Have you ever thought that looking at tarot cards might be rather like looking at the stars? Astrology and tarot share some of nature’s most fundamental symbolism, expressed in two different yet complementary forms. When you consider them together, a pattern emerges: elements, qualities and signs of the zodiac weave together to form an image embodied in the tarot cards and reflected in reality.
The symbolic connection between these two arts is striking. As we shall see, particular cards of the Major Arcana have specific affinities with their corresponding zodiac signs. The most obvious connection between tarot and astrology, as symbolic representations of the natural order, lies in the card suits, which correspond precisely to the four elements, or triplicities, in astrology. Wands symbolise fire, Pentacles earth, Swords air and Cups water. The numbered cards of the Minor Arcana also appear to correspond to the three qualities: cardinal, fixed and mutable. It is also worth mentioning the connection between the decans of the zodiac, also known as “faces”, and particular tarot cards. This is most clearly illustrated in Aleister Crowley’s Thoth Tarot deck. The subject certainly deserves a fuller treatment, but you can gain some insights of your own by studying the following infographic:
In this article, however, we shall focus on some of the more practical ways in which these correspondences manifest.
Tarot cards can almost literally reveal the face of a person symbolised in an astrological chart. Conversely, astrology can reveal the context behind particular indications in a tarot reading. The two are indeed fully complementary. This is most apparent in horary astrology, since a tarot reading, too, is always given in response to a very specific question. If you have asked about a relationship, or want to know more about a future partner or spouse, the tarot cards may provide a detailed description of both their appearance and their psychology. In a sense, they refine the indications of the relevant significator in the astrological chart. The chart, meanwhile, tells us where and under what circumstances you will meet that person. Used together, they therefore offer the fullest insight into any situation. Something similar can be seen when interpreting a natal chart. The placement of the ruler of the seventh house, which signifies a relationship partner, can be explored through the corresponding tarot card to reveal further details. If, for example, your seventh-house ruler were Saturn in Leo, you could relate this to the Five of Wands to learn more about your life partner. The same applies to that ruler’s placement in a particular decan of the zodiac. Applying this principle can also yield insights into your career, finances and health. The same holds true for certain personal factors in the natal chart: you can learn more about your strengths and how to make better use of them, as well as the weaknesses you need to work on. Another practice worth mentioning is the annual tarot spread, with one card for each of the twelve months. This can likewise be related to an annual astrological forecast, including, of course, monthly profections.
Simply to make this relationship more accessible, we shall explore it through the twelve zodiac signs and their corresponding tarot cards:
Aries – The Emperor You are a person of conviction who stands up for what you believe in. You are active and enterprising, though you may sometimes act rashly along the way. You can, however, learn from these experiences and rise to a position of power.
Taurus – The Hierophant Your card, the Hierophant, suggests that you need to serve Higher Knowledge to make the best use of your talents. If you are a farmer, for example, you must work in accordance with the laws of nature to produce better crops. This is also the card of the marriage bond, so you yearn for a sense of belonging.
Gemini – The Lovers Your “Janus-faced” nature can give rise to many inner conflicts. You are more conscious than most of the different aspects of your nature, which are often at odds with one another. Yet this is also your strength, for you have the potential to reconcile them. Even so, you will often seek that union in others, only to realise that it has been within you all along.
Cancer – The Chariot You are the knight in shining armour of folk tales: a figure you surely delight in and feel deeply connected to as a Cancer. People rely on you because you are always ready to help. The time and effort you are prepared to devote to laying the groundwork for an undertaking can only lead to success. But guard against procrastination and self-doubt.
Leo – Strength Just as the Sun generously bathes the Earth in its rays, you can encourage others to become the best versions of themselves. This is because they trust you. They know what you have fought for, and how fiercely, so you can acquire considerable authority within your community. Take care, however, not to abuse that power.
Virgo – The Hermit If there is one thing you cannot bear, it is betrayal. Yet it is something you are likely to experience, and it may lead you into a solitary life. Try not to let it go that far. The answer lies not in running away, but in retreating long enough to gain insight and wisdom from the experience, then moving on.
Libra – Justice Who could understand better than you how delicate a matter Justice is? You are constantly weighing things up in search of balance. You seek an impartial course of action as the fairest response to any challenge life presents. Bear in mind, however, that this can often lead to inaction, causing you to miss important moments in life.
Scorpio – Death “What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger!” How many times have you died, only to be reborn and transformed into someone else? Sometimes you barely recognise your former self. This is because you truly bury your old selves, though you never forget them. Indeed, those wounds and deaths have made you who you are, and they are the source of your inner strength.
Sagittarius – Temperance Your jovial spirit is expansive, seeking ever more knowledge and experience. Yet it is not guided solely by the principle of “live and let live”, for you can discern the patterns underlying those experiences. This is how you bring them together and find a balance that yields genuine knowledge: knowledge you might share through universities, religious traditions and so forth.
Capricorn – The Devil You are inclined to become shackled by your own material needs and desires. Although we do indeed live in a material world, that is no reason to become wholly enslaved to it. You have the strength to break those chains. Indeed, the Devil dares you to do so with every experience you cannot resist. He challenges you to discover the truth concealed behind all the lies you have constructed along the way.
Aquarius – The Star Hope is your guiding star in life: the firm conviction that you can build something meaningful and lay solid foundations for it, whatever the circumstances. You can kindle that same spark of optimism and faith in others. You may therefore work well in groups that share your ideas, since your commitment to the idea matters more to you than personal recognition.
Pisces – The Moon The deepest oceans reflect the darkness of the night. You are someone who relies heavily on deeply rooted feelings and intuition when assessing situations in life. Others may therefore see you as inconsistent and changeable. Yet you understand that change is life’s only constant, and this allows you to adapt remarkably well.
In this article, we have merely hinted at the vast possibilities these two complementary tools offer. Often, the missing pieces of the picture become visible only when a situation is viewed from another angle. From another dimension, if you like. Very often, it is precisely this shift in perspective that sheds new light on a confusing situation. The point is that only a skilled interpretation of both strands of symbolism can give you the most accurate and insightful answer to your question. So tell me: aren’t you curious to learn a little more about that partner of yours?