Tarot and Astrology

1. Tarot and astrology share deep-rooted connections in symbolism and interpretation

For centuries, the art of tarot and the science of astrology have been closely linked.

Historical connections. Tarot and astrology have intertwined histories dating back to ancient civilizations. Both systems use archetypes, symbols, and cosmic patterns to interpret human experiences and provide insight into the future. The earliest tarot decks incorporated astrological imagery, depicting celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and stars alongside mythological figures associated with planets.

Shared framework. Both tarot and astrology offer frameworks for understanding the human psyche and life's journey. They use a similar language of symbols to describe personality traits, life events, and cosmic energies. This shared vocabulary allows practitioners to seamlessly integrate insights from both disciplines, creating a richer, more nuanced interpretation of a person's life path and potential.

2. The Major Arcana cards correspond to planets and zodiac signs

The most recognizable correspondences between tarot and astrology occur in the tarot's Major Arcana—the first twenty-two cards of the deck—which dovetail almost perfectly with the planets and signs of astrology.

Planetary alignments. Each Major Arcana card is associated with a specific planet or zodiac sign, reflecting that celestial body's energy and characteristics. For example:

• The Fool corresponds to Uranus, embodying rebellion and unconventional thinking
• The Magician aligns with Mercury, representing communication and intellect
• The High Priestess connects to the Moon, symbolizing intuition and the subconscious

Archetypal resonance. These correspondences allow readers to tap into the archetypal energies of both tarot and astrology simultaneously. By understanding the astrological associations, tarot readers can add depth and nuance to their interpretations, while astrologers can use the vivid imagery of tarot to bring planetary energies to life for their clients.

3. Minor Arcana cards align with astrological decans and elements

Astrologically, the numbered pip cards of the Minor Arcana are just as rich and complex as the Major Arcana cards. Each one is packed with symbolic associations to zodiac signs, planets, and rulerships—all arranged systematically around the Wheel of the Year.

Decan system. The 36 numbered Minor Arcana cards (2-10 of each suit) correspond to the 36 decans of the zodiac. Each decan represents a 10-degree segment of a zodiac sign, ruled by a specific planet. This system provides a detailed framework for understanding the nuanced energies within each astrological sign.

Elemental associations. The four suits of the Minor Arcana align with the four classical elements:

• Wands = Fire
• Cups = Water
• Swords = Air
• Pentacles = Earth

These elemental correspondences add another layer of meaning to the cards, allowing readers to interpret them through the lens of elemental energies and their interactions.

4. Court Cards represent elemental combinations and astrological seasons

The Court Cards all have elemental associations, just like the rest of the cards in the Minor Arcana. The four pages represent the four elements in their purest form, while the knights, queens, and kings represent a blend of the elements.

Elemental blends. Each Court Card combines two elemental energies:

• Pages: Pure elemental energy
• Knights: Fire + suit element
• Queens: Water + suit element
• Kings: Air + suit element

Seasonal alignment. The Court Cards also correspond to specific parts of the astrological year:

• Knights: Mutable signs (end of seasons)
• Queens: Cardinal signs (beginning of seasons)
• Kings: Fixed signs (middle of seasons)

This system allows for a nuanced understanding of personality types and how they manifest in different life stages or situations.

5. Horoscope charts provide a visual map of planetary positions and their meanings

A horoscope chart is a snapshot of a moment in time, plotted on a map of the sky. You can read it as you would read any other map—but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Cosmic snapshot. A horoscope chart is a two-dimensional representation of the three-dimensional solar system at a specific moment. It shows the positions of the planets in relation to Earth and the zodiac signs. This visual map allows astrologers to interpret the complex interplay of cosmic energies at work in a person's life or a particular moment in time.

Key components:

• Zodiac wheel: 12 signs divided into houses
• Planets: Shown by their symbols in specific signs and houses
• Aspects: Lines connecting planets, showing their relationships
• Angles: Important points like the Ascendant and Midheaven

Understanding how to read this map is crucial for both astrological interpretation and applying tarot's wisdom to specific life areas and timing.

6. The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant form the core of astrological interpretation

The Sun, Moon, and Ascendant are arguably the three most important indicators in a chart. The three corresponding tarot cards can give you remarkable insight into someone's makeup, and serve as the foundation for a personality profile.

The Big Three. These three factors provide a quick snapshot of a person's core essence:

• Sun: Ego, identity, life purpose (corresponds to a zodiac sign)
• Moon: Emotions, instincts, subconscious (corresponds to a zodiac sign)
• Ascendant: Outward personality, first impressions (the rising sign)

Tarot integration. By pulling tarot cards corresponding to a person's Sun, Moon, and Ascendant signs, you can create a powerful mini-reading that captures the essence of their personality and life path. This technique bridges the gap between tarot and astrology, allowing for a rich, multifaceted interpretation.

7. Houses in astrology offer context for planetary placements and life areas

The houses of the horoscope simply illustrate our rotating view of the solar system as we spin in place.

Life areas. The 12 houses of the horoscope represent different areas of life, such as:

• 1st house: Self and appearance
• 4th house: Home and family
• 7th house: Partnerships
• 10th house: Career and public image

Contextual meaning. A planet's house placement provides context for how its energy manifests in a person's life. For example, Venus in the 7th house might indicate a focus on romantic partnerships, while Venus in the 10th house could suggest a career in the arts or beauty industry.

Tarot connections. By understanding the house system, tarot readers can apply card meanings to specific life areas, adding depth and precision to their readings. This allows for more targeted advice and insight into how cosmic energies are playing out in different aspects of a person's life.

8. Aspects between planets reveal their dynamic relationships and influences

Aspects between planets reveal their dynamic relationships and influences.

Geometric relationships. Aspects are angular relationships between planets in a chart, measured in degrees. The main aspects are:

• Conjunction (0°): Merging energies
• Opposition (180°): Tension and balance
• Trine (120°): Harmony and flow
• Square (90°): Conflict and growth
• Sextile (60°): Opportunity and cooperation

Energy interactions. Aspects show how planetary energies interact, either supporting or challenging each other. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for a nuanced interpretation of a chart or reading.

Tarot application. Tarot readers can use aspect theory to analyze card combinations in spreads, seeing how different cards' energies might be working together or at odds. This adds another layer of depth to tarot interpretations, allowing for a more holistic understanding of a situation or personality.

Last updated: February 17, 2025