As we survey the starry landscape that unites tarot and astrology, we’ll start with simple relationships and move toward a more comprehensive description of the two subjects.
- We’ll open with the correspondence between the planets and the cards.
- After that, we’ll cover the twelve signs of the zodiac and the corresponding cards from the Major Arcana.
- Next, you’ll learn how astrology’s reach extends into the Minor Arcana, courtesy of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
- We’ll explore the detailed, multilayered associations of the numbered cards of the four suits, all of which have a place on the Wheel of the Year.
- You’ll meet the intriguing members of the zodiac court, who spin the Wheel of the Year.
- And you’ll discover how tarot cards can help you visualize the signs and planets in the houses of the horoscope.
The All-Star Lineup
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.
Before we delve too far into the technical details of tarot and astrology, let’s look at some of the most obvious connections in those cards.
The Fool, who doesn’t care what society thinks, is assigned to Uranus, the planet of rebellion and revolution.
The Magician, the master of banter and fast talk, is assigned to Mercury, the planet of speed and communication. You’ll often see him pointing heavenward, conveying messages from the heavens above to the Earth below.
The High Priestess, the archetypal psychic, is assigned to the Moon, the luminous orb of reflection and intuition. Most depictions of the High Priestess include lunar imagery.
The Empress, wife and mother, is assigned to Venus, the planet of love and attraction. You can find the astrological glyph for Venus in many renditions of the card.
The Emperor, master and commander, is assigned to Aries, the sign of leadership. Look for images of the Aries ram on your Emperor card.
The Hierophant, the keeper of tradition, is assigned to Taurus, the sign of stability, luxury, and pleasure. Some Hierophant cards feature Taurus glyphs and symbolism.
The Lovers, who think and speak as one, are assigned to Gemini, the sign of thought and communication. The Lovers themselves are twin souls, with their arms and hearts entwined.
The Chariot, the protected home on wheels, is assigned to Cancer, the sign of motherhood, home, and family life. Cancer’s crab carries his home on his back.
Strength, the master of gentle force and control, is assigned to Leo, the sign of lionesque courage and heart.
The Hermit, the quiet leader, is assigned to Virgo, the sign of responsibility and dedicated service to others.
The Wheel of Fortune is assigned to Jupiter, the expansive planet of luck and burgeoning growth.
Justice, the model of fairness and equanimity, is assigned to Libra, the sign of equality and social grace. Libra is usually represented by a balanced set of scales.
The Hanged Man, suspended in an alternate reality, is assigned to Neptune, the planet of mysticism and illusion. The glyph, King Neptune’s trident, symbolizes a watery world that exists alongside our own earthly reality.
Death, the ruler of the Underworld, is assigned to Scorpio, the sign of sex, death, transformation, and other people’s money. The scorpion associated with the sign has a deadly sting.
Temperance, who straddles a divide between two worlds, is assigned to Sagittarius, the sign of long-distance travel, philosophy, and higher education. The Sagittarian archer—half horse, half man—also combines two widely different experiences, while his arrow soars across long distances on its way to new horizons.
The Devil, the embodiment of physical and material temptation, is assigned to Capricorn, the sign of business, career success, and worldly status. The mountain-climbing goat associated with the sign bears a striking resemblance to some depictions of the Devil himself.
The Tower, perpetually guarded and under attack, is assigned to Mars, the planet of energy, war, aggression, and assertiveness. The astrological glyph associated with Mars is a shield and a spear.
The Star, a glimmering light of hope and inspiration, is assigned to Aquarius, the airy sign of social groups and futuristic thinking.
The Moon, which rules the night, is assigned to Pisces, the sign of the mystical and the subconscious. The Pisces fish swim in the reflecting pond that’s pictured in most versions of the card.
The Sun, the sustainer of life, naturally corresponds with the Sun, the source of energy and enlightenment.
Judgment, a last call for awareness, understanding, and acceptance, is assigned to Pluto, the planet of death, resurrection, and unavoidable change.
The World, our earthly home, is assigned to Saturn, the ringed planet of boundaries, limitations, restrictions, and structure.
Astrology in Action: The Sun Sign Spread
One of the easiest tarot and astrology readings you can try is a simple comparison between the two cards that represent your Sun sign. First, pull the Sun card itself from your tarot deck. Then pull the card that corresponds to its sign.
Which Major Arcana card corresponds to your Sun sign? How do the two cards—the Sun and its sign—complement or contradict each other? How do they describe your personality, individuality, and sense of self? What can you learn from your first tarot and astrology spread?
The Sun in Pisces
Sample Reading: Celeste’s Midnight Sun
When Celeste was born on March 7, the Sun was in Pisces. That means her Sun card is paired with the Moon, the card that corresponds to the sign of Pisces.
Oddly enough, Celeste has always been a night owl. She feels most alive after dark, when the Sun sets and the Moon rises. Her emotions ebb and flow like the tide, and she cycles through life like a living lunar goddess. She even looks like a creature of the night, with pale skin and wide-set, luminous eyes.
“It’s true,” she exclaimed, when she saw the two cards side by side. “I am the Moon! That explains so much. I like the Sun as much as anyone, but I’d much rather live my life by moonlight.”