there, the Hermit will find it. The Hermit at his best is independent, practical, and uncommonly wise. If his slippers happen to be chafing him, he can be impatient, grumpy, short-sighted, and prudish. If your sign is Libra (September 23-October 22), your birth card is Justice. In her left hand, Lady Justice holds the scales, the symbol for the sign of Libra. The sword she raises with her right hand represents her ruling elemental of Air (and there’s that yellow backdrop again). Everything about the image suggests symmetry and balance, from the sturdy stone pillars to the woman’s perfect pageboy haircut. This card governs both words and actions, and the places where they meet: Legal systems, contracts and oaths, truth and consequences. Just like her astrological counterpart, hyper-competent Libra, Justice knows how to be judge, jury, and executioner. She’s wise and articulate, to be sure, but she won’t hesitate to wield that sword when the time comes. Tarot hacker Aleister Crowley called this trump Adjustment and nicknamed it “The Woman Satisfied.” As an Air sign ruled by Venus, Libra is kinky for justice—she takes pleasure in fairness, pleasure in duty. Her satisfaction comes from the keenness of her observation of the laws of the universe. Martin Luther King, Jr. said,“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Justice can afford to be patient, because she can see the entire arc and calculate its curve. Like Libra, the energy of the Justice card is precise, impartial, perceptive, and canny. But come down on her bad side and she can be cold, pedantic, and just a little bit ruthless. If your sign is Scorpio (October 23-November 21), your birth card is Death. The goddess Gaia once ordered a scorpion to go and attack the enormous giant Orion, and it did. That’s Scorpio for you: Reckless, prone to violence, and surprisingly easy to manipulate. (Just kidding, Scorpio. Love you forever, okay?) The predatory scorpion aligns with Death in its stealth and appetite (scorpions can eat a year’s worth of food at a single meal). In Renaissance decks, the curve of Grimmy’s scythe echoes the curve of the scorpion’s tail. In Rider-Waite, we see a skeletal horseman whose segmented armor resembles the creature’s exoskeleton, and whose sabaton (metal boot) tapers to a barb-like point. Scorpio is the most turbulent and intense of the Water sign. Traditional astrology holds that Scorpio is ruled by Mars, while modern astrologers fob it off on Pluto. Appropriately enough, the Death card signals flux and termination—and all the emotional upheaval that goes along with that. Scorpio is prone to sorrowful wallowing and ruinous rampages. Scorpio loves drama, and what could be more dramatic than the final curtain? The energy represented by the Death card is powerful, decisive, and tinted with a darksome allure. On the flipside, it can be morbid, destructive and extravagant. If your sign is Sagittarius (November 22-December 21), your birth card is Temperance. This one seems like a bit of a stretch. Sagittarius is the Archer, and a Fire sign—and here we have a watery image with no arrows in sight. But wait! Is that a Fire triangle emblazoned on the angel's gown? Could this be Michael, the Archangel of Fire? Must be—but today he's put his flaming sword aside and taken up the cups. The Fire of Sagittarius is mutable—that is, it’s the most capable of being mixed with or brought into harmony with other elements. The word “temperance” itself suggests the controlled use of Fire. One definition of temperance is using alcohol in moderation. Water mixed with wine lessens the burn of alcohol and dampens the destructive power of drunkenness. In culinary language, to temper a sauce is to heat it slowly so that the heat doesn't destroy delicate flavors and textures. Another meaning of temperance is the harmonious union of opposites. Thus we see an angel engaged in the nearly impossible task of blending Fire and Water into a perfect elixir. Crowley renamed this card Art—art being, of course, the fusion of skill with imagination. This, too relates to Sagittarius. The Archer is often represented as a centaur, half man and half horse. The Archer's arrow and bow—each useless on their own—come together to make a formidable weapon. Waite, always the sneaky one, worked in one more obscure reference to this Trump's zodiacal ruler. At the angel's feet are two irises. The iris is named for the Roman goddess of rainbows, and the rainbow, in Hermetic Qabalah, is a symbol related to the sign of Sagittarius. Like most Sagittarians, Temperance is all about balance, transformation, artistic endeavors, positive growth, and dynamic equilibrium. He's usually gentle and composed, but if he screws up his measurements, Temperance is imbalanced and impatient. If your sign is Capricorn (December 22-January 19), your birth card is The Devil. After all the effortless moderation of Temperance comes the Devil, a card of overindulgence. Alas for Capricorn, the Devil is usually read as a pretty negative card. It doesn’t have to be that way, though. Like Lucifer himself, Capricorn chafes under authority and yearns to be self-governing. With their Earthy combination of shrewdness and patience, those born under the sign of Capricorn can achieve almost anything they set their minds to. Capricorn is the sign of the Goat, and the Devil has the hairy thighs, goatee, and curved horns of a billy goat. Waite modeled his Devil on Eliphas Levi's famous image of Baphomet, but its roots are much older. The association of goats with the infernal goes back to the Middle Ages, when the pagan images of Pan and the satyrs were subsumed into Christian iconography. The goats, with its lustful behavior and voracious appetite, has long symbolized vice. The Devil bears an inverted pentacle