Tarot & the Stars : How Do Tarot Cards Connect to the Cosmos?
- Alison Ross
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
The tarot deck is more than just a set of cards. It is a powerful tool for divination that connects deeply with the universe. Many people may not realize how closely tarot cards are linked to celestial bodies, such as stars and planets. This post explores the cosmic origins of tarot, demonstrating how celestial elements influence tarot readings and interpretations.
The Cosmic Origins of Tarot
The tarot deck has a rich history, having originated in the 15th century as a card game. However, it wasn’t until the late 18th century that people began to associate tarot with mysticism and astrology. The standard tarot deck contains 78 cards, split into the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. Each card carries its own symbolism and meaning, much of which can be traced back to astrological influences.
Historically, many tarot cards have direct associations with astrological signs, allowing readers to interpret the cards through both tarot symbolism and celestial impact. For instance, The Emperor belongs to Aries, reflecting leadership and authority, while The Moon is tied to Pisces, symbolizing intuition and dreams.
Major Arcana and Astrology
Understanding the Major Arcana
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, each representing essential life experiences and lessons. Cards like The Fool, The Lovers, and Death not only provide wisdom but also bring in astrological elements that enhance their meanings.
Card Associations
Each Major Arcana card has astrological correspondences. For example:
The Empress: Associated with Venus, symbolizing love and beauty.
Strength: Tied to Leo, representing courage and vitality.
The Tower: Linked to Mars, embodying chaos and sudden change.
Knowing these associations can deepen your understanding during a reading. For example, if you draw The Lovers in relation to a personal relationship inquiry and know it is connected to Gemini, it may signify a need for communication and connection.
Cosmic Interpretations
When interpreting the Major Arcana, consider its astrological ties. For instance, if you draw The Empress during a reading focused on career success, it may suggest that the influence of Venus is at play, fostering a nurturing and balanced work environment.
On the other hand, if The Tower appears in a scenario addressing personal challenges, it could signal a necessary upheaval influenced by Mars, prompting the querent to reassess their current situation for potential growth.
Digging into the Minor Arcana
The Structure of the Minor Arcana
The Minor Arcana contains 56 cards divided into four suits: Cups, Pentacles, Swords, and Wands. Each suit corresponds to an element—Water, Earth, Air, and Fire—each with ties to specific astrological signs.
Suit Associations
Cups: Linked to Water, handling emotions and relationships. The Water signs—Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces—play a key role here. For example, if multiple Cups are drawn in a reading, it can indicate the querent should focus on emotional healing or relationships.
Pentacles: Related to Earth, focusing on material issues, work, and health. Earth signs—Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn—impart their energies here, suggesting practicality and stability.
Swords: Connected to Air, this suit reflects intellect and communication. The Air signs—Gemini, Libra, Aquarius—can enhance readings that involve conflict or clarity of thought.
Wands: Tied to Fire, embodying creativity and ambition. The Fire signs—Aries, Leo, Sagittarius—are important in readings related to passion and action.
Elemental Influence
Understanding elemental associations can enhance your tarot readings. When multiple cards from one suit appear, they may prompt the querent to pay more attention to that area of their life. For instance, a spread heavy on Swords may urge the querent to resolve a conflict head-on.
Linking to Celestial Bodies
Each elemental suit resonates with celestial energies. For example, Venus governs the Cups suit, emphasizing love and relationships, while Mars influences the Wands, driving action and determination.
The Celestial Wheel and Tarot
Introducing the Zodiac Wheel
The Zodiac Wheel consists of twelve signs, each with distinctive traits and characteristics. This cosmic map can deepen tarot readings by incorporating astrological insights that connect the querent with universal themes and energies.
Card and Zodiac Relationships
Each tarot card can be linked to a Zodiac sign for further insight. For instance, The Fool often aligns with Aquarius, reflecting freedom and unconventional thinking. Alternatively, The Chariot aligns closely with Cancer, highlighting determination and control over emotions.
Practical Applications in Readings
Consider how the zodiac signs relevant to the querent's chart can deepen a reading. If, for example, a Sagittarius draws Temperance, the reading may suggest that balancing their energetic nature with patience can lead to better outcomes in challenging situations.
Intuition and Cosmic Guidance
Tuning Into Your Intuition
Intuition plays a critical role in tarot readings. As readers engage with their deck, they often experience moments of insight. This intuitive guidance is closely aligned with cosmic wisdom, as intuition is a reflection of one's connection to the universe.
The Cycle of Cosmic Energy
Astrology introduces us to cycles, including lunar phases and planetary transits, which can significantly impact our emotional states and decisions. Tarot can provide clarity during these cycles by highlighting important themes for self-reflection, especially during astrological events like eclipses or retrogrades.
Questions That Draw Cosmic Wisdom
When framing questions for a tarot reading, consider how the cosmos influences the situation. Here are examples of insightful questions:
"What lessons can I learn from this lunar cycle?"
"How can I leverage the energy of Mars to achieve my goals?"
These questions help align your tarot insights with larger cosmic contexts, offering a richer experience for the seeker.
Final Insights: Uniting the Tarot and the Cosmos
Integrating Both Practices
The relationship between tarot and celestial forces is complex yet beautiful, blending the wisdom of the stars with the reflective power of tarot. By understanding this connection, both beginners and experienced readers can enhance their reading experiences.
Embracing the Mystique
The cosmic connection to tarot offers profound insights for self-discovery. As you interact with your cards, consider both their imagery and the astrological meanings behind them.
The combination of tarot and astrology not only boosts the reading itself but also enriches our understanding of the universal influences that shape our lives. Next time you shuffle your deck, look to the stars to see how they might guide your readings.
May your journey through the tarot and towards the stars be enlightening!
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