Tarot Symbols
How does one understand the Tarot?
The Tarot and the Tarot symbols may be seen as a pictorial record of the Forces of Nature that our Ancestors understood within a system of understanding.
Eliphas Le’vi wrote…"The basis of absolute hieroglyphical science was an alphabet in which deities were represented by letters, letters represented ideas, ideas were convertible into numbers, and numbers were perfect signs."
The Tarot, he goes on, is "a monumental and extraordinary work, strong and simple as the architecture of the pyramids, and consequently enduring like those – a book which is the sum of all sciences, which can resolve all problems by its infinite combination's, which speaks by evoking thought, it inspires and regulates all all possible conceptions, the master piece of perhaps the human mind, assuredly one of the finest bequeathed to us by antiquity, an universal key."
The Tarot Symbols
The Tarot symbols include the clubs, hearts, diamonds and spades.
They may be the wands, chalice, pentacles and swords.
The seasons – summer, autumn, winter, spring.
The nature of self – spiritual, emotional, physical and philosophical.
Times – dawn, midday, dusk, midnight.
Disposal of the dead - cremation, set to sea, in the earth, eaten by birds.
These four principles are the elements of Spirit. They are the division and expression of the ONE.
Tarot Symbols - Wands
The tool that carries fire. Fire is described as male, solar and the fertilizing principle.Wands represent our desires, passions, what we are willing to work for. It is the first spark of inspiration to start a new venture or goal. It is the archetypal world on the Tree of Life; wands are more positive in the lower numbers in the suit. As the fire energy grows and the wand numbers increase, initial enthusiasm may wane yet more obligations arise as the fire spreads.
Tarot Symbols - Cups
The tool that carries water. Water is described as female, lunar and the receiving principle. Water is the most vital and magical element of all in that it can change state from liquid, to gas, to solid. Water can dowse the flame, dissolve the stone and drown our thoughts. The cups are the container for this emotional body.Cups represent our emotions, feelings, physic and spiritual realms. Cups rule the Creative world on the Tree of Life and show us the connection between our emotions and our creations.
Tarot Symbols - Swords
The evolution of the arrow resonates with air energy. It is the second male energy, and the mental process of the wands. Swords represent our thoughts, mental processes and formulation of manifestation. A sword is double edged weapon similar to our minds. Swords represent truth and illusion, how they may be one and the same and how we must use our minds in balance with all elements to prevent unbalance. Being a tool of cutting this may manifest in cutting words, thoughts or actions.
Tarot Symbols -Pentacles
Resonates with earth energy. It is the second female energy, and the final manifestation. Pentacles represent actual seeds of manifestation. Discs represent our work, physical and earthly realms. It is the active world on the Tree of Life, the suit providing growth and achievement, the pinnacle being 10 out of 10 – the 10 of discs manifest in the realm of Malkuth, our Earth.
Connecting Tarot Symbols to Tarot Card Meanings
The Major Arcarna - The Trumps or Keys
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