on his brow, which can represent the subjugation of Spirit in favor of the material world. On his raised right hand is the glyph for Saturn, the planetary ruler of Capricorn. The Devil represents an extreme version of Capricorn's natural ambition and practicality. Usually it speaks of ignorance, bondage, materialism, and excess. In a better light, it can signify freedom, willfulness, and the integration of human and animal natures. If your sign is Aquarius (January 20-February 18), your birth card is The Star. Aquarius is the sign of the water-bearer, and the star maiden in this trump is certainly a tall drink of water. It's one of the most beautiful cards in almost any deck. The water-bearer of the Star is nude, reflecting Aquarian innocence and integrity. Among the classical planets, Aquarius is attributed to calm and cautious Saturn, while modern astrologers grope for Uranus. Aquarius is an Air sign with a watery inclination, our damsel kneels among the stars with just her toes dipped into the stream below. The libations she carries quench the thirst and nurture the spirit. One jug empties into the ground, and the other returns the water to its source. The Star embodies the Aquarian virtues of hope, compassion, communality and abundance. Ill-aspected, it's still a fairly positive card, but can suggest shallowness or resistance to joy. Aquarians are natural people-pleasers, and the Star card can be a reminder to take care of your own emotional needs, too. If your sign is Pisces (February 19-March 20), your birth card is The Moon. The twin fish of Pisces would certainly feel at home in this puddly landscape. Akin to the dreamy, mutable sign of Water, the Tarot Moon hovers over the unconscious and the unknown. In traditional astrology, Pisces is ruled by lucky, hedonistic Jupiter—but modern astrology assigns it to the chilly outlying planet Neptune. Every creature in this card is high on instinct and drunk on moon-dew. Swimming through a humid, hypnotic atmosphere, they throb and sway to the moon's tidal pull. It speaks of issues and desires that can’t be logically resolved, or even fully expressed. When it’s well-aspected, the Moon dispenses the Piscean blessings of subtlety, intuition, imagination, and adaptability. If a bad Moon is rising, it’s unreliable, distant, and treacherous. The words “fishy” and “flaky” were invented to describe what happens when Pisces energy goes awry. Using Your Birth Cards Much like your astrological chart or name or other personal details, your Tarot birth card can point to hidden truths about your spiritual path and life’s work. If you’re open to its messages, studying your birth card will give you additional insights as you work with the Tarot. When your birth card appears in a reading, you may take that as an additional sign that the reading is speaking directly to you. If your birth card particularly resonates with you, you may even choose to use it as a significator in readings or adopt it as a personal symbol. Other divinatory functions of the birth cards: Stay alert for moments when one or more of the twelve birth cards represent other people in your life. For example, an Aries/Libra relationship could be expressed by the appearance of the Emperor and Justice cards. You can also use the zodiacal correspondence to get a clue on the timing of future events. Drawing the Strength card, for instance, suggests that the event will happen during the month of Leo. Here's a concise chart of the Tarot birth cards and dates: Check out more articles in the archive!
Here are 3 tarot spreads inspired by the air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Talkative, intellectual, abstract!
In earlier articles, we provided correspondences between the Zodiac and some of the Major Arcana cards. But this isn’t the whole picture, it’s only a simplified version of a larger topic. If you’ve had experience working with the Golden Dawn, or have ever worked with a Thoth tradition deck, you’ll likely also be wondering about the astrological symbols that you see imprinted on the cards. If you take a closer examination of all this, you’ll see that the entire Minor Arcana of the tarot is arranged in a way so that they are connected beautifully with astrological concepts. This article is meant to briefly cover the connection between astrology and tarot in the Minor Arcana only. A fair word of warning, we’re trying very hard to cover this complex topic in a single article alongside diagrams. Much like our previous series on the Tree of Life and Tarot, there are just some depth that we won’t be able to do. We’re going to assume here that you have an intermediate understanding of both astrology and tarot. If you don’t, you can read a bit more about both astrology and tarot on our free resources section. That area will likely include key concepts that you may see mentioned here. Astrology and Tarot: The Qualities, Elements and Numbered Cards of the Minor Arcana We’ll start with looking at some concepts that are more likely to be familiar to those that have prior knowledge of astrology. One key concept used in determining correspondences between tarot and astrology is how each zodiac sign has their own quality (cardinal, fixed, mutable) and their own element. The quality of the zodiac sign determines the numbered cards, while the element, as you may already know, determines the tarot suit. Cards 2, 3, 4 - Correlated to cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn). Cardinal signs are considered the initiators or leaders of the zodiac; they represent the start of their respective seasons. Cards 5, 6, 7 - Correlated to fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius). Fixed signs are reliable and stable; they are dedicated with strong follow through. They represent