Interpretation of Tarot Cards: Tarot Symbols and Their Meanings
Symbols on Tarot cards play a crucial role in their interpretation.
Each symbol has its own meaning and can reveal much about a person’s past, present, and
future. Let's examine the main symbols and their meanings using the Rider-Waite deck
as an example.
Symbolism of the Minor Arcana in Tarot
Each suit of the Minor Arcana consists of 10 numbered cards and 4 court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, and King). The focus of the Minor Arcana is on daily life and events. The Tarot deck contains four suits: Pentacles, Cups, Wands, and Swords. Each suit corresponds to one of the four classical elements.
Pentacles represent the element of Earth, rooted in the material world. When we see a Pentacles card in a Tarot spread, it refers to something physical, such as health or possessions. Pentacles are concerned with finances, health, material properties, business, and career matters.
Cups represent the element of Water, mainly associated with emotions. When Cups appear in a Tarot reading, they indicate issues related to the emotional realm. These cards often refer to feelings, love, relationships, and creativity.
Wands represent the element of Fire, signifying active and primal energy. Wands in a spread signal the need to focus on goals, ambition, motivation, passion, and the desire for change.
Swords represent the element of Air, linked to the mind and thought processes. If Swords appear in a Tarot spread, they often highlight challenges, conflicts, courage, decision-making, and disputes.
Numerical Symbolism in Tarot
Minor Arcana cards are either numbered (1 to 10) or court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). Each has its unique symbolic meaning:
1 (Ace) – Unity or the beginning of something new.
2 – Duality, relationships, balancing interests, partnerships.
3 – Creativity and growth.
4 – Stability and structure.
5 – Conflict, growth, change.
6 – Harmony and balance.
7 – Life lessons and personal growth.
8 – Achievement and realization.
9 – Success and nearing the completion of a phase.
10 – Completion, the final stage, enlightenment.
Symbolism of Tarot Court Cards
Each Tarot suit contains four court cards. Their symbolism is easily understood from the imagery:
Page – Youthful energy, service.
Knight – Strength, determination, pursuit of goals.
Queen – Sensitivity, compassion for the needy.
King – Leadership and success.
Color Symbolism in Tarot Cards
The color palette of Tarot cards is rich, and the chosen colors often have symbolic meanings. Interestingly, ancient beliefs about color associations with certain moods align closely with modern psychological understanding of the effects of color on the human psyche. Considering color symbolism when interpreting Tarot messages is essential to avoid missing key meanings. So, what do specific colors symbolize on Tarot cards?
White – Connection with the divine, innocence, purity, new beginnings.
Yellow – Spontaneity, enthusiasm, the sense of opportunities.
Green – Healing, balance, love, harmony, envy.
Gold – Divinity, spiritual leadership, mastery.
Brown – Neutrality, stability, comfort, practicality, boundary fluidity.
Red - Anger, passion, safety, protection.
Orange – Optimism, joy, creativity.
Pink – Femininity, tenderness, compassion, warmth.
Silver – Emotion, vulnerability, empathy.
Blue – Unity, peace, trust, sadness, criticism.
Purple – Intuition, mysticism, triumph of reason, analytical skills.
Black – Protection, grounding, darkness, lack, illness, threat.
Tarot Art and Symbolism in Images
Most Tarot decks contain detailed illustrations on all cards. These expressive details help interpret the Tarot messages effectively. Many of these elements are not what they seem, but since they are symbolic, their meaning differs from what meets the eye. Symbolic Meanings of Images in Tarot Cards:
Angels – Inspiration, advice to listen to your inner self, focus on details.
Laurel Wreath – Triumph and victory.
Grapes – Fertility, abundance.
Tree – Protection, rebirth, strength.
Rain – Melancholy, cleansing, renewal.
Keys - Awareness, breakthrough, opportunity.
Ship - Movement, change, staying afloat.
Cat - Hidden energy, empathy, advice to think before acting.
Ice – Separation, blockage.
Moon – Feminine energy, reflection, change, timing.
Hammer – Purpose, determination, the need to use force to complete a task.
Ocean – Potential, trust in the world, emotions, movement.
Blindfold – Lack of clear vision, refusal to see the truth, hiding something.
Dog - Loyalty, honesty, truth, moving in the right direction.
Pillar - Balance, support.
Flag - Signal of major change, alertness.
Lizard - Foresight, calculated effort leads to big results.
Symbolism of the Major Arcana in Tarot
The Major Arcana cards represent significant life events. A traditional Tarot deck contains 22 Major Arcana cards, all numbered from 0 onward, representing the soul’s journey from innocence to enlightenment. Symbolic Meanings of the Major Arcana Cards:
0 – Innocence, the beginning of a journey.
1 – Creation, alchemy.
2 – Subconscious, intuition.
3 – Femininity, compassion, the archetype of the wise woman.
4 – Emperor, authority, leadership.
5 - Spiritual guidance.
6 - Relationships, partnerships.
7 - Goals, ambition, motivation.
8 – Strength, courage, perseverance in facing challenges.
9 – Inner reflection, seeking wisdom.
10 – Changeability, the cycle of life.
11 – Justice, balance, fairness.
12 – Patience, perspective.
13 – Transformation, new beginnings, endings.
14 – Temperance, moderation.
15 - Temptation, discipline.
16 - Catastrophes, upheaval.
17 - Healing, hope, optimism.
18 - Inner self, intuition, reflection, anxiety.
19 - Happiness, joy, awakening.
20 - Awareness of consequences, accountability, review of past actions.
21 - Completion, fulfillment, the end of a journey or quest.
These symbols are quite universal and have similar meanings across various religions and cultures.
