Symbols in Tarot

Although it is important that you enjoy and can identify with the pictures in the tarot cards, what is of far more importance is the response to the symbols in Tarot.

Tarot does not simply "supply" on demand. Although there are "book meanings" for the cards that can be used as a guide, a single tarot card seldom has the same meaning or implication from reading to reading, or person to person. Especially when combined with any of the other cards.

When venturing on a Tarot reading, it is the beginning of a search, and the visual symbols are the signposts that lead us in the correct direction. Each time you begin a journey you will notice different images, different colors and different actions, despite reading the same deck. No artist in tarot has drawn any image for the sake of filling paper, used any color for the sake of "beautifying" the card.

Each and every little thing on each card is of great significance.

Body Language in Tarot

In day to day life, body language shows what a person actually feels, despite what he says. For example, a foot pointed innocently at another person can indicate a "liking" for that person. Arms being crossed can indicate that a person feels threatened or is unwilling to share themselves and their "space" with others. A person propping up her head, hand under chin, or cheek cradled in palm can be an indication of boredom. Facial expressions, gestures and stances are all relevant in the art of body language.

Firstly, in getting to know your cards, you should act out the card. Physically put your body in the position shown on the card. Stand with both feet on the ground, raise one arm to the sky (as in the Magician card) and lift your chin. How do you feel? Proud? Victorious? Capable? Now, for the seven of swords, pretend you have the swords under your cloak. Bend your head, climb over the wall. Do you still feel victorious, or do you feel a little "sneaky and devious"?

Try this exercise with various cards. Try one a day and write your findings in your journal. Remember to take the time to feel what emotional responses you have. It is, after all, known that if you feel down and force a smile, a chemical reaction (or something) takes place and you instantly feel happier.

This exercise of mimicking the character in the card will have the same effect, you will experience the emotions connected with the card, and by this, become more connected with the card too.

Also, it is important to note whether the person is alone or in company. What is he facing, and what does he have his back turned on?

Numerology in Tarot

The numbers of the cards all hold significance too. Have a look at the following summations and apply them to the cards. Remember, Numerology is a science in itself, and I have only supplied very basic meanings for the numbers. It is a good exercise to think of the number, the way it sounds, look at your cards and what is happening in the card. Soon, you will have your own associations to work with, but these are nice summaries to work with none-the-less.

ONES New Beginnings, new projects. Innovative approaches. The self, individualism. Focus.

TWOS Balancing 2 options or demands. Sorting out your immediate priorities. Finding a compromise between differing opinions. Co-operation. Waiting periods. Reconciliation. Female/Male, Yin/Yang. Union. Finding direction.

THREES Expansion of horizons and options. Seeking something that is on offer. Being prepared to make considerable input and hard work that may only bear fruit later. Growth. Creativity. A fertile number. A "transforming" movement. Being who you truly are.

FOURS Seeking a practical solution. Accepting there are present limitations in your plans. Making sure any schemes have a firm foundation and structure, and that the background is adequately researched. Discipline. Earthy and stable. Logic, authority and endurance. Natural order. Responsibility.

FIVES Striking out alone, seeking an alternative solution. Clear communications and above all looking at the gains instead of the losses. Freedom, change through strife. Free from the restrictions of the fours. An inner struggle that will soon require a decision. Struggle, high risks.

SIXES Harmony. The importance of making ourselves, as well as others happy. Consolidate achievements and make your efforts notice. Partial or temporary success. Challenge and choice. The beginning of harmony. Balance after effort. Harmony through conflict.

SEVENS The unconscious mind. Being aware of what is going on beneath the surface with your dealings with others. Using intuition, especially in summing up other people, as they may not be what they seem. Wisdom and the inner self. A mystical number. Ordeals, obstacles, victory and achievement. Movement, development.

EIGHTS Caution, the conventional route is probably the best one now. Not taking short cuts, following all the legal and safety regulations. Balance, well thought out change (especially in attitude). Looking deeply at attitudes. Progress, rather than change for the sake of change. Clarity. Equal Karma (as you sow, you reap). The balance of "2", the stability of "4". Growth, choice, priorities.

NINES Courage and determination. If you stick at things you will succeed. It may be time to shed some unnecessary burdens and make sure that everyone is doing their share. The end of a cycle. A need to move forward. A lot has been achieved, but there is still a lot to be learnt. Striving for perfection. New phase about to begin. Readiness. Waiting for opportunities, right timing, letting go.

TENS Power and energy, consolidation of matters before a new chapter begins. The essence of its (the card) ruling element. Preparation for next step. (1 + 0 = 1). Completion, culmination, higher wisdom. The beginning is embedded in the end.

Color Symbology in Tarot

Colors are very symbolic in Tarot. Look at the clothes worn, the skies, the horizons etc. Note the following common associations ("common" because colors are used symbolically in many spheres of life, esoterically and otherwise).

