Tarot and Astrology Correspondences
THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR USING TAROT AND ASTROLOGY TOGETHER
14 April 2024
Using Tarot and Astrology Together
While Tarot and Astrology are two separate and distinct practices, they share common attributes and can be used together to gain deeper insights in any reading.
Both are tools that provide guidance, clarity, and a better understanding of our personal journey. To combine the systems, link the symbology of the cards with the astrological sign/planet associated with it. This fusion provides a more nuanced and multi-layered reading, offering further insights into an individual's life and experiences.
The Tarot deck is composed of 78 cards, divided into the Major Arcana (22 cards) and the Minor Arcana (56 cards). Each card in the Tarot deck has a corresponding astrological sign or planet. The Major Arcana cards relate to major life events or themes, while the Minor Arcana cards provide more detailed insights into everyday situations.
Major Arcana Astrology Correspondences
The Major Arcana cards represent powerful life lessons, spiritual influences, and archetypal themes that influence our life journey. Each Major Arcana card is associated with a planet or sign, providing a deeper layer of interpretation for both tarot and astrology readings.
For instance, The Fool, the first card of the Major Arcana, is associated with Uranus, the planet of sudden change and rebellion. This association reinforces The Fool's themes of new beginnings, spontaneity, and stepping into the unknown.
If The Fool comes up in a tarot reading we can not only get a deeper understanding of the freeing energy of The Fool, but we can look at Uranus in the person's chart or see where Uranus is transiting. Conversely, if Uranus comes up in an astrology reading we can not only read it as The Fool's energy but draw a tarot card for further clarity and examination.
Here are the Major Arcana and their corresponding planet or zodiac sign (12 signs and 10 major planets) for each of the 22 cards:
The Fool (0) - Uranus, representing freedom, sudden changes, and new beginnings.
The Magician (I) - Mercury, symbolizing communication, intelligence, and resourcefulness.
The High Priestess (II) - Moon, representing intuition, mysteries, and the subconscious.
The Empress (III) - Venus, symbolizing love, beauty, and abundance.
The Emperor (IV) - Aries, representing authority, structure, and leadership.
The Hierophant (V) - Taurus, symbolizing tradition, conformity, and religious beliefs.
The Lovers (VI) - Gemini, representing choices, relationships, and duality.
The Chariot (VII) - Cancer, symbolizing willpower, victory, and emotional control.
Strength (VIII) - Leo, representing courage, strength, and determination.
The Hermit (IX) - Virgo, symbolizing introspection, guidance, and solitude.
Wheel of Fortune (X) - Jupiter, representing luck, karma, and the cycles of life.
Justice (XI) - Libra, symbolizing balance, fairness, and law.
The Hanged Man (XII) - Neptune, representing sacrifice, letting go, and new perspectives.
Death (XIII) - Scorpio/Ophiuchus, symbolizing transformation, endings, and beginnings.
Temperance (XIV) - Sagittarius, representing moderation, purpose, and integration.
The Devil (XV) - Capricorn, symbolizing materialism, control, and obsession.
The Tower (XVI) - Mars, representing upheaval, sudden change, and revelation.
The Star (XVII) - Aquarius, symbolizing hope, inspiration, and serenity.
The Moon (XVIII) - Pisces, representing illusion, intuition, and ambiguity.
The Sun (XIX) - Sun, symbolizing success, vitality, and joy.
Judgement (XX) - Pluto/Chiron, representing judgment, rebirth, and inner calling.
The World (XXI) - Saturn, symbolizing completion, accomplishment, and celebration.
Minor Arcana Astrology Correspondences
The Minor Arcana is divided into four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles. Each suit corresponds to an element: Fire (Wands), Earth (Pentacles), Air (Swords), and Water (Cups). These elements are associated with the twelve signs and their corresponding element.
For example, the suit of Cups is associated with the Water signs - Cancer, Scorpio/Ophiuchus, and Pisces. When a Cups card appears in a tarot reading this can indicate the importance of the water signs in the person's chart or current transits. While heavy water in an astrology reading can be an indication that the cup cards in a tarot reading are of particular importance.