the middle of their respective seasons. Card 8, 9, 10 - Correlated to mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces). Mutable signs are adaptable and versatile. They represent the end of their respective seasons. By looking at these correlations, we can start getting a vague picture of which numbered cards are assigned to which zodiac signs. For example, we know that Aries is a cardinal, fire element sign. That means that the zodiac sign Aries corresponds to the 2, 3 and 4 of Wands. You may also notice that the aces are not present in this chart. That is because the aces are the source of power for each of the elements, meaning that aces instead represent the entire element itself, and therefore 3 entire zodiac signs. The Ace of Wands is thought to represent Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.We’ll summarize these correspondences in this following chart: Astrology and Tarot: Classical Astrology and the Chaldean Order So that should take care of the zodiac correspondences within the Minor Arcana. But if you examine a minor arcana pip card from a Thoth tradition tarot deck, you’ll see two astrological symbols each; a zodiac sign and a planet. Before we get into understanding the planet symbol on each of your cards, we’ll need to make a distinction about is the difference between Classical Astrology and Modern Astrology. Classical Astrology flourished during the Renaissance, before many of the concepts that we’re now so used to talking about in astrology were even discovered. One of the main differences was the number of planets used in astrological calculations; instead of our usual 10 familiar planetary bodies, there were only 7 back then. The outer planets (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) were not visible with the naked eye. A key concept when working with the tarot will be something called the Chaldean Order, where each of these 7 planetary bodies are arranged based on their relative geocentric orbital period, or in other words, their speed of movement based on our perspective from earth. Understanding the Chaldean Order will be the basis for how we begin to create correspondences between the Minor Arcana and astrology. Astrology and Tarot: Understanding the Decan Let’s start by looking at the Zodiac Wheel. You may recognize this wheel if you draw your own natal charts or your transits. You’re probably already used to seeing the zodiac signs along the circumference of the wheel, dividing this wheel into 12 sections. Each zodiac sign controls 30 degrees of the wheel. The 12 signs of the zodiac can be further divided into 3 decans each, for a total of 36 decans. Each decan takes up 10 degrees on the zodiac wheel, which is just about equivalent to 10 days. Now, remember the Chaldean Order? In Classical astrology, each of these decans are ruled by the 7 planets of the Chaldean Order. They go in sequence, starting from Aries (the first zodiac sign of the year, since in astrology, the year starts with the Spring Equinox) and ending in Pisces. The first decan of Aries is ruled by Mars, the second by the Sun, and the third by Venus. The order does from slower relative geocentric orbit, to faster. After Aries, we find Taurus, symbolizing the middle of spring. If we continue the Chaldean Order, that means that the next planet and the first decan of Taurus is Mercury. The second decan of Taurus is the Moon, and then we begin the Chaldean Order over, with the third decan of Taurus being ruled by Saturn.Finally, at the end of it all, the third decan of Pisces is ruled by Mars again. Now with all the planetary rulers of each decan in place, you can look at your tarot cards again. The planetary symbol corresponds to the decan on the zodiac wheel, giving you its exact location. Putting it all together, you’ll see a pattern emerge; weaving together elements, qualities and zodiac signs to form a picture of the whole year and the entire zodiac wheel. Aries Tarot Cards Taurus Tarot Cards Cardinal Fire2 of Wands - Mars in Aries3 of Wands - Sun in Aries4 of Wands - Venus in Aries Fixed Earth5 of Pentacles - Mercury in Taurus6 of Pentacles - Moon in Taurus7 of Pentacles - Saturn in Taurus Gemini Tarot Cards Cancer Tarot Cards Mutable Air8 of Swords - Jupiter in Gemini9 of Swords - Mars in Gemini10 of Swords - Sun in Gemini Cardinal Water2 of Cups - Venus in Cancer3 of Cups - Mercury in Cancer4 of Cups - Moon in Cancer Leo Tarot Cards Virgo Tarot Cards Fixed Fire5 of Wands - Saturn in Leo6 of Wands - Jupiter in Leo7 of Wands - Mars in Leo Mutable Earth8 of Pentacles - Sun in Virgo9 of Pentacles - Venus in Virgo10 of Pentacles - Mercury in Virgo Libra Tarot Cards Scorpio Tarot Cards Cardinal Air2 of Swords - Moon in Libra3 of Swords - Saturn in Libra4 of Swords - Jupiter in Libra Fixed Water5 of Cups - Mars in Scorpio6 of Cups - Sun in Scorpio7 of Cups - Venus in Scorpio Sagittarius Tarot Cards Capricorn Tarot Cards Mutable Fire8 of Wands - Mercury in Sagittarius9 of Wands - Moon in Sagittarius10 of Wands - Saturn in Sagittarius Cardinal Earth2 of Pentacles - Jupiter in Capricorn3 of Pentacles - Mars in Capricorn4 of Pentacles - Sun in Capricorn Aquarius Tarot Cards Pisces Tarot Cards Fixed Air5 of Swords - Venus in Aquarius6 of Swords - Mercury in Aquarius7 of Swords - Moon in Aquarius Mutable Water8 of Cups - Saturn in Pisces9 of Cups - Jupiter in Pisces10 of Cups - Mars in Pisces Astrology and Tarot Correspondences: The Minor Arcana Infographic
Do you know which Major and Minor Arcana cards correspond to your sign?
Tarot and astrology are connected through elements and using their connection, you will become a better tarot reader.
Transit to Natal of Pluto Opposition to Natal Midheaven, 👉 In Quincunx Aspect, The Long Transit that Last for about 1 Year The ground is ...