White - New ventures and beginnings in love and business. Purity, Purity of intention, inner wisdom.

Black - Letting go, the unknown, old sorrows, regrets or guilt. Possibly problems with older people, Black is also universally associated with strength.

Brown - Practical issues, the home and family, the earth, grounding, application, implementation and production.

Pink - Reconciliation, friendship and health (Though seldom used in tarot cards)

Red - Fertility, Love, survival issues, passion and power. Love, lust and trusting ones feelings.

Orange - Identity issues, energy, vitality, spontaneity, life force, personal happiness, and partnerships - whether at work or at home.

Yellow - Spirituality, communication, undeveloped potential, career and travel.

Green - Creativity, regeneration, fertility and productivity, matters of the heart, romance and family.

Blue - Wisdom and clarity. Learning and examinations, interviews and matters of principle.

Purple - Leadership and personal power. Wisdom, the soul and spirituality, religious insights of any kind. The color of Royalty.

Silver - (Though seldom used in tarot) Dreams, special wishes and major life changes.

Gold - (Though seldom used in tarot) Translating life changing plans into reality.

Once again, these are merely guidelines (with the added weight of being universally the most common associations) but if they do not feel right to you, then change them.

Symbology in Tarot

Of course, the main symbols in Tarot are the four suites. Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Despite having a basic knowledge of the implication of drawing a particular suite, the objects themselves have great relevance and should be noted.

Wands - are branches which spring forth life and new growth, just like the ideas and inspirations they represent. Little leaves and blossoms soon to grow and expand into warm colorful life... again, just like those ambitions and plans, those creative urges and impulses. Are the wands upright, standing proudly? Or are slanted and irregular? Are they resting, being held in place, or do they stand alone, without any support from a character in the card? Are the wands engaged in battle? Are they being used strategically? Are they being carried, or are they flying through the air with energy and direction?

Eg. The Five Of Wands. The wands are held in conflict against each other, therefore the ideas and inspirations are clashing and conflicting each other.

Cups - are open and receptive, this implies the womb and femininity. Cups contain water, and the fluidity of emotions and feelings, intuitions and dreams. When you pull a "Cups" card, note the following. How full/empty are the cups? How plain/elaborate are the cups? Are the cups tilted or straight? Are the cups hidden, offered, lined up neatly in a row, or scattered?

Eg. The Three of Cups. While some cups are standing, some have fallen. Some have been spilt, and some are still full, therefore, while some emotions are still standing, others have fallen. Some emotions have been spilt yet some are still full! (Get the idea?)

Swords - are sharp and double-edged, just like the words and thoughts of men (unfortunately). They are neither soft, for feminine. As with the wands, note the positioning of the Swords, the use of them, the action. Whether they are being carried or offered. Are they precariously balanced, or peacefully resting? This advises what is the status of the thoughts and mental patterns of the Querent.

Eg. The four of swords. Above the resting body, three swords are suspended (horizontally in the Rider Waite Deck) (caught up in the trees in the Robin Wood Deck). They do not threaten the body in any way. Therefore, the thoughts and mental anguishes are suspended for the time being as the body rests, i.e., a period of recuperation.

Pentacles- are heavy, valuable grounding objects, like coins, rocks etc. They denote issues of wealth, family issues, the home and all things solid and real. Working hard, doing the dishes, mowing the lawn. Once again, note the positioning of the Pentacles in the card. Are they being offered or hidden? Are neatly in a row, or in a state of dis-array?

Eg. The eight of pentacles. Wooden disks are lined up neatly on the wall, whilst the remaining are horizontally lying on the table and being worked upon. Therefore, much work has been accomplished successfully, yet there is still work to be done.

In-depth Analysis of Tarot Cards Through Symbology

In the reading of (or the meditation on) each card, the following should be observed and noted in your journal. This method may seem long, and you should rightly give yourself ample time with this analysis. Remember, the art of becoming a Tarot Master lays in patience, patience, patience and actually working with and getting to know your cards.

What is the name of the card?

Is it a Major or Minor Arcana card? Do not forget that a Major Arcana card has far more impact on the Querent than a Minor Arcana card.

What suite is represented, and what does this mean to you?

What element is represented and what does this mean to you?

What is the number of the card, and of what relevance is this?

Who or what is the main character?

What is he or she doing, and how what does the body language tell you?

What is the positioning of the wands/cups/pentacles or swords?

What elements are present, although not belonging to the suite, i.e. is air (clouds) shown in a cups card, is water shown in a wands card, etc.?

What colors are in the card, and what do they symbolize?

What other symbols are in the card, i.e. fish, birds, roses, horses, the sun, the moon, etc., and what do they symbolize?

The symbols which you noted previously, what are they doing in the card, and what is their position? How does this effect the symbolism?

What astrological sign does the card indicate, and what relevance does this have?

What planet is represented, how does this effect the card's meaning?

What is your overall summary of this card, based on the above symbolical analysis?

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