Tarot cards are rich in symbolism, with each image, color, and figure holding specific meanings. This symbolism is the language of the Tarot, conveying messages and offering insights into our subconscious mind. Understanding these symbols can deepen the interpretation of a reading.
Analysis of Common Symbols Found Across Various Decks
Nature Elements (Water, Air, Fire, Earth): These elements appear throughout Tarot decks, representing emotions (Water), thoughts (Air), passions (Fire), and the material world (Earth).
Animals: Commonly seen animals like lions (strength, courage), butterflies (transformation), and birds (messenger between worlds) carry symbolic meanings.
Astrological Symbols: Planets and zodiac signs are often incorporated, linking the cards to astrological influences and personality traits.
Numbers: Each number on the cards has its own meaning, such as ones (beginnings), twos (balance), threes (growth), up to tens (completion).
Mythological References: Many decks include imagery and themes from various mythologies, adding deeper layers of meaning.
Interpretation of Colors, Figures, and Elements in the Cards
Colors: Each color in Tarot cards carries significance. For example, red for passion or action, blue for intuition or calm, yellow for intellect or energy, and green for growth or stability.
Figures: Human figures often represent different aspects of the self or others. Their posture, attire, and actions within the card can indicate a wide range of emotions and situations.
Elements and Objects: Objects like cups (emotions, relationships), swords (intellect, conflict), wands (creativity, action), and pentacles (material aspects, practicality) are central to the Minor Arcana’s meaning.
How Symbolism Varies Across Different Tarot Traditions
Rider-Waite-Smith Deck: This deck is known for its rich symbolism and detailed imagery, making it a popular choice for beginners. The symbols are often straightforward and depict everyday situations, making them accessible and relatable.
Marseille Deck: This deck features more abstract and traditional imagery. The symbols here might not be as immediately obvious and often require a deeper understanding of historical and traditional Tarot interpretations.
Thoth Deck: Created by Aleister Crowley, the Thoth deck is dense with esoteric and occult symbolism. It incorporates a wide range of influences from astrology, Kabbalah, and alchemical traditions.
Modern Decks: Contemporary decks often incorporate modern interpretations of traditional symbols, or may create entirely new symbolism reflective of current cultural and spiritual practices.
The symbolism in Tarot cards is a complex and nuanced language. It combines universal archetypes with specific cultural, historical, and personal contexts. Understanding the symbolism across different decks can provide insightful and multifaceted readings, offering a mirror to the subconscious mind and a guide to spiritual and personal development.
Tarot and Joseph Campbell’s Archetypes
Joseph Campbell, renowned for his work in comparative mythology and religion, outlined various archetypes in his concept of the Hero’s Journey. This journey, a universal motif of adventure and transformation, aligns remarkably well with the themes and images of the Major Arcana in Tarot. Here’s how some of the Major Arcana cards can be linked to Campbell’s archetypes:
The Fool (0) – The Innocent/Everyman: The Fool represents the beginning of the journey, embodying innocence and the potential for adventure, much like the “Everyman” archetype who is about to embark on a great journey.
The Magician (I) – The Magician/Shaman: This card aligns with the Magician or Shaman archetype, symbolizing transformation, wisdom, and power. It’s about mastering the physical world through knowledge and skill.
The High Priestess (II) – The Sage: The High Priestess embodies mystery and intuition, similar to the Sage archetype. She represents wisdom and the search for deeper truths.
The Empress (III) – The Great Mother: This card reflects the nurturing, creative, and fertile aspects of the Great Mother archetype, emphasizing growth and motherly care.
The Emperor (IV) – The Ruler: The Emperor represents authority and fatherly control, much like the Ruler archetype, who is concerned with order, structure, and leadership.
The Hierophant (V) – The Mentor: Similar to the Mentor archetype, The Hierophant represents guidance, knowledge, and wisdom. He is the teacher who guides the hero through difficult challenges.
The Lovers (VI) – The Lovers/Union: This card symbolizes the union and harmony found in the Lovers archetype. It’s about relationships, choices, and moral dilemmas.
The Chariot (VII) – The Warrior: The Chariot, with its themes of triumph and control, resonates with the Warrior archetype, depicting courage, determination, and the overcoming of obstacles.
Strength (VIII) – The Hero: Strength is not just about physical prowess but also moral courage and inner strength, much like the Hero archetype embarking on a journey facing trials.
The Hermit (IX) – The Hermit/Seeker: This card represents introspection and the search for truth, aligning with the Hermit or Seeker archetype, who ventures alone into the unknown in search of wisdom.
Wheel of Fortune (X) – The Trickster: The unpredictability and change symbolized by this card are akin to the Trickster archetype, which brings change, chaos, and new perspectives.
Justice (XI) – Justice/Balance: This card represents fairness, equilibrium, and moral righteousness, similar to the Justice archetype, where balance and ethical considerations are paramount.
The Hanged Man (XII) – The Sacrificial Hero: This card embodies sacrifice for a greater good, aligning with the Sacrificial Hero archetype who undergoes trials and suffering for transformation.
Death (XIII) – Death/Rebirth: Resembling the Death and Rebirth archetype, this card represents endings leading to new beginnings, transformation, and the cycle of life.
Temperance (XIV) – The Healer: Temperance, with its emphasis on balance and moderation, aligns with the Healer archetype, focusing on renewal and restoration.
The Devil (XV) – The Shadow: The Devil represents our base desires and material attachments, echoing the Shadow archetype, which embodies the darker, repressed parts of oneself.
The Tower (XVI) – Catastrophe/Revelation: This card’s themes of upheaval and revelation align with catastrophic events that force change and growth, much like certain trials in the Hero’s Journey.
The Star (XVII) – The Star/Guidance: This card, symbolizing hope and inspiration, corresponds to the guiding light or star archetype, leading the way forward.
The Moon (XVIII) – The Moon/Illusion: The Moon’s themes of illusion and intuition resonate with the mystical and uncertain aspects of this archetype, where not everything is as it seems.
The Sun (XIX) – The Solar Hero: The Sun, representing success and vitality, aligns with the Solar Hero archetype, embodying positivity, energy, and life-giving force.
Judgement (XX) – Resurrection/Judgement: This card is about reckoning and rebirth, similar to the Resurrection theme in many hero stories, where the hero is reborn or transformed.
The World (XXI) – The World/Completion: Representing completion and unity, The World echoes the end of the Hero’s Journey, where the hero returns transformed, having achieved their quest
In summary, there is rich symbolism in tarot cards that adds multiple layers of depth and meaning to interpretation and guidance.