by Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Avia
A lot of people who have already tried tarot admit that now, it’s one of the best tools to check in with their intuition and get a quick connection with their subconscious. Regardless of the sign you’re looking for, the decks have loads of symbolism that helps you receive and understand all the hidden messages the spirits send your way. If you take a look at any card from the tarot deck, you’ll see the world of archetypal imagery blended with various cultural motifs, radiating esoteric wisdom that can be interpreted to gain insights into personal growth, career, spiritual, and other aspects of life. Let us guide you a bit into using symbolism in tarot to help you unlock deeper spiritual dimensions. We hope you enjoy the ride!
Table of Contents
First, Let’s Make it Clear: What is Tarot Symbolism?
Simply put, using symbolism in the tarot is related to various visual ‘ingredients’ (colors, images, numbers, archetypes, etc.) that deliver layered messages and meanings. In other words, every card is like a visual illustration, with every element of it being part of its message. For example, the tarot card meanings list provided by TarotAtlas explains these symbols clearly.
Here are the most known images with symbols that resonate with the most universal human experiences:
- The Star. This card shows a celestial figure pouring water on the earth and into a pond. It’s about spiritual guidance and hope.
- The Fool. You see a cheerful fool standing at the edge of a cliff. The figure represents your infinite potential and new beginnings.
- The Sun. You see a kid riding a white horse, and the sun is shining brightly. The tarot card meanings and symbols include enlightenment, joy, and clarity.
- The Tower. Transformation and upheaval are the two key symbols standing behind the lighting strike and crumbling structure.
- Swords. Usually, one of the Minor Arcana’s four suits symbolizes conflict, intellect, and mental clarity.
- Pentacles. Symbols of the physical realm, stability, and material wealth are the hidden treasures offered by one of the Minor Arcana suits.
Feel the Power of Color!
All the colors used in the tarot deck aren’t accidental. Every tone comes from particular cultural traditions, spirituality, and psychology. As you do the interpretation, you get clues about the energy, mood, and true meaning of the card.
If, for example, you deal with cool hues (gray or blue), they might suggest introspection and calmness. At the same time, warm colors like yellow or red call for action and vibrancy.
Do you see green? The color symbolizes abundance, growth, nature, and healing. The cards that have this tone include the Pentacles Suit, which is usually associated with connection to the earth and prosperity. Plus, you can check out The Empress, which is 100% about fertility, abundance, and creativity.
How about some black? All the mysteries, endings, transformations, and the unknown are hidden behind the black color. You’ll definitely see the back color in The Death, where the black armor and sky signal about the mysteries of cycles of life and changes. Plus, there’s The Moon with a black background. It invites the readers to perform introspection of the subconscious and explore it from A to Z.
Ready for some gold? The symbols of spiritual attainment, wealth, success, and divinity come with this color. In tarot cards, you can see The Wheel of Fortune, where this color signifies diving timing and fortune cycles. Take a look at The Sun, where the gold color uncovers enlightenment and divine joy.
Here comes the white color – the symbol of truth, spirituality, clarity, and purity. The best examples of the cards include The Death with the white horse and flower which tell you about transformation and spiritual renewal. The Fool, in turn, has the white rose in his hand. Consider it a wholesome innocence and a pure journey waiting for you.
Deepen Your Readings with the Number’s Symbolism
Just like figures and colors, numbers channel their unique meanings and energies. Their symbols play a crucial part in interpreting the cards in the most precise manner.
As a rule, the symbolism of numbers resonates with specific qualities taken from ancient numerological traditions. Plus, numbers can also ‘talk’ about how (successfully) you move through different phases. The latter can include anything, from personal growth to renewal and culmination.
When it comes to beginnings and potential, card 1 (The Magician) in the Major Arcana goes about new opportunities, the ability to manifest potential, and solid will.
The hidden wisdom and intuition stand behind card 2 (The High Priests) – the symbol of choices, partnerships, and harmony.
Ready for the card number 3? The Empress represents fertility and abundance, while the number itself signifies collaboration and expansion.
Fours are about order, foundations, and stability. The card 4 – The Emperor – reflects structure and authority.
Card 5 – The Hierophant – usually explores challenges, structure, traditions, and spiritual guidance.
As for the sixes, they represent balance, recovery, and progress that you witness when some struggle is over. As an example, card 6 (The Lovers) tells us about choices, harmony, and alignment in values and/or relationships.
Sevens explore challenges and deep intellectual pursuits. Let’s take The Chariot as an example. The card 7 symbolizes victory that comes through willpower.
Eights, in turn, reflect strength and mastery and are usually focused on endurance and balance. For example, card 8 – Strength – represents resilience and inner courage.
Nines give us reflection, fulfillment, and preparation for upcoming transitions and endings. For instance, The Hermit, as card 9, symbolizes spiritual wisdom and solitude. Finally, tens are about the end of a cycle and the start of a new one.
As card 10, The Wheel of Fortune indicates the cyclical nature of life, transformations, as well as the influence of fate.
Wrapping Up
The using symbolism in tarot cards can be compared to some sort of universal language. Not only does it provide deep insights into your inner self, but it also speaks directly to your soul. As you dive into the rich imagery and meanings of every card, you connect with the deck at all levels and reveal messages hidden in each symbol. The best thing is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a tarot guru or a beginner – the journey called tarot symbolism never ends!
Want more? Me too! That’s why I’ve also got this for you on Whats-Your-Sign:
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