Here are the suits associated with the signs:
Wands - Fire signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), represents energy, passion, action, and ambition. This suit is about initiating and pursuing endeavors with determination and creativity.
Pentacles - Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), symbolizes material aspects, practicality, stability, and hard work. This suit reflects on physical, financial, and security matters.
Swords - Air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius), represents intellect, communication, logic, and conflict. This suit deals with mental activity, decisions, and morality.
Cups - Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio/Ophiuchus, and Pisces), symbolizes emotions, deeper relationships, intuition, and connectivity. This suit is concerned with feelings, spirituality, and emotional experiences.
Additionally, each suit card can be associated with a specific modality in astrology (Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable). Here is a popular technique for doing so:
Cards 2, 3, & 4 - Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn), associated with leadership, initiative, and starting new projects. They represent the beginning of seasons and the pioneering spirit.
Cards 5, 6, & 7 - Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio/Ophiuchus, Aquarius), reflect stability, determination, and perseverance. They represent the full strength of the seasons, emphasizing consistency and depth.
Card 8, 9, & 10 - Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces), linked to adaptability, flexibility, and change. They represent the conclusion of seasons, focusing on transition and preparation for new phases.
*Note that the Aces (cards 1) are not included. In this technique the Aces are considered the most fundamental building block of the element, and so represent the element itself.
Ace of Wands - Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius
Ace of Pentacles - Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn
Ace of Swords - Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius
Ace of Cups - Cancer, Scorpio/Ophiuchus, and Pisces
Here is the full list of combinations linking the suit cards with the corresponding element and modality. (Also included are the planets associated with each sign according to the decan of that sign. This is another popular technique for getting more specific to each card. Decans divide up the signs into thirds and each third has a corresponding planetary ruler. For example, Mars rules the first third of Aries, therefore the 2 of Wands is associated with Mars):
Aries Tarot Cards
2 of Wands - Mars in Aries: Initiation of new projects, bold decisions, and assertiveness.
3 of Wands - Sun in Aries: Expansion, foresight, and achieving early goals.
4 of Wands - Venus in Aries: Celebrations, homecomings, and community harmony.
Taurus Tarot Cards
5 of Pentacles - Mercury in Taurus: Material trouble, poverty mindset, and recovery.
6 of Pentacles - Moon in Taurus: Generosity, charity, and financial balance.
7 of Pentacles - Saturn in Taurus: Patience, long-term investments, and assessment.
Gemini Tarot Cards
8 of Swords - Jupiter in Gemini: Restriction, self-imposed limitations, and need for a new perspective.
9 of Swords - Mars in Gemini: Anxiety, nightmares, and mental anguish.
10 of Swords - Sun in Gemini: Betrayal, painful endings, and opportunity for renewal.
Cancer Tarot Cards
2 of Cups - Venus in Cancer: Partnership, mutual attraction, and emotional bonds.
3 of Cups - Mercury in Cancer: Celebrations, friendship, and community.
4 of Cups - Moon in Cancer: Discontent, withdrawal, and reevaluation.
Leo Tarot Cards
5 of Wands - Saturn in Leo: Competition, minor conflicts, and striving for position.
6 of Wands - Jupiter in Leo: Victory, acclaim, and pride.
7 of Wands - Mars in Leo: Defense, perseverance, and courage under fire.
Virgo Tarot Cards
8 of Pentacles - Sun in Virgo: Skill development, dedication to craft, and meticulousness.
9 of Pentacles - Venus in Virgo: Solitude, financial independence, and achievement.
10 of Pentacles - Mercury in Virgo: Wealth, family, and established success.
Libra Tarot Cards
2 of Swords - Moon in Libra: Indecision, balance, and a need for compromise.
3 of Swords - Saturn in Libra: Heartbreak, emotional pain, and separation.
4 of Swords - Jupiter in Libra: Rest, recovery, and contemplation.
Scorpio/Ophiuchus Tarot Cards
5 of Cups - Mars in Scorpio/Ophiuchus: Loss, bereavement, and focusing on the negative.
6 of Cups - Sun in Scorpio/Ophiuchus: Nostalgia, past influences, and pleasant memories.
7 of Cups - Venus in Scorpio/Ophiuchus: Choices, illusions, and temptations.
Sagittarius Tarot Cards
8 of Wands - Mercury in Sagittarius: Rapid action, quick decisions, and messages.
9 of Wands - Moon in Sagittarius: Resilience, persistence, and nearing completion.
10 of Wands - Saturn in Sagittarius: Burden, overload, and struggle to the finish.
Capricorn Tarot Cards
2 of Pentacles - Jupiter in Capricorn: Adaptability, change management, and balancing finances.
3 of Pentacles - Mars in Capricorn: Teamwork, planning, and skilled labor.
4 of Pentacles - Sun in Capricorn: Control, security, and financial conservatism.
Aquarius Tarot Cards
5 of Swords - Venus in Aquarius: Conflict, tension, and winning at all costs.
6 of Swords - Mercury in Aquarius: Transition, moving on, and journey to a calmer state.
7 of Swords - Moon in Aquarius: Deception, strategic retreats, and need for caution.
Pisces Tarot Cards
8 of Cups - Saturn in Pisces: Abandonment, emotional transition, and searching for higher truths.
9 of Cups - Jupiter in Pisces: Satisfaction, emotional fulfillment, and wishes coming true.
10 of Cups - Mars in Pisces: Emotional contentment, family happiness, and joyous relationships.
Minor Arcana Court Card Correspondences
We can apply a similar technique to link the court cards to each of the zodiac signs. Similar to the Aces, the Page is considered the fundamental of that element and so represents all signs of that element. We then go in order of modality: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Starting with the King, whereby the King represents the direct nature of Cardinal, the Queen the stable nature of Fixed, and the Knight the fast-moving nature of Mutable.
Wand Court Cards (Fire)
Page of Wands - Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, embodies the energetic essence and pure potential of fire, signifying creativity, enthusiasm, and a pioneering spirit.
Knight of Wands - Sagittarius, fast-moving and adventurous, reflects the freedom-loving, optimistic, and philosophical traits of Sagittarius.
Queen of Wands - Leo, stable and commanding, symbolizes warmth, generosity, and the dramatic flair typical of Leo, coupled with strong self-assurance.
King of Wands - Aries, direct and assertive, this card showcases leadership, courage, and a natural ability to initiate action and inspire others.
Pentacle Court Cards (Earth)
Page of Pentacles - Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn, symbolizes the tangible beginnings of enterprise, reflecting the manifestation of ideas into practical and material success.
Knight of Pentacles - Virgo, fast-moving yet meticulous, captures Virgo’s methodical, detail-oriented, and hardworking characteristics.
Queen of Pentacles - Taurus, stable in resource management, embodies Taurus’s love for comfort, nature, and a hands-on approach to life.
King of Pentacles - Capricorn, direct in business and ambition, illustrates Capricorn’s discipline, practicality, and drive for achievement.
Sword Court Cards (Air)
Page of Swords - Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, reflects the mental energy and curiosity of air, signaling the onset of intellectual pursuits or the uncovering of truth.
Knight of Swords - Gemini, fast-moving and articulate, reflects Gemini’s lively communication skills and thirst for knowledge and variety.
Queen of Swords - Aquarius, stable in intellectual realms, portrays Aquarius's analytical, objective, and sometimes unconventional thinking.
King of Swords - Libra, direct in decision-making, represents Libra’s intellectual balance and fairness, and a strong sense of justice.
Cup Court Cards (Water)
Page of Cups - Cancer, Scorpio/Ophiuchus, and Pisces, captures the full emotional spectrum and intuitive depth of water, often signaling new emotional experiences or messages.
Knight of Cups - Pisces, fast-moving and fluid, symbolizes the imaginative, dreamy, and compassionate nature of Pisces, often embarking on a quest of discovery.
Queen of Cups - Scorpio/Ophiuchus, stable in deep emotional waters, embodies Scorpio and Ophiuchus’ intense, passionate, and perceptive qualities.
King of Cups - Cancer, direct in emotional expressions, this card suggests sensitivity, caring, and a strong protector of family and loved